Lett's see DC: John Hancocks and Margaritas

I brought my Mom back to DC with me after Christmas. We spent a few days gallivanting around the Nation's Capital before a quick trip to the Big Apple. I coaxed Mom into writing up her experience, and what you will get is a six(?) part mini-series of the Mother Fish Out of Water. And let me tell you what, she was out of water! At some point along the series, I'll add my own brief recap of the events - you know, two sides to every story. Part four of my Mom's six(?) part mini-series of her trip to Washington, DC and NYC continues with her second full day in the Nation's Capital and her first New Year's spent away from my Dad in 31 years. THIRTY ONE YEARS!

Chelsea is up earlier than me (hard to believe, I know). Though I missed meeting Tara and Melissa, their absence allowed me to impose on the morning schedule without too much disruption (both Tara and Melissa were still on Christmas/New Year’s vacation, which was perfect because I slept in Tara’s bed so Mom could sleep on mine). Laura was on her way out before us. We had breakfast, packed a lunch, and headed to the Metro. Today's mission: museums and such. We were hoping to visit the National Archives, Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and the Botanic Garden. Our first stop was the National Archives. We arrived before opening and already a line awaited us. Upon entering we were directed to a theater where we viewed an introductory film about the museum (the old film they used to show about preserving the documents was way better – thumbs down to the Archives on this switch). Afterward, we made our way to the rotunda where the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights are housed. Wow! Most amazing to see the original records of our democracy! In the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery was an exhibit celebrating the 75th anniversary of the National Archives entitled "Big!" Some of the things on display were the 13 foot scroll of the Articles of Confederation, an enormous map of the Gettysburg battlefield, the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, the 1941 tally of votes in the House of Representatives (388 to 1) to declare war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the gigantic shoe (size 22) owned by Shaquille O'neal (and President Taft’s ginormous bathtub that could literally hold four adult men). Incredible! We roamed the gift shop and then headed northwest on Pennsylvania Avenue to the Old Post Office.

We entered the building and rode the elevator to the observation deck in the bell tower. Although not as tall as the Washington Monument, the view is very impressive and even better – not as crowded. It was pretty clear at the time so we could see quite far over the DC area. Yup – it was pretty cold up there. We rode the elevator back down to the main level where there was an eating area. We found a table and broke out our lunch – PB&J sandwiches and apples. Fortified and rested (yeah right!) we headed for the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. On the way we walked by the Internal Revenue Service building. (Do you see that? That’s my Mom’s subliminal attempt to get me to do my taxes. Clever!)

We arrived at the American History Museum in attack mode. We had plans to meet Chelsea's friends Janelle and Dustin for dinner and the day was already half gone. Some of the most memorable exhibits we visited were:
First Ladies at the Smithsonian – the role of the nation’s First Ladies with some of their gowns. We liked Laura Bush's sparkly red gown.
The Price of Freedom; Americans at War – a history of the U.S. Military from colonial times to present
Popular Culture Selections – Dorothy's ruby slippers, Kermit the Frog, Archie Bunker's chair, a Dumbo from the ride at Disneyland
Also we saw the original Star-Spangled Banner, The American Presidents, and Julia Child's kitchen. So much to take in. We checked the time and realized we would have to skip the Air and Space Museum but would be able to take in the Botanic Gardens. We bundled up and put our feet in gear to get back to Capitol Hill.

We entered the Victorian-style glass building of the Botanic Garden, greeted by warmth! Even though it was pretty crowded inside it was an oasis to me. It seemed calming, a muffled noise buffered by all the plants and flowers. Throughout the main building were models of historic buildings of the National Mall and Capitol Hill. Acrylic-based foam is used to construct the frame but the architectural details are created with sand-based grout and dried plant materials. All the monuments are here in miniature - from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. Awesome! In the East Gallery was a magical village made from plants and natural materials with trains running throughout. Among this creation was Snow White and the Seven Dwarf's home, Peter Pumpkins house, "American Gothic" homestead, Santa's North Pole, and Captain Hook's pirate ship. Amazing! I could have spent hours in there.

