Regrets, I've had a few....

Our year here has turned to a year and a half and now it is time to go home.

I always scoff when celebrities are interviewed by Barbara Walters and the like and ask their guests, "any regrets?"  Invariably, they will answer "no, no regrets".  What!  I think if you have made it to high school you must surely have regrets, or maybe that is just me.  I am an introspective type and sometimes that has worked in my favor, and sometimes, not so much.  Yes, I've had a few regrets in my time here.

I don't know why I thought it was necessary to bring everything but the kitchen sink here to Alexandria, but I did. I probably would have brought the kitchen sink if I could have figured out a way.   The apartment was well stocked with the necessities and although I have enjoyed using my own dishes and cooking items, I really didn't need them.


I don't know anyone who works, especially women, who haven't fantasised on a Friday afternoon about quitting their jobs and calling their time their own- delicious!  When I found out I was going to be able to take a break from work I was in heaven.  I made plans to do all the things I hadn't had time to do during 30 plus years as a worker bee.

My biggest goal was to make scrapbooks and I gathered all the necessary items each week with my 40% coupon from the local Hobby Lobby in Mesa.  I completed about 50% of Tom and Nancy's Iraq Love Affair scrapbook.....    I think I am just plain intimidated by the task, not being a clever arts and crafts type.  Also, I justify my inertia by saying there just wasn't enough room to spread out my pictures, but in honesty I think that is a pretty lame excuse. So sister Peggy, you were right- I didn't complete this goal and now I have to drag it all back unfinished.

On a brighter note, I did accomplish one of my primary goals- to use my massage therapy training in a volunteer capacity.  After a couple of tries with other community agencies doing clerical work, I found CAUSE- Comfort for America's Uniformed Services. http://www.cause-usa.org/main/index.cfm

  I have been privileged to give chair massage and Reiki to returning service members and their caregivers at Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir.  I have met so many lovely people and it has enriched my life.  I will miss you Pam, Brianna and Gabby!

I regret thinking I had the metabolism of a 20 year old and enjoying the many fine restaurants here without accelerating my activity level!  Being unemployed and living in a 500 square foot apartment just isn't the level of physical activity I was used to in the working world.  Our apartment is so small, that if I am strategic, I can vacuum the whole place without having to unplug the vacuum cleaner! A sad fact of being 50+- more cardio!  Well, I am working on it and will be forced to show more skin in AZ due to the climate, so my impetus for change will grow ever stronger.



I am glad I met my goal of writing a blog!  At times, I have wanted to tear my hair out when trying to insert photos and captions .  I remember bothering my son and daughter initially for advice and assistance, but it has been mostly self taught and I am pretty proud of that.  It has been fun to share our experiences here. 



II regret frittering away far too many hours on the computer and watching mind-numbing TV instead of reading more ( another one of my goals). Oh well, this was my vacation year, I like to call it "the experiment".  What would happen if you plunked a person down in a totally different environment and lifestyle- what would happen? 

What I won't miss about DC Metro:

Horn Honking
Aggressive Drivers
People who don't make eye contact
Humidity
Apartment Living in general
Cold, windy weather
The cost of living
People who insist on backing into parking spaces
Parallel parking

What I will miss about DC Metro:


Friends Kari and JR!  We really will miss you and have enjoyed and appreciated your company.

Fit Body N Mind Yoga
DC Metro Church
Mount Vernon
Smithsonian Museum of American History
Sightseeing!
The hustle and bustle of  Downtown DC
Virginia Apples
Great Ethnic Restaurants
Old Town Alexandria
Change of Seasons
Cooking Classes at The Plum Center

Tom and I have spent quite a lot of time together in the past few weeks and it is telling that we have started quarelling over changing the toilet paper rolls and whether the garbage is stinky or not and needs to be taken out- time to hit the road!  As we start our trip westward the scenery will change and the senior discounts will be plentiful.  Would you believe you have to be 62-65 for a senior discount here!  In Arizona, which is snow-bird friendly, you only have to be 50+-ha!


I am so thankful for our time here and for the friends and family that came to visit. I have loved the adventure.


One regret I will never have is marrying Tom, who made this and many other adventures to come, possible. We have so much to look forward to, returning to family and friends, house hunting, and a new grandson due in May.

Today, Tom received his Army commendation medal for his service with with the CID unit during his stay here-so proud of him.

Thank you Tom- I love you and I have loved my new life as an Army wife.

