Bette Davis Eyes

A snippet from Jackie DeShannon's wonderful song at the We Write The Songs Celebration at the Library of Congress!

We Write The Songs

Luckily again this year, we were able to get vouchers to attend the We Write The Songs celebration at the Library. We waited in line for the doors to open, and Paul Williams walked by and said a hearty hello. Once seated, Lyle Lovett and Dennis Kucinich & his wife were seated in the same row. Many congressional staff introduced the song writers from their home states. It was again a wonderful evening of song... our favorite was Jackie DeShannon and "Bette Davis Eyes." Last year my cousin and her husband were able to join us. This is one of the great perks working at the Library- a free concert by folks everyone knows. Didn't have this kind of opportunity back home.

Who doesn't know these artists and songs?

Dennis and Lyle- an interesting duo!

Barry Eastmond- "When the Going Gets Tough" from Jewel of the Nile

Soon to be 90 year old Hal David- "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"

Paul Williams - Master of Ceremonies

The Amtrak Train to Ashland Virginia

We took a two hour train ride with friends from DC's Union Station to Ashland Virginia, which is just north of Richmond. The idea was to take a train ride somewhere to experience the adventure, as it had been some time since we've taken a passenger train in the US. We traveled through the heart of Civil War territory, and when the train stopped, our hotel -the Henry Clay Inn- was about 10 feet away. We strolled down main street along the rail road tracks, had a great dinner at The Iron Horse, played games on the Ipad on the second floor porch while the rain fell, heard the trains running all night long (ear plugs are provided), and had a delightful return trip back to DC the next day. It was relaxing and fun, like in the old days, before all the airport security scrutiny. The company was even better! There's always somewhere to go for a day/overnight trip around here. In the old place, it was Chicago, or Lake Michigan, and not a lot in between.

The train passes right through the main street

The depot is tiny and nice

Homes from the Civil War period-the train track is a major attraction.
The Stonewall Jackson funeral train stopped here on the way to Richmond.

One of the primary "businesses" of Ashland

 

A scenic street with a freight train passing through -
the locals must be used to it!



A few steps from the depot to the Inn



Union Station - National Train Day

It was a celebration at Union Station. And what else would it be for but trains, specifically to celebrate 40 years of Amtrak trains. The place was jammed with train lovers and children of all ages. There just is something magical about kids and trains. We were actually at the station with friends to take a short train ride to Ashland Virginia, about two hours away, and got caught up in the event coincidentally. Union Station always has something going on, and it is only a few blocks away from the house. We once took the train from Milwaukee to Chicago, but this trip seemed so effortless. A great way to travel leisurely. Not so sure how it would be to have to depend on a commuter train every day. Thank goodness we don't have to deal with that, but at least we have the option if we ever needed to!

Every family must have a picture like this

A big turn out for National Train Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Watch Your Step

One really needs to watch where one walks along the sidewalks here. It's been mentioned that tripping is a common occurrence. But avoiding branches that hang over on to the path can be difficult- especially if it is raining and you don't see it coming. As is the typical theme around here, some folks either don't pay attention to these types of things, or are simply too lazy to do anything about it. They are probably the same ones who never shovel the ice and snow. I prefer to think they just don't notice, but have a feeling that's not the case. Some people shouldn't own homes? Our old neighborhood was generally kept in beautiful order where cutting the grass and trimming the bushes was considered a sport!

Someone tried to tuck this branch behind the fence

I think it requires a pair of clippers and/ or some wire

One Of The Four Promises

A second grade teacher lives in the building and sent out a request to the neighbors for recycling supplies needed for a project. She also requested if there were any other useful items that could be donated, it would be very much appreciated. We thought we would take the opportunity to clean house of all the crafty stuff, books, and other items that had accumulated over the last few years to entertain our 7 year old grandson. We first checked with him to make sure he was on board with the whole idea. Although he had some misgivings, we reminded him that he had promised his Dad that he would always be "kind to others" and this might be a great opportunity to show how this works. Within a couple days, we recieved a wonderful thank you note from the kids. It really doesn't take much to make someone else's day- a really good lesson for our grandson and a great reminder for us.

Our favorite color

What a nice gesture!