Our founders picked a day of uncertain weather to declare independence. One gets the sense that people were more stoic about the weather in those days. Of course, we’ve increased global warming and made things more extreme. Nevertheless, I can remember very few fourths of July when the possibility of storms was zero. The weather around here has been odd this year with a suddenly hot June, with a dry spell that killed quite a few plants, followed by a cool start to July and some very intense storms. And now, on the fourth, the possibility of rain in the forecast. The grass hadn’t been growing in the dry spell, but I’m hoping the rain will hold off today long enough for me to get that job done. In fact, on this secular holiday I’d been hoping to get quite a few outdoors chores checked off the list.
When I was younger and fireworks were the main draw to the day, I noticed that just about every year rain fell, or threatened to, on July fourth. I’m sure it’s not that way everywhere, but here in Pennsylvania, where the declaration was signed, it’s a reality of life. Of course, the modern Independence Day celebrations evolved over time to include the cookout and fireworks—outdoor activities both. For me, apart from the outdoor chores on a day off work, a movie seems like an indoor celebratory alternative. Perhaps Return of the Living Dead, set on the fourth. Or I Know What You Did Last Summer. Or Graveyard Shift. Maybe something else.
Watching the political theater unfold—and my, what a dramatic election year it’s been—perhaps a comedy horror is just about right for today. This is going to take some thought. Something to occupy my mind while doing those outdoor chores. Of course, I’ve got a book to get submitted as well. If the weeds can hold off for another day or two—is it wise to paint the porch when rain’s in the forecast?—maybe I can finish up Sleepy Hollow. It’s a good American ghost story. That might be appropriate as well. You see, holidays are so rare that too many things crowd in on them. They’re breaks from the constant earning of more money, which is the American way. Of course, our founders were largely restless gentry. For me a day off work is always a busy day. Especially when the rains have returned and the grass has grown. It must be the fourth of July.