The Independence Day holiday came early to the farm, in the form of tonight’s storm that underperformed in needed rainfall but blew up the sky in one of the most spectacular lightning shows I’ve seen in years.

I spent half an hour steps from the porch as the sky went nuts around and behind Buck Mountain and green fireflies rose out of the pasture and flashed around me.

It was an impressive show that’s left me a bit stunned by the beauty that began with a sunset so seamlessly gradated it looked Photoshopped. I feel no need to go anywhere for Fourth of July fireworks: I’ve already seen mine, right in my own front yard.