4th of July in Eastern North Carolina

Attended Guinness Book of World Records biggest bun ceremony in Union Point Park.  Anticlimactic, as it was really hard to see; the goings-on probably should have been elevated on a platform. I did get one pre-reveal picture of the sacred bun, still enshrouded in plastic wrap. 

Dignitaries spoke.  The bun was measured and authenticated, then laden with Eastern North Carolina barbecue (like pulled pork, but with a vinegar-y sauce added by the individual diner) and cole slaw, until it achieved the record-breaking weight:  over 1000 pounds.

 

 We vamoosed soon after.  Spent most of the afternoon in the hammock, reading and watching wildlife (rabbits, hummingbirds, herons--no gators, though allegedly a four-footer was spotted in the creek last week!).  That night, we parked the pick-up in a vacant lot "in the darkness on the edge of town," in the words of Bruce Springsteen.  Many other cars and families gathered there, "beneath that giant Outback sign," to paraphrase, this time, B. Springsteen. Watched fireworks from lawn chairs set up in the truck bed, toasting Independence.

Projects done, and bun fun

The old deck has been removed.
The septic tank has been located
And pumped, and so improved.
We are elated.
Now onward to a redesign
Of a new deck--it should be fine.

The brick steps, now revealed, will be 

Surrounded by herbs eventually. 

Miss Shannon worked her seamstress magic
On sunroom cushions--love the fabric.

 Before, and after:

With cooler air, and higher water,
Boating will be an option later.

We're looking forward to big fun
On July 4th: the largest bun
In all the world will be displayed
Here in New Bern--no parade,
But music and fireworks for everyone.

Happy Independence Day
To our friends across the U.S.A.