fireworks excitement

[backdated, but thought out while on vacation]
during the day yesterday we went on a nice pontoon-type boat ride with about 40 other people looking for dolphins. two or three times we saw about a half dozen dolphins swimming and playing, but only the ones at sea world or whatever do that thing where they hop out of the water and swim on their tail. they were cute and some were even doing some "romance." the boat ride also allowed us to see a lot of the nearby bay area and all the nice houses right on the water.

that evening, we're sitting on the beach watching multiple fireworks shows put on (presumably) by the many different municipalities along this coast - clearwater, indian shores, indian rocks, madeira beach, treasure island, etc. we think the people in front of us have just bought a ton of decent fireworks because their show is a step down from the adjacent shows up and down the beach. all of a sudden they set off their next multiple shot firework display (say, 20 serial rockets / blasts of different colors) and the thing must have tipped over because the blasts that happen in the air are now happening right on the beach!! we're far enough away that it doesn't matter too much, but 30-40 people have to start scattering quick because this display looks like it should be happening on the frontlines of vietnam or something. the worst was a poor old lady having to be helped to hobble away semi-swiftly so she didn't get hit / burned. all ended well, but i'm pretty sure the people in front of us were idiots and not with the city.

i'm now off to panera for the first (and only) spot of internet while on vacation. yes, i know i'm addicted. i'm working on that. somewhat. to me, it's the 21st century version of being addicted to the newspaper and reading on a multitude of topics. many people seem afraid of computers and the internet, but would be fine if you had a book or newspaper in your hand. it's odd.