July 4th Weekend

This weekend brought the first sunny days in a long time, which was kinda nice because it just wouldn't feel like the 4th without some really intense sun, heat, mosquitoes, and humidity (actually it was relatively cool and bug-free, so it wasn't quite like what I'm used to...).

The weekend began with a project to re-pot Seth's 15-year-old spider plant, Fido. It hadn't been looking quite as bushy and green as it did in its hey-day, and since it was probably on a downward spiral I did the only thing I could think of--I chopped back the monstrous roots and gave it fresh soil. Not yet sure if it worked.

So freaky

The new Fido

Friday marked the one-year anniversary of returning to the US, which was a bit of a downer because I still haven't found real work yet. In fact, on Friday I sent out an application for my most hopeful job yet (a short-term field assistant position in South Africa), and on Saturday I was notified the position was already filled. Kinda annoying the posting was not removed from the internet after it was filled.

Saturday, however, turned out to be fun. I joined Seth's sister, Chrissy, and Jens and Erik to Prospect Hill Park for some family fun: jumping castles, pony rides, and a wildlife demonstration, led by a Steve Irwin type guy with a job to be jealous of.

In the afternoon Seth and I went to Brookline for a BBQ and in the evening I whipped up some veggie bean burgers and we met Chrissy and Co. in Newton to watch the local fireworks. It would have been great to go to downtown Boston to see the big one, but that would have required much more time and planning. Newton was nice and cute, however--they did that thing where they shoot off just one or two at a time, followed by a last-minute flurry.

Cindy showing off her flag cake

Post flag cake

The Newton fireworks

Seth 'amazing' the Meyers with his bean burger

Yesterday I went into Cambridge and met up with Bo, Natalie, and a friend from high school who was visiting for the weekend. I hadn't seen her in three years so that was also a nice outing.

Oh, and on Sunday I baked my first blueberry pie. I originally wanted to try making one with a pretty lattice crust, but I figure the graham cracker crust was more practical, although it burned and looks ugly... and the blueberries dried up in the oven. I will need more practice.