Rain On My Parade

Saturday was the annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, or the Lilac Parade. It rained. Every time someone from a branch of the United States Armed Forces passes, you, as the parade-goer, stand and cheer. This is not as easy as it sounds because it's not like you're sitting in a chair. No, you're sitting on a curb about three inches off the ground. It's not that I don't appreciate the servicemen and women, but sheesh! The best part is that every time you stand up, the rain falls on the blanket you were sitting on, so that when you sit down, it has gotten wetter and wetter. Mmm, pleasant. Of course, you're wearing jeans. Wet jeans are the most comfortable and warm garment around, don't you think? Yes, it makes for one really comfy rear. And your blankets are hanging down into the mini-river that runs next to the curb. Did I mention that since you wanted a decent seat, you got there over 2 hours early? So by the time the parade is over, you've been sitting on a curb for 5 hours.

Don't get me wrong, now. The Parade was lovely. The middle school bands that won the Jr. Lilac Parade were amazing. We got to see our friend Ben Brueggemeier. Old cars rock. Drum cadences are the best. Kettle Korn is yummy. There was a clown. The Red Hot Mamas are Red Hot. Riverside's Band was better than Medical Lake's (hah!) After the parade we got pizza and watched the Matrix. So see? It was lovely. Heck, it's almost a requirement of a parade to get wet, isn't it?