Not to make light of the flooding, but I find it hilarious that the pool was in a lake, and E was floating along on a pool floaty and splashing through the lake.  (It wasn’t sewage this time, as the sewage canal somehow didn’t overflow.)  But there were waterbugs in the lake–now how did they get there?

Anyway, Birthday Beer and Boating (with Badminton out front) went splashingly!  I walked over and set up, with some help.  I tried to make it extra festive.  I was exhausted by the time people showed up, so I adjourned to the pool with beer.  By then Avdi had pumped out much of the lake, so one could squish over to the pool.  E baked a gorgeous (and I assume delicious) birthday pie (“we really do like pie”) and luscious brownies.  I baked oatmeal cookies.  Lots of people brought lots of good food.  Badminton did occur after all, out front, as mentioned.  Avdi eventually got to relax with beer!

The best part of our little mini-community is how it has turned into a safe place for friends and kids’ friends all across the queer spectrum or neurodiverse spectrum to hang out and feel at home.  They always have intelligent conversations around the patio table, or just have fun.  The main thing is trust and support are being built.  Gradually more friends join us.  Diversity with common ground is strong medicine!  I love to be a part of it.

Notice I didn’t mention 4th of July once.  And I did not fall on my face one single time!  A success!