The Palisades

For Tomorrow

2012-02-13T14:02:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow – Valentine’s Day – is my sweetie’s birthday. So far, I gave him the gift of a donation tohis favorite radio program A Sunday Kindof Love on WPFW. The host, MiyukiWilliams wished him a “happy birthday” on the air! Tomorrow he will get a new sweater, the key ring I ordered on Etsy, and a nice duck dinner. Neither one of us is the other's one-and-only - we have both had other loves. I mean...we are...how old?! But we love each other; are there for each other; are together, here and now; and are loyal to the core.

Weekend Wish

2012-02-10T12:05:00.000-04:00

While the Tear Drop trailer remains my number one trailer desire, this one is not too shabby. I wouldn't mind pulling this down to some beach, even in the winter.

Even the interior is elegant, with teak floors, and oak, Corian and stainless steel appointments. It's called the "Opera" because the designer took his inspiration from the Sydney Opera House.

Sweet.

Now, This is Cool

2012-02-08T11:55:00.001-04:00

...And I quote from Straight Line Designs, "It's not about the chair, it's what you put in it!"

...or books...

Pretty clever, eh?

Diamond Jubilee

2012-02-07T13:45:00.001-04:00

This design for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is based on anoriginal illustration drawn by Katherine Dewar, age 10, of ChesterUK.It was selected from 35,000 entries submitted by children aged 6 to 14 yearsfrom all over the UKin response to a Blue Petercompetition. Blue Peter is the world’s longest running children's television show which isshown on both the Canadian and British Broadcasting Companies. Yesterday was Accession Day, the 60th anniversaryof Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne. The actual celebration - the Diamond Jubilee - will take place June 2 –5 with the main highlight likely to be a huge pageant on the River Thamesfeaturing a 1,000-strong flotilla. Whydo I care? I don’t know, but I havealways read about the British Monarchy with interest. Is it the jewels? The hats? The dogs? (The Queen is fond ofCorgis. The Prince of Wales likes Labs.) Is it because they’re going to haveflotilla?

A Dinner To Die For

2012-02-06T12:55:00.000-04:00

Well, maybe that is a bit extreme, but still, the meal we had at Jaleo on Saturday night was right up in the top ten. We hadn't been there in so long - maybe even since they opened (1993?). So, before the second version of Two Gentlemen of Verona in two weeks, we got to the restaurant about 6pm. Spanish tapas are a great meal because you can try a bunch of different stuff in small portions. The one that sent me over the moon was Arroz de pato ‘Jean-Louis Palladin': rice with duck confit, duck breast and foie gras cream.

Now, I admit it doesn't look all that great in the picture and, too, I am not a huge fan of risotto (which is actually what it was). But, this was so fantastic! E. had their famous cured ham "from the legendary, acorn-fed, black-footed Ibérico pigs of Spain" - would love to know where to buy that (...so I could take it home and gorge in private). The asparagus, spinach, chickpea taps were all terrific, too. It is so wonderful to enjoy a meal this memorable and it just doesn't happen all that often to me.

Picture found here.

Another Tiny House

2012-02-03T14:45:00.001-04:00

Can you see why I am obsessed with tiny houses? They are all so cute. If I could just have one in my backyard, then I could hide.

This one is made from old barn boards...

He Was Born on Valentines Day

2012-02-02T12:49:00.000-04:00

So what gift do you give to a man who can make anything he wants...especially when he was born on Valentines Day? I'm going with this one:

I found it on Etsy.

The Cathedral This Morning

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

This is actually the fifth photo taken with my new iPhone: way better than I had hoped!

Amos In the Tree

2012-01-31T17:03:00.001-04:00

It's a beautiful day: over 60-degrees on this last day in January. (Kind of weird.) But Molly's new friend (ours, too) found a wonderful adventure in exploring the dogwood tree where we have the bird feeder.

Everybody on the block loves Amos. He's like our Mayor, a Greeter, an Ambassador of Precocious and Cute.

Happily Surprised

2012-01-30T11:37:00.000-04:00

We were not sure what to expect for Two Gentlemen of Verona (A Rock Opera). But, boy were we surprised! What a great production by the Shakespeare Theater at Sidney Harman Hall. Big, voices! A tight, and brassy orchestra! Funny dialogue! Dynamic choreography! Here is a clip from the rehearsals...go see this! It's a wonderful way to escape the winter blues...

Next Saturday is the version directed by P. J. Paparelli at the Lansburgh Theatre...tough act to follow?

Finally Took the Plunge

2012-01-27T11:56:00.000-04:00

Bought the iPhone. I was inspired by the Gold Puppy. But I mainly did it because I have been called to jury duty and there is an expectation to stay in touch with work. I really didn't want to schlep my laptop on the bus all over downtown so I took the plunge. Since I am surrounded by 300 adolescent boys, I know I will always have answers at the ready if I get stuck. But the best thing of all? I found a needlepoint calculator cover that my father made many years ago and the iPhone fits perfectly!

Annie Leibovitz at SAAM

2012-01-23T11:53:00.000-04:00

Known for her stunning portraits in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and Vogue, Annie Leibovitz has produced photos of objects and places in an exhibit called "Pilgrimage." The pictures are at places like Gettysburg and Niagara Falls. The objects include images of a dress worn by Emily Dickinson, a motorcycle owned by Elvis and a pair of gloves worn by Abraham Lincoln. In a way, she is photographing historical figures. I think my favorite was a picture of Pete Seeger's wood shop in the Hudson Valley. We hadn't been to the Smithsonian American Art Museum since they covered the courtyard.

I really like the undulating roof, but one of my favorite memories is eating lunch on the lawn in the summertime.

