A Nice 4th

 So Norman cruised on by and we got into the man-sized SUV I leased a few months ago, after realizing, when we drove together up to a Panthers game in Broward, that my Lexus sedan (really a fancy Camry) was too small for man-sized guys like Norman and me.

We drove to hallowed ground -- the site of the old Orange Bowl -- a place that holds so many amazing memories. Norman has more of them -- as a Miami native, he was here for the Dolphins dominance in the early 70s -- I joined the OB club in 1979 as a Canes fan, but also got to see some great Fins games as well.

Now the hallowed ground is a spiffy new baseball stadium, with a merciful retractable roof, which made watching yesterday's game a pleasure. We parked in the back of someone's duplex, after exchanging the traditional "no blockee? No -no blockee" words, ensuring that the spot would allow access throughout the game. Old OB goers have tons of stories about blocked in parking -- having to stay until the car or cars in front of them leave.

We made our way in, and I scored a double Tito's. Norman abstained -- taking Tramadol for some foot pain, and figured he wanted to see the game rather than become comatose. We scored some Nathan's dogs, and the 4th of July worship was complete. Barry and Josh were at the seats, and we had room to spread out. Josh and I retrieved some more beverages, and peanuts for Barry, and we 4 had an awesome time. Plus, the Fish are REALLY good this year, and put on a show -- scoring 15 runs! The crowd was big, and I was suffused with happiness -- baseball is truly my first love, and watching the slower than football paced game with friends -- well -- that's really terrific.

We drove home, amazed at all the building in Miami -- it seems whenever you turn your head, there are new highrises. I've lived here now 44 years -- it's a new city each decade.

Norman left to care for his Doodles -- one just had some surgery, and D2 and Jonathan and the enormous puppy were there! They had decided to decamp from Miami Beach, where there are massive fireworks displays for the 4th, on accound of Betsy hates the noise. Wifey was out running errands, and I of course turned on the martini spigot -- Jonathan and I enjoyed, figuring if we were at a July 4 barbecue, we'd be beers in already. D2 had some red wine.

I decided to splurge, and order from Platea, a prime steak and ceviche place in Pinecrest. They opened at 6, and we placed our order for 7 pm delivery. And then at 630 came the devastating news: they canceled our request for a tomahawk, and chicken, and corn, and ceviche! What? Don't do this to a man who has had 2 martinis already! Turns out they were closed for the 4th, and UberEats didn't catch it.

So the young-uns called an audible and ordered Piolla instead -- decent pizza, and chicken parm, and gnochi. It was very good -- but no steak. We must abide.

The rest of the evening was lovely -- Jonathan is a huge John Wick fan, and we put it on at Wifey's request. It WAS pretty good, but the long day and vodka did their work, and I was falling asleep by 9. The trio stayed up to watch, though Wifey was on her phone the entire time, and only sort of half paid attention. That's how she rolls these days.

I was up earliest, of course, and made coffee and fed the dogs. Jonathan just left for the office -- they brought both vehicles -- and I plan to visit mine later as well. Stu's young lawyer left to open his own shop, and he and I may have dinner tonight to discuss his future moves. He just turned 63 and isn't ready to hang up his guns yet.

But the 4th was a fine one. For me, July brings back memories of years past -- like the cookies to Proust. And yesterday we made another nice one.