Yes, my maternal grandfather was born on the Fourth of July 1874. I wonder how or if the Fourth of July was celebrated in those years so long ago. When you think of it, 1874 was only approximately 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. It’s a question I could have asked him. I knew him well but somehow never thought to ask him so many questions that I can think of now. He died at age at age 83 on August 4, 1957, one month after his 83rd birthday.

July 4th, 1979 – over 40 years ago. We were admitted to membership in the American Club in Dhaka Bangladesh. Hooray! We could play tennis, swim in the pool, and purchase FOOD poolside. What a difference this made to our activities and social life in Dhaka.

I wish I could find our family photo from that 4th of July at THE CLUB. 40 some years ago – it’s like yesterday.

Early last week the weather forecast for the weekend was dire. Increasingly HOT. Ho ho I thought that’s most unlike this part of the world – high temperatures in June in the Pacific Northwest. I took matters in hand and put in my request for an air conditioner – to be readily supplied by the assisted living facility where we live. My request went in on a Tuesday. Wednesday would be too soon to expect it. Meanwhile the days were getting hotter……..Thursday no sign of an air conditioner, Friday no sign of an air conditioner. This hot weather situation and no air conditioner was beginning to look serious, particularly with the weekend coming up and the hottest days forecast to be Monday. Each person I spoke to either promised that they had done what was required of them, or said they would phone again, or couldn’t understand why we didn’t have one, or said there was such a demand and the maintenance men were very busy, or there was a list, etc. etc. etc. The most definite rumor was that they had run out of air conditioners. A complete run-around. I have yet to find or see “the list”.

BUT now a week and a half later I have actually spoken with the head maintenance man. Yes they have run out of air conditioners. More are on order and should be shipped tomorrow (July 4th). Within 2 weeks they should be here. Yes there is a list with about 10 names on it including us.

I wonder – are the air conditioners coming on a slow boat from China??

to be updated when appropriate.