Reluctantly, we left the Botanic Garden to begin the trek home. We were on the west side of the Capitol, so we were able to get a closer look at the National Christmas Tree. How cool that it's from Arizona! The Hill really is on a hill and the first part of the walk home is uphill, REALLY UPHILL, at the three quarter mark of a very long day. We made it home to freshen up for dinner out with Janelle and Dustin. The blister on my right heel was bigger and now my left heel had a small one. Oh well. Janelle arrived so we headed back out to meet Dustin on the way to the restaurant in Eastern Market – a Puerto Rican eatery (Banana Café). It was sprinkling, but margaritas were a good incentive to keep moving. Dinner was soooo good with margaritas, chips and salsa, and a Puerto Rican quesadilla (picadillo and plantains). Yummy!! Great company and party hats. What would New Year's Eve be without party hats? Bellies full and moods lifted we stepped back out in the rain for our walk home. On the way we stopped at a CVS for, you guessed it, blister pads. Pushing on, Dustin left us first and when we arrived home, Janelle continued on her way.

Laura was home when we got there. We visited for a while before she went out for a New Year's Eve party. She had on a really cute red dress, which was so festive! We wished her Happy New Year as she left in the rain. We turned in before midnight. In the morning we had an early bus to catch. Opera in the Big Apple!

~ Susan

Lett's see DC: Monuments, Memorials, and Trollies, Oh My!

I brought my Mom back to DC with me after Christmas. We spent a few days gallivanting around the Nation's Capital before a quick trip to the Big Apple. I coaxed Mom into writing up her experience, and what you will get is a six(?) part mini-series of the Mother Fish Out of Water. And let me tell you what, she was out of water! At some point along the series, I'll add my own brief recap of the events - you know, two sides to every story. Part three of my Mom's four(?) part mini-series of her trip to Washington, DC and NYC continues with her an evening trolly tour around the District.

We were really looking forward to round three – the night time trolley tour of Washington. We headed for Union Station, where we would catch the trolley. It didn't take me long to realize that distances are subjective. A "short walk" to Chelsea now is a foray from her home to the Lincoln Memorial and back. For me, not so much. I guess if you don't measure the ground covered in blocks or miles but elapsed time, you can fool yourself into thinking you can reach the destination. So we're walking and I can feel the beginnings of a blister on my right heel. No big deal. I brought blister pads; I'd apply one when we got home.

We make it to Union Station and go in to the Old Town Trolley desk for our tickets. We have a few minutes before departure, so we wander through Union Station. It's such a beautiful building. The barrel ceiling is so cool. We boarded the trolley and guide "Grumpy" got us under way for a three hour tour. As you can tell, we did not get marooned like those people on the boat tour (Gilligan's Island in case the reference went over your head). It was a very good way to get an overview of the city, well worth the money.

I'm sure I will forget some of the things we saw but bear with me while I describe as much as I can. We drove by the Capitol Building – so, so beautiful all lit up – the Library of Congress, and The U.S. Supreme Court. We went past the FBI Building, The Old Post Office Tower (more about that later), The White House – the Christmas tree was from Arizona this year – The National Archives, National Museums of American History and Natural History, and National Aquarium (which is really just a couple of small fish tanks in the basement of the Department of Commerce building - super lame).

We were able to get off the bus at a few of the monuments/memorials. We had about 15 minutes to take in the Marine Corps a.k.a. Iwo Jima War Memorial. This was a little hard to see in the dark but still impressive. What a tremendous moment that must have been for those soldiers, raising the US flag. We were also able to explore the FDR Memorial. It's spread out over quite a large area. It's near the Tidal Basin which made our time there colder than ever. And since it was so cold, none of the water features were running. Very good depiction of events during President Roosevelt's terms in office. This particular memorial would be better seen in daylight and any time other than winter! We didn't stop at the Jefferson Memorial but it was so beautiful, right on the edge of the Tidal Basin and brightly lit. We got back on the bus and went past Arlington National Cemetery, The Kennedy Center, The Watergate and then to the west end of The National Mall.

Located here are several spectacular sites. We had about 20-25 minutes to make our way to as many as we could. First we walked by The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall). I've seen the traveling wall so I had an idea of what to expect. This also should be seen in daylight, but the impact is not diminished. We walked past the Vietnam Women's Memorial on our way to The Korean War Veterans Memorial. Next to Arlington National Cemetery, for me, this depiction had the biggest impact of all. Seeing this Memorial in the dark is a must. Statues representing soldiers toiling through rugged terrain is chilling – very powerful and unbelievably creepy. We then walked back to the Lincoln Memorial. We climbed the many steps to view Abraham Lincoln. This memorial is illuminated at night which makes Lincoln's face look very real. Pretty cool. Chelsea and I spent a few minutes looking at the two speeches carved on the walls. On the way back down the steps we had an amazing view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument at the far east end. Our time had expired so we headed back to the trolley. On the way back we drove past the National World War II Memorial, The Washington Monument, The White House, and the Botanic Gardens.

