July, she will fly/ And give no warning to her flight

We are restored to Ordinary Time back in Blacksburg. Last week, we paid another visit to the beloved Virginia Tech Duck Pond. 

 A little duck feeding, a little pooh-sticks, a little exploring. So peaceful and drowsy and perfectly summer.

Our plucky little friend

We just called him "Little Guy."

 This 4th of July we were at home and had not recently moved, which made it special. We got to celebrate all day!

The day started with a visit to Smithfield Plantation. Remember our Easter visit? We had a lazy and pleasant morning seeing the sights on the grounds... and pausing for photos.

It's your favorite shirt, Jon! :-)

He has become a Virginian. He actually used the word "y'all" in a sentence extemporaneously yesterday.

Miles wanted to stay with this lady and her spinning wheel for an hour. He nearly did. 

 The high was about 79 degrees. About the same as Easter, I think!

Gorgeous. 

The blacksmiths were making nails. 

 At 2, we were among the parade spectators.

Frosty Parrot was working the crowd pre-parade

C'mon, parade!

 Finally, it began.

With a jolly band!

The Smithfield crew in historical dress

Mark Warner's float! With "Gay Pride," "Women's Pride" and "Local Pride" signs. Oh, Blacksburg. 

 Smoky the Bear showed up, for some reason.

No, I know why. It was to make Adele's DAY.

Hoorah! And over in 30 minutes. In the summer, Blacksburg really is a small town. The Holiday Parade is bigger. 

 In the evening, it was off to the town park for food, music, and fireworks. We picnicked on the lawn. Like you do.

They do a great job waiting in line. 

 Someone tell me if you know the name of the object this gentleman set off before the fireworks. It was like a tiny hot air balloon, with a flame underneath and a billowing cloth-looking bag over it. When he let it go just right, the thing floated clear into space, as it appeared.

Qu'est-ce que c'est?

 I really wish we had photograph #1 of the fireworks. Unfortunately, as soon as they began than Miles had a full scale hysterical meltdown. He was SO terrified. I don't think I've ever seen him quite that frantic. We had to go sit on a bench and watch from a distance before he could enjoy anything.

Adele, meanwhile, sat serenely on the blanket and said, "Oh colors! Oh that is beautiful." every so often. They are so very, very different.

Tomorrow is another long-awaited day: We expect a party of about 30 people at Miles' 5th birthday party! Wish us luck.