Fighting the Good Fight, Finishing the Race Set Before Me and Keeping the Faith

Okay, maybe the title of this blog is a bit too grandiose, referencing a Bible verse about life's struggles.  But, striving to "bloom where I am planted" and make the most of our time here has been an adventure that has tested our patience and resources at times.
When we thought we would return to Arizona last August as scheduled , I panicked a bit as we had hardly scratched the surface of places to see and things to do. When Tom got extended here in VA- I vowed to be relentless, in planning trips and outings to explore DC Metro.

We are leaving a week from today- can't believe it.  One more blog to write and then I am done. 
We went to The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum  http://www.ushmm.org/ 
I can remember seeing Holocaust footage on Walter Cronkite's The Twentieth Century, and I thought I had probably seen enough to be unshockable at the museum. It was like a punch to the stomach to see the Nazi propaganda, newsreel footage and artifacts in the museum.  A whole corridor is full of shoes of the men women and children exterminated at the death camps.  The smell and sight was so pungent that I lost my composure and couldn't help but cry.  I will never forget it.

Please, if you get the chance and are in the area- see it for yourself.  As you exit, there are reminders that genocide still continues in countries such as Rwanda and to never be complacent about these atrocities.

On a cheerier note, we also went to The Crime and Punishment Museum , courtesy of a great Groupon.  I did find out later that most of the pay to see attractions here offer discounts to law enforcement and military personnel. http://www.crimemuseum.org/

An interesting place, but truly, Tom did enjoy it more that I did. I drag him to enough of my interests, so I was glad to go along. I did enjoy seeing Ted Bundy's Volkswagen and Bonnie and Clyde's bullet ridden car.  Okay, I guess I did like some of the ghoulish artifacts!

My sister Mary Beth got cheated out of a trip to NPR(National Public Radio) when I became confused about the location the the actual national headquarters rather than a local station which broadcasts here in DC.  Mary Beth, I can never make it up to you, but I hope you got a kick out of the postcards, bumper sticker and pin........

The tours are held only twice weekly, between broadcasts. It was a great tour and I marvelled at all the 20 somethings sitting at their cubicles doing research with stacks of books, and CD's piled high. If you are a fan of NPR- this is a must see and easily accessible in the Chinatown area. Easy for me to say easily accessible after my goof up, but trust me, it really is. http://www.npr.org/

I also forgot to blog about attending the Cause Annual Fundraising Gala, in October. Too bad the battery on the camera pooped out, many photo ops available of the beautiful surroundings at The Andrew Mellon Auditorium.    I have one picture that doesn't do it justice.

The fundraising gala was a great event and I was pleased to attend and work as a volunteer that day. 
http://www.cause-usa.org/main/index.cfm


Tom and I decided it was high time to get down to the Capitol Building for a tour. It was my second attempt, as the first time I went with sister MB and Bob- it was crammed with school groups and we just quickly toured the visitor's center.  After doing some investigation, I found out that normally a reservation for a tour is required, made on-line or by phone.  If you want a tour led by your state's staff, those are available as well, but plan it well ahead of time.

The building is so beautiful and we enjoyed a nice small group tour with a very knowledgeable guide. Winter really is the best time to see the sights here- nothing is crowded and the tour guides have plenty of time to spend with you.  Now, if only the folks in the Senate and House would learn to play nice together- don't get me started!!

The same day, we went to The United States Botanic Gardens, which is adjacent to the Capitol Building.  http://www.usbg.gov/   Apparently, we had just missed the holiday topiary display of the Capital Mall, which I think would have been beautiful.

We stepped in the door, and immediately my glassed fogged over and I could feel the frizzies popping up on the top of my head!  Free, and well worth the trip! 

The National Portrait Gallery was also a must see  http://www.npg.si.edu/   The day we went, the streets were crowded with holiday visitors, many from European countries. I noticed that the out of towners were flocking to the venues where the cost is exorbitant and the payoff (in my opinion) doesn't measure up to the many free venues available to all.

The Portrait Gallery is immense, and has beautiful exhibitions.  I enjoyed the Gertrude Stein portrait collection. 

I have loved our adventures out of the mainstream and we decided to go to Harper's Ferry West Virginia, on MLK day.  I didn't know that this was the starting point for The Lewis and Clark expedition!  Most well known for the raid, by the abolitionist John Brown.
http://historicharpersferry.com/more/history.php

Since we went on a holiday, much of the town was closed. No offense to anyone, but I found the town website to be more impressive than the town itself.  In fairness, I think it would have been beautiful in the Spring or Fall when the trees were not barren. It is in the foothills of the Appalachian Trail and it would have been fun to have more time to explore the area. 

