We went to see the chamber orchestra play patriotic and popular music on campus yesterday.  It was followed by a fireworks display.

First, I really bothers me that people talk throughout a concert.  OK, it’s in the open and it is kind of a party atmosphere, but orchestra people really don’t want to be outside, when the humidity is 70% and everybody else is having fun.  They probably don’t really want to be playing this kind of music either.  But they do it because it’s good marketing for the orchestra. So the least people can do is shut their yaps while the orchestra is playing. Dance with the music, sing with the music, wave flags if you can’t sit still, but check your A.D.D. at the door.

Second, between the concert stage and the fireworks display is a row of trees. Not a long distance away, so where we were sitting the fireworks exploded exactly in the shape of the tree.  The launch would go right behind the trunk and explode right where the leaves were.

Well move your butt, you’re saying. Many do.

However, Those of us who have seen Thunder over Louisville don’t.  This display kicks off the Kentucky Derby festivities.  It spoiled me for any other fireworks show, (except for Boston and other larger cities) and I regret that because 4th of July is my favorite holiday.  Sweating like a pig, eating picnic food and making things explode is my idea of fun.

But standing on the waterfront watching multiple explosions, where you can feel the concussion, smell the smoke, and occasionally get showered with pieces of cardboard from the shells is perfect.

Once again, you live long enough, something will spoil your fun.