Independence Day

Yes, it did seem a bit odd to be celebrating American independence from Britain in a crowd consisting of mostly Brits. But that's what we did on the 4th at the residence of the US Ambassador to the Court of St. James's.

The ambassodor's residence, Winfield House, is located on the edge of Regent's Park, a short walk from our flat. It has the 2nd largest private garden (yard) in London, exceeded only by Buckingham Palace, and, of course, the house itself is very large and beautiful. (It was donated to the US to be used as the ambassador's residence by Betty Hutton, the movie star of the 30s and 40s.)

The guest list was huge with many prominent Brits in attendance -- many we recognized from the BBC and other British television. Entertainment was provided by the quartet G4, which recently finished as runners up in the British TV show X-Factor (similar to the US's American Idol). Their first record went right to number 1 in the UK and they are excellent, with a great mix of classic music, old standards and newer music, too. With their really beautiful harmony, they are especially good when singing a capella.

In the middle of the party, James Brown showed up at the door -- and let it be known he'd like to sing a song or two, which he promptly did. He was in the UK and the embassy had sent him an invitation, but no arrangements had been made for him to be part of the entertainment.

Having Kathi working at the embassy -- and especially in the ambassador's office as she has for the last several months -- does get us some good invitations!

It was a very classy celebration of our independence -- and the Brits present took it all in good form -- in fact, given the present state of British politics and public opinion, many of them may have been happy we left the empire.