We'll be camping along the Metolius River in the Cascades...no fireworks there but definitely a prime example of America the Beautiful! :)

QueenMab--that is such a gorgeous area!!! Enjoy!!! We will be backpacking around Mt. Hood.

Here on Oahu, my family is going out to a beach house on the North Shore for the week. I'm going out for the weekend, but I'm coming back to town so I can watch the Ala Moana Center fireworks!

Since the event we're celebrating took place in Philly, it's hard to top this:

www.americasbirthday.com

Well, since I am going to stay home and watch fireworks from afar, I will tell you what my dream July 4th would be. Since 1989, I've wanted to sit at the bandshell in Boston (harbor, is it?) and watch and listen to Boston Pops. I watch it every year on tv and although I'm sure there are many hours of waiting, heat and discomfort (unless you are in a boat in the bay)...I sure would love to watch the fireworks from there one day. :-) I love Boston! Thanks for letting me share.

I'll be doing power yoga, changing the motor oil/filter, coolant and brake fluid in the '88 BMW M 6, and packing including my tux for our two week trip to the UK and Portugal!
M

we're off to Healdsburg(Sonoma County) for visiting with an old friend. We'll be dining,drinking and watching fireworks at the high school. Happy 4th everyone.

Miram, I'll never forget the first time I saw the Boston Pops on TV and they were backup for Ray Charles! I've got goosebumps typing this!

We have a pallet of fireworks at my house. Ask me how scary that is.

My husband will forever be a 12 year old boy.

Hey, GLORIAE, I think you'll enjoy Kentucky. It's one of the best kept state secrets in my opinion, as it's a very BEAUTIFUL state. On my trip from Texas to Ohio, we've gone thru Kentucky several times, and I think it's one of the prettiest states we went thru!

Okay, after reading everyone's 4th of July plans, I'm jealous! I'm not doing anything, no plans as of yet. I'm open for suggestions. I'd love to go with some friends who own a boat and sit out on the water in the Clear Lake Texas area and watch fireworks. I'll bet it's beautiful from that advantage point, vs. on land!

Mlarson - thanks, we are pretty excited about Kentucky. I tried priceline for the first time this trip and got the Embassy Suites for $45.00. It looks nice and the reviews are good, so I guess we are all set. When I started planning I was surprised at all there was to do in Kentucky. Have a wonderful 4th of July everyone!

<b>bugswife</b>, email me at [email protected] next time you're going to Bay St. Sounds like we have a lot in common. A drink sounds appropriate. ((D))

<b>TxTravelPro</b>-Tommy James and the Shondelles-((8)) ((8)) ((8)) what a blast from the past

<b>emd</b> it's true you were always cool ((h))

<b>kal</b> what have I missed? Mrs. Kal ill?? I hope not. Sending best wishes.((K))

And to our lovely miz<b>Scarlett</b> thanks for starting this thread. Glad to hear Spidey was fun.

Happy 4th to all**== **==

RAVE: Anyone who is interested: We TRAVELED to the Hoffman theaters in Alexandria (a town away, but we love those stadium seats) yesterday afternoon. Spinderman II was absolutely awesome. Much better than #1 in our opinion (11, 13 and 49 yr old). A look at the dilemma of being a superhero but also just a guy, and in the end he gets, well I don't want to spoil it for you. We will see this one again. Amazing villian, who has his own ethical dilemmas and internal beasts to deal with. Relationships are big in this one, one guy next to me said &quot;too much of a love/hate story.&quot; Just awesome, perfect editing and flow. And the scenes w/the auntie are touching enough that, yep, I had to wipe away those tears a few times (and I am not a mush).

**== **== **==

Woo Hoo! This is one of the best celebrations of the year!

Big party later today at a friend's lake house to watch thousands of boats clammer for position &amp; enjoy the Mineola Bay fireworks show. Our friend strings together about 24,000 firecrackers and lights it at the end of the show... WHAT A BANG that is!

Tomorrow, hometown Antioch, IL mainstreet parade, games &amp; concerts in the park &amp; big firework show to top the &quot;BIG&quot; day. **==

Monday, up to Milwaukee for CUBS vs. Brewers!! &quot;Go Cubs&quot;!!! DH is grilling for a tailgate party of about 500! Should be a great time. :D

To top it off Monday night will be our son's own piro show from the street in front of our house... a great time w/ the neighbors.

I'll need a vacation after this weekend!

Happy 4th of July everyone! &gt;:D&lt;

Aloha all,
Just a short note, speaking of Mrs Kal, that all is A-OK and it's full speed ahead!

God Bless the Docs/Nurses and other personnel at the UCD Med Center.
Class professionals all!!! ((Y)) ((Y))

Here's to all the FFFs (Fantastic Fodor Friends) who kept our &quot;eyes on the prize&quot;! &gt;:D&lt; &gt;:D&lt;

We're now planning &quot;Mrs Kal's 2004 Excellent Recovery Tour&quot; coming to a city near you...if you're within a day's drive of Nor Cal!

Now, on with the 4th of July weekend!!!!
**== ((B))**== ((B))**==((B))**==((B)) **== ((B))**==((B))**== ((B))**== ((B))

Kal,
Glad the Mrs. is 100%.
Is UCD = Davis?
Don't waste a minute.

M

((8))Happy Days are here again((8))

Thank you Kal for letting us know this Most Excellent News! &gt;:D&lt;

Let the Celebration Begin **==

M'mo-
Yep Univ Calif Davis Med Ctr.
Great people.

Funny thing is that we never thought we were wasting any minutes! ;)

Scarlett-
Believe me...It's MY pleasure!!!
O:) %%-

Ah, Most Excellent news Kal!
[-o&lt;
and a @};- to Mrs. K.
The Happiest of 4th's to you!
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R5

Glad to hear the wonderful news, Kal!

I'm dog and cat sitting for my Mom, who lives on same property, different house. I am a rare individual, I'd rather stay home/hometown during any major summer holiday than go anywhere; I love my home. I have about 3/4 acre to enjoy and major housework to do. To celebrate the 4th I'll watch the D.C. special and the Boston Pops on TV.