The 4th Of July -- In Boston

 

23 July 2022

Story #1076

R. Linda:

It has been oppressively uncomfortable from the heat and humidity. From what I've seen on the national news, temperatures have been skyrocketing. New Hampshire has been lucky that our summer season has had no heat waves until this week. Though we are in a drought, we have had enough rain, which has kept me from having to hose down the garden. I thought I might give you some insight into how summers can be spent in New England, so yes, this is a bit of the Gabe travelogue.

Let's start with the 4th of July, shall we? Every small town seems to have its parade and carnival atmosphere. Usually, there are food and drink booths, craft stands, and lots of political handouts (especially in N.H., the First In The Nation State).

Here's a wee bit of insight into a small village's parade. This is Amherst, New Hampshire, which usually makes the national news because it is one of the favourite places the candidates come to. It is a wealthy town with old historical homes that ring its green. 

What would a parade be without antique autos?

Or politicians? This is from a while back. Ah, memories of chasing Mitt around the green for an interview!

Once the small town parade is over, we relax in the garden to discuss the neighbours we met there.

A neighbour's small enclosed garden, rustic style

Sometimes, we share the garden with things we have never seen before. At first, we thought this was a hummingbird, but no, it is a type of moth that fools you into thinking it might be that.

Have you ever seen the likes of this?

Then, it is time to gather the family and head to Boston for an evening of frivolity and fireworks!

Boston skyline comes into sight

Then, it is over the bridge

To the seaport

A wave to Boston light across the bay

After wandering around the wharf and seeing the sights (like the gents below), we work up an appetite for dinner. 

I know BRITISH soldiers on the 4th of July!

We usually have dinner at Legal Seafood or the Chart House down on the wharf, and after that, we go on up to my office (if the weather is hot and sit in AC), where we can get a view of the fireworks out one side of the building and this out the other.

Looking away from the river

In recent years, we have gone down by the Charles River to the Hatshell to be closer to the Boston Pops, who perform at the Hatshell off the river. There, we have a fantastic view of the fireworks, with live music and an offshore breeze. The fireworks were back on this year after a pandemic break.

A shot of the finale

No more patriotic than Boston, the heart of the revolution

Afterwards, we find an open ice cream or burger joint and while away the time before we buck the crowd. We get home late, but we have been well-fed and entertained. There is nothing like Boston on the 4th of July!

Gabe

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