62. July 9th, 2011 Picture.

Saturday night Ratty and I headed back down to Hull to spend the night at my Uncle Paul's house.  Since Ratty wasn't able to make it to the impromptu party on Thursday, it was casually suggested that we stay at the house on Saturday night, guaranteeing Ratty's opportunity to hang out with some Downey cousins who were in from out of town.  We headed down to the Gunny [short for Gunrock, named after the beach across the street] and spent the night drinking beers and playing darts.  It was pretty low key, the Gunny is a total dive, but it was really fun.  Judging by this score card I *think* I won at Cricket, but it's kinda hard to tell plus my memory is a touch fuzzy since it was almost a year ago.  All I remember was that I kept hitting bullseyes but couldn't get a 17 to save my life.

After spending the majority of the night playing darts and watching my Uncle Paul run the pool table, we headed back to the house for some good porch hanging.  Susan had made a batch of Sangria the night before, and by Sangria I mean she just threw in odds and ends from various liquors into a pitcher and added red wine.  It was interesting to say the least, but we all drank it anyway.  We stayed up far too late, chatting and listening to music, but that's what happens when everyone is having so much fun!

62. July 8th, 2011 Picture.

July 8th was a Friday, and it was also the night of my friend Mark's surprise 30th birthday party!  You all remember Jamie's 30th I'm sure, well it was Mark who put that whole shindig together, and this time it was Jamie's turn to return the favor!

We headed to Barlows in Southie, where we had a group of tables reserved in the bar.  I'd carpooled with Ratty, Erin, Butchie and Kevin, who had all been at my apartment prior for some pre-party adult bevvies.  

Jamie did a pretty fab setting this whole baby up, there were tons of flair and even a Polaroid cut out for us all to pose with.  You'll see what I mean below.  There were LOTS of photo ops.

SURPRISE!  We were actually on the other side of the bar at this point, so Mark's eyes were darting around, trying to figure out, first off, where the noise was coming from and second, who we were screaming for.  He was pretty shocked when he realized it was all for him!

Yay!  Party time!

So much flair.

Get my Polaroid description now?!

Jamie went to great lengths to create a really awesome party.  There were faux lips for us all to pose with, noisemakers, buttons, Mardi Gras beads, you name it, she had it!

Strangely, this mustache actually works on Butchie.  I could see him having one in real life!

Oh hayy Justin Bieber!  Casual cameo.

Me and Kev!

It was a really fun evening, where we all celebrated Mark, drank beer, took silly photos and ate way too much delicious cake!  When the party decided to move locations and hit up Lucky's next door, Ratty and I said our goodbyes and headed over to Eastern Standard to meet up with some of his friends from college.  Oh the life of the popular crew - it's so hard being us!

62. July 7th, 2011 Picture.

Since my family will pretty much jump at the chance to hang out, no special occasion required, it seemed pretty fitting that we would have an impromptu get together at my Uncle Paul's house in Hull on a Thursday night.  I mean, why not right?!  A few of my cousins were home [they live in Florida, Virginia and Canada], so I guess it wasn't completely random, but getting cousins together from all over the area on a weeknight with limited notice is no easy fete.  It's summer - who cares about work or responsibilities!  The days are longer, the sun is brighter, the weather is warmer, it's impossible to be in a bad mood when the weather is gorgeous.  I just love it.

Unfortunately, Ratty wasn't able to go, though that didn't stop me from calling him and telling him to hop on the ferry and I would pick him up at the Shipyard, I think I had him for about 10 seconds before he thought better of the idea.  Oh well, I tried!

We spent the whole night laughing, eating, drinking and staring off into the fantastic view from my Uncle's porch.  Seriously, I am not sure if there is anything better.  I'll have to research this and get back to you.

I think this has to be one of my favorite porches of all time.  It's the perfect party porch! 

I cannot wait for summer to get here - I am itching for the warm weather and all the awesome other things that summer brings!

62. July 6th, 2011 Picture.

Now that our apartment is somewhat set up, let's take a little tour, shall we?

This is our coffee corner.  We love our coffee.

Kitchenaid Mixer is finally out of the box!  YES!

The first and only piece of artwork hanging on our wall.  I've talked about this picture at length, which you can read about here.

Our bed, complete with our amazing brick wall, which is pretty much the only decoration you need!

And finally, the ONE closet that both Ratty and I share.  One.  Just one.  This should be interesting...

62. July 5th, 2011 Picture.

Check out my plants I snagged at the farmers market!  We've got Thyme, Rosemary and Mint.  We have really wide window ledges, so I plan on making one into a little apartment garden.  Let's hope I don't kill them!

Full disclosure: I do.