"redneck" is relative

Yeehaw, it's Independence Day!  Let's shoot some fireworks, grill some meat, eat some watermelon, and drink some beer!

The last time I watched fireworks was in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard two years ago.  It involved a picnic, a parade, a view of the ocean, a 5 mile race in the morning, and fireworks.  It was lovely.

It was nothing like tonight!  I was in the South.  We went to a friend's family gathering.  The food was plenteous: hotdogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chili, potato salad, corn on the cob, creamed corn, four kinds of pickles, guacamole, watermelon, cantaloupe, seven kinds of chips, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff.  For dessert, there were six kinds of cookies, apple pie, and ice cream cake.  I'm not in bed because my tummy aches.  But, it was worth it.

There was a pool and chatting for entertainment.

Then, there were fireworks.  Probably about $1500 worth.  All the fireworks stacked and in bags looked like presents at Christmas time. Remember: fireworks are illegal in North Carolina.  It seriously was one of the best shows I've seen.  Most of the fireworks were legitimate-- not backyard variety puny.  I think it was more fun because we got to see them set them off... then run.  I never knew fireworks had names: "Rainbow Warrior", "Touchdown of Alabama", "Russian Roulette".  The names were reminiscent of fortune cookies' fortunes.  And, I learned about "30 shots" versus "50 shots".

Not only was tonight great, but I also got some people interested in going to a dirt race.  I've wanted to go.  My brother has great stories, and I've never even gone.

I have a friend who considers me her redneck friend, and, I guess, I'm more uncouth than she.  I'm guessing she had a veggie burger with some pasta salad tonight. I consider these awesome individuals my redneck friends; and they're certainly less pretentious than I.  There were ladies that were quite large who were far more comfortable in their swim suits and tank tops than I am; I have a lot to learn about contentment. Then, while we were assessing the firework booty, a kid was talking about what rednecks would say.  This is to say, everybody needs some rednecks in her life.  They're so fun and authentic that it ain't too bad to be considered one.