The only way to celebrate the Fourth of July, in my opinion, is by grabbing a cold beer from a Coca-Cola vending machine fully stocked with the national beer of Texas, Shiner, and Blue Moon while spending time with good friends over some burgers, brats, and crab cakes in the back yard while the dogs jump in the pool and chase one another. With the continuing Texas drought and burn ban, the City of Austin cancelled its fireworks display this year, requiring improvisation of how to celebrate America's birthday with sufficient gusto and enthusiasm to avoid having our patriotism called into question. I'd call the attempt a success, although not too out of the ordinary for a relaxing evening in this crowd. I suppose it just means we're the quintessential Americans? At any rate, happy birthday America; I hope your current midlife crisis passes soon!
