In just two short days, America will be celebrating her birthday. She will be celebrating it in grand style: replete with huge parades, mammoth fireworks displays that will light up the night time sky, more food than you can shake a stick at, military flyovers, contests galore, and of course music guaranteed to get everyone groovin' or singin' along.

American flags and the colors red, white, and blue will be the order of the day; if July 4th doesn't bring out the pride in an American's heart, than I don't know what will.

The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays--next to my birthday (my birthday is a holiday!), Thanksgiving, Easter, and of course, Christmas. I guess I enjoy it because we get to show America how much she means to us. (Of course, all the food, the music, the fireworks, and the parades help out a lot, too! :) )

I can always find something to do on that day, whether it is waving to the throngs of people lined up along the parade route, playing my Cajun accordion or singing on stage, trying to see how fast I can snarf a piece of watermelon in a minute's time (I never win!), ducking for  cover as a team of military jets scream deafeningly overhead, enjoying the company of my family (or friends), and of course, lighting up sparklers just before the fireworks go off.

I'm never bored on the  Fourth of July.

This year I will be partaking in the parade (our church has a float); I will also be performing on stage for a half  hour in the afternoon and again in the evening, during the special patriotic program. (I will be singing "God Bless America Again" by Loretta Lynn.) I always look forward to that.

During any point in the city's Fourth of July celebration (whether it is at the parade, on stage, or at Centennial Park, where the main majority of the events are to be held), I can be counted on, sure and certain, to run into any of my friends from school, the hospital, the bank, church, the store, or even VIPS I have met over the years. It's like I see 'em, and it's like, "Hey, how you doin'?" It's like a family reunion; it is always fun! :)

I hope my friends Susie Jackson-Callaway or Rebekkah Cohen (as well as their families) will take time to come to Centennial Park for the Fourth. Lord knows, they've been through so much; they need a break! That'd be too cool if I ran into them at the festivities! (Or at the parade!)

Maybe even Kendra and her family will come. They have come to to live here, and I, for one, would love to see them have fun! Poor Kendra has been saddled with four babies (three girls, one boy)--not to mention, a bad case of post partum depression. She needs to get away!

Well, I wanted to write in here, so I can wish all my buddies a very happy (not to mention, a very safe) Independence Day. I wanted to wish my country, the United States of America, a very happy birthday, and let her know just how proud I am to have been born here! On that note, let me  wish the good ol' U.S. of  A. a bang-up happy birthday!!

Happy, Happy Fourth of July! Three cheers for the red, white, and blue!!

~Love, Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux. :)

P.S.: Oh, in case you're wondering, Nicole, my original bestest bud, will probably be at her house, recuperating from her recent hand (joint replacement) surgery. She had her hands operated on, so she won't be able to do a lot for herself for a while.

She is feeling better, but she's still pretty weak. She is mad because she has to miss out on all the Fourth of July fun; I'll probably go to her house later today before the start of the festival, to spend some time with her, even share some picnic food with her, so she doesn't feel left out.

I think that's only the right thing to do.

~Love, Ronee'. :)