Fourth of July

I think I had my July 4th one day earlier this year. 
It wasn't the fireworks display.  Although it was pretty good.  Held a day early so everyone in this town could attend and tonight then go one town over tomorrow night to see yet another display.  Works to everyone's advantage that way.
It wasn't grilling outside.  We did that last night.  Will do it again tomorrow night (actual day).
It was the meal we had at lunch.
Let me give a little background.  George preached at another church this morning. Happened to be a UCC in a small town 20 miles away.  He gets called now and again to preach in UCCs.  Their social views and his match pretty well and the man can talk.  Quite well and the congregation gets a good sermon and good message.  Anyway, we were invited out to lunch afterwards.  To the Convenient Store.  Not the convenience store.  Note the spelling.  The C-O-N-V-E-N-I-E-N-T Store.  They have kind of a combination diner/gas station/ fill yer pop/ get your oil type service going on.  Seems to be the place to be on Sundays after church.  George was even warned if his sermon went past 11:30 there was the possibility of people leaving so they could get a table for the Sunday special. 
Really.  He was told that could happen.
Anyway, today's special was chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy (gravy was mentioned on the white board), a vegetable bread and a dessert.  Seriously.  What could be more USA then that?  Chicken made to look like beef and fried.  Taters and white gravy, canned green beens, store bought bread and mini cream puffs (the kind you find at Chinese buffet dessert bars). 
Everybody was there.  It was  THE place to be!  The chatter over who had what going on for the holiday....  The new preacher did a nice job....  They are a different looking couple, but seem nice.... Getting the old grill out tonight....  Where did you say that fireworks show was going to be????
And it struck me how very country and really wonderful it all was.  No pretense.  It just was.
The husband of the couple talking and just dropping into the conversation he had cancer and how others had pitched in to help with harvest when he wasn't feeling top notch.  The potatoes were especially good and did we know the center of the state was just down the road in someone's front yard.  Big stone marker.  Another one just across the road denoting an old school too.  Do you think it is going to rain?  Boy, we sure could use it.  I always like green beans.  Just can't get enough of them.  Talk of the difference between the oil field and farmers from way back when.  His family always in farming and ranching. Always. 
Mine in oilfield, bootlegging and sales. 
Never the two shall meet and yet today it did not matter.
The salt and pepper sat on all the tables and it was expected to be used.  Can't get the gravy just the way every one person likes it. 
All over chicken fried chicken at the Convenient Store. 
Happy 4th of July, one day early.