71 years and 3 days old - I can't believe it. First Siobhan had her birthday on the 1st, and then the good old USA had its birthday on the 4th along with my niece, Susy, and then it came my turn on the 6th. I sure don't feel 71, although I still am hobbling, but more about that later.

I had a very quiet 4th, watching not one but three complete fireworks displays on TV. First came the wonderful music and fireworks of the Capitol 4th, with Jimmy Smits as the host - he is always easy to look at! Then I watched all of the NYC Macy's fireworks with music which was incredible. Watching them being lit out on the East River was something to behold. Four barges, constantly going. And then, the Boston Pops fireworks on the Esplanade. I couldn't believe my luck. They were the most awesome, I think. Maybe I am prejudiced. Bob and I would take the kids in to the Esplanade about 12 noon on the 4th. We would find a place to put down our blankets, the kids would play and run around, Bob and I would read, do crosswords, etc. We would bring a picnic lunch and dinner, because we were there until after the fireworks. It was so much fun. We did it for years. We all got to see Arthur Fiedler, John Williams, and the newest youngin on the block (can't remember his name.) We were there for Arthur Fiedler 50th Anniversary with the Pops. We always waited in anticipation for the 1812 Overture to begin, because we knew at the end the cannons would fire, the bells would ring, and the fireworks were about to begin. What memories. Bob tickled me as he would ooh and aah at each explosion. Then we would pack up, round up the kids, and carried everything to our car.

The last Pops 4th I attended was bittersweet. My sister Judy was with us, and just the three of us came into Boston that day. We heard the Declaration of Independence read from Fanueil Hall, then walked over the Aquarium where a Clam Chowder Cook-off was going on, and then walked to the Esplanade and laid out our blanket and waited for the concert to begin. Little did we know that this would be the last 4th of July for Judy. Nor did we know how very sick she actually was. She was definitely a trooper, and walked as if nothing was wrong, smoking her Galoises all along the way. And when we finally found a decent spot on the Esplanade, she sat down, and pulled her flask out of her enormous bag, and had a good swig of Johnny Walker Red. In August our beloved sister passed away. It was also the last time Bob and I attended a Pops 4th.

It has been HHH here - hot, humid, and hellish! It is supposed to abate soon, and I certainly hope so. However, I am usually out on the porch with a fan on me, writing or transcribing, and as long as I am quiet, I am just fine.

I am going to try to get a second opinion on my knee. Nothing seems to be really working. I am just waiting to hear from my family doctor, who, if she doesn't call today, I will be seeing on Monday, anyway. I went down to the gym, and used the recumbent bike for 15 minutes, and felt okay. However, the next day, this Wednesday, I went down again, but didn't feel good before or after the exercise. Could hardly walk and get up the front porch steps. June looked at my face, and said, "that's it, I am getting out the walker." I have to admit, it is much easier on my knee and I haven't felt much pain for the past two days, although I know it is there.

June and Bucky are my angels for sure. First they have given me a space of my own upstairs, and have let me use part of the porch as my work area. Then, I came home from the gym on Wednesday, hurting, and found that they had converted their den into a bedroom for me, so I wouldn't have to climb the stairs for a while. There is a bathroom right off the den. And, and this is big for me, I admitted to them that the walker certainly brought less stress to that left knee. I am a stubborn woman, and really didn't want to use a walker, but I am now, and it most helpful.

Yesterday, Ann Yager came over and took me to dinner for my birthday. We had a great time, and she brought me over another walker, one that I can fold up, and easily put in my car. So I have two and neither with wheels, which I definitely did not want.
This afternoon I am going to Frank's and Janice's for dinner. I am looking forward to that. Haven't seen them for a while.

THE SEARCH FOR MY FATHER is done, and the copies have been sent out to the family. I am very proud of it. Frank will get his copy today. It is a story about my father and my memories of him. It also has an extensive appendices which includes school information, his war letters and POW letters, the official letters from the Red Cross and the War Department to my mother, a copy of his POW journal he kept hidden, etc. As I did not know my father really until he came back in 1945, I consider this my discovery of him. It has taken me over ten years to get this finished, and it was worth every hour and every day. My opinion of my father really was changed after this piece was done.

Joy and peace to you all,
Until we meet again,
Adieu, adios, and mahalo,
Sally