Independence Day, July 4th, 2008: Scenes From the Long Weekend.

On the sister blog, Liberal Citizen, there's a more serious treatment of this national holiday, but would life be without taking the time to enjoy some leisure time with a bit of fun in the summer?

The 4th of July fell on a Friday this year, so the long holiday began on the evening of Thursday. Many towns in the metro NYC chose to have their fireworks on the 3rd as no not compete with the famous Macy's fireworks show on the East River. People also chose to leave town for a few days taking advantage of the extended weekend. But, from what I hear, many Americans can't cope with the shock of high fuel prices, so there was significantly less traveling this holiday.

There was so hot & humid that you could cut the air with a knife. It gets like a pea soup sometimes around here in the summer. Not pleasant. The picture above shows a blurry Manhattan at dusk. Below, the southernmost tip later in the evening.


Yes, it rained during the fireworks show, like last year on the 4th, if I recall correctly. July is hot and humid and unstable weather-wise.


Actually, I don't want to complain too much about summer in New York City and the metro area. If you can avoid the very congested centers of activity in the city, then there are plenty of opportunities for enjoying the summer. This is a very cosmopolitan place, always something interesting going on. The weather, well, it's hot & humid, but within a short distance you can find cool(er) ocean breezes.