OK, so it's 9:05 pm, Friday night, and I have been trying to upload our 4th of July pictures (SOME of 'em, not even all of 'em, and NO movies!!) since about 7 pm.  Do you see 'em?  NOOOO.  I know ya don't!!  Argh.  Stupid computers!  Actually, it's probably stupid Verizon - we've been having worse & worse transmission times and dropped phone calls more & more often lately.  What a frustration.  Technology is great, when it works, and even worse when it doesn't! 

So here's the scoop, and you've just gotta believe me, 'cuz I sure can't get you the pictures to prove it!!  We had invited the neighbors (hey Roger!) to come with us to the mall for the fireworks display.  We were planning to do our usual, lawn chairs up in the bed of the truck, cooler at feet, loaded with beverage of choice (WATER in this case), fans or blankets, as needed.  The show was due to start at 9:30, so we prepared to boogie on over at 9.  We arrived about 9:20 (ok, so we got a late start) only to find the roads blocked and the mall parking lot full to the hilt.  Half PAST full, if you will....cars parked all over the grass, the berms, in the streets, everywhere.  We drove around to the back, where we'd heard they would fire off the crackers, and there was an empty spot!  Keep in mind, we were in the big honkin truck, so we had to find a spot big enough...

We pulled up next to a car with a more-sedate-looking couple (read:  not teeny-boppers or liable to blare the radio on hip-hop) in it with their windows down.  No cigarette smoke that we could tell.  All signs looked good.  We set up & settled in in the back of the truck (bed), and then looked all around.  What a sight!  Cars & trucks as far as the eye could see.  Farther, probably!  I took a couple of pictures & a video 'cuz I just couldn't believe there were that many people in Victoria!!!!

Was just a moment after I settled back in when the lady from the car next door popped over to tell us she'd take our picture (thanks, Sue!!) 'cuz we looked "so cute" sitting up there.  Here's what she took:

Annnnnd, we have no picture here, either.  Hooray for GoDaddy.  I'll try again later!  MUCH later, sorry folks!

Anyway, on with the story.  After all, Jose & pup are waiting for me to finish typing so we can walk..

So, you know Jose - he never met a stranger.  Apparently this lady is of the same persuasion. She & he started a conversation, and we got to know her & she got to know us.  We invited her & her husband to share the tailgate and watch the show with us.  Eventually, she talked her hubby into it (he's more like me - shy & demure, haha!) and they came on over.  I'd show you some pics from the fireworks, but, argh...they just aren't gonna load tonight.  After a couple hours effort, I'm tired of trying!

When the show was over, we chatted some more - they're really nice people - exchanged emails, and then they went on their way.  We did too, leaving out the back way.   Then we proceeded to take the scenic way home (no, not by choice, it's just the way it happened) as we missed the intersection.  According to the driver (not the navigator), we'd never been through the intersection at night before.  That's actually probably very true, keeping in mind we haven't lived here very long, even tho we'd purchased our home ALMOST A YEAR AGO THIS MONTH!  Can you believe that???  We have owned a home for a YEAR now (well, almost), but we've only lived here 3 months!!!!!  Gosh, how time flies!!!

OK, the puppy really needs to walk, and after a few hours on the sofa, watching TV, so do I.  I'll try to get some pics out another time - they really did come out well. 

Y'all stay safe, wish us a little rain, if ya would!!