A Capitol Fouth

Independence day in the nation's capitol is fun. And exhausting. And hot. And fun. And hot. And hot. Did I mention hot and fun?

It was my second year for celebrating here in Washington, D.C. and very memorable. My new friend and co-worker Morgan (she's from Texas! Woo!) spent the weekend with me and that in itself was loads of fun. The weekend started out with a white-water inner tubing trip down the Potomac on Friday and a concert on the Capitol lawn.

It was so bright outside!

Saturday was busy, but fun. We spent the majority or the day preparing for the bbq that we were hosting. The Southerner in me really comes out when I am hosting an event that involves food.

The picture is a little blurry, but this was an AMAZING cake.

Then to the day's main focus...fireworks. We had a great group and a great spot for the fireworks on the National Mall. We were right under the Washington Monument and about 200 yards from where they were shooting off the fireworks. The night would not have been complete without the amazing American tradition of apple pie.

Melissa, Rachel and I waiting for the crowd to disappear before making sardined metro ride home.

Ok, I know that it has been, well, possibly forever since I last blogged. Why you might ask? Well, my life is just that interesting.
*note the sarcasm

I have been busy though. I have made it a goal to blog more, so hopefully this won't be the last time you hear from me in the next six months. This summer has been quite amazing, I must say. I have been busy with my garden, traveling, working and just having a good time with new and old friends. My garden started out almost like an experiment because I have never had a garden of my very own.

About two weeks after everything was planted

I used a few different techniques (including lasagna gardening...so cool!) to be able to pull off having a garden in such a limited space and it has turned out quite nice. It is small, but fertile. Rather, it is the perfect size for me right now.

My first strawberry crop. They were so sweet!

The three amigos

My garden included strawberries (in pots), a yellow squash (later killed by squirrel), a zucchini, a big beef tomato, a cherry tomato, a heirloom tomato, two jalapenos, three bell peppers, a cantaloupe, and a bunch of herbs. Everything has been extremely plentiful. I will not admit to use of steroids, although I have been accused by some.

My first, and rather large, tomato

Overall, this has been a great experience. I never thought I would get as excited as I do when I have a plentiful harvest. I am also getting VERY creative in my cooking in order to use all of the veggies that I have. Who knew that cherry tomatoes could be so versatile?

I am thinking of planting a pumpkin plant for the fall, just to try it. What do you think?

80s Party--Livin' on a Prayer--

My friend Sarah hosted another great 80s party. We rocked out to Springsteen, Madonna, etc...what a fun night!