We made it back to Union Station, wishing Grumpy could drop us at our doorstep or at the very least the end of our street, but no such luck. He gave a very thorough and entertaining presentation. He couldn't pronounce Tecumseh, though. Chelsea and I headed for home, more slowly than she normally does, I'm sure. I'm doing my best to keep up. Many times Chelsea will call me when she is walking home from her Metro stop. Usually it's pretty late. On one hand, it seems like a very safe neighborhood, but on the other hand, I wonder if she should not talk on the phone and be more aware of her surroundings. Auntie J is saying "No! She should NOT talk on the phone!" Ignorance is bliss, yes? Anyway, we made it home. Chelsea reheated our uneaten dinner and we had some of Abigail's Apple Strudel – yummy – and some hot tea and off to bed. An early day was planned for tomorrow: museum day...

~ Susan

While I agree with Mom that the FDR memorial should be seen in the daylight and during a time of year when the water features are running, I would say that the Vietnam War memorial is better at night unless you're trying to locate a name. It's just really cool the way the Washington Monument reflects off the Wall.

Lett's See DC - Mom Schlepped Here, There and Everywhere

I brought my Mom back to DC with me after Christmas. We spent a few days gallivanting around the Nation's Capital before a quick trip to the Big Apple. I coaxed Mom into writing up her experience, and what you will get is a four(?) part mini-series of the Mother Fish Out of Water. And let me tell you what, she was out of water! At some point along the series, I'll add my own brief recap of the events - you know, two sides to every story. Part two of my Mom's four(?) part mini-series of her trip to Washington, DC and NYC continues with her first full day in the Nation's Capital.

There is a two hour time difference between Arizona and DC this time of year so getting up early for Chelsea is even earlier for me. But rise early we do. We have memorials and monuments to see! One of Chelsea's roommates, Abigail, generously shared coffee. We ate breakfast, bundled up, then headed out. First stop – the Capitol Building. A short walk and we arrived in time for an 8:30 tour (I believe Mom is on AZ time still – there’s no way I would’ve been functioning for an 8:30am EST tour especially since I was still functioning on AZ time). There were probably 30 people in our group. The guide did a fair job sharing info, but I felt like there should have been more. Chelsea gave Capitol tours when she worked for the Congressman, so she was able to provide more in depth anecdotes – such as the painting containing a person with six toes on one foot, because the artist didn't care for the person being depicted (Mom is so PC – the artist didn’t like Native Americans so he gave Pocahontas’ brother an extra toe). We saw the old Supreme Court chambers, the catafalque dating back to President Lincoln, models representing the Capitol Building and grounds showing changes over the years, the Statuary Room – each state is allowed to send two statues to be on display. It's so much to absorb in such a short time.

Moving on, we walked through a tunnel to the Library of Congress. We arrived in time to join a tour. The guide seemed very knowledgeable. The architectural details are just astounding. When the tour was over, Chelsea left me on my own; she had a hair appointment. I wandered back through the displays to look more closely at maps, (I love maps) paintings and Thomas Jefferson's personal library. So my time was up at the library. I walked back home to meet Chelsea for lunch. Oh, her hair cut was cute. We used this time to book a night time trolley tour of Washington for the evening.

After hearty tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, we headed out for round two – Arlington National Cemetery and The Kennedy Center. We walked back to the Metro stop and boarded to ride out to Arlington. This trek required transfers and I'm so amazed at how comfortable Chelsea is with all this (No transfers on this one, but I can understand being confused – I carted my Mom everywhere in such a small amount of time). She's so at home here. We arrived at Arlington and inquired about a tour at the information desk. We're pressed for time, so the attendant provided us with directions and a map that we can use for a self-guided tour.

We headed to John F. Kennedy's grave site. The view back toward the Washington Monument is very pretty. We walked by Robert Kennedy's and Teddy Kennedy's graves as well. We then headed over to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The white crosses marking the graves are still adorned with wreaths that were placed before Christmas. Chelsea was able to participate in the wreath placement. What an honor. We arrived at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and watched the sentinel pace back and forth before the tomb. It's hard to find the right words to describe this event. Proud, sad, grateful, among so many emotions. We didn't have time to stay for the changing of the guard, though I could have stayed there all day. We then made our way through the Memorial Amphitheater on our way to the Mast of the USS Maine, Space Shuttle Challenger/Columbia Memorial and Iran Rescue Mission Memorial.

