AUSTIN, Texas, July 4, 2005 — It didn't seem like a holiday. Except for a few things. When we took the dog to Barking Hound Village down on Lamar just across the river (Town Lake) First Street was closed. For a race or something. Or just in preparation for tonight's fireworks festivities. Whatever. We went down Fifth and with Chalow's little sack of stuff (a baggie for each day with pill and food, an old bathmat to sleep on, a leash, a few treats) checked her in. She seemed to like the attendant who found her reservation and gave her pats.

It didn't seem like a holiday except my dad said, when I called,"Happy Fourth." Said he slept

eight hours and was still sleepy. Didn't attribute it to the outing yesterday, however.

When we got back from dumping Chalow at the boarding house, I felt at a loss without her a little. And yet it's nice not to trip over her, be bugged for trips outside, etc. So it goes.

It didn't feel like a holiday. Except when I went to the gym it was quiet until I was leaving and they were getting underway with a holiday celebration then and people had flags and patriotic clothes and there were those blow up things for kids to play in and on.

It didn't feel like a holiday while I was packing. I watched a bad movie (Wimbledon with Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst) but liked it anyway while I tried to pack shirts and blazers and such so they wouldn't wrinkle and tried to put everything where I could find it later.

Around 5:15 another friend came over and we all went to our other friends' house. Our new little running buddy is running with us between boyfriends and between jobs...she needed a place to go. She is fun. She shows up with flowers to take to our friends. We add wine.

It didn't feel like a holiday. We had a pasta course, a salad, a shish kebab and dessert and coffee. And wine and spinach dip and cheese. But then we tuned into fireworks and festivities on TV for a holiday feel.

Soon it was time to go home and, yes, pack the car! Early tomorrow...we're off. Now to fret. And to sleep.