To many Americans Independence day is a highlight of the month of July. No matter how more or less devoted to their country people might consider themselves on this particular holiday everyone is quite a patriot. Given the privilege of living in this country, Steve and I did not miss our chance to join the nationwide celebration this year. We became a part of an all-American-style barbecue organized and hosted by our friends Katie and Jonathan. It was a wonderful evening that we spent with our friends. Although we had hoped it would also end with some cool fireworks. And I must say, I did not expect it to be so quiet.... we only saw a couple splashes in the sky. Oh well, we got it all made up to us once we came back home - firework shots wouldn't calm down till midnight! I suppose South Pasadena people thought it worthwhile 'blowing up' some extra money:):):)