firecracker firecracker, boom boom boom

Happy um, 4th of July, everybody! I apologize for the delayed Independence Day wishes but I've been a busy girl the past few days. Last night I hosted my second annual rooftop fireworks viewing party and it required a bit o' prep work. The result, I'm happy to report, was a success, if I do say so myself.

I have a stunning view of lower Manhattan on the roof of my building. The Macy's fireworks set off on a barge near the South Street Seaport were this close to us. My apartment is tiny, the fixtures need updating and the occasional unwanted visitor gives me pause but I have to say that my location, particularly on the Fourth, makes my exorbitant rent worthwhile.

So yes, the party went well, despite the size of my studio and the amount of bodies packed into it before and after the fireworks show. It was, uh, cozy. Yeah, cozy. That's the word.

Mmm... The Lovely Jess made the most kick-ass guacamole I've ever had the good fortune to eat. Stephanie made an awesome cilantro salad with a most intoxicating aroma. Zoe hooked me up with a delicious batch o' homemade potato salad and Ruth came bearing chocolate chip cookies that almost gave me the big "O" after one bite. I and my guests were well fed, yo. Thanks to everyone who graced me with gifts of food and beverage and most importantly -- your company. 'Twas much appreciated.

Mama and Papa McDimple even made a showing! My ma, despite her thick Scottish accent and abiding love and devotion to her ancestral land, was wearing a shirt that said: AMERICA. Perhaps it's the PMS talking but it was so damn cute, I could just cry right now. My father entered my abode toting vodka, gin, flavored crisps (potato chips for you Yanks) and two bottles of wine in a Green Bay Packers duffel bag. Not sure where he acquired that since we were always a Giants household but whatevs. Who am I to quibble when the contents were so savory? Oh and there's also the matter of me not really giving a rat's ass about football...

I really love watching my friends interact with my parents. They are always mutually smitten. During a private chat, my father complimented me on the company I keep and that, to me, is high and valuable praise, indeed. Good stuff. Oh, and if memory serves me correctly, I only had to do one Scottish to American translation for one of my friends. Otherwise, there was no "language" barrier. As my da would say, brilliant!

Unlike last year, I didn't take any pictures of the fireworks because my efforts one year ago yielded this unfortunate result. Linus, however, had two cameras and tripods on hand to catch this year's impressive display from atop my roof (right).

If you haven't checked out Linus's photostream, I urge you to do so right this very instant. His pictures take my breath away. Linus lives just a few blocks from me so he photographs a lot of the sights I see just about every day. Despite my familiarity with some of his subjects, I still gasp, squeal and clasp my hands together in wonder at his unique and gifted perspective.

Linus also has one of them there blogs and if his way with a lens isn't enough to make you envious, the man crafts words in ways that will stimulate your intellect one moment and break your heart the next.

He also knows his way around a beer selection. I'm currently enjoying his contribution to last night's festivities: Dead Guy Ale. Linus, this shit is good! My subsequent buzz is as robust and full-bodied as this delicious brew. Thank you!!!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to crack open another one...