Eastern Market Construction Art

There is a huge construction project going on at Eastern Market. It's been going on for quite some time and there is certainly a lot more to go. It will eventually become an apartment complex with a Trader Joe's. I've heard the penthouse will rent for $10,000 a month. My hair stylist is happy about it all because it means more business to this already packed area. To make the construction site as appealing as possible, covered walkways have been built around the perimeter so pedestrians have a safer place to walk. But it's what is inside the walkways that is so colorful and interesting. There is something about art created by children. And based on how it is organized and displayed makes it even more whimsical and fun to see. As we were returning home from our morning walk we passed through the eastern market weekend vendors area. The artwork could not be missed and for whatever reason looked so remarkable this time. Maybe it was just the colors, or I simply was paying more attention to the detail. I can just imagine the teachers making the request of the students to come up with something. They really delivered. 

Eastern Market Last Minute Items

Whenever we have guests, my husband especially wants everything to be just perfect. He is more of the food and housekeeping priority setter, while I am more the floral arrangement and activity planner. So yesterday we made last minute grocery and flower selections. Unfortunately, there were no strawberries at the grocery store, which would make the fruit tray unbearable. So on this very rainy morning we took our daily walk to Eastern Market to pick up the fruit, and also the petit b'asque cheese we love. The prices are ridiculous, but given the situation, we didn't have much of a choice. And of course, we brought our own non disposable go to bag to carry the items back home. So now we have finally done all the housekeeping and planned an itinerary for our guests from Milwaukee to select from. It's nice to have out of town guests. It's an incentive to clean everything more than usual.  But it's also so nice to see our friends that we've known for so many years. I hope we have at least one day without rain? 

Eastern Market Poultry Request

We got a turduken there for a Christmas dinner, and have visited there many times before and since we moved here from the Midwest. Eastern market has something for everyone, and on the weekends the whole place becomes even bigger with a flea market filling the streets. When we visited our family in Virginia last weekend, we received a request to locate and purchase a few of the eastern market  yellow poultry reusable bags. Since our family moved away from the neighborhood, some things just can't be found in their new home state. I'm not sure how or when these bags will be used, but we can agree it will be for something quirky. So yesterday we walked over to see what we could find. Since my husband was the one who always picked up the poultry and such for Christmas celebrations, he knew exactly where to go. At first, the owners didn't know what we were requesting - but one of the workers did. He brought down a big box and took out the five we requested. When the presumed owner realized what and why we were making this unusual request, he was deeply touched. Now we need to locate a box to put them in and ship - because our family no longer lives down the street and aren't planning to be in town anytime soon. They usually don't ask for much, but it means a lot to them and us that we're able to do these little things. Maybe I should keep one for myself?!

Eastern Market

My grandfather had a grocery store. My mom worked every day in it. They got married on the Fourth of July because Saturday was a work day. Here in DC there is a huge market that has everything from soup to nuts - and our favorite cheese. We don't go there very often, but it is within walking distance. Because we were low on groceries, the Pope was in town, and parking was at a premium, we walked over to pick up a few things. It was very pleasant to wander around and check the goods - just like in the old days. We had our reuse able bags and filled them with fruit, cheese, and vegetables. Even before we moved here we liked it. It's a bit more expensive but every once in awhile it's a great outing. It's been around since Thomas Jefferson's time and withstood fires and who knows what else. Not everyone can boast about an historic grocery store. Eastern Market is one of those.  

 

Eastern Market

We took a walk to our friend's house this afternoon. She lives a little past Eastern Market. When we arrived at her house, she wasn't there, so we sat on the porch for a few minutes admiring the view and the activity on the sidewalk in front of us. Then the mosquitos came out in full force. We left a message and went on our way. Returning back, we stopped by Eastern Market and checked out the flea market, and the other vendors. We haven't been inside the actual market for quite some time, and went through to admire the blowfish, the turkey legs, the meat, the beautiful flowers, and fruit. Whatever you need is here but we were not in need of any items today. It is always colorful, and crowded, and people all seem to be very up beat. We visited this place several times before we moved here. We never thought it would become just another part of our neighborhood. 

A Convenient Ash Wednesday

When we walked to work this morning I was reminded that it was Ash Wednesday, as several folks had obviously been to church and their foreheads had the dark ashen cross on them. Some crosses were more obvious than others. St. Peter's Church is just across the street from the Library of Congress, where another Ash Wednesday session was held over the lunch hour. When I walked back to work, a LOT of people had obviously attended that service. But when we were dropping our grandson off for his wrestling practice after work, we passed by the Eastern Market metro stop. Right in front of the escalator was an interesting sight. There were 2 priests, or one priest and a helper, distributing ashes right at the metro stop. I asked them how business was, and they said it was a really big hit. I heard about the drive by/drive in ash distribution, but this is really taking your service to another level.

The bus stop at the  Eastern Market metro stop

Business was hot

Eastern Market

Since it was such a beautiful sunny day, we decided to walk over to eighth street for brunch. Because it was so nice outside, we continued walking afterwards and detoured through Eastern Market before returning home. My understanding is that this market has been around since Thomas Jefferson's time. There is something here for everyone, but we like to stroll through it to enjoy the people scenery. There is a flea market, many restaurants and vendors, a food market, and even a psychic. My husband is the happiest in these kinds of places- he not only looks like he is, but says it as well. I can't remember the last time we ever bought anything here, but it sure is a pleasure to soak up the atmosphere. The best part about it is that it is only a few blocks away.

Shops and restaurants

Outdoor flea market on the weekends

Pooches, strollers and everything else

Something for everyone

The official banner

Not a lot of customers!

Outdoor vendors

Always colorful regardless of the season

Indoor vendors

This section was rebuilt because of a fire

Fresh veggies

A reminder of living in the Midwest

A great neighborhood