Quite possibly when I was a small child, I enjoyed fireworks, but in my adulthood, I have just never been very fond of it.
Maybe it is because it frightens the wildlife.
Maybe because I saw a friend of my sister's lose 2 fingers to one that was never supposed to cause such a tragedy.
I have enjoyed "Thunder Over Louisville", a very large fireworks display from the Ohio River bridge, just prior to the Kentucky Derby, back when our 3 daughters were growing up, but we did that mainly for them.
When in Boston for the 4th of July one year, I went with a large group of adults and youth to observe fireworks along the Charles River which was put together like Thunder with some wonderful dramatic music, which was nice.
Maybe I am just a party pooper, but this year, here in the United States, we are having some major fires out west.
Twenty five of our states, including Kentuckiana have had over 100 degree temperatures for the third day today and lasting for the next two days.
We have broken the record the past 2 days, topping off yesterday with 105'.
We are very thankful at least for low humidity levels, which help ease it a bit.
That is enough for me, not to want to be around any for this year.
As easy as that is for me to say, many in my neighborhood, shall be shooting them off, and some will even land in my two acre woods and I just pray that no fires begin anywhere due to people, just having a grand celebration.
July 4 th is certainly a cause for celebration and I do celebrate along with the USA, for all of our many blessings, I just won't be doing it with anything that has to be lit up.
One of the birds at the very top of my favorite bird list, along with the Cedar Waxwings, are Swallows.
Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, any kind of Swallow makes me happy, happy.
I love their look, the way they place lovely feathers to build their nests.
I love that they consume thousands of flying insects, including Mosquitos, which absolutely adore my blood...thus I slather on the SSS all spring and summer long, which does help.
On Sunday, and Monday mornings, I drive into the country to get to the big city where I care for my 88 year old father-in-law, as well as my twin sister, whom is home bound, due to illnesses.
I drive past the same nest boxes and there are always either Tree Swallows, or Eastern Bluebirds in residence during the spring and early summer months.
In the images below, you shall see two different colourations of the same nest box and the same female Tree Swallow.
One set was taken on a Sunday morning, while the other set was taken later in the morning on a Monday, hence the difference, in their appearance.
I am linking up with Mary for "Mosaic Monday" at
http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/
and
Dave for "World Bird Wednesday" at
http://www.pineriverreview.blogspot.com/
Please be sure to join me there.
Happy weekend, Happy 4th of July, for those living in the United States of America.
Many Blessings to all, take care, be safe, wherever you live~
