Gravelly Point Picnic

It was a beautiful day and it may just become a habit. We decided a ride to Vaso’s Kitchen in Alexandria would be a great idea to pick up dinner. But we would also order a small Greek pizza to take on a “picnic” at Gravelly Point on our way home. And that’s just what we did. Now we didn’t have to think about what’s for dinner and would get a chance to stop and watch the airplanes take off from Reagan airport, along the Potomac River. We brought along our soda and napkins and enjoyed the afternoon treat inside the car in the parking lot facing the airport. The pizza was gone in short order, but we stayed a while to observe the aircraft. The place is always busy with bike riders and walkers, fishing people, boaters and picnickers. And of course the pigeons that would take off and fly around every time a plane flew over. It’s a pleasant enough spot to hang out and this is the second time in as many months. The car windows were open, the breeze came through, we ate pizza, and looked around. Across the Potomac River you can see the Capitol building - where we lived for thirteen years on Capitol Hill. When we drove back to northern Virginia we passed by the Washington monument like we have done so many times before. It was a very pleasant afternoon. It just doesn’t take much anymore. 

A Trip to Edgewater near Annapolis

We’ve been getting together just about every month. My sister lives in Maryland, my brother and sister in law live in DC, and we now live in northern Virginia after thirteen years living on Capitol Hill. We meet for breakfast/brunch and rotate the locations to each “state.” Last week it was my sister’s turn, but there was an interesting twist. She just bought a house in Edgewater, so we gathered at her current house and then we drove to Edgewater for breakfast. Following that we took a tour of the town. It is surrounded by water and has a distinct nautical vibe - not surprising because it is very close to Annapolis and the Naval Academy. She’s always liked the water and the beaches and the art vibe this small town represents. I’m not sure I would take on a project like it, but she was so enthusiastic about the new location and house and her plans for it. After a visit there, we drove through Annapolis and the surrounding area. You could say it was one of our more interesting adventures. Too bad it’s further away, but it’s still close enough to get together. 

Sights and Sounds of Florida

We are spending our last day in Florida. We're visiting with my parents who are both in their 90's. Since August we have been dealing with health and elder care issues, and running errands to find out what can and cannot be done. Everyone goes through it. It was hardly a vacation. But on this last day, I wanted to capture all the things that I remember growing up here as a youngster. There is plenty of blue sky, sunshine, and water. We only saw the Tampa Bay side this time. We just didn't get out to the Gulf. Palm trees are everywhere, hibiscus populate just about every garden, Tropicana Field is home to the Rays baseball team... Did I mention the boats? Christmas time was always a little strange, but there are lots of decorations. The food portions are huge and cheap. Due to our house configuration, my husband stays at the Watergarden Inn At the Bay. This must be at least the fifth or sixth time. Bill and Wilder are the most charming hosts, but my husband is a very unique guest. Not every house has it's own orange tree and the streets are wide and straight. These are the things I miss the most when we are back in DC. I think the older one gets the more appealing it becomes. I just wish I knew it then.