We once again fulfilled the role of sole Brits at a barbecue with the Muckers and Murnanes, where cocktails and jingoistic humour flowed freely. I got in on the japes by replacing the US flag hanging outside their house with the more traditional red, white and blue one, only to be roundly condemned by two-year-old Claire! She didn't like that flag, and I had to put the other one back. Even Vince's suggestion that I could fly it for an hour met with a hostile response, so as she looked on with arms folded I replaced the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes again. Ha!
After that, grillmaster Vince spoiled us with his barbecued corn, beef, and hotdogs, while Jack followed up with oysters. Unfortunately we had to leave to get back to the (hot) north before the traditional watching of The Big Lebowski and accompanying White Russians. It was the usual, fabulous American holiday. This land is their land, etc.
Um, no, this land is my land, says Claire.
Further indoctrination.
She did, however, want to join in with the paper-chain making (royal wedding party leftovers).
Jim and I enjoy a little frisbee dog before lunch.
Texan rock star chick Claire looks on.
Vince grills before the flag (demoted to the back of the house from the front). I was waiting for a spark to "accidentally" leap off the barbecue and ignite it.
Jack finds a convenient tray to hold his food and drink.
Posing with our American cousins. They were honoured...and then ritually expelled us from their house (until next time, at least).