Believe the website when it suggests parking at the National Park Service Visitors Center.  A shuttle bus is available to take you to the town of Harper's Ferry, literally across the highway from the park.  Parking is practically non-existent except for the residents. We found a cute restaurant which was serving soup, bread and coffee only due to the holiday....The soup was good, but the coffee ( I call it Army coffee) was so strong I had to add milk, which I never do.  The cook confessed that she wasn't a coffee drinker herself and she wasn't sure how good the coffee was.  She was so friendly, we just sucked it up and drank lots of water too.

I heard how great the Frederick Douglass House at Cedar Hills was and I was anxious to see it before we left.  http://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm

Since we went on a weekday, we practically had the place to ourselves.  There is a nice visitor's center and introductory film.  I cannot tell you how impressive the tour and house was.  The house has many  original items which are so well preserved  you can hardly believe it. 

Please, if you have the chance, don't miss this historic site. In  all honesty, it is hard to get to by public transportation.  We drove and the parking was plentiful, a rarity in DC!  I also found out this great man walked five miles every workday to downtown DC.  I got tired just walking the stairs up to the house.


Mr. Douglass even had his own version of today's man cave!  Some things never change.

We also worshipped at the historic Christchurch in Alexandria- awesome!  My only complaint is that the pews were fairly narrow. I know, people probably had much smaller derrieres back then!!

After church, we headed to the Hotel Monaco in Old Town, to find the plaque commemorating this historic event


The fortunes of James W. Jackson, a southerner from Alexandria, and Elmer E. Ellsworth, a Union Army Colonel clashed in Alexandria on 24 May 1861. On this day, the Union Army invaded northern Virginia, shortly after the state voted to secede from the Union. Northern troops from New York, including Col Ellsworth entered Alexandria, and quickly occupied the town. In the center of town at the Marshall House (where the Hotel Monaco stands today) a brave James Jackson was flying the Confederate flag. Ellsworth entered the Marshall House and removed the flag, only to be confronted and shot by Jackson, the inn's owner. Ellsworth died at the scene and Jackson was executed a short time later. Col Ellsworth was the first Union officer killed in the war, and his name became a rallying cry for the northern military. Jackson too became a martyr for the southern cause, as he represented a man trying to defend his home from Northern invaders.

A plaque at the Monaco hotel is dedicated to Jackson, and it celebrates his defense of the South. It reads: "The Marshall House stood upon this site, and within the building on the early morning of May 24, 1861 James W. Jackson was killed by Federal Soldiers while defending his property and personal rights, as stated in the verdict of coroners jury. He was the first Martyr to the cause of Southern Independence. The Justice of History does not allow his name to be forgotten. Not in the excitement of battle, but coolly, and for a great principle, he laid down his life, an example to all, in defence [sic] of his home and the sacred soil of his native state Virgina."Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/North_America/United_States_of_America/Virginia/Alexandria-883664/Hotels_and_Accommodations-Alexandria-Hotel_Monaco_Alexandria-BR-1.html#ixzz1l4CK0Azt

We asked the hotel clerks about locating the plaque and they didn't seem to know what we were talking about-hmmmmm.  We decided to eat Sunday brunch there and it was delicious- Virginia Ham and Bacon, Tom declared the best breakfast he had ever had.  Our server didn't know anything about the plaque either and we were about to give up.  We left the hotel and lo and behold on the side of the building was the plaque- told you so! 

Just last Friday went went downtown and saw the Smithsonian Castle  a good place to start your trip in DC with an introductory film starring Ben Stiller. It also has a 3D map of the mall and all the Smithsonian's  and of course the requisite gift shop and food court. 
http://si.edu/Museums/smithsonian-institution-building



We also hit the National Gallery of Art West Building and Sculpture Gardens.
http://www.nga.gov/  Another free national treasure, not to be missed. You could easily spend a week browsing here!


One last trip to the Stones and Bones- Museum of Natural History to see the mummy display and the to Museum of American History.  The exhibit of Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello opened that very day. Eye opening and puzzling that the man who wrote The Declaration of Independence  felt only some men were created equal?!  The Jefferson Bible  was also on display- unbelievable, for so many reasons. Who would have a big enough ego and time on your hands to cut and paste (literally) the Gospels to suit yourself?!  A brilliant, multi-dimensional man to be sure.



I am campaigning for one last trip on the Metro downtown to see The Renwick Gallery, White House Visitor's Center, Law Enforcement Memorial, World War Two Memorial  and The National Museum of  Women in the Arts.  I better finish packing!

Holiday Hoo Ha's

There is plenty to do here in DC Metro during the holiday season.  All the fun seems to happen in the first two weeks and then trickles away as Christmas day draws near.

