Home of the Brave

I wore my spiky flag hat to the Ester parade. The big question of the day was, "is it over?" to which the answer was, "did the fire truck go by yet?". After the fife and drum corps and every child around with or without a bicycle, there were political statements, politicians, community gardens, old cars and local characters. Handouts included multitudes of candy, radishes and beans. The air was scented with petuli and wood smoke.

We all adjourned to the picnic grounds for a pig roast or picnic. The water tanker for Goldstream Volunteer Fire Dept sprayed anyone who came near. The place was lousy with kids, pregnant women and dogs....a good time had by all in the 80 degree temps.

As always, my favorite part of any social event is reconnecting with old friends. My former students Devin, Margy and Kari were there, as were the Pilons + 3 and the Rozells +3 and many, many other friends. I saw Ashley from Hoonah, Becky from Arctic Village and Shannon from Ester and others too numerous to mention.

On the radio yesterday, the NPR staff read the Declaration of Independence. You know, I don't think I'd ever really heard it in its entirety before. The Preamble and Articles of the Constitution, yes, but the D of I, ???? It is really interesting with very bold assertions about the responsibility for speaking up when you feel oppressed. Once again, I am struck with the good fortune I've had to be born in this country with all the opportunities I've had. Particularly, I am grateful that I have the right and responsibility to speak out when I disagree with governmental policy or injustice.

There is smoke in the air from myriad fires. The garden needs rain, but the sunshine is glorious.

I have not been on my ankle much today, but tomorrow I plan to take a good long bike ride, then go the movies (The Proposal) and a BBQ. All in all, a good life.

Another comment about Gov. Palin, I wonder where she got the idea that being governor was about having a title, like a duke or princess. I thought it was a real job. Click to read her Facebook comments.