Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken on July 4, 2009. That year we were invited by friends to a local resort to celebrate Independence Day. I was hesitant to do this, but we did get medical permission. I would have to say this weekend trip was a nightmare. Mattie was miserable. He felt different, was jealous that the other kids could run around and swim, and the whole thing deeply depressed Mattie. In addition to his depression, he was very angry and directed his anger on me. I managed it, but I can't think of this resort now without having BAD BAD memories. 


Quote of the day: America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand. ~ Harry S. Truman

Peter and I had the opportunity to go out to lunch together today. It was a royal treat, to do something very different, and to sit and chat alongside the Potomac Rive! We can get a lot accomplished with our working lunches and today was no different. 
I am happy I introduced Peter to Del Mar. It is one of my favorite DC restaurants!

This evening, we took Sunny down to the Capital mall to see the set up for tomorrow's events. I can't tell you the thousands of people who have jobs thanks to this Independence celebration. So many Park Services people chatted with us tonight and many visitors to our Nation's capital passed us by and requested to meet and pet Sunny!

There are gates and barriers everywhere. We walked down tonight, because we are not going to the mall tomorrow. Crowds and me do not go together. 

Peter and Sunny with the Lincoln Memorial in the distance. 

The reflecting pool is completely gated off. It is like a thousand degrees in Washington, DC and I am quite sure if the pool wasn't gated off, people would be in it tomorrow. 

Stages, tents, gates, sound equipment, screens, and even a dress rehearsal tonight. We got to hear part of it and it drew crowds of people.  

The Washington Monument in the distance, with an ominous sky overhead. 

There are two military vehicles in front of the Lincoln Memorial and behind them, we could see a military band and a chorus rehearsing. 

When I am telling you the entire National Mall is gated, fenced and secured, I am not kidding. I walk Sunny to the Mall daily. I have been watching the set up for the fourth unfold over the last several WEEKS!