July 1 Celebrations

All across Canada people celebrated our 143 rd birthday in as many ways as there are people. Our national celebrations were of course mainly in Ottawa where our Queen was the special guest. Queen Elizabeth is 84 years old but is very spry and her workload is long and strenuous. She will be the longest serving head of state in a few years.

We as a family celebrate in our own way by making the evening music and fireworks a special time as we gather at the waterfront and watch the festivities from John's beautiful boat. We listen to the music blaring from the stand but it is only background as were are all enjoying each others company. Everyone trying to make points during the conversations over the sound of music make one almost shout. We however differ in our points of view while appreciating the diversity of thoughts much the same way as we do in accepting the diversity of our country.

This evening the weather is perfect and John takes people out for a spin on his new dingy. It is actually quite the small boat with a 40 hp motor and a speed to spare. Food is served by the host and suddenly everyone shares the bounty contained in the bags taken aboard and we are faced with lamb chops, hot and cold smoked salmon, sausage and all the chips and high calorie junk food sold to make us fat. Of coarse some tasty drinks help all this food go down smoothly.

We have a baby springer spaniel on board and she is the center of attention. Finally the highlight becomes apparent as the loud boom from the fireworks dominate the scene. For half and hour there are the expressions of delight from the huge crowd which never seems to tire of this elaborate ritual. As suddenly as it begun there is silence, then clapping, horn blowing and many expressions of satisfaction for a job well done.

We pile into our cars and make our way home in the heavy traffic and discuss the day and ponder if next year it will be as good. It always is and we look forward to Canada's 144rd birthday next July 1.