April Showers

April showers do bring May flowers among other things: unexpected visitors, another holiday in Virginia and a new volunteer experience. 

Rain...we get a lot of rain here it seems. It is probably more normal than not, but after living nearly 20 years in Arizona, the rain seems a bit persistent and excessive! It is becoming more beautiful here everyday with the lovely azaleas and dogwoods in bloom.  The humidity is low right now and we are enjoying the more temperate days while we can. 

My son Ryan, daughter in law Amanda and sweet Grandson moved to Houston Texas and are getting settled in their new home . I hope to make a quick trip there in the near future. 

Easter was spent at Mount Vernon with our friends Kari and JR. The day was pleasant, the food good and the company great. I did feel a little homesick that day and missed my family and  familiar church in Mesa.





The squirrel(s) were out in force on Easter Sunday!

Kari and JR


My brother in law Robert made an unexpected trip to Maryland to visit his folks after his Dad had surgery to repair his broken hip. He arrived the sane evening as Tom's brother Len arrived in town for a business trip.  We all had dinner together in Bethesda that night and enjoyed a great meal.  Wow, it seems I comment on food frequently, but we have really enjoyed some great restaurants here and it is fun to collect Groupons to use at new places.  A week later we met Robert in Georgetown for dinner at The Guards .  I am so glad Tom is skilled at parallel parking as it is a skill you must have here!  I haven't had to parallel park since moving to Mesa- plenty of wide open spaces there to accommodate the gas hogging trucks and SUVs!  Finding and paying for parking is a nuisance, but a reality here.  Robert took us to the Old Stone House, from pre-revolutionary days and within walking distance of the restaurant,

Tom and Bro in law Robert

We tried to get a cupcake at Georgetown Cupcakes- aka DC Cupcakes, but they had just closed and believe it or not there was a police officer supervising the closing of the store, that is how big a crowd it draws.

My eyes are closed and my shirt is buttoned unevenly- perhaps due to the vodka tonic I enjoyed at The Guards!

We settled for frozen yogurt and said goodbye- we will be seeing more of Robert in the near future as he sees to the transition of his Dad from extended care rehab back to home.  We will be making some sightseeing trips together and he is an expert guide as he has lived in the area previously.   



I found an opportunity to utilize my massage therapy skills shortly after the new year began.  I will be giving chair massage to returning vets from Iraq and Afghanistan at The Mologne House on the Walter Reed campus. The Mologne house is a transition house where the soldiers continue to get rehab after being released from acute care at Walter Reed hospital. After an application process, background check and the purchase of new malpractice insurance and a new chair I was ready to go.  The volunteers give chair massage to family and soldiers alike. It was a great experience and I am gratified to be of service to those who have sacrificed and served our country. The organization I am working under is CAUSE- please see the following link:
http://cause-usa.org/main/index.cfm

Tom and I made two April trips downtown to the Library of Congress-http://www.loc.gov/index.html
we enjoyed a concert of Pershings own Army Band and will be returning to see the new Civil War pictorial exhibit  in the near future.  We also visited the National Aquarium, but I wouldn't recommend it as a must see.

We were scheduled to attend an Army Strong marriage weekend in Virginia Beach on the last weekend in April, but it was cancelled at the last minute. Due to a lack of interest?!  Well, I was interested and thought it would make for an entertaining blog. We decided to make the best of the situation and treated ourselves to sushi, a movie and and yoga class and a trip to The Pentagon Mall. Would you believe that we got scolded for taking pictures at the mall?  Unbelievable, since you can freely take pictures of most things on the capital mall....including the White House exterior.

The weekend ended with a rousing church service at our new big box church and for the first time ever, I actually raised my hand up during a praise song!  Me, a reserved Lutheran- ha ha.   The pastor is so enthusiastic and sincere, you can't help but get enthused too!  My Mom celebrated her 85th birthday and was feted at her local Lutheran church with a surprise coffee hour reception  that two of my sisters  put together.  Happy Birthday Mom- I was with you there in spirit- love you!

Mom and Dad with their favorite!


