Lately

First of all, I am happy to report that I am now thrice "Auntie Monica".  Congratulations to Susan and Adam on the birth of Claire Susannah Krenn!  She was born just before 7PM on July 5th (great birthday month if I do say so myself) and from what I can tell from the limited screen quality of my Nokia flip phone, she is a beauty!  

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That said, my own birthday passed nearly a week ago and was celebrated the only way a girl from Nebraska could ask for upon entering her 27th year:  with a huge 20 oz New York strip steak from "Rays the Steaks."  Don't worry, Patrick and I split.  I am also the proud owner of this amazing machine:

... which can only mean future posts on pasta making to come!  I'm thinking ravioli, pappardelle, angel-hair, cannelloni, lasagna, tortellini... that's a good start.

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Also, like every year, we celebrated the Fourth of July with a bang.  Or several bangs that is...

We decided to brave the crowds and met some friends at the National Mall to watch the fireworks.  We found an ideal spot right between the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument which provided a great view of the fireworks overlooking the Lincoln Memorial.  In fact, we were so close that some of the ashes and debris were raining down on us during the show.

Overall, it was a great day filled with all the typical Fourth of July fare: a picnic, bug bites, crowds, a smattering of rain, "I'm Proud to Be an American" and "Born in the USA" blaring in the background, some Uncle Sam look-alike... and best of all, NO WORK!

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In other news, Patrick and I, being the wild and crazy spontaneous couple that we are, went window shopping for a new sofa a couple weeks ago and somehow managed to come home with a leather sectional which now fills our living room with love.  Check out the before and after...

BEFORE

AFTER

What can I say?  We decided to abandon chic for comfort.  Did I mention that two of the seats on the side against the wall recline?  It's a beautiful thing.

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And finally, who else is excited for HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 to be released next week?

oo,