We left the cemetery and took the Metro to Foggy Bottom (I love that!) where we picked up a shuttle to the Kennedy Center. This is home to the Washington National Opera for which Chelsea interned for three months last fall. She was the tour guide at this attraction, showing me all around, inside and out. Most impressive – a very beautiful center. We headed back outside (Brrr-it's getting colder) to shuttle back to the Metro stop and then home. I was beginning to feel like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Vacation. We walked home to eat dinner but really only had time for a snack before we had to walk back to Union Station to catch the trolley. I did take the time to add a pair of long underwear and a second pair of gloves. Yes, the very same Isotoner gloves mentioned in Chelsea's Christmas remembrances, with knit gloves over those. So, appropriately layered against the cold, we walked to Union Station.....

~ Susan

Lett's see DC - Leaving on a Jet Plane

I brought my Mom back to DC with me after Christmas. We spent a few days gallivanting around the Nation's Capital before a quick trip to the Big Apple. I coaxed Mom into writing up her experience, and what you will get is a three(?) part mini-series of the Mother Fish Out of Water. And let me tell you what, she was out of water! At some point along the series, I'll add my own brief recap of the events - you know, two sides to every story. I now present my first guest blogger, my Mom in part one of her series.

I promised I would report on my whirlwind trip to DC and New York City. Now a month later, it's obvious the gene for procrastination is not recessive in my family. Chelsea's Christmas gift to me was to join her at the opera der Rosenkavelier in New York City on New Year's Day. John graciously agreed to stay home (self-preservation?). It would be our first New Year apart in 33 years.

So, to packing....My desert (read casual and not warm) apparel would have to suffice for the cold weather and opera. I managed to squeeze five days worth of garments and shoes into a small carry-on and backpack. John drove us to Las Vegas very early Tuesday morning. I was a little nervous. I hadn't flown since 1984. Chelsea is a seasoned traveler, so that helped put me at ease. We said our goodbyes at the curb, checked in, breezed through security, and headed for the gate. With about an hour before our flight, we had plenty of time to people-watch. We boarded the plane on time, stowed our bags and settled in. As soon as we were aloft, Chelsea dozed but I was "too excited to sleep!"

The flight leaving Las Vegas heads out over the Grand Canyon. What a great perspective-it was…so cool to see the snow dusting the red landscape. I watched our progress eastward until we rose above the clouds. Near the Mississippi, land was once again visible, so I tried to determine our location all the way to Charlotte where we had a short layover. We wolfed down a sandwich before being called to board our flight to DC. My wariness returned when a dark complexioned man with a mustache took the seat next to Chelsea. He kept getting up to talk to the attendant – about what, I don't know. Five or six times he got up then sat back down... On top of that, across the aisle and up a row or two, is a large bearded man with turban-like head gear. No one else appeared distressed or even interested. So up, up and away we went.

I'm so glad it was evening when we flew into Ronald Reagan airport. The skyline was so beautiful. Visible on approach and brightly lit – the Washington Monument, the Capitol building, the White House – Wow! We bundled up and grabbing backpacks and luggage, headed for the Metro which would put us within walking distance of our final destination. This was becoming a very long day. We exited the train at our stop. Chelsea said she needed to pick up milk. "Safeway is in the opposite direction we'll be walking, so you can wait here while I run up there. Will you be okay to wait here?" How sweet, she's worried about me. "Sure, I'll be fine," I say. She LEFT me there, in the subway station, tending the luggage! She returned about 20 minutes later and really, I was fine. We gathered our luggage, backpacks and groceries and headed to the escalator. We at last would begin the final trek to the Harry Potter house.

OH MY GOSH!!! COLLLLLDDDD!!!! The remnants of the massive snow storm ten days ago have been piled along the road sides and the cold definitely remained. To our left, the Capitol Building, all lit up. Beautiful! We headed up the street away from the Capitol, past the Supreme Court Building, and The Library of Congress. Unbelievable – Chelsea Lives Here!!! Then we walked through her neighborhood and arrived, at last HOME! We unwound and hit the sack. Our plan was to tackle major sight-seeing for the next two days.

