A Different July 4th

A Different July 4^th this past 2021

It was refreshing to cut back our usual “Fireworks with thousands attending” this past year along the Russian River.  No communal gatherings in large groups along the River beaches – and to my knowledge, there were no deaths by downing along the River.

Most did BBQs at home: my little unofficial “D-Street” block club in Monte Rio held an afternoon wine & chips party.  We’re all residents, mostly older, and all vaccinated – still outdoors, with a stiff 4 pm ocean breeze cooling us.

It was a time to get acquainted with new homeowners, also time to find out what’s up around the block(s).  It was a very relaxing event, so different than the fireworks events.  D-Street did this in 2020 as well, and hopefully, even after the Pandemic has passed.  It brought us together, rather than defending our parking spaces, a don’t drive ban, and scaring our pets.It was refreshing to cut back our usual “Fireworks with thousands attending” this past year along the Russian River.  No communal gatherings in large groups along the River beaches – and to my knowledge, there were no deaths by downing along the River.

Most did BBQs at home: my little unofficial “D-Street” block club in Monte Rio held an afternoon wine & chips party.  We’re all residents, mostly older, and all vaccinated – still outdoors, with a stiff 4 pm ocean breeze cooling us.

It was a time to get acquainted with new homeowners, also time to find out what’s up around the block(s).  It was a very relaxing event, so different than the fireworks events.  D-Street did this in 2020 as well, and hopefully, even after the Pandemic has passed.  It brought us together, rather than defending our parking spaces, a don’t drive ban, and scaring our pets.