Barbara J. Hamby

Fourth of July Weekend

Incredibly, I’m writing this while it’s still light outside. We don’t have big plans for the Fourth of July weekend. We prefer to stay out of traffic. We will go to Al’s sister’s house tomorrow evening to visit with her and her husband and with his oldest son and family who plan to be there.

My kids may or may not be over for a swim sometime on the weekend. So far, I’ve only heard one or two firecracker explosions, but I’m sure there will be many more as the weekend progresses. The traffic on Highway 99W was already terrible in mid-afternoon today when we went to a store a few miles away.

Today I filled out immigration forms for our cruise next month. I’m not sure if they are to get us out of the country, or back in, or both.

Last month I paid the phone bill online with no hassle. This month I attempted to do so again. My user identification and password were not accepted. The computer prompt even implied I didn’t know my mother’s maiden name. I’ve known it for more than 70 years. When I reset the password the second time, it didn’t argue about the make of my first car, but still refuses to let me get in to pay my bill. So much for the easy payment plan.

If this goes on for more than a week, I may even reveal the name of the phone company. So far, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt, mostly because it’s such a hassle to change companies.