~ Susan

New Representation

Meet my new congress(wo)man (not sure what she goes by). I didn’t vote for her, but alas, here she is in DC representing me. I ran into her a few times when I was back in Arizona working for my congressman and out on the campaign trail campaigning against her. She seems like a nice gal with a good head on her shoulders so I’ll give her a shot, but only until election time...because remember, I’ve sold my soul to the Republican Party (evil Dick Cheney smile appears on my face.)

So here she is, Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ CD-1).

Here’s what she says on her official House page, “I am working to jumpstart our economy and get folks back to work, secure our borders, bring the fiscal discipline of small towns to Washington and pay our eternal debt of gratitude to our Veterans. None of those are Democratic or Republican issues, and we will only make progress on them if we are willing to work across the aisle.”

Oh those freshman members, always so idealistic when they first come to Washington promising to cross party lines. I hope for the sake of Arizona and the nation that she does.

It does seem like she’s looking out for our Veterans and she’s obviously grown up in rural Arizona based on the legislation that she’s introduced in the 111th. Kirkpatrick is currently on the Committees on Homeland Security, Small Business, and Veterans’ Affairs – all three great committees for Arizona.

Cool story. I met Congress(wo)man Kirkpatrick at an Arizona State Society event in late June. We got to talking and I told her I originally hail from Bullhead City. She asked, “Do you know Keith or Joe Heath?” The gears started turning in my head. I think it was Keith who was the director of the Boys and Girls Club, but those weren’t the Heath’s I knew – it was their mother that I had known. I told Kirkpatrick that Jan Heath was my 2nd grade teacher. Turns out Mrs. Heath is Ann’s aunt. Small world I tell you!

Being serious for just a moment - as someone who was the chairman of her campus' College Republican club, volunteered countless hours to the Bush campaign and various other Republican campaigns, and worked for a Republican member of congress, I think Ann Kirkpatrick seems like a pretty sensible person. I don't know where she stands on all the issues, but she seems pretty moderate and like she's truly looking out for the best interest of rural Arizona. If there has to be a Democrat representing me, I'm sure glad it's her and not some ACLU quack like Ellen Simon.

Now I'm walking away to wash my mouth out with soap so I can regain my Republican card.

The Pen Is Mightier

Norm MacDonald spoofed Bob Dole and his habit of always carrying a pen in his right hand. Well, there's a story behind that.

Via Sen. Bob Dole's wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dole

In 1942, Dole joined the United State Army's Enlisted Reserve Corps to fight in World War II. He became a second lieutenant in the Army's 10th Mountain Division.

In April 1945, while engaged in combat in the hills of northern Italy, he was hit by German machine gun fire in his upper right back. His right arm was also badly injured. As Lee Sandlin describes, when fellow soldiers saw the extent of his injuries all they thought they could do was to "give him the largest dose of morphine they dared and write an 'M' for 'morphine' on his forehead in his own blood, so that nobody else who found him would give him a second, fatal dose." He had to wait nine hours on the battlefield before being taken to the 15th Evacuation Hospital. He began a recovery that would last until 1948 at Percy Jones Army hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. His right arm was paralyzed; Dole often carried a pen in his right hand to signal that he could not shake hands with that arm.

Dole was three times decorated for heroism, receiving two Purple Hearts for his injuries, and the Bronze Star with combat "V" for valor for his attempt to assist a downed radio man.

Bob and Elizabeth Dole attended the Memorial Day Services at Arlington National Cemetery, and later, Mr. Dole spoke to veterans at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. He was a key player in raising funds and organizing efforts to get the Greatest Generation a memorial they so greatly deserved. At 86, Mr. Dole, though moving much slower, looks to be in fairly good shape. Both the Doles were quite poised this afternoon despite the heat and humidity that rendered me exhausted (and I wasn't wearing a suit). I have always been a fan of Elizabeth Dole's since Junior year of high school. No particular reason, aside from her being a hard working gal making her way in a man's world. Anywho, was thrilled to see them at the ceremony this afternoon!

One to Cross Off the To-Do List

The National Mall is a hub of activity. It is a place where runners are never scarce. I’ve walked to the Lincoln and back from my house several times and have found myself wanting to break into a run, but I repress the urge and continue with my pace. Tuesday night I suppressed the urge no longer and ran the National Mall in the rain.

