The Bridge to Washington State

Yes, we live in Washington DC. And we are now visiting Washington State. It's 90 degrees there and maybe in the 69's here. Rather than drive the usual 600 miles today, we just needed to get to Olympia to meet family members for dinner. So we decided to take the scenic tour that started in Astoria, Oregon over the very long bridge to Washington State. You could call it the poor man's Golden Gate Bridge! Then we drove along the rivers and the Pacific Ocean. Along the way are interesting sights, as there always are in the back woods. Unfortunately I haven't been as quick to get just the right photos of all these interesting things. But we did see the ocean spray factory, lumbering, an oystery, beautiful wild flowers along the roadway,  a strange door collection, tsunami warning signs, and all things nautical. It reminds me a lot of the great northeast and all points Atlantic Ocean. We even rode along the cranberry coast scenic byway. Who would have thought there would be wineries here? So for the first time in many days we stopped at our hotel early to rest up. It's been a great time so far - we are at the half way point?

Capitol Christmas Tree

I am really proud of my husband. I knew the Capitol Christmas Tree would be arriving this morning from its long journey from Washington State. But I also knew I would not be anywhere near it when it did. When my phone rang at work this morning, my husband said he had just taken photos of the tree that he saw on his morning walk on the Mall. The 88-foot-tall Spruce was sitting in front of the American Indian Museum on a very long flat bed truck. He usually doesn't pay attention to things like this but occasionally remembers how much I like  to write about events in the neighborhood. Soon the tree will be decorated with homemade ornaments from kids around the country and the lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 3. Since we moved to DC we have seen a few lighting ceremonies and several beautiful trees. But I've never seen one delivered - until today, thanks to my husband.