We were lucky enough to attend three concerts by the Army Band, Chorus and Jazz bands.  These events are all free and open to the public- professional and very well done. http://www.usarmyband.com/


We were treated to The Army Blues jazz band playing Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite. The Washington Lee high school jazz band did the first set and they were awesome.



We also went to the Army Chorus concert at a local church for the second year in a row- outstanding as usual. Wherever we go, Tom and I seem to magnets for badly behaved little tykes. We thought our seats awesome until a pack of cub scouts came and sat around us. I don't blame them- they just weren't interested and not old enough to appreciate it. They didn't come back after the intermission as I think their adult chaparones grew tired of shussing them. Too bad, because that is when the more familiar child- friendly songs were brought out. Alas, a weary father or grandfather)It's hard to tell these days) let his two year old charge walk back and forth on the pew and stare at us. "Just ignore" I whispered to Tom as he smiled at her indulgently....didn't really work anyway.



The first concert was The American Holiday Festival at the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution Hall) in downtown DC- a lovely venue. It was great fun and the performers are excellent. The concert may have been free, but the parking sure wasn't. We had to schlep to the concert after finding a parking garage as street parking was at a premium and forget our Arizona standby- "the parking lot" not too many of those around in DC. The garage attendant had posted a sign for the cash only parking fee that said "Marry Christmas," a nice sentiment nonetheless.

Alexandria sponsors a Holiday Candlelight Tour each year for one weekend in December. The theme this year was Civil War era and the homes and dress were appropo to the era. It was a cold night, but everyone was in a cheery mood and it was fun to walk around Old Town with the decorated streets and store fronts.

Our first stop was The Carlyle House  http://www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park
It was quite literally a candlelight tour and we squinted to see the various rooms alit only by candles and or oil lamps.

Next stop was The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum  http://alexandriava.gov/Apothecary
The line continued to grow as we waited for previous group to finish the tour.  The apothecary is pretty small and could only accommodate a group of 15- 20.  The docent was a retired pharmacist and was a little gabby.  The woman in charge of herding the groups in by head count appeared a bit uneasy as she waited for the go ahead to let us in.  By then, it seemed quite cold and we were anxious to get on with it. The tour this year focused on the Civil War period and the docent told some interesting tales of the remedies and treats the soldiers favored.  Interesting and another example of well preserved Alexandria history.

 A shuttle bus that took us to Gadsby's Tavern Museum http://alexandriava.gov/historic/gadsbys/default.aspx    This is a must see in Alexandria- the personalized tour is excellent.  George Washington had a birthday party in the ballroom!

 There were some middle school aged docents who gave their spiel in several of the rooms. I could picture them in the future on the 6:00 news or being a gadabout on Capitol Hill.

 There was a group demonstrating Civil War era ballroom dancing and I was excited when a costumed woman approached Tom to be her dance partner.  I eagerly readied my camera to take action shots and was shocked when I too, was approached. Normally, this would have spent me skittering away self- consciously to a nearby hallway- but what the hell, why not!  I had fun in spite of myself and was proud to have a husband who participated in the fun! 

I also would recommend eating lunch or dinner at Gadsbys  by candlelight- romantic and delicious.  http://www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com/

We only had a short time to make it to The Lee Fendall House  http://www.leefendallhouse.org/content.asp?pl=741&contentid=741     This was my favorite stop of the evening and if time permits, I would like to return to see the 2nd floor in daylight. The parlor had a decorated Christmas tree and a string quartet to entertain.  The land the house was built on, was purchased by Light Horse Harry Lee father of Robert E Lee.  

A twist on this tour was a narrative given by an unfortunate Irish indentured servant. She gave a blow by blow description of the Herculean efforts necessary to prepare a traditional holiday dinner for the upper crust residents and guests of the Lee-Fendall House.

We also got to spend time with friends Kari and JR during the holidays as well.  The season was really kicked off with them at Ford's Theatre A Christmas Carol, on Thanksgiving weekend.

 We all caught a performance of the satirical, political performing group-Capitol Steps at the Reagan building in DC.
 It was hilarious and right in the moment comedy- I wonder where they get their ideas around here?!  I have to admit, it leaned to the left and I was happy to see my more conservative  husband laughing as well. Some good jabs at Arizona with great impersonations of John McCain and Janet Napolitano. 




