I can’t help recalling a very memorable 4th of July, ( almost 30 yrs ago) when Jack and Nona spent a couple of weeks with me while Dallas took a trip to New York. Before she left, “Sissy” handed me an envelope with money and instructions. I started to object, but she insisted and then explained,” You see, Celina, I’ve included some money for you to take Jack and get some fireworks for the 4th of July.” I quickly responded,” But Dallas, I don’t do fireworks…” She smiled and said,” Well maybe some sparklers or something, but I have to go or I’ll miss my plane.” Off she goes all decked out with a hat, suit, and matching shoes for the Big City.
When 4th of July came, my mother and I took Jack and Nona to walk in the Alamo Heights 4th of July parade. Mother played the violin while Jack, Nona, and I pretended to play horns and other toy instruments. Our picture was taken by the photographer and we appeared in the local newspaper with caption” Alamo Heights 4th or July Band” 
We went to my parents in the evening. Nona and I each took a sparkler in one hand while we covered our eyes with the other. No sooner had my dad lit the sparklers than Nona and I dropped them and ran inside to watch Daddy and Jack handle the more complex fireworks. Well, Jack didn’t quite get the ones he would have liked. When we went to purchase the fireworks, I interrogated the vendor while Jack paced, fumed and protested. It’s no wonder Jack was destined to end up in a demolitions job! On a final note: I still wonder if Dallas Louise didn’t plan her trip so she wouldn’t have to deal with the fireworks herself:) Happy 4th of July All ! Celina
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