Happy 4th of July - Scotland Style!

The plan was to baptize our new PostGrad Grill with fire - and boy did we!  Thanks to Garrick Allen and his wife Andrea we had a humdinger of a 4th down on the beach at East Sands.  Here's the evidence:

Upon arrival the first thing I see is Micah hacking away at a downed pine tree with a shovel.  (this does not bode well...)  Turns out he was in charge of firewood for the proposed bonfire.  Only thing, here in Scotland, most wood is damp - whether it's cured or not - but that did not deter Micah from his grand designs.

The sun wasn't all that cooperative but the rain held off so we gathered and grilled.  There were Americans and honorary Americans in attendance.  The invitees came from far beyond the halls of St Mary's College - we even let in people from Mid-History!  Heavens!!!

'The Bring a Dish to Share Stash' was precariously positioned on the Allen's folding kitchen table but nobody complained.  There were even imported Reese's Pieces for dessert nibbles!

Good shot of the grill - no idea who the guy in the red is except that he was from the US so we let him stay and amuse us with his grilling ability... and he'd brought extra burgers.

Micah with the beginnings of the bon-smoker!  Eventually it did get blazing but never to the standards that might require a quick extinction.

The Tooman's brought flags to mark our territory but there was no Budweiser in sight.

 Party in full swing with the tide going out.  

The Grill was constantly busy even if the combined smoke from the bon-smoker and grill brought tears to some eyes. 

 Just in case you were asking.

 And then things turned serious 

(Sean Cook, Sam Adams, and Bill Tooman discussing technical exegetical stuff - always makes people grumpy).

 And then it got cold and windy (Sheree wrapped up in my rain coat and a blanket)

And then the fog rolled in so thick we couldn't even see the water anymore. Luckily the smells from the grill kept us all orientated toward the party and no one was lost in the thick Scottish mist.

-----

Did not get photographic evidence of the following but it is a true and faithful narrative:  Two of the male American guests decided we needed fireworks but none were found.  So, true to their visionary heritage they decided to improvise and make something that would blow up.  One bang, they thought, would be better than no bang at all. 

Off to one side of the gathering (and without much fanfare) they dug a small hole, inserted what looked like a plastic bottle of drain cleaner and then fiddled with something in the top of the bottle.  All this was done with the cautious enthusiasm of a 10 year old building his first science fair volcano.  With the fuse lit they backed away and waited... and waited... approached with some caution... and waited... and looked closer... and waited...

When it was finally determined that either the fog and wind were conspiring against the celebration or the Draino didn't have the proper concentration of whatever acid was needed to produce the appropriate combustion, one for the boys carefully dug up the bomb and, carrying it between two sticks, deposited it in the nearest rubbish bin.

When he sheepishly returned to the group I said, "You do realize you are in a country who's police force is specifically trained to deal with rubbish bin bombs, don't you? You could be facing an extended visa of 20-30 years..."  There was a moment of consideration. Then I continued, "or an honorary membership in the IRA!" 

To follow up - I checked the police blotter today but no mention of any sky-rocketing rubbish bins so I think we are all clear to continue our quiet stay in the country.  Happy 4th of July Everyone!