(Community Matters) Perfect ending to a lazy Fourth of July weekend. Nico (my 9yo godson) and I joined Lauren (my 10yo goddaughter – the two consider themselves godsiblings) and her daddy,
my close friend, Kent Mayes at the KDK Ranch outside Llano. Unfortunately, Janet Harman, Kevin, David and Kelly left earlier for other family obligations, sorry to have missed them.
It’s quite nice here. Never got around to fishing, though we did take a long tour of the property, played some pool, played in the pool, checked out the horses, read, watched Wimbeldon, grilled and played three board games. One would think I’d have learned to chill at Monopoly or PayDay, but I can’t help it. Anyhow, I was generous with loans before foreclosing.
My last cigar – not bad under a brilliant sky of stars overlooking the Texas Hill Country. I’ve promised Steven I’d quit (again) after the July 4th weekend. I’d probably be rehearsing an excuse why that didn’t end last night if it wasn’t such a perfect setting. Anyhow, I’m likely to be extra ornery the next few weeks, so fair warning.
Michael Mitchell & I have been blogging open kimono about Lance’s book, It’s Not About the Bike, at http://squirrelsintheattic.info/. Stephen Walls opts in with beautifully candid comments – we all adore Stephen and Denny Biggs. Launched the Fourth in Nirvana hosted by Fathers Bill & Amy. Tana & Joe Christie didn’t have their 4th celebration this year, though they generouosly offered a germ free setting for MM to view the fireworks – alas grandchildren running fevers don’t take timing cues – and maybe this weekend has really been everyone celebrating the Senator’s 75th. Jill & Stephen (I prefer calling him judge yelenosky these days) still share their ringside garden. Amy & Ian Davis entertain big in that style that reminds me of the best of our 20s & 30s, and their guests included Texans for Obama royalty as well as new DNC staffers. Our neighbors organize terrific parades, and at the speed of light lazer-beamed focused by my husband organize a smart response to a conniving, lying slumlord. Tada – always to the rescue on property issues – even on a holiday weekend, sorry Lori – thanks Jason Heffron. I imagine Mandy Dealey’s deck was a beautiful outdoor salon overlooking the fireworks from Mt. Barker, and hope she’ll invite us there again this summer. Massages, facials, lunch and the pool at Lake Austin Spa didn’t suck. Barbara Engel presented a poached salmon unlike any I’ve ever witnessed, and bake, good gosh the only thing better is spending the evening with her, Rachel & Feferman. The Fourth on the deck of Waterbury House on Salt Spring Island – good gosh, miss that place. Though, in fact we celebrate the first (Canada Day) there. 
Hoping everyone enjoyed a bit of friends, a bit of family, time in the pool and around the table with kids, some open air in Texas’ bigness, and their literal or proverbial fireworks this Fourth of July weekend.
big hugs,
e
Community Matters 