Wednesday that feels like Thursday greetings, collectors! Things are already winding down for the long weekend here in NYC. Ollie and I saw many beachward-bound citizens on our morning walk today. (The flip-flops and Le Sportsac weekend totes are a dead giveaway.) We're staying put however, which means that we'll have time for a special holiday bonus 20x200 tomorrow. And while I do suggest that you don't stop thinking about tomorrow, it's time to get on with the business of today.

Recollection of the Battles Fought Maintaining the Home Front is our second edition from the verbose and talented Colin Blakely. A fitting image for the season, wouldn't you say?

When I was a kid, my grandfather always managed to scare up a good assortment of firecrackers for the 4th. Nothing too too crazy - mostly the little guys and some sparklers, which were plenty. Being a New York City family, we were content to leave the major pyrotechnics in the hands of the the experts. Virtuosic East River displays aside, blowing stuff up is cool when you're young and bored, so my grandfather's resourcefulness was met with great enthusiasm by my brother and me.

As a grown-up I usually prefer to get outta dodge on the holidays that involve a lot of public revelry, but since I'm gearing up for an epic West Coast trip, it seemed best to stay in town for the weekend. Fortunately, I'm not alone and am looking forward to some local backyard grilling and rooftop fireworks watching. Like I said though, I'll be back tomorrow to launch another explosive 20x200 edition, so look for me then.