Independence Day! (week 227)

Some say that the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year) is the best time of the year but they don't live on Carfax. For those of us that live most of our lives outdoors, the advent of summer means longer days with natural heat and lighting. For those of us cramming four people--including three boys--into 950 square feet of indoor space, the summer is truly a celebration of independence day.

With the 4th of July comes the annual Plaza Neighborhood Parade, Tortilla Corner, sunscreen, watermelon, and lots of backyard barbecues. Last year, there was rumor that the 23 year-old parade on Faust and Monlaco would come to and end so the Keislers volunteered to carry the torch into 2011. Given the options and our penchant for tradition, however, it was clear that no one wanted to change the known route of the parade. So, with only a few weeks until America's Birthday we took our nightly walk passed the house that had hosted the parade over the years...and behold, the next of kin was in a state of internal conflict. We were in search of someone who could host, and they were in search of us. A deal was brokered--we would do the posters, signs, promotion and balloons, and they would provide the location, material support, treats, and music. In true American form, the community came together--about 300 people--and delivered a memorable 23rd Annual 4th of July Parade.

In addition to highlighting the spirit of the American community, the 4th of July brought another realization...that Christopher Keisler is a pyrotechnic junkie. In true backyard fashion, our fireworks consisted of a few black cats, smoke bombs, and sparklers. The neighbors had a fountain or two, but the lack of flair and firepower did not matter--Christopher was hooked. While most of the kids either covered their ears, ran away, or buried their faces in their parent's chest, Christopher had to be held back. Ever the thrill seeker, Christopher clapped for every explosion and ran toward every blast. Whereas I have been known to cry at baseball games after home runs or the National Anthem when "and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air", Mommy and Daddy are definitely a little bit concerned that Christopher is so comfortable.

The only drawback of this week was the news that grandma and grandpa Keisler had a flooding incident. Sometime on the 3rd of July while their renters were on a trip to San Francisco, the house that Daddy grew-up-in was completely flooded as a result of a broken intake valve in the bathroom. The tragedy is that they just refinished the entire place and that there is likely tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The assessor measured water throughout the house at 18 inches given that it is on a concrete foundation and the house became a giant bathtub. As a result, Grammy and Grandpa had to leave the parade super early to drive back to San Luis Obispo from Long Beach. Fingers crossed that the damage is not too sever and that the insurance will help to rebuild.