First Fourth Downunder 4-7-04

Original email Fourth of July, 2004

Happy Independence day to all my fellow Americans!
it's the end of the day here, and Danny & I had a very different 4th than i've ever had before. of course it's an unheard-of holiday here.
we went to a boatclub for lunch-- with some friends for Kate's birthday. so nice to sit outside and listen to Beatles' songs butchered by the amature guitarist onstage. ahh...goodtimes.

When we left, we went to the Smith parents' house for afternoon tea, (which doesn't mean we necessarily drink tea at all -- only if you like. it simply means a very light meal or collection of snacks around 3 in the afternoon.) Was I in for a surprise! Pam & Geoff (Danny's mum & dad) -- they really wanted to make me feel at home and celebrate the 4th of July for me. So a Large American Flag hung over the window and a home-made apple pie with stars punched into the top sat on the table! Pam had heard how much my family enjoys eating artichokes together, so she cooked three of them for us. I had to explain to everyone how to eat them...kept them mildly interested for a few minutes, but Danny & I ate nearly all 3 of the mysterious vegetables just between the 2 of us.
Later at night, Geoff brought out the sparklers and little noisemakers, and a bunch of us played with them in the front yard, just like kids.
of course, it was nothing like the crowded streets and lit-up skies and the smell of tons of bugspray on the air that i'm used to on this patriotic holiday. But it was the sweetest gesture, and it made me smile a lot.

Danny and I hope your fourth is fun, and that this week is full of unexpected kindnesses and joys for you.