Happy 4th!

The 4th of July is one of Carrie's least favorite holidays. She hates fireworks. 

It can be tough on her, because Shane and I love explosions, bright lights, and loud noises.

This year Carrie was dreading the 4th more than usual, because horses. She didn't know how the animals would react. I figured they hear gunshots and other loud noises so they'd be okay, but we wouldn't know until it was show time.

The morning started with most of our boarders showing up to ride around. 

I said it was tradition to grill and Carrie put her own twist on the burgers (Asian style: Teriyaki marinade and an Asian-slaw on top!). Carrie thought that Thor would be the most child-friendly of the Marvel movies and we watched while we ate dinner.

We held off evening chores until the light was waning. Carrie wanted everyone in and happily eating when the first round of fireworks went off.

We heard some activity, but saw little. The horses startled once or twice, but only a little. They seemed fine.

Shane and I wanted to see some action, so we went to find a vantage point.

There was not much.

We saw some fireworks to the south and east. We heard far more than we saw and sometimes we'd see a flash only to hear the boom later. Every now and then lightning would flash to the southeast and put all fireworks to shame. Despite Carrie's wishes, it never rained.

The house animals weren't bothered. Loki barked a couple of times, but went on being Loki. Bucket was probably the most terrified, but since she's perpetually terrified it was status quo. She hunkered down and slept.

Shane stayed up late and we went outside again when it was dark, but there was nothing to see; Only to hear.

He went to bed and then Carrie fell asleep next. That left me to tend to things. Sam was a little on edge when I checked on him, but once he had some extra hay his stomach took over.

It was a memorable 4th in it was a 1st: Our 1st 4th on the farm (during our 1st pandemic). Nothing bad happened to leave a sour memory, but my burger was awesome. I want Carrie to make those again!

Next year, I'll take Shane somewhere to see fireworks. I have to balance out his explosive exuberance with being around to tamp down Carrie's anxiety to meet everyone's needs, but I'm sure God will make it happen somehow. 

Happy 4th to all!