In about eight hours we will be able to bear witness to the holiday celebrations. Next week is the fourth of July. Since the fourth is on a Wednesday, we here on the coast have two kinds of vacationers. The first will arrive Friday evening and stay through Wednesday. The second will come on Tuesday and remain through the weekend. In each case, they will haul their fireworks, wood, Keystone beer, and extended families. What this means to us is sleepless nights, wood smoke-filled days, and plenty of trash. When the holiday is mid-week, the mayhem goes on for at least nine days. A Monday holiday only destroys four.
We never look forward to a relaxed holiday and are joined by 3000 of our neighbors who look forward to the day after labor day. I can hear you now. “If you don’t like it, John, then move.” I guess that is pretty good advice. I think I will try to make the best of it and stay in my room. Ha ha ha. Today’s John Ku describes me well.
Grumpy Old Man by John W. Howell © 2018
Sitting on the porch,
Choking on fire starter fumes. . .
Wishing it would rain.
Fiction Favorites 
“Grumpy Old Man” is a great John Ku. You need to add your copyright emblem because this one belongs in a magazine. Truly. You’ve captured the festivities, the local frustrations, and an old man on the porch. Love it! 🙂
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Thank you, Gwen. I must be slipping to forget the emblem. 😀
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Done. Thank you.
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I don’t blame you for feeling this way, John…especially if people leave their trash on the beach.
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Thanks, Jill. 🙂
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Good luck. I hope you guys don’t get as slammed this year. I’ll pray for you to get enough rain that the vacationers stay inside.
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Calling for rain on the fourth. YAY
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I know a good many fishing guides, bird watchers, and boaters who have already made plans to be nowhere near the coast for the next seven to ten days. I did my grocery shopping yesterday, just to be done with it before the hordes descend. It’s like storm preparations, except I don’t have to gather up my important papers or secure the outdoor furniture.
Be of good cheer. This, too, shall pass!
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We know it will but it’s like having a rash. You are never sure and it is really bothersome in the beginning. Thanks, Linda.
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Ugh… John, you just made the dream I woke with this morning of hornets and large scorpions seem less of a nightmare. Wishing you just enough rain! TGIF hugs!
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Thanks, Teagan. Hugs 😀
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Funny. People vacation to where you live to enjoy the holiday, but you’d like to vacation to get away from it. I’m sorry your home will be invaded soon. Try to focus on the peacefulness you have the rest of the year. (And I don’t think you’re grumpy.)
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Thank you for thinking of me as grumpy free. 😀
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Always. 🙂
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😀
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I’d feel the same way, John.
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Thank you, Teri
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It’s all about perspective. . .
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I wish mine was in the company of reasonable adults.
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You and me BOTH! 😉
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😀
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You wouldn’t have to be so “grumpy” is people would just act right and be respectful. But, somehow that seems to be a lost art. Here’s to survival! 🙂
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Got plenty of wine. Thanks, Jan
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Is no one taught manners and civility anymore.? It seems to be a rarity. —- Suzanne
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So true, Suzanne. I was taught never to litter -ever.
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The same here. —- Suzanne
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Your Johnku has me laughing. I am a fan of winter ocean visits and having the moment to myself. I visited my daughter once and we went to the beach for the 4th…craziest time I think I’ve ever had on that holiday…lol. At least only one boat was set on fire…Happy 4th I hope its peaceful!
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Only one boat? Amazing. Thank you Denise.
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Another great Johnku, John. The visitors will be gone in no time, with any luck taking their rubbish with them.
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I never understand leaving rubbish behind.
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Ah, ha, ha, ha! I love it, John! There’s a mean streak in you. 😉 xx Hopefully it won’t be as bad this year. I’m crossing my fingers and toes. Have a happy Friday and weekend!
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Thank you, Vashti. 🙂
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I understand completely. Hope you weather the storm, and they pick up some of the garbage before they leave.
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Way to much to ask on the gargage. Thanks, Craig.
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How are your dogs with the fireworks? Maddie is a mess, and we are about 1/2 mike from where the town sets off the large scale display.
I hope you get done rain 🙁
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Our dogs are okay it is just a pain though.
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I can’t really imagine, but I know how the midweek holiday spreads the jackass-effect across a longer span of time.
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So true.
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I live in a tourist town that undergoes a transformation from May to September. I completely understand,L OL. Sounds like it’s time to hug the home heath for the next week at least 🙂
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I think so, Mae. Thanks.
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Well, Grumpy Old Man, what you have in your backyard is the vacation that others seek. So knock nine days off and you’re still way ahead of the pack. Just trying to give you a different perspective. 🙂 I loved the haiku. Happy Fourth!
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I love your perspective, Jennie. Thanks. 😀
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You’re most welcome, John. 😀
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😀
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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Thank you, Traci
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It’s too bad the visitors can’t pick up after themselves. That is frustrating for any destination – how they think they’re beyond it. Hang in there, John, and Happy early Fourth!🎉⛱
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I always wonder why picking up one’s own trash is so hard. Sad thing is the litter prone parents just pass that traight to their kids and on it goes.
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😦
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That’s really why we left Florida. Perpetual vacationers and retirees (the snowbird species) made it rough to live a normal life. And crime in DB was getting ridiculous. I hope you are surprised this year with not so much mayhem. Be well John.
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Well, we had to call the police last night. Some idiots were exploding things on the beach at 11:00 PM. Loved seeing the blue and red flashers on the cruisers.
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At least they came…
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That is true. Good perspective.
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I hope the week goes better than expected. May need tranquilizers for the “kids” though, with all the fireworks. 😏
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We called the police last night. Some yahoo was setting off what sounded like high explosives. We weren’t the only ones calling either.
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You have my deepest sympathy, John – from another Grumpy Old Man.
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Thank you, John 😀
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The other side of the paradise coin eh? I’m so glad you survived it!
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Yes it is. Yes we did. Thank you, Deborah.
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