London Eye

It was a very dark and rainy morning. When I put my rain gear on, I found two tickets to the London Eye in my pocket. What else would serve as better reminders of the trip we took to England in June? We went there to visit a friend who went to school with my husband. He had not seen him in about 50 years. We stayed with he and his wife in Buckinghamshire for a long weekend. And it rained, and rained some more. It was also the weekend of the Queen's Jubilee. The day after we arrived, we drove to London, and walked about towards the London Eye. Because our hosts had been on this thing so many times before, they thought it might be a good way for us to actually see the city - and it was. Now I know why the British explored the globe - to get away from the dreadful weather. I don't think I could stand living in a place with such overcast skies. Once in awhile is hard enough for me to endure, but this is ridiculous. In spite of that, the trip was delightful. I always like going to places where we know someone, and luckily we do... in France, Iran, Denmark, Sweden, and Canada. And there is something very warm and sunny in that.

Dry Bar

As we were driving down Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown on our way to an appointment in Chevy Chase, a big yellow vision came in to our view. It looked like a huge hair dryer sitting on a flat bed truck. And then I remembered reading something about a new hair salon that was coming to DC, and would be located on Wisconsin Avenue. Apparently, the "dry bars" are for those who only need a shampoo and a blow out. The concept started in California. I know I sometimes think the hairdresser does a better job completing the job after the cut and style. But I'm generally able to get the hang of it after a couple days. I suppose anything goes, and if you have $35-40 to spend on something like this.... But you still need to get there, make an appointment, or maybe you can walk in too, and need to take the time to get it done. I must be missing something. Or maybe, my hair is just too short to require all these options - especially since I already have shampoo and a hair dryer. You can imagine what my husband thought!

Washington Hospital Center and Washington Radiology Associates

I suppose it's a good thing to cluster all the medical visits at one time of the year just so you don't have to think about them all the time. However, when the unexpected visits pop up, it can make for a more non routine week. I had already scheduled the annual mammogram at Washington Radiology a few months ago. For a variety of reasons, I was sure the prescription was for a diagnostic rather than a simple screen only. There's nothing worse than to have the test only to be called back for additional views and then wait for a letter to arrive in the mail with the results rather than hear it from the radiologist immediately after the exam. My husband needed to have a laser eye procedure at Washington Hospital Center, and it so happened to fall during the same week. Because I work full time, I needed to request the time off. It is unusual for me to take so much time in one week. In the end, there is no better day than to get positive results for any test, and we both came out ahead this time. The mind wanders because we were both in health care - he a surgeon, me a nurse. Our friend came along for the eye procedure and we talked about the collection of canes she has, and that one of us may eventually need one. Today she sent a sample of another one that she saw on her daily walk, and you have to admit it is quite clever. These are the days that we are reminded to be thankful that we are fairly healthy, and should never take it for granted. We do miss not being seen by staff and familiar faces that we all knew and trusted in Milwaukee over the last thirty years. The sad thing is is that I got my flu shot at work, but my husband still needs his. Maybe next week. But, these are merely minor inconveniences compared to what some folks have to endure. I never thought I would say this, but I would rather be at work.

Thanks DC Blogs

I haven't been at this for very long. My blog became a live feed on DCBlogs just a few months ago. I am so happy that they have selected and highlighted several of my blog entries. The first one was about the mini coopers parked all over the neighborhood. The second one was about returning to Milwaukee for a visit, which is the essence of my blog "Living on Capitol Hill-Hell!?" It compares DC to Midwest living. The third entry was about the empty halls and streets in August. The place empties out! The next one was about how rooftops are used on predominantly vertical buildings. And the most recent one was a chance Iphone snapshot of a bride and groom standing on the bridge near the Tidal Basin. He was holding the flowers, her shoes were off, and the photographer was doing his thing with a very long lens. Whenever I think there may not be anything to write about, I am never disappointed by the end of the day. Something always comes up, or maybe I'm just too creative, or more likely, just too observant. Thanks DCBLogs for reading and sharing these entries. I hope there are a lot more to come in the near future!

Homage To The Best Tree on the Capitol Grounds

Walking through the Capitol grounds yesterday was disturbing. My favorite tree on the East Lawn had disappeared and all that was left of it is the stump. So when I came home from the walk, I searched my photo gallery to find the images that captured its beauty. There was something unique and special about this tree. It's branches skirted the ground and extended in to open arms as though inviting you to look upon it. The branches made for a delightful frame around the Capitol photo op. It was a fir tree of sorts, and reminded me of Milwaukee. It had a very distinct shape different from all the other trees around it. We stood by this tree on several occasions, including Senator Kennedy's funeral procession. I looked forward to seeing it on our walks heading back home. I could see that it was attended to as much as could have been expected. But I guess it was just time to put it out of its misery. I'm sure it had a good life, and brought a lot of pleasure to those around it. One can only imagine what it saw in it's lifetime. It will be missed!

Prepping for Inauguration and A Favorite Tree No More

After the almost freezing temps this weekend, it was time to get out and enjoy the warm sunshine. After breakfast we headed towards the Capitol, past the house office buildings and the Botanic Garden. The Capitol grounds are now all fenced off, and the scaffolding, trucks, equipment and supplies are spread about waiting to play their part in the building of the inauguration grand stage. It must be somewhat frustrating for the tourists not to be able to explore and climb the steps facing the west lawn. I saw a van stop and the driver mouthed the word WOW after shooting a picture. I can't say we ever take for granted that we live so close to one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. But I was so disheartened to see that my favorite tree no longer exists on the east side, except for the stump. It had such character! Hopefully it will be replaced by another just like it, but that will be hard to come by, as is true with anything that old with a history. One can only imagine what passed by this spot that was graced by such a beauteous thing. It's been a sad weekend after the Nationals lost such a heartbreaker. I feel the same way about that tree.

Cedar Knoll Beats Out Indigo Landing

It was an opportunity to go to a different place for lunch because a third party was involved. My husband does not care for either Cedar Knoll Inn or Indigo Landing. Both are located in Alexandria along the George Washington Parkway and both have great views of the river. Because it was two to one, he was outnumbered. We looked up the menus for both places and decided that Cedar Knoll would meet the need- for this outing. And, it was such a beautiful day, we were in the mood for a scenic drive along the Parkway. Since we lunched at Cedar Knoll, and enjoyed the view from our table, we stopped by Indigo Landing on our return trip home. We pulled in to the parking lot and walked out to the riverfront. From our vantage point we could see the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, the Library of Congress, and Reagan Airport. This place always reminds us of Pieces of Eight in Milwaukee. My husband never liked it there either. Regardless, it is a great view from the dining room or on the patio, and the menu is essentially seafood. We have always lived close to water of some kind.... Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Michigan, and now the Potomac/Anacostia Rivers. It makes for a more interesting feel and a great drive along whatever waterway it happens to be. I'm not sure when I will get back to either one of these places, but it will definitely take a third party to make it happen.