The 4th of July was strangely quiet in our hood since our city sensibly outlawed fireworks due to the drought.  I really missed watching the redneck firework show with folks blowing off fingers and losing an eye, all in the comforts of your own front yard.  Even the boybarians are asking when it's gonna rain again...  Nevertheless, we grilled dogs and burgers and made it to the pool for a restful and uneventful 4th.  No complaints.

I am reading a fabulous book right now:  Diana Gabaldon's The Scottish Prisoner.  It is wonderful and rich in language (Gaelic, French, etc.), impressive vocabulary (e.g. pusillanimous!), historical detail (1700's), and political intrigue surrounding those pesky and rebellious Scottish Jacobites who refuse to be put to the sword by the ruthless English.  I especially love the male protagonist, the earthy Scottish Jamie Fraser who is a man to be reckoned with-if you dare.  The opening scene of Jamie in the barn desperately missing Claire is, well, hotttt.....  Puts 50 Shades to shame, frankly-without gory bodily fluids, I might add.  At one point in the novel Jamie has to confess to a monk about his temptation for fornication and the monk, in all his wisdom, prescribes, "Cold baths.  And reading..."  Mr B just rolled his eyes when I helpfully suggested this remedy. 

Later today I'm off to Target to find some turquoise nail polish and a few MILF accessories for my walk of shame to see Magic Mike as well as to rethink my wardrobe options for a fish fry on Saturday.  Not sure how MILF'ish one should be for greasy hush puppies, But I know the competition is gonna be stiff ... and stylish.  I am carefully mulling my fashion statement...

Well, I'm off for my morning constitutional with the four footed Good Child. 

Stay cool...and pray for rain!