GW Parkway, Cedar Knoll, Mount Vernon and Fort Hunt

Every once in a while we take a drive to Mount Vernon along the GW Parkway. We have not been since the fall when the leaves were a brilliant red. And as the seasons change, so does the landscape. So after brunch in Alexandria, we kept moving east. Along the way is the old supper club Cedar Knoll where the view is marvelous of the Potomac River. Mount Vernon was really quiet- hardly a tourist in sight - but a great time to visit if you don't like crowds and love freezing temperatures. Every tme we pass by this way, I've noticed a suspicious looking tree that always looks the same- and finally realized it is a transmission tower dressed up to look like a tree. A lot of people I know either walked or rode their bikes from Washington DC to Mount Vernon and back along the bike path that twists and turns alongside the river. Heading west is Fort Hunt on the Virginia side across the river. It was established during the Spanish American War on river farm land previously owned by George W, and used during WW2 to interrogate German prisoners.Obviously the geese are all over the place, but they were all resting on one leg with their heads on their backs with the Convention Center in the background. It's always a very pleasant drive and very hard to believe that it so close to our house.

Not very far from home

Cedar Knoll with a great view of the Potomac

A very quiet Mount Vernon entrance

The "fake" tree

The bike/walking path along the river



Fort Hunt in Virginia



All the birds taking an afternoon nap- no eagles today

How Did the Grandsons React to G's News?

I let both of the grandsons know that my little Betta fish died this past weekend. The fish was brought to life in a little story I wrote about him and the difficulties he faced - and both of the grandsons were a part of the story. They each received a personally illustrated version of the book. Upon hearing the news, the grandson in California knelt down and said a prayer and hoped that G would like being in heaven. The grandson here said he was very sorry and told me I could help myself to his Dad's fish pond and get another one. It is interesting to see how kids respond to this kind of news. I still find myself thinking I need to do something- like feed the fish, or change the water - and I keep looking over to the corner of the house where the bowl sat in front of the window on its glass pedestal. And I'm a little grumpier than usual. I do miss him, even though he was half the size of my pinky finger. And that kind of feeling just takes time to go away and doesn't change regardless of where you live.

G in heaven

A Sad Day

My Betta fish, GW, died this morning. He had a very difficult life and was a courageous little guy. He was the inspiration for my first children's book. I will miss him a lot. I hope I did everything I could to keep him comfortable. I did not have a chance to say goodbye... but I did wish him a good night. Now he can finally rest.

G'e first night in his new home