So what are you doing on the 4th?

We're working as usual. We'll probably go up the street to Joan's place: she lives on a cliff overlooking the valley, and that means we can see the fireworks downtown. We'll sip a little wine—Joan may or may not: she's still recuperating.

The whole of the neighborhood heads to Joan's street: the fire department sets up street barriers, and people come in cars and park. It's that good a view. There are people sitting on curbs and all over. Joan isn't sure how much she's up to, but they're having a