I hope everybody celebrated the fourth happily and safely. I spent tuesday in nearby Gettysburg with my kids. There are always big happenings there this time of year, but these past few days marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle. It was a busy place, but at one of the information tents we got to meet John Griffiths, the great great-grandson of Pres. Ulysses Grant. He was in his 70s and in uniform with a white beard, much longer than his gret great-grandpa. He had a squeaky voice, but spoke with a great deal of pride about his ancestor fighting to save the union and end slavery.

I spent yesterday surrounded by family, good neighbors, friends, and good food. I'm kind of blowing off work today and stretching the weekend.