Well, the news these days is food for thought as we are living right in the middle of the breaking news and increased security. In a way it makes me want to run back to Arizona, but that is a silly notion.  It probably will be safer here than most places and it comes with the territory of having this chance to experience our year in DC Metro.                                                                                                  

Spring Break ,Cherry Blossoms and Tourists

When I made plans with daughter Holly and her husband Ryne to visit us the last week in March- I had no idea that the activity level in the area would explode, seemingly overnight.  During the fall and winter months, the museums have been easy to access and relatively uncrowded.  Since this is our first year here, every month and season provides a new education in living in the DC Metro area.

Their visit coincided with the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Spring Break school trips.  I began to get an inkling of the busy-ness of Cherry Blossom week while having my hair done a few days before their arrival.  My stylist was describing her husband's dread of the impending crowds around the National Mall since he works for the National Park Police.   Ugh, I began to get an uneasy feeling while we talked.  I am not a fan of huge crowds-enough said.

Everyday was action packed and we saw a remarkable amount of monuments, museums and other curiosities. H and R had made a wish list of things they would like to see and many, but not all objectives were achieved.

View from the Lee House at Arlington Cemetery

The kids arrived  on a Monday morning after an all nighter red-eye flight with a layover.  They were tired and the first day was devoted to rest and recuperation from the flight and the previous day's work. That night, Tom drove us to downtown DC and we saw the Vietnam Memorial and Lincoln Memorial. Believe it or not, I hadn't had a close-up look at the Lincoln Memorial and it was truly awe inspiring.  The few groups of school kids present were respectful and well behaved,  but as the week went by the behavior and demeanor of the tweens and middle school kids deteriorated at a steady rate!

On Tuesday we took the Metro to Arlington Cemetery and we broke out the mittens and hats.  I had just packed them up the week prior, but we were having a cold snap- darn it! 

That night we returned downtown on the Metro to have dinner at Old Ebbit Grill after Tom and Ryne explored the International Spy Museum. The restaurant is a five minute walk to a spectacular view of the back of the White House and it is always fun to see it at different times of the day and year and speculate what is going on inside.

On Wednesday morning,
I cracked the whip and we hustled down to the Metro station for a day of fun downtown via the Old Town Trolley Tours.  We got a two day pass and took the first informative loop around the mall.  I had never seen the trolleys so busy and we were hard pressed to find a seat at several stops. We were just across the street from Fords Theatre and were in the right place at the right time for the next tour group in the museum. I hadn't seen the museum portion of the theatre which is operated by the National Park Services. The museum is a must see and free to the public.

After the tour we had lunch at the Lincoln Waffle House across the street. It was a fun little greasy spoon and the food was acceptable.

Not Zagat rated, but they take debit cards!

We enjoyed the Madame Tussuad's Wax Museum- a great deal (of fun)with the help of Groupons!

We headed to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.  Holly and I were pooped, so we took an extended break at the food court while Ryne explored the exhibits. The museum was crowded, but doable since we went later in the day for the special extended hours.

We headed home in anticipation of the next day's outing and a second day on the Trolley Tour.

H and R took the green-line trolley to Georgetown to see The National Cathedral and pick up their on-line order from Georgetown (DC) Cupcakes. 

Holly was in Nirvana and thrilled to see the famed cupcake store in person.  We later had lunch at Ollie's Trolley- and guess what. cash only...... I have found that many casual dining places in the downtown area accept cash only- perhaps something to do with the beef about the District of Columbia's tax debate?

After a hearty lunch and our sugar fix- we headed to The National Museum of Natural History and The National Museum of American History  http://www.mnh.si.edu/.

The trolley loop took forever and we decided to stop at the Jefferson Memorial.  It was raining  and later the rain turned to freezing rain....The memorial was crammed full of shrieking wound- up middle school kids that had clamored off of the six Peter Pan buses parked outside the memorial.  My pictures are not good due to the darkness of the day and the darkening of my mood. By this time, it was Thursday and  probably the 4th of 5th day of the school kid's tours. The kids had lost it and apparently their chaperone's had given up. I was appalled at the lack of respect displayed at the beautiful venue. These kids nowadays....