Okay, when I say the Mall, I mean the Washington Monument. And when I say the Washington Monument, I mean 14th St. And when I say ran, I mean jogged. But I did it, and in the pouring rain!

Photo originally uploaded by banter.

Summer Just Got a Little Less Awesome

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and when you add the outdoors to fun activities, it equals a really awesome good time. This year, the awesomeness of summer was dealt two huge blows.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company generally presents one of its plays out in Rock Creek Park during one of the summer months. The outdoor amphitheatre nestled among the trees and under the stars is a magical way to experience Shakespeare. Last year all the roommates of the Harry Potter House went out to see Hamlet. It was a great production and such a fun summer evening spent beneath the warm DC sky. This year, their Free For All under the stars is under the stars no more. Citing unpredictable weather and trying to be more accessible, the Free For All is being moved to the STC's downtown location at Sidney Harmen Hall. I will be there, but with the production no longer under the stars, the twinkle in my eye will be missing.

The big sucker punch in the stomach of summer is the announcement that HBO is pulling its sponsorship of the Screen on the Green outdoor film festival on the National Mall. One night for several weeks throughout the summer a movie is projected to a giant screen right smack in the middle of the Mall with the Capitol in the background. It's one of the coolest things ever. Last year a group of us packed up our blankets and food, smuggled a bottle of wine, and claimed our patch of grass. On the screen that evening: Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace - one of my favorite black and white films!! Just recently I had commented to some friends that I was looking forward to SotG and couldn't wait for the films to be shown. What a giant let down! Sure places like Arlington and Crystal City have similar events, but it's not quite the same. They don't have the Capitol in the background. Sigh...

Photos taken by Laura

Music Man

Eastern Market April, 2009

Let's Go Fly a Kite

If you'll recall, Mel and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at last year's Cherry Blossom Kite Festival. This year's kite festival was last weekend and was a bust of sorts since it was dreary and rainy all day. Instead of having a pity party over the washed up festival, we decided to have our own: The 1st Annual 317 1/2 unofficial Cherry Blossom Kite Festival Spectacle and Picnic.

So if you're in DC, come on down to the Mall on Saturday with your kite and a picnic. It's sure to be a high flying good time!

The Banner that started it all

Some things are just meant to be. But every once in a while, it takes a sign from up above to get you moving on something. This is that sign, er well banner:

Woah! Wait! Who's that there in the bottom left hand corner? Could it be RENEE FLEMING?!! As a matter of fact, it is.

Last summer - July to be precise - I was in DC for a little vaca. Michelle, Sean, Lauren and I went to the Kennedy Center to see Shear Madness. Upon exiting the Kennedy Center, I noticed this banner ruffling in the breeze and it sent me a-pondering. "Hmmmm," I thought, "maybe I could see Renee Fleming in concert. Note to self, see when she's touring." So as soon as I got back to Arizona, I checked Renee's concert schedule, and the rest is history. I saw her in Denver on September 30th, and when I moved to DC in the winter, I saw her portrayal of Desdemona in the Met's Otello on February 22nd. And now I'm going to Massachusettes this weekend to see her in a concert performance of Eugene Onegin. Plus Lucrezia Borgia in November at the KC and hopefully Thais and Rusalka at the Met in 09.

So were it not for this banner, I probably wouldn't have seen the Denver concert. Which means I more than likely wouldn't have known to check the Met's schedule for Otello. Not seeing Otello probably would have kept me from meeting my new opera buddy Leah. So thank God for little (and big) signs (or banners)!

For the record, this picture was taken July 29th, Mel's birthday, and our little excursion to the KC for the Lion King. More on that for sure!

Bust out your cots, we're gonna be here a while

We pulled a couple late nights at work a few weeks back. Some important legislation came to the floor including the Iraq War Supplemental and the Farm Bill. Plus, there was some issue with a House clerk submitting the wrong Farm Bill to the president or something, and the president signed the wrong version of the Farm Bill. Google it for all the details. They eventually figured out the mess and straightened everything out.

During the evening, I took a quick break and trekked across the street to Tortilla Coast for a roommate’s birthday. After two margs, I headed back to work. I think I left work at 9:30/10-ish. On my way out, there were a bunch of members coming back to their offices from the Capitol. I saw two of Arizona’s delegation, John Shadegg and Jeff Flake. I smiled extra big at them as I passed by trying to keep myself from shouting out, “I’m from Arizona!”

