A fabulous Southern Food Potluck for Z's birthday that went into the wee hours of the morning with music and laughter. We are again energized by the pure enthusiasm our friends have for potlucks hosted at our house and we hope these events become more frequent. We made shrimp and grits (thanks to Z's mom Sarah's recipe), and there were multiple types of biscuits, cornbreads, sweet potatoes, chili, and Z's famous chocolate layer cake.
A night of dressing up and socializing at our friend Christo's house, who happens to share the same birthday as Z! The most exciting part was that these clothes were covered up by 100% waterproofing (raincoats, rain pants, and rain boots), as we walked about a mile to his house in pouring rain. We loved it, splashing along, and were reminded that as long as you're prepared for it, rain can be fun.
Monday night we went to the Publick House for Z's actual birthday. We really indulged, as one should on her 30th, with a huge plate of mussels, gourmet mac and cheese, and rabbit (!), all paired with four equally indulgent Belgian beers. We took the train home. We will also take you here when you visit;)
Wednesday I gave a much-feared research seminar to my department, a summary of the research I have done in the last year and a half here at Harvard. It was so well received that 10+ people stayed after the talk to ask me additional questions, and it was noted that I had the most discussion during my seminar (questions are encouraged as the talk is being given) of any post-doc in the 3+ years that this series has been occurring, a good indication that people were engaged and interested in the talk. Maybe it helped that I wore a leprechaun hat with redorange braids for part of the seminar?
My seminar was followed by an evening of celebration: playing Irish music on our friends' porch and drinking Guinness at Doyle's Irish pub! Our band (shown here at Z's bday party) consists of a violin, accordion, guitar, and banjo and when we're not playing Irish music we're playing contra dance music.
Thursday and Friday are tough because they are Z's days off, while I'm still supposed to go to work! We at least try to have a nice relaxing breakfast together and this was our first opportunity to enjoy our time together on the back porch. I was then off to host a monthly science seminar that I organize called the Boston area yeast meeting (a gathering of grad students and post-docs discussing their yeast related research over pizza and beer).
Friday was a special surprise, I got to meet up with my college friend Kate Dugan who was in town discussing the book she co-edited (during her Masters in Divinity at Harvard) titled, From the Pews in the Back: Young Women and Catholicism. I really enjoyed the opportunity to watch her talk and discuss the her work to a community of Evolved Catholics (my term) called the Spirit of Life Community. This group has separated from the local churches, but very much consider themselves Catholic. They celebrate mass with married priests, women priests, married gay and lesbian couples, divorced individuals, theologians and other Catholics who can not celebrate in a church that excludes such people. Their community is open and welcoming and you could feel the joy that surrounds their choice to evolve their faith.
Saturday we bookended our week with even more community - a picnic gathering of friends, dogs (oh how we want a dog), food, and frisbee. Has it really been since October since we saw some of these faces last?!! I cannot help but think of Mayday this weekend and Sprout! Life! Sun! SUn! SUN! SUN!!
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