Happy 250th, United States of America!

So because the 250tyh birthday of the United States landed on a Saturday, I'd asked Ed Calkins, Stewarf of Tara to write a special blog for today.

That's because Saturdays in the BryonySeries world are dedicated to Ed and all things Irish.

However, the storms knocked out Ed's power anbd he couldn't send the blog.

That left me with the very rare occasion of having no blog ready to publish - and readers having to wait for Ed's words for another week at least.

For once, I'm short on words, since I'm still tired (physically and mentally) from hustling in the heat yesterday, despite frequent breaks into air-conditioned cars and building and staying very hydrated (the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team ran all the games at the Joliet Eve of Independence: America 250 Fireworks and Celebration at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet.

So although I won't post a full recap on last night's very successful event (I know everyone says their events are successful. But this one really was), I will say this.

Last night was amazing, a really wonderful way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country.

Because two very important things happened last night.

Entire families played games together.

And we saw a level of excitement for books and reading than we've never experienced at any event we've hosted in the fifteen years we've hosted events.

I don't have all the numbers yet.

But I believe you (and I) will be very, very surprised.

And those two very important things are, I believe, a very good way to celebrate American independence.

Happy 250th, United States of America!