The fireworks show at the Space Needle must have been programmed by a woman this year. Instead of a dramatic countdown leading up to one big bang, we had seven minutes of slow buildup, punctuated by minor climaxes, leading to a long satisfying final spectacle.

Afterwards, walking back, I saw a well dressed woman outside the Fourth and Battery Building with a big carry-on suitcase, changing out of white high heels into black high heels.