Odds and Ends- wrapping up 2010

Our time is finite here in DC Metro and I sometimes find myself over planning/scheduling so as not to miss anything!

I completed my seasonal volunteer activities with the USO and United Community Ministries. My last day there I was able to work in the Christmas room and assist parents to shop for their children.  It was very uplifting and worthwhile and I was was happy to see the generosity of businesses and private individuals who donated the toys and clothing. I had to beg/borrow someones reading glasses as I had left mine at home and wasn't able to read from my instructions-ugh so embarrassing.  Why is the print so small on everything these days?  I'm sure people as printing things with a smaller font to save ink!  :  )

Due to the fact that we are sharing one car here, it is tricky to schedule anything on a regular basis that isn't readily accessible by public transportation. Tom would happily buy another car and I think he is itching to do so- but for crying out loud, we just sold his car before moving here.  That being said- I am taking the next few months to work on my personal growth and development as a human being- an ongoing process even after 55 years!  Also, my sister Peggy has thrown down the gauntlet and doesn't think I will complete any of my scrapbook projects-well, we'll just see about that little sister. We completed our yoga series and my cooking classes for the quarter.

We enjoyed the holiday season here in Alexandria and were lucky enough to attend several holiday events.

On December 5th, we attended a performance of The Messiah at the National Cathedral. We were so far back in the nave that the concert was actually seen on large screen televisions and we could only glimpse the soloists from afar.  The cathedral is spectacular and a must see.  There is even a gift shop-what do you know?
http://www.nationalcathedral.org/
It was a three hour event and I had a terrible cold, but I loaded up on cough drops and enjoyed the venue. I have to say that I was glad to move on to the New Testament portion as the foretelling of the Messiah was pretty lengthy and not so uplifting. You can't beat that Hallelujah Chorus- and it was great to see everyone jump to their feet with a smile on their face.

Our trip to NYC was certainly a highlight and  a thrilling experience: (see Big Apple Adventure)http://www.radiocitychristmas.com/newyork/

A Christmas Carol at Ford's theatre was so much fun and the history of the building awe-inspiring. At the same time, you can purchase a stovepipe hat and other Lincoln knick-knacks in the gift store along with a beer and twizzlers at the concession stand.The play was outstanding from the sets, to the acting to the music- just superior to any production I have seen and I was glad to have the opportunity.
http://fordstheatre.org/

Oh brother!

Interior of the Ford's Theatre

On Christmas Day, Tom and I spent a quiet day at home and at dinner at a fantastic French Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria:http:// http://www.bistrotlafayette.com/menu.php 
The food was delicious and the service divine. it was my first time to eat Christmas dinner at a restaurant and it was pleasant not being chained to the stove for the day. No offense intended Nichols kids- I missed you all very much on the 25th! I decided to be brave and try the duck- delicious. Vegetarian relatives , cover your eyes!


 We did collect Christmas ornaments at all the holiday events to put on our apartment sized Christmas tree and  save for posterity.

Between Christmas and New Years Eve- we spent time exploring the National Archives. What a privilege to see the historic documents and an extra bonus was that there were no long lines and we could take our sweet time.  We also stopped by the National Post Office which was beautifully decorated.

If you care to mail a package or letter, you must pass through a metal detector and purse search. But the upside, is that they have a decent food court, gift shops and a tower tour a must see!  The vista from the top of the building is spectacular and we would have stayed long if not for the biting cold wind.

My lavender micro fleece mittens are always on my hands now!

View from the Old Post Office.

One more trip to Mount Vernon was warranted so Tom could see the 3rd floor of the Washington's estate. The crowds were smaller than Thanksgiving weekend and we enjoyed an unhurried trip through the museum and grounds. We are both season pass holders now and I even have a new Groupon for dinner in the restaurant-wahoo! It is a must see and I look forward to more visits as the seasons change.

We are starting to become accustomed to the cold weather here and have so far dodged another "snowmagedon" that the DC residents  put up with last year. Sandy has a new sweater and her trips outside are usually briefer now depending on the wind chill factor.

Tom gets a kiss from the Christmas camel.

Well. 2010 is done and gone and we look forward to 2011 in DC Metro.  Happy New Year!