We finally made it to The American History and Natural History museums which are adjacent to one another.  Holly and I made a bee-line to the First Ladies Inaugural Gowns and we stopped dead in our tracks when we saw the lines. The darn tour buses were one step ahead of us, so we just had to grin and bear it. I have to confess I went home before Holly and Ryne, as I was fading fast and getting a bit of sensory overload.  It gave me the opportunity to make a delicious (if I do say so) vegetarian Indian meal that I learned to cook in a great class from the good old Plum Center last month.

 It was fun to see Holly and Ryne experience everything and I took note that Holly was very interested in the human experience of the exhibits and Ryne more typically interested in the artifacts.   Holly has a tender heart and I know she was touched  by the Holocaust museum and exhibits on slavery. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War and it is a great time to be here- right in the heart of the matter.  I am looking forward to touring battlefields and see more of the Virginia and Pennsylvania countryside.

On Friday, I took the day off to catch up on laundry and rest. We had been going full tilt for days and I just couldn't take one more day downtown with the hoards.  Tom took the afternoon off and joined Ryne for a tour of The Bureau of Printing and Engraving, while Holly toured the Holocaust Museum.

Saturday was Mom and daughter day.  I traded Holly a massage for a color and cut. We walked to the handy nail salon and got French manicures and pedicures. Tom and Ryne toured the NRA museum and enjoyed the Hollywood weapons display. To each his own. 

Our last day together was spent at my favorite, Mount Vernon Estate.  Every time I go I get the chance to see more of the museum exhibits and this was my third time to tour the mansion. The weather was greatly improved and it was a beautiful day to walk around the grounds near the Potomac river. Tom had to join us a little later in the day when the parking lots cleared out. Unfortunately, Mt. Vernon is not easily accessible by public transportation- until the tour mobile from Arlington Cemetery start in May. 

I never get tired of George's place and we will have Easter Brunch there with Kari and JR. 

It was a busy week with lots of good food, fun and family time.  The weather was pretty obnoxious except for a day or two, but in spite of that, a good time was had by all. 

Holly and Ryne- it was great to have you here, love you guys!







Opposites Attract: Three weeks in the Grand Canyon State

I returned from my trip to Arizona almost a month ago and it is high time that I wrote this blog. The weather is beginning to turn to Spring and I am looking forward to a new season here in Virginia.  I wore flip flops and a sweater to church today which was ridiculous to assume that because the sun was shining, it was sweater weather. Last weekend we explored Georgetown and wore mittens and hats, so I should have known better.

They say fish and company begin to stink after three days- imagine being a guest for three weeks!  Being a guest in my own home was an experience in itself. My kids welcomed me with open arms and there was only one minor "mom's meltdown" episode-ha!  Three weeks is too long though and I missed Tom and Sandy- after all "Virginia is for Lovers" and I am technically still a newlywed.

It was so glorious to be in Arizona and enjoy the sunny warm weather most of the time I was there. A few days of rain- but the rain was warm and I didn't mind too much. It was also refreshing to be away from the autograph hounds that pester me here on the east coast. Surprisingly, my blog isn't as well known in AZ and I was left in peace most of the time!

An Arizona trip was long overdue for several reasons: I missed my family and friends and had a chronic case of cabin fever.  I also wanted to check on our house in Mesa that Holly, Ryne and Kelsey are care taking for us while we are away.  I do miss my house and it is comforting to know it is there waiting for us when we return.   The house was freshly cleaned when I arrived and I approved of it's upkeep with a few reminders to change light bulbs, remember the recycling pick-up day,etc.  After a consultation with my yard guy, I was satisfied that all was well on Keats Ave.

My youngest daughter Kelsey was scheduled for a laproscopic gallbladder removal two days after my arrival and I wanted to be there to take care of her. I had always heard that folks with gallstones fit this criteria: fat, fair and forty. Kelsey is none of theses things and is the picture of vegetarian health.  A less likely candidate would be hard to find.

We arrived bright and early at the hospital for the day surgery and everything went like clockwork until  we met the anesthesiologist. Kelsey has a few piercings  and of course common sense tells you that the navel ring would have to be removed. The ear and nose piercings were of concern to the 50 something female anesthesiologist, but not to the surgical nurse or surgeon who said that taping over them would be sufficient.  I know I saw the surgical nurse roll her eyes as the wacko carried on to the point of bringing my nervous daughter to pre-surgery tears. To say I was not happy with her is an understatement.   She said she might have to remove the nose ring, but I thought she would be talked out of it in the operating room.

