4th of July 2023

I usually commemorate the day by putting up a picture like this:

It is apt.  Nothing wrong with tipping the cap to both patriotism and capitalism, albeit the second part inadvertently involves enriching a China that wishes us little in the way of good will.

But I think this is a better sentiment for the day.  Photo taken at a Coach Pitch baseball game.  Obviously there is some variation in age group, interest level, and attention span.

But everyone is enjoying a perfect evening in their own fashion.  Its a small town, these kids all know each other.  I'm getting to know them too.  There's a kid who is advanced enough to hit screaming line drives but still gets a little tearful when they are caught (to the surprise of everyone including the kid who caught it).  There's always a kid who doesn't really want to be there.  Often as not they are a star a year or two later.  And the diminutive third baseman you see above.  He did something that over a half century of baseball experience did not prepare me for.....attempting a hidden ball trick!

Different.  The same.  Everyone enjoying things in ways that only differ in style rather than substance.  Happy 4th of July, America.