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Fourth of July ~ Mandie-style

Ever since I can remember, I have spent the 4th of July with family or friends doing the usual picnic and fireworks. This year, I spent it alone. However, I did not stay home and sulk. Enjoy some of the images from my day.

It all began with a 7 1/2 mile  hike at Umstead Park.
I followed the blue triangles because we all know what my sense of direction is like. 
(I don't really have one.)
Due to all the recent rain, many of the bridges were deemed out of order.
But I didn't let that stop me. I walked right across and enjoyed the scenery. 
The river
 Colorful mushrooms
 When I saw a blue triangle on the ground, 
I knew it was a message to stop and snap a picture.
 
 The powerlines taunted me after last week's walk through the ones near my home after my run. 
(I chose to stay on the path instead of going after the succulent blackberries.)
 I did go off the path to check out the old cemetery. I was a bit curious about the pipe coming up from a small unmarked grave. Maybe the person was buried alive? I contemplated digging it up, and then I realized s/he had probably drowned by now. Rest in peace, unknown stranger from the past.

 
I traversed around flooded paths and enjoyed the wildlife around me.
(Not pictured: 5,000 brown squirrels.)
Before I knew it, two-and-a-half hours had passed and it was time to head home.
(The sign is deceiving. The parking lot was another mile or two away.)

Once home, I changed from my hiking clothes into my riding clothes. It was a parking lot ride consisting of righthand turns. There are no pictures from my exciting ride.

After sitting in my 85 degree, broken AC home for a couple of hours, I knew I had to get out of the house. Unfortunately, I had turned down an opportunity to go four-wheeling. Not sure what I was thinking there. Instead, I ventured into Raleigh to check out the festivities there.

The flag flew above the throngs of people.
 I stopped for a couple moments to watch an old-time band and a hulu-hoop dancer. When I was in the mountains a couple of weeks ago, I saw a gas station that sells hula-hoops. Later that day after a game of cornhole at the local watering hole, a couple of sisters showed us their skills with the hoop. Because I have seen so much hula-hoop activity lately, I wonder if it should be a new hobby...
Not really sure who this guy is, but I liked his smile so I chose his line...and waited for 15 minutes for his autograph on a bag. I heard the lady behind me say his name is Fred. Guess maybe I will watch channel 11 to see if his smile is as nice on camera.
 Did some shopping...
 Had some BBQ for lunch - Carolina style...
 Checked out some men in uniform, and found Lady Liberty among the people.

The best part of the day?
MUSIC
 Stopped and listened to some street musicians in a drum circle. 
I didn't join in the playing, but I was dancing and smiling to the beat!
 A little bit of something for everyone. I stopped to listen awhile at each.
 Messages for a better world were given through a tattoo and Hare Krishna.
Before leaving Raleigh, I took a moment to sit and remember why we celebrate the day.

I returned home after being at the celebration for a very short time. I was hoping the AC would miraculously be working after not for the last three days. It wasn't. My thermostat read 85 degrees.

What better way to cool off and enjoy the end of a great day then by a whoopie pie, a cold beer, and the sound of fireworks?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! 






























































































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