Before Hinton opened a recycling center, we traveled 35 miles to Ronceverte to dispose of our plastic, aluminum, and cardboard. The last time Mike and I went there together was July 4, 2022. 

To get from our house to Ronceverte, you have to drive through Alderson, home of one of the most popular Independence Day celebrations in the state. We hadn’t thought of the possible delay-by-parade when we set out.

We made the best of it. (We didn’t always make the best of things.) We listened to patriotic marches. We told jokes and shared memories. 

It was a good day.