Fourth'd Time Off in July - The University is Closed, So No Work For Crandall. Happy Holiday!

I accomplished as much as I could at the University yesterday, knowing that tomorrow is a no-employee day and I can't get back until Thursday. More has been accomplished on the summer to-do list, including sorting the copies of Fresh Ink that were sent to me from Penquin-Random House yesterday.

We're rocking. one day at a time.

The kid, too, landed in Louisville and is set for Kentucky rendezvous and play time.

So this leaves this day, grills, a beach, hot temperatures and, lo and behold, my very own chicken clucking toy so I can be like Big Marvel and start a You Tube video.
Actually, Katelyn purchased us three chicken toys so we can harmonize them when we sing acoustically. I think they will be a tremendous hit at Walnut Beach and I can't wait to give them a try.

All we have to do is figure out how we can go beyond the two notes instrumentals that the chickens she ordered provide. Big Marvel is much more talented than we'll ever be (but we can try and I'm sure we'll make lots of friends along the way - actually, I'm still trying to see if Chitunga actually cracked a smile during our clucking fest last night after we ate at Chilis).

So here is a wish for everyone to have a cluckingly ridiculous 4th of July with safety, respect, poise, integrity and purpose. Look out for the doggies - they hate the noise and remember, too, that many in our nation arrived so they could escape bombs bursting in air (fireworks can be very traumatic for those with PTSD).

I often say this is one of my favorite holidays on paper, but my least favorite in how so many carry it out. I just hope for for people to go unharmed and to really think about the purpose of the event.

Of course, I'll be doing this with my chicken at the side.