I think it was the 4th of July

The Fourth of July is different in winter. First we held ours on July 2 because it was Saturday, and we all had to work on Monday, the actual 4th.

But even though it was freezing, we were determined to do it right. Obviously, we couldn't do it totally right because we were missing warm weather, a pool, lake, or body of water, summer, marshmallows, and American flags, but we did our best.

Nels and Derek just moved into a great new apartment, so they graciously agreed to host our gathering. I arrived early so we could start on more US time at 7. And you know what? We got that party started with...a haircut. I've been telling Derek for months now that I could/would cut his hair. I mean I did it once in the hallways of Stuart Hall at UD, so I'm perfectly capable. And yes, I did reveal the details of my own botched bang job in Chile. But Derek has long-man hair, so I felt confident. And he looks great. Success.

The night was filled with laughter, music, storytelling, and gathering around the heater. And though we missed the oohing and aahing of fireworks, we had a rip roaring good time.  We ate cheeseburgers and really mayonaisey potato salad, and we celebrated The United States of America. And between the club remixes that Karina played on Grooveshark, I got my Mellencamp and American Pie requests in. Cause what's a 4th of July without Mellencamp?

Christmas in the summer will have nothing on us.

derek's i'm scared face

the 4th of july dinner crew (and derek's arm)

the chef who made it all happen with a limited kitchen

showing off the new loft

something about clowns, thongs, and alleys

te-kill-ya

cheers...note it is not coffee in those mugs

sometimes people sit on glass tables and they break

and you have to take measurements with a piece of string

and sometimes on the 4th of July in Argentina you have to hump the heater for warmth