Then I walked home in the dark - the best way to see DC, all lit up.

Excursions around the Capitol

I was sitting at home one Saturday afternoon with not a whole lot going on. I decided to grab my camera and go for a walk. What you are about to see are various sights and locations that I see on different occasions while living and working in DC. Enjoy.

Around the corner from my house

My favorite address: No. One Third St. NE because it says "No One"

I'm easily amused, I know

Beyond the Library of Congress flags is the Cannon House Office Building - the place I call work

Some weird thingamajig on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. I was hoping I could find some obscur door that would lead to some secret underground passageway. No such luck.

The exterior of the Botanic Gardens

Someone got married there

Some ducks just doing their thing in the Capitol reflecting pool

My homestead (brick house, blue trim)

The End. Until I'm bored on another random Saturday and take another stroll through some part of town. Most of what you just saw I pass on the way to and from work. Except for the ducks and the botanic garden. But sometimes after it rains quite a bit, you can find a duck and some of her babies chilling out in a puddle on the Library of Congress grounds. They make me smile when I see them.

Office Awesomeness

So two of our district staffers were in town towards the end of April. Penny and Teresa came in for a district fly-in and both gals are such a hoot to hang out with. We met up with them Tuesday night, and had an interesting convo. Thanks T!

A couple of us went to the Hawk and Dove Wednesday night for a light dinner. Penny, T, and I were walking towards the direction of Union Station and as we were walking, some person starts honking at us. It's our old CoS Patty. She's now working for a VA member. I told her to let me know how the election is going and if she needs help because I desperately miss the campaign trail.

Thursday was scheduled to be the big office get-together at Cantina Marina so everyone could chill and chat. Prior to that, a couple of us took an office field trip to the Library of Congress. Two of the DC guys had never been. For crying out loud, it’s across from where we work and they’ve never been. The shame!!!

The Library of Congress is probably my favorite building in DC. The murals are painted with such vibrant colors. There are so many books and so much history. It’s Congress’ library – it’s my library!

Anywho, Thomas Jefferson donated most, if not all, of his private collection of books to the Library of Congress. His books are on display and they are old, and super awesome. It’s amazing the diverse collection he had.

Cantina was fun. Super crowded, but it’s always good to hang with the office peeps.

I guess the point of this story is if you come to DC, you have to see the Library of Congress.

Urban Dare: BECAUSE WE CAN

Melanie and I do a lot of things just because we can. So we decided to do the Urban Dare, and when we couldn’t think of anything clever for our team name, we decided to be BECAUSE WE CAN. Well, because we can. If you’ll recall, the Urban Dare is a mini Amazing Race with clues taking you all over a city. What is about to unfold is our journey around the district doing weird and cool things, because we can. I’ll give you the clue and answer and show you the picture we had to take.

1) Start – The Ellipse (White House) for the Guinness World Record attempt 3-legged race. Mel and I bound our legs together and practiced a strategy. It worked pretty well because we were one of the top ten teams to cross the finish line. And then the dare started.

We got our sheet of clues and called up two buddies for Google help. Shout out to the SB and Trey for mad googling skillz. I was able to answer a few of the questions, but would have no idea where to find them in the district. So we answered all the questions and located them on our handy dandy map and set out on our way.

I would just like to say that there were some pro looking teams that were in pretty good shape. I hadn’t played soccer since January so I had lost a bit of speed and my crap ankle was giving me problems. Mel and I agreed to just do our best and try to finish under three hours.

2) Get your picture with five different statues of persons known as the liberator.
I don’t remember their names, but they were all along Constitution Ave from 18th-25th streets. Most of them were up on a horse. We ran a lot. Also talked to a few people who were wondering what we were up to.

Did I mention we ran a lot? Plus it was a bit warm. And I kinda had to use the restroom. So we stopped at this gas station to grab some Gatorade – gotta replenish those electrolytes – made a quick pit stop, and had a dude take our picture of refueling at the gas tank (do you get that pun?).

3) He was first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen. Go to his circle for your spellbound dare.
So it’s Washington Circle. I got that it was Washington, but had no idea where it was. When we got there, we had to find the corresponding numbers to the letters that spelled out CONFIDENTIAL. It took us awhile to find one of the letters, and when I heard someone shout out “10 for T” I ran back to Mel and we submitted our number.

