Another American Icon Gone and The 4th

Yesterday we learned that Andy Griffith passed away.  Another American Icon has gone.  I can't help but remember laugh filled lessons in life learned from a small town sheriff portrayed my Mr. Griffith.  Andy Taylor was the widowed sheriff of small town Mayberry.  Each week the trials and tribulations of a single dad, his Aunt Bee and a town full of odd balls were presented for us to enjoy.  They ranged from raising a son as a single dad to issues of the day at at time when racism was tearing at the center of the American life.  I can close my eyes and see Andy and Opie walking down the dirt road with fishing poles in hand as the opening music plays in the background.

R.I.P. Mr. Griffith, you were something very special.

The American birthday party has started.  Happy 4th of July to all my American counterparts.  I was unable to access the computer for the great Canadian birthday that just past so I send a belated well wish to all my Canadian readers as well.

I have a long weekend that starts with a baseball game with Mia, Zach and his friend today at 1:10 in Seattle.  This will be the first Mariner game that I have been to this year.  I have another one scheduled later in the month with my son.  After the game we have been invited to have dinner and watch fireworks at my daughter's home.  I think we'll have dinner and likely head for home.  We aren't too happy about leaving Honey alone for that long.

Tomorrow Mia and I leave for Gold Bar and a weekend alone in the woods in our trailer.  Not sure how busy the park will be this week with the holiday falling in the middle of the week but I don't care.  I need to relax and relax is exactly what I intend to do.  Fortunately it appears that the weather plans to cooperate, something of a shock in Seattle, since I cannot remember the last time it hasn't rained or threatened to rain on the 4th.

Saturday afternoon we will join friends (14 of them) and drive to Leavenworth to see the Sound of Music at the Ski Hill Amphitheater.  Looks like it will be a late night, early morning drive back to Gold Bar.

Hope everyone enjoys the 4th.  I'll keep you up to date on the relaxing if I can find internet access at the  park.