Fabulous Fourth

Festivus Fourth

Well, it’s been a great three-day weekend, and I’m sad to see it end so so soon. The holiday went by so fast all I remember was laughing a lot and eating a lot. Joy!

Oh, happy day

Christine and Bobby say give peace a chance

I was invited to hang out with Christine’s boyfriend’s family on the holiday. Bob Sr. cooked for us, so we sat back and enjoyed the company. I had it easy: bring the watermelon and some ice. No problem! My sister made divine homemade brownies and brought some refreshing wine. I was spoiled by the riches.

Bloody brawl, anyone?

For anyone not of the blood-sport, wrasslin’ nation, Saturday was a Big-Fight-Night.

I’ve learned about Mixed Martial Arts, courtesy of Bob Jr. and his family of MMA fans. Talk about a fierce clan. Bob Sr. is determined to take out all the old people with his powerful “guns.” Go, Bob! His daughters could whip a boy into submission in seconds flat. (It helps that they’re beautiful.)

I got all hyped up watching grown men grab each other’s body parts, so I rushed home to work on my plumbing. Seriously! Get your minds outta there, please.

Faucet fanatic

I’ve had a rotten faucet in my master bathroom for going on a year now. I finally got motivated to buy a new one and install it my own self. So there.

Old faucet out, new one goes in

With all my pent up energy, the job went like clockwork, even if it was midnight. I had the old faucet out and the new one in place inside 30 minutes. Not too shabby!

I was tickled pink until I realized the cold handle on my cheap-o unit had a flaw … a leaky flaw. So, my quickie plumbing job grew by another 30 minutes, as I gave some frustrated yanks on the fixture and got it deinstalled. I crashed at 2:30 a.m. before my ridiculous brain tried to figure out where the 24-hour Home Despot was located (we do have those out here).

I exchanged the bad for good Sunday morning and had it installed in 15 minutes. Champion Plumber Chick!!

Sunday Sated Sunday

My friend Iris called Sunday and we trekked to Newport Beach’s Back Bay for some kayaking. We paddled our way around the quiet waterway with only the jets overhead daring to intrude. After 90 minutes of rowing around the currents, we washed up and headed to Newport Beach for cocktails. We took a chance on a local bar called Billy’s. Who knew Sunday night was The Night to be at Billy’s?

We squeezed our way into the tiny outdoor patio, ordered mojitos and gabbed with the locals. It was a surprising mix of regular folks sprinkled with the “plastic” set (outrageous boobs, hair extensions and lip enhancements).

Considering we’d spent the afternoon on the water, Iris and I ordered steamed clams and a poke “cocktail” of ahi on lettuce. Both dishes were great, with plenty of flavor. We had cheese bread to soak up the clam juice. Our bartenders kept things lively for us with tales of woe as they muddled a second round. We weren’t buying it. But the photos (and the drinks) turned out great.

Iris preps her Scrambler for launch

What a way to spend Sunday

Sam cruises in her “Scrambler” kayak

Ryan calls his friend who owns a vineyard (Iris loves wine)

Dave and Tim demonstrate bartender muddling

Mojito, all gone

Old faucet out, new one goes in

Christine and Bobby say give peace a chance