On Friday, July 4, The White Rabbit hosted a barbecue at his place. The festivities continued Saturday, because some people don't get time off for federal holidays.

( Games, food and fireworks (with pics and video). )

Once more, viewers spared American Idol finalist Jason Castro, who has secured a fan base with his sunny personality and pleasant, if unremarkable, vocals.

( Who headed home? )

I was sufficiently recovered from my cold this weekend to play Confed, the role-playing game created by The Cheshire Cat, who also serves as GM. This was a special session, held because our friend, The Court Wizard, was in town.

( Read how the Vandervecken crew tracked down a pirate assassin. )

It's been a long time since The Gryphon and I played Confed, which is the accepted nickname for Confederation, the role-playing game created by our friend, The Cheshire Cat, who also serves as GM.

( Cookie, anyone? How about a rail gun? )

Sunday afternoon, we went to a matinee of Avenue Q at the Forrest Theatre. We went with a group of people but got our tickets separately so that everyone could get the seats they wanted at the range they wanted. The idea was to meet up afterwards and have dinner together.

( My review of the show. )