4) When Pinochet took power in Chile, Orlando Letelier went into exile in the US. Pinochet’s henchmen killed him here in DC with a car bomb. Get your picture with the memorial to this incident.
There’s a little plaque at Sheridan Circle on Embassy Row, Massachusetts and 23rd NW.

On the way to our next clue, we saw a statue of Ghandi. Some other Urban Dare-ites were getting their picture taken, and I told Mel we should to. You never know when we’d be back up in this neck of the woods, so might as well get a snap shot with Ghandi while you can. Plus, we ended up getting five minutes taken off our time with this pic. Don’t ask me how, but Mel finagled it out of the judge.

5) Remember a famous duo singing I Got You Babe? Get your picture with the plaque honoring the part of the duo who died in a skiing accident. That’s too easy – Sonny Bono of Sonny and Cher fame. The plaque was located in Dupont on New Hampshire and 20th street. A little tidbit for all you readers: did you know that Sonny was a US Congressman representing the Palm Spring, CA area? And his wife, Mary Bono know holds his seat since he died in the skiing accident? See, I know some stuff.

6) Across from the District of Columbia Courthouse, get your picture with the woman who is clearly gilty.
We didn’t really have an answer for a specific statue and just assumed we’d head over to the courthouse and look for the “gilty woman.” We metro’ed over from Dupont and had time to contemplate the clue. Obviously “gilty” is spelled wrong, and right as we approached the statue, I exclaimed, “she’s gonna be gold.” Sure enough she was.

I wanted to get really close, so Mel and I hopped into the empty fountain.

7) Go to the outdoor rotunda that lies on sovereign territory of our neighbor to the north. Let out a yell and check out the amazing acoustics, and take your picture to show you were there.
It’s the Canadian Embassy (forget the cross streets, but I can see it from the Capitol). We didn’t give a shout out – just took the picture.

Don't know what this is except for us being awesome???8) He is the only person to serve as the US president and as Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. Go there for the next dare.
It’s Taft, and although I knew there was a president who became a chief justice after leaving the White House, I could not, for the life of me, think of his name. Anyways, once we got to his statue, we had to answer three trivial pursuit questions. They weren’t too hard, but it was definitely an outdated version.

Tired Still going strong


9) Do the words Pass and Stow ring a bell? Get your picture with a replica of a famous American icon with these words.
Ummm, yes they ring a bell! Thank you National Treasure. Pass and Stow – the Liberty Bell! I totally got that one. So we ran over to the replica that’s outside of Union Station.

10) When Andrew Jackson tried to fire this Secretary of War, he barricaded himself in his office and Congress began impeachment proceedings against the president. Go to this Secretary’s park for your next dare.
So it turned out to be John Henry Eaton and it was at Cleveland Park. Mel was a human wheelbarrow. After running all over the district, it’s hard to do a proper rendition of one, so we kinda struggled with this. Sadly, there is no video or photo documentation of this ridiculous stunt.

11) Go to the avenue where Barack and Hillary are currently doing battle and the intersection of the avenue where John Edwards is from for your connect four dare.
Mel got to this question before me and answered Pennsylvania and South Carolina. I thought about it for a second, and said, “that ain’t right.” John Edwards is not from SC. He’s from the same state as Elizabeth Dole and I always thought it was cool that Sam was represented by Dole in the Senate and Sam lived in NC. So we needed to head to Penn and NC. Where Mel played two games of connect four before moving on to the last clue.

Finish – There is only one amendment to the US Constitution that has been repealed. Go there for the finish and give thanks for the repeal.
Seriously??? Too easy!! The 18th Amendment established Prohibition of alcohol. It was later repealed. There’s a bar named the 18th Amendment and I knew exactly where it was. On Penn Ave near Eastern Market. We made a mad dash to the 18th. I turned on the turbo jets and kept my mind on that celebratory beer awaiting me.

Victory Face, which I guess is the same as tired and exhausted face. And the I really need a beer face.We made it in and our official time (with time bonuses) was 2:26:04 and we were 17th place out of 120+ teams. Ah-flippin-MAZING!!! I chugged a glass of water and threw back a glass of beer in no time. Then I hit the chips and salsa and two more cups of water and fell back into the couch in the corner of the bar. I was spent, but totally rocked the Urban Dare.

Oh man! Because we can, for sure! Sometimes I can't get over how cool I am and all the cool stuff Mel and I do. We're totally awesome. Next year, we're totally going balls to the wall and taking first place. Just you watch...