It was a lazy, hazy Fourth in my part of the world. After several days of nonstop sun, the coastal overcast hit with a vengence, just in time to ruin everybody's beach day and ensure that half the fireworks in Marina Del Rey exploded inside the clouds and out of view.

But other than the reactions to occasional explosions outside, the cats took it all in stride.

The formally dressed one lounged around on the patio for much of the day. Strangely enough she couldn't even be bothered watching the resident birds.

While the big black furball hung around and eyed birds and squirrels while guarding the patio door. Good to have him there in case an army of terrorist meese, uh mouses, make that mices, should decide to ruin the holiday by invading the premises.

Sirius Pops provided all-American compositions throughout the day. A BBQ'd steak with leftover scraps for the feline population concluded the evening.

-btc