Sure enough, Kelsey returned to the recovery room with two IV tubes threaded through her nose. The recovery room nurse was aghast and said she had never seen this before. I told her I was half expecting this and not to worry about shocking me. Kelsey was very slow to wake up fully and I made the decision to remove the tubes as I couldn't imagine her wearing them for days until she could return to the piercing studio. (I didn't realize that nose rings are not removable on a daily basis)hmmm.  After two more hours of waiting in the recovery room I asked to take my patient home to sleep off the residual anesthesia.  We trolleyd her into the waiting car and she slept mouth agape all the way home. A few curious pedestrians stared into the car window and I pretended I was involved in an intervention and was driving her to rehab.

Kelsey made a smashing recovery and it was my pleasure to play Nurse Ratchet and declare the Percocet off limits on day three. Her washboard abs are none the worse for the experience and she is enjoying life without chronic stomach discomfort.

At the end of week one, I was dismissed as private duty nurse and went to Bunko with my pals!  It was so nice to see everyone again and it felt like home.

That weekend, I attended a continuing education class for my massage license renewal due in July 2011. I decided to take a Reiki 1 class and felt it was easier to take my CEU's at a familiar place instead of wasting more time on my fruitless Internet searches for classes in Virginia or DC that fit my travel criteria. I love attending classes at the South west Institute for Healing Arts. It is such a pleasant atmosphere, full of friendly Granolas and smells of  delightful essential oils.

I have been interested in energy healing ever since I attended massage therapy school and it called to me as I looked over the course schedules.  It was a powerful and interesting weekend and I am reserving judgement until I soak in the experience and practice my self Reiki treatment (my homework I have not done!). I need two more classes before becoming a "Reiki Master"- we'll see.

I got a lot done in the three weeks I was there- got my Botox, I love that stuff! Had my yearly mammogram at Mountain Vista and helped two seniors find their missing parked car. Imagine my shock when the more mobile and sharper of the duo climbed into the passenger seat instead of driving. I made a quick exit out of there feeling I had a head start on road safety.   I was able to attend my church, Spring of Life twice and it was great to be back for Sunday worship again. I also got to take a Christian yoga class with my friend Kirsta at Yahweh Yoga in Chandler-loved!  Kirsta and I also traded services she got a massage and I got waxed and that's all you need to know about that!

I was fortunate to see so many of my friends and sometimes I was clever enough to remember my camera and other times, not.  I ate so many good meals and enjoyed the company and friendship of all, love you guys!  Tracy, I had to speak my truth at Farelli's (inside joke) great to have to opportunity to see you on several occasions.

My Mom and Dad traveled from Oregon for a visit and it was great to see them again. They are both in their 80's and I count myself as very fortunate to have them both in my life in my 55th year.  We were anxious to drive to Peoria AZ and see grandson Sam (their great-grandson).  Mom and Dad are enjoying good health and good attitudes.

Speaking of snowbirds...I have to say I bragged about how the snowbirds didn't bug me when I was out driving. I would much rather contend with a pokey driver from Calgary than a speeding driver here in VA leaning on the horn at the traffic lights!  By the end of the three weeks, the snowbirds did bug me, I admit it. I took my Mom to the SAS shoe store in Apache Junction and I was the youngest person there for the customer appreciation sale. The seniors came in droves to shop and the store help(seniors also) wore cobbler aprons and wore the comfortable shoes too. We returned the next day to make a return and it was hilarious to see a senior with a doo rag on a fully loaded Harley riding up to the store to purchase his sensible shoes- what a bad ass! 

Our visit to Peoria was wonderful.  I am so proud of my son and daughter-in-law Ryan and Amanda for the extraordinary job they are doing in parenting their son Sam.  Their devotion to meeting his needs is awe inspiring to me.  Sam is proficient in his use of an I-Pad as an augmentative communication device. He is a beautiful, bright boy and I am so glad to be his Grandma! 

The trip to AZ was beautiful with just a few bumps in the road.  I look forward to the day I can see the beautiful Superstition Mountains on a daily basis and I know I will appreciate living there again when the time comes.

Cabin Fever

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!