July 4th

Tucked away in the middle of Macomb County is a subdivision filled with houses that once were the pinnacle of status. Don't get me wrong, many of the houses are large but over the last ten years the ever increasing need for the large and grand make them seem average. Needless to say all would be out of my financial range.

It is the 4th of July. I inched the truck forward. The narrow street is lined on both sides with cars, allowing only one line for traffic. God forbid two vehicles come face to face because there would be no room to maneuver around each other.

“We should just park at the beginning of the subdivision and walk,” I recommend to Alexis.

It was 6:00 pm. Guests were still arriving and parking real estate is at a premium. We unpacked the kids (my three plus her one) and made our way to the party. The giant inflatable moonwalk in the driveway should have clued me in on what to expect. Though I have been invited to the annual party for a couple years, this was the first time that I was able to attend.

Walking past the moonwalk and down to the backyard was like emerging from the wardrobe into Narnia. Twenty houses with walkout basements surrounded an oval shaped private lake. It was a hidden paradise. Multi-tiered decks wand around swimming pools and down to a gravel beaches. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, inflatable swimming platforms and wooden docks filled the lake. A live band was playing music across the lake. Kids and adult were everywhere having fun.

As the sun set, the lake cleared and fireworks started streaking into the air from all sides. It was amazing, there was no ending because when one house would stop another house would be lighting them off. The sky was filled with colors, the air thick with sulfurous smoke. Sam called it the ultimate male pissing match. It was extravagant but the kids enjoyed it.

The host is a retired professional athlete. He and his wife are really great people. My son Andrew actually had his playing card and was so excited to actually meet him and get his card signed. It was best fourth I've had in a long time.

Tonight I am going to see Ben Folds and John Mayar with L. I can't wait for work to be done. Putting a holiday in the middle of the week sucks.