hey jud

I want this job.

More correctly, that would be long-time friends, though it certainly didn't feel like so many years had passed since we first visited the red house up on the hill.

Our usual July 4th involves the 1812 Overture, crowds and fireworks but this year was different. We got an early start, and while I waited for Peter at Government Center I watched a preparade flag raising as an operatic tenor sang the Star Spangled Banner. With perfect timing, the flag just reached the top of the pole at the words, 'home of the brave'. Then in the afternoon we arrived at a band concert on the village green too late for anything but the finale, another rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, where we saluted the raised flag. Those two quiet moments provided the 4th with more meaning than all the spectacles of the past years.

Events of the weekend were well documented since three out of the four of us had digital cameras. Porches were sat on and horseshoes were played. Favorite spots were revisited, shopping was done and good eating followed. Even my bluefish craving (I know, I know, it's usually on Nantucket not in VT) was satisfied with the following recipe:

• 1/2 lb. smoked bluefish
• 2 tbsp. chopped shallots
• 2-3 tbsp. softened butter
• 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
• 3 tbsp. finely minced parsley
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• salt and freshly ground pepper

Break up the smoked bluefish into bits with your fingers and blend it. Combine fish with shallots, butter, cream cheese and 2 tbsp. parsley. Season with lemon juice and salt and pepper. Thin, if desired, with heavy cream to a smooth consistency. Sprinkle the top with remaining chopped parsley. (Chris note the lemon juice. I knew I was missing something when I told you what was in it.)

The best thing about this weekend was how relaxing it all was, just like coming home again. Long-time friends can do that for you.

More on our family's favorite fish.

First sighted on the lawns of Brookline, these unusual birds have now made their way to Charlestown and specifically Monument Square. Will the neighbors be aghast like some were in Brookline or will they simply join the fun and add to the flock?

Funny what extraneous stuff gets in your head during a workout, like noticing the perfectly balanced view from this machine, ruined by the lines right down the middle that made me see the sign cross-eyed. It's this bit of distraction though, that gets me through the circuit.

There's not much better than a summer weekend in the country when all the family gets together.

After reading the buzz about Queer Eye for the Straight Guy in yesterday's paper, I realize that we caught the very first show, unlike our usual TV adventures where a show has been cancelled before we're even aware of it. So we're feeling edgy and cool today, or at least this morning. The thing is, we know it's just a fluke. And that reminds me of the pizza by the same name at Marin BrewCo, so tonight we'll celebrate our edginess with grilled "It's a Fluke" pizza. I'm off to get the new and highly recommended electric grill right now.

Standing at the base of the Bunker Hill Monument with my camera pointed up, two young boys zoomed by me on their scooters. As he passed, one shouted "It's a great sight, ain't it?" and I agreed.

Six months later things are not going that well.