Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

For the past few days while we celebrated the Fourth of July, I’ve been out of the loop regarding current events, stock market closings, and Iraqi insurgents. It’s been great; and I can only assume that current events continued at an even pace, the stock market either plummeted or rose, and the Iraqi problem is still with us.

Ignoring the larger world is certainly different from our regular routine. As a rule, Earl and I tune in to the radio news and the television chat people daily. They tell us what’s happening and then tell us their opinions of what’s happened. It’s almost more stimuli than I can bear.

So when we check out for a long holiday weekend, I’m struck with how much fun we have at home cooking on the grill, talking and laughing, watering flowers, building campfires, and generally just hanging out. And, while we do these things, the world continues unabated. Does our knowing what’s going on make a difference? And, if so, to whom does it matter?

I’m not sure. On one hand I believe in keeping up with current events – I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to learn about September 11 on September 23 – but, at the same time, I believe there are many so-called significant events that garner more attention than they are worth. If only we could separate the one from the other. Failing that, getting out of the loop for a few days is the next best thing.