God save the queen isn’t really the type of thing you expect to hear on July 4th. But I was browsing through some Boston 4th of July events and noticed that the Queen Mary 2 liner would be docked at the cruise terminal throughout the day so the passengers can view the fireworks. I’ve always loved ships. I think they’re some of the most magnificent machines ever built. I’ve not been on a cruise yet, but Janet and I are planning to go really soon. I’ve watched YouTube videos of this ship passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and meeting up with its predecessor in Long Beach, CA. I decided not to miss the opportunity to see it in person. I convinced Janet to go with me if for no other reason than to get out of the house. She’s a beautiful ship and my expectations were thoroughly met. Maybe someday we’ll take one of her New England color tours in the fall after we retire. It would be nice to see the inside.

The Boston Pops is another love I’ve had for years. I began listening to their recordings when Arthur Fiedler was conductor. I was so thrilled when John Williams took the baton, and Keith Lockhart has done an outstanding job keeping the institution alive and relevant for today’s audiences. I’ve watched the fireworks on TV since I was a kid. This year I decided to see them in person. After doing the research and talking to friends, I ruled out the half-shell idea as you have to arrive early in the morning to get in, and then you have to stay there all day.  Too much time in one place rarely works for me. Some friends suggested that I go to the Cambridge side of the river in front of  MIT. I headed out about 6:00 and drove to the Alewife station on the red line.  Unfortunately the only spots available were on the top floors of the garage. But I felt good to have a spot so I took the train in and began scouting the river bank. Many people were already camped out and most of the railing spots were already claimed. Being by myself allowed me the freedom to move around.  Large television monitors were placed on the greenway between the road lanes from which they broadcast the concert. So it was like watching the TV as a kid, but the fireworks would be live.  Little did I know that the Cambridge side was actually the more scenic side as the city skyline glowed in the backdrop behind the fireworks.  The show was amazing and I stayed to the very end. Not so sure that was the best idea as that was the moment everyone headed to the subway.  This was worse than the Red Sox game last year as we were herded like cattle into the trains. Fortunately the return trip was free.  I made it to the garage to find that I was one of the last to my car. Being on the 6th floor, I had to wait until the bottom 5 cleared out. This put me home at about 1:00 AM, but it was worth it.  Queen Mary 2 and Boston Pops fireworks. This was a great 4th of July!

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller