Mardi Gras Reminders

We walk a lot around Capitol Hill. I always keep my eyes open for interesting sights and places. On our way home by the house office buildings we passed by what once was a police call box - or at least that's what I think it is. The small structures are located all over town. Some are painted and decorated and remind us of times gone by. But this one had beads with a definite Mardi Gras feel tucked on the inside. Yesterday we decided to try Bayou Bakery while we were out on errands. It's a small restaurant that sits next to the Hill Center - a restored Navy hospital building -  known for creole style faire and beignets. We've been to New Orleans a few times and always stopped in for the white powdery donuts and coffee at the famous cafe on the corner. Who could resist them? While we were waiting for our order I noticed a sign for the Mardi Gras celebration that was planned there. We wouldn't be going to the celebration, but we were glad we stopped in for the light breakfast. It was a treat, and we weren't disappointed. But it's not something I would want to make in to a habit. It's a quirky place to rest, chat, and put up your feet - something I'm planning to do a lot of now! 

Post Office, Frager's, Bayou Bakery and Eighth Street Market

It's been five days since I officially retired, and the first real Monday not having to go to work. So in keeping with what we hope will be a daily walk, we mixed it up this time with errands rather than the usual stroll on the mall. Luckily it was sunny, but cool, so I wore my lumberjack hat to stay warm. The first stop was the post office on Pennsylvania Avenue to mail a small package. The lines were quite long, but since we had no where to go it didn't matter! Then on to Frager's for some caulk. Since we didn't have breakfast yet, we stopped in at Bayou Bakery next to the Hill Center for some beignets and coffee. Unfortunately we couldn't sit in the sunny closed in patio and ended up in a dark space. But I didn't care - everything looked so much cheerier today. Next stop was the grocery store for some bananas and tomatoes. It's highway robbery at this place, but the convenience can't be beat on eighth street. This is a great way to adjust to living on Capitol Hill without working. Everything is relatively easy to get to within a certain radius, as long as you are able to walk. I think I'm going to like this set up. How could you not?