Christmas Eve was also spent with the Larsen's with a delicious dinner at Grace's Mandarin at National Harbor  across the Potomac in Maryland http://www.nationalharbor.com/intro.htm 

After dinner we went to11:00 services at our adopted DC Metro Church. http://dcmetro.org/   We have enjoyed attending this church and will miss Pastor David's familiar " come on, how many of you know" in his Louisiana twang. 


We are getting snow tonight and Tom is working his last shift before beginning out processing.  The movers are coming in a couple of days to ship back some of our belongings so we don't have to drag all our possessions back across the country! 

I think I would have been homesick this second Christmas here, if I didn't know we would be back in Arizona for Christmas 2012 with family and friends.

Right In My Own Back Yard

It was snowing for a while tonight, but it looks like it won't stick and we have another reprieve from the acute onset of Winter.  The unseasonably warm weather has allowed more time to do some sightseeing outside of the greater DC Metro area. It seemed appropriate that we started looking at  all the interesting sites right here in Alexandria Virginia, that have been here waiting to be discovered.

We have spent plenty of time on King Street in  Old Town Alexandria, mostly at restaurants, my eyebrow threading place and the med spa where I get my Botox- but wait- there are historical sites here too!

My brother in law Robert and nephew Zachary visited in November and we made a sightseeing trip to Old Town.  I purchased a "key to the city" coupon booklet and off we went.  Parking is always an issue and wouldn't you know it, I found out that the city hall has an underground parking lot that is open to the public at certain hours- that would have been nice to know 18 months ago.....


We went to Gadsby's Tavern and Museum for a guided tour and lunch. George Washington used to stop there for a nice private dinner when he was in town for a visit!  http://www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com/html/history.html

We also took a tour of The Carlyle House- one of the grandest homes in Alexandria owned by the Scottish merchant, John Carlyle. http://www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park
It was completed in 1753 and has been restored for the period, from the furnishings to the unnerving and disconcerting mannequins depicting the unfortunate family slaves. It was once used by British General Braddock during the French and Indian War. It is said he was an untidy and unappreciative guest!

 Another thing I have noticed in these restored homes, are the artificial foods, usually a ham, or turkey with fancy fake desserts and such.  I wonder if there is a special factory where such items are made? Surely this must be a very venue specific item. I've noticed Model Homes (including the one in Arrested Development)  also use them as props.  After all, most people in the suburbs usually have breakfast in bed with a lovely food tray, croissants and a Mimosa don't they? 

Robert and Zachary found the docent at the Carlyle House to be quite impertinent- almost shaming people into asking questions and then acting as if their question was the lamest ever.  I have become almost immune to such things - but I have to say 99% of the docents I have met, have been very intelligent, friendly and warm.  It seems a very good way to spend your post retirement years.


Tom joined us after work and we went to The Torpedo Factory http://www.torpedofactory.org/
It used to be an actual torpedo factory and it is now a premier art gallery where local artisans have their studios.  Worth the trip and it is right on the beautiful waterfront area.

Of course food was also on the agenda and we enjoyed a great dinner at Bilbo Baggins http://www.bilbobaggins.net/ and the requisite stop at Ben and Jerrys  for a scoop of Schweddy Balls ice cream. 

The Town Hall is impressive and a good central location to walk to the historic sites nearby.

We mistakenly went to Fort Ward, thinking it was Fort Washington.  I Googled it and Fort Ward popped up and off we went. We knew we were at the wrong fort when we couldn't see the Potomac, but high rise apartments instead.  All's well that ends well, as it is a little hidden treasure and the leaves were glorious. http://alexandriava.gov/FortWard

Today we went to The Lyceum, which is Alexandria's historical museum. They have a new exhibit about the occupation of Alexandria during the Civil War, by Union Troops. The Lyceum was once used as a makeshift hospital  during the war. http://alexandriava.gov/Lyceum

I got a great picture of an original "clothespin doll" made and sold by war veterans on street corners- one of only a very few in existence.

We also went to Christ Church, where George Washington and Robert E Lee worshipped!  It is absolutely beautiful and we hope to attend a service there before we leave.  The docent told us that it is a tradition for the seated President to attend services there at least once during their term .
http://www.historicchristchurch.org/VisitUs/VisitorsHistory.aspx

I really liked our docent at Christ Church, she is also a parishioner there. She said she would date Thomas Jefferson, but would marry George Washington. Now that is the kind of thing I would think to myself, but dare not say out loud- good for her!

We still haven't made it to George Washington's Masonic Temple, our trip today was cut short due to the snow.

When local people ask me if we have had a good time here, I sometimes pause before answering- but yes, we have loved seeing the sites here. Just a few more trips on the metro to DC are planned- more Smithsonian's to see!