Well, we all survived the 250th birthday party. If you missed the big event, I am sure Big Al still has a sparkler or two left on his shelves.

We survived, despite wars in Iran and Ukraine, where the favorites are, well, not losing but have not achieved their predicted slam-dunk victories. We survived, despite domestic political polarization, as, for a day, both sides have chosen to limit their brickbats to internet posts. We survived despite an onslaught of nasty TV ads proclaiming both Maine Senate candidates are spawns of Satan, or worse. We survived despite a national heatwave that urged our beloved afternoon sea breeze to go AWOL, making Ocean Point visitors yearn for air conditioning.

So, what did the July 4 weekend teach us, other than that we might want to invest in an A/C unit?

As for the two wars, we learned that Goliath does not always score a knockout in the first minute of the first round. We learned that David figured out a way to hold off the big guys with technology (in Ukraine) and geography (in Iran).

Unfortunately, we have three months and change to endure beaucoup nasty political ads that big-buck political action committees (on both sides) try to buy your vote in the Senate race.

For the record, Susan Collins is a pro. She is a superstar in grassroots politics. She has graced most every coffee table from Fort Kent to Kittery. She has bestowed federal bucks on fire departments, hospitals, dock projects, and kept shipbuilders working in Bath. She has voted for Trump and opposed him. Will that matter?

Graham Platner is a rookie, but he picked up political campaign skills in record time. His rhetoric fed Democrats and others upset with Trump and his ilk, convincing a popular governor to throw in the towel, despite support from national and local party leaders. Yes, he has baggage, from his old stupid internet posts to a Nazi army death's head tattoo, he presented GOP opposition researchers a fast ball down the middle of the plate, and they are hitting it out of the park. So far, his critics have not found indictments, convictions, or accusations ranging from fraud, violent sexual misconduct, treason, or worse.

Old-time pols would say Collins is a sure winner, that her grassroots work will pay off, while Platner’s baggage will sink him. Still, despite the baggage, he is a bit ahead, or tied with Collins in recent polls.

I wonder if there is a new political virus in the air. One that appears only when the public has swallowed enough DC Gobbledegook and wants to deep six incumbents on both sides.

Our beloved president spent a bucket of political capital to celebrate the 250th. Despite his efforts, Mother Nature always has a vote. When her thermometer broke 100-plus, they canceled parades and celebrations, except for a bunch of masked Proud Boys who tried to crash his party.

Fortunately for us, the world’s tall ships sailed into New York Harbor on a bright sunny morning. And the parade of sail had a special meaning for us who hold the Damariscotta River dear.

We cheered when a white schooner sailed up the Hudson with the Pine Tree flag fluttering on her mast. It was the Bowdoin, a vessel born in the Hodgdon family’s yard in East Boothbay. Up in Boston, Old Ironsides took a Fourth of July tour of the harbor and fired off her cannons. She didn’t furl her sails, but if she had, we could brag they came from East Boothbay’s master sailmaker, Nat Wilson. In New York, another Damariscotta vessel, the Clearwater, was kicked out of the parade for exhibiting political slogans. She was built across the river in South Bristol’s Gamage yard for folksinger Pete Seeger. 

 As a kid, I remember that, after polishing off the burgers, dogs and homemade ice cream, Dad would stand by the grill and preach from America’s scripture: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Today, after America packaged up the leftovers and bagged the trash, many tuned in to watch the big news of the day. Did they focus on fireworks? Flyovers? Naaah.

Many zoomed in on the hush-hush celebrity wedding, in Madison Square Garden, no less, of singer Taylor Swift and pro footballer Travis Kelce. I’m no fan of pop music, but I noticed the two donated $26 million to charity. Well done, and good luck to all.

What is your favorite way to celebrate July 4? Did anyone serve salmon and peas for supper?

As for this old scribbler, his all-time favorite Fourth event always involves fireworks and the 1812 Overture, complete with cannon fire.