I hope all of you in the US are having a great Independence Day. As usual I spent this holiday at Mystic Seaport. In addition to the usual demonstrations and exhibits, the seaport has a parade that includes the costumed role-players and seaport visitors, especially children, followed by patriotic songs and speeches at the bandstand. At least that's what usually happens! However, the rain caused by Hurricane Arthur's sideswipe eliminated the parade and moved everything indoors to Greenmanville Church.

The drive to the seaport was easy. The drive home was less so, Most of the way Rt. 95 has a 65 mph speed limit. Because of fairly heavy rain and fear of hydroplaning, I drove home at about 55 mph, and most other drivers were cautious, too. Everything is fine here at home, but I understand many parts of the state lost electricity.

If you are not in the US, I hope you had a wonderful nonholiday!