All Fired Up

Another 4th of July has come and gone, but the fireworks linger on.

attribution below

My neighborhood FB group can be counted on every year to bring up the topic of fireworks. There are two camps: those that shoot them off and those that hate those who shoot them off. 

Maybe it's my perception, but it seems that over the years, shooting off fireworks has gotten progressively more obnoxious. I can recall a time when they were only being shot off on the 4th. Nowadays, activity begins the week (or two) before and will continue for the week (or two) following. Also, it seems every patriotic holiday requires celebration by fireworks. That never used to be a thing.

While I don't place myself entirely in the camp of anti-fireworks, I'm clearly not a fan. Yes, I put up with them, and I don't really mind the little "pop pops," but I never understood the allure of the "BOOM BOOMs." Maybe it's because our kitty cowers, but it's also because i get tired of bouncing up in my seat every time I'm startled by one of these nasty explosions. 

Also, I think there should be a curfew. Anyone caught shooting them off after 11pm should be horsewhipped. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has to work the day after, but even if I didn't, I wouldn't want to be awakened half the night by loud booms. There's one inconsiderate jerk who shoots them off at 3 am. Not cool, dude.

What I find somewhat hilarious is how so many people are complaining about food prices, but they clearly have a ridiculous amount of money to spend on fireworks. 

Just sayin'.

Thankfully, we have air conditioning, so we can keep the windows closed. That helps us (and kitty). 

Before you know it, summer will be over and we'll be marking it with Labor Day. 

I know, let's celebrate with fireworks.

Yay.

PSA: For those who shoot guns in the air instead of fireworks, here's a little science lesson: What goes up must come down. Bullets return to earth. And hurt people. You're welcome.

Photo Attribution: National Archives of Sweden, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. It's an 18th century design for a fireworks display. More interesting, I think, than a photo of fireworks.