The kids had their last full day of school today. Robert and I met his colleague Anita for lunch at a little café on the edge of the Stadtpark. Anita has been Robert’s only true friend and actively engaging colleague at FH Joanneum. She teaches English for E Health students. Anita is from Austria, but has spent a lot of time in the UK. She gave us a couple of gifts on behalf of the university department. The gifts were Austrian Gmunder ceramic tray and an E Health t-shirt for Robert. Anita and Robert had a good laugh about the shirt, because of its symbolic irony! Robert isn’t an E Health specialist. He’s a commuter scientist who knows a little about E Health, but doesn’t specialize in the subject!

Once back home, Robert began preparing food for our 4th of July dinner party. We invited our good friends, the Gissy’s, over to help us celebrate! They were excited to join us for Independence Day! Sally, who’s Australian, brought a sparkly candle we used on the Flag Cake. It was our “fireworks”! Thomas brought a nice French wine. He’s originally from France and we had fun discussing how the French were our allies during the Revolutionary War.  They have 2 daughters, Elodie and Manon. The latter is Faywen’s best friend at GIBS.

Liam, Seamus, and Faywen put together the Flag Cake. I was able to find three thin pound cakes, cream, and blueberries/strawberries. Thee kids meticulously assembled the correct stars and Stripes onto the cake. The Gissy’s loved the idea of a Flag Cake and plan on doing the same thing for Bastion day in France of July 14^th. The sparkle candle was the highlight of the festivities atop the Flag Cake! Between the handmade décor, food, and patriotic music we all had a good time!

• 

• 

Everyone hugged goodbye. It would be the last time we would see the Gissy’s. They were moving back to France early the next week while we were on holidays. We all agreed to stay in touch and possibly coordinate future visits to France and the USA! It was a wonderful memorable 4^th of July!