Bill and I rode to town this morning for errands. It is a drizzly day today and supposed to be the same tomorrow. But, I almost forgot tomorrow is Independence Day until we crossed the bridge that leads into and out of our nearby downtown.
The U.S. flags were flying gallantly patriotic and stood out, even in the drizzle and even through our never-too-clean, rain spotted windshield.
And then we saw it. A magical hot air balloon! I have always admired them from afar but have never really been close to one.
What a thrill!
Bill parked the car and we were within steps of a mighty colorful hot air balloon! Somehow I caught the fever and excitement. A little crowd of families, young and old were waiting to take a tethered ride. 
And although flying balloons of this size were never a part of my July 4th holidays growing up, this one colorful beauty practically screamed, “CELEBRATE! IT’S THE FOURTH OF JULY!”
Surely the enormity, power and grace of a floating giant must symbolize our American concept of freedom as it defies earth’s gravity and soars majestically into the skies.
We didn’t take a balloon ride this time but it’s on my bucket list for an un-tethered experience. For now, it is enough just to have been close.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Virginia Views 