Weekend Wish

2012-01-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

The weather reports are predicting the mid-Atlantic wintry mix over night and into tomorrow. You know the drill: freezing rain, sleet and then ice. eeww. So while I am preparing to do a major overhaul of my bedroom, I will be dreaming of this...

I can see myself, my sweetie, and Molly crawling into this fabulous vintage Airstream for a nice long, lazy weekend. Isn't that cool?!

The Honey Do List

2012-01-17T12:50:00.000-04:00

I lived alone for years, so hanging a picture or fixing a leak or some other mundane household task became less intimidating as time went on. When the BF, my sweetie moved in, that changed! "Honey, would you do...?" Recently, we debated how and where to hang the two restored stained glass windows. I never would have come up with this solution...

He came up with this...hooks and hangars from the plant store, mounted on the window trim. So now we have light streaming through and a beautiful way to enjoy the lovely antique stained glass. It sure is wonderful to have his 29 years as a master craftsman in the building trades under my roof!

A Winter Wedding

2012-01-11T12:03:00.000-04:00

The bride looked like a princess and glowed like candlelight. The groom was proud and happy. The air was chilly but the feeling was warm. There were a lot of dress tartans and Christmas greens...

Beautiful!

Sick Bay

2012-01-09T11:19:00.000-04:00

Washington, D.C., circa 1921. "Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. dispensary." National Photo Company Collection glass negative. From Shorpy. Going home with a bad cold. Comes with the territory, I guess.

"What's Your Sign"?

2012-01-03T07:08:00.000-04:00

Back to work, today.

The "Proposal Booth"

2011-12-30T16:13:00.000-04:00

Today, we had the most delicious Eggs Florentine at Billy Martin’s in Georgetown (and one heck of a Bloody Mary!). We sat in the “Proposal Booth.” According to Billy Martin lore, this is where JFK...well, the picture says it all...

I grew up with Michael Bartlett (he was one of my best friends, around the corner on W Street), the son of Martha and Charles. They always took the credit for making the [famous] introduction (as well they should!):

“The dinner party was organized by mutual friends, Martha and Charles Bartlett. Hoping to talk to Jackie privately after dinner, JFK followed her outside. When he arrived at her 1947 black Mercury convertible, he turned around upon seeing a man leaning on the car. As it turned out, the man was an acquaintance of Jackie’s who just happened by and, recognizing her car, decided to wait for her to come out so he could say hello. He had no idea he had stymied a lot of hard work by the Bartletts, who had hoped to set up JFK and Jackie. Nine months later, the Bartletts hosted another party, reintroducing JFK and Jackie. This time, JFK asked Jackie to join him on a double date the following weekend. They went to a carnival in Georgetown. Upon Jacqueline's meeting of Senator John Kennedy again, they began dating. Their romance progressed into engagement, and finally marriage.”

After breakfast, we went to the Zoo. The BF (my sweetie) became rather teary - yup: Mr. Macho-Worked-In-The-Building-Trades-As-A-Carpenter-For 29-Years - became teary because he thought the elephants looked sad.

A Wreath Laying

2011-12-29T12:38:00.000-04:00

It is customary that on the occasion of a former, deceased US President’s birthday, a wreath is presented at his final resting place. The Military District of Washington assumes the ceremonies for (the 28th) President Woodrow Wilson whose tomb is located in the National Cathedral. The honor guard and full color guard presented the colors. Major General Darren McDew, commander of the Air Force District of Washington, presented the wreath on behalf of The President. Yesterday was the 155th anniversary of Wilson’s birth and a few of us went to watch.

A bugler played taps from a balcony at the west end. There is nothing like the sound of taps in a big cathedral. Afterwards, prayers are said and the wreath is presented.

The wreath at the tomb:

...and the President's calling card:

Quietude

2011-12-28T12:30:00.001-04:00

After the pre-holiday rush...including resolving the wall of water on the evening before Christmas Eve (oh, the expense!), preparing the dinner for Christmas Day and checking the list twice, I am actually enjoying the quietude of the days between then and the forthcoming New Year. I saw The Descendants (great movie, see it!) and I keep the Christmas tree lights on ‘round the clock. I wrote some thank you notes and wrote down some resolutions in my journal...which I intend to keep (but if I don’t, I am not going to beat myself up about that).

On my tree: fish, boats, dogs and shells...all of my favorite things. The Angel is a Dog-Angel.

Christmas Eve and Water Everywhere

2011-12-24T09:05:00.001-04:00

A wall of water gushed down the living room wall. Yup, the toilet overflowed. So I'm digging this:

It rather dulls the pain of the $104.00 service charge - and that's just for showing up - not including the repair. Got to keeps smiling...a true test of the ol' Christmas faith, agree?

PS: The song was written by Steve Allen - one of my all time great favorites.

Merry Christmas!

A Little Bit of Advent

2011-12-19T14:15:00.001-04:00

Mother is 88. She so appreciates any time we spend with her and she likes to go to church, so we went. She was raised by a Methodist and a Lutheran but attended Episcopal churches in boarding school and while raising a family. So we went up to the Cathedral and heard a pretty good sermon. Among the simpler messages about the element of hope during the Advent season was the notion that if we - humans - are cracked vessels well, then:

"Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in."

That is Martha Stewart's corn crib decorated for Christmas. I am struck by its simplicity and elegance, and even how it is an image of hope.

The text is from Leonard Cohen's song "Anthem".

Yup. I Could Sure Live Here.

2011-12-16T17:20:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I just want to hide. And this looks like a good place to do it.

Care to join me?

Stained Glass Windows

2011-12-15T11:45:00.001-04:00

Besides living with one, I have been very lucky working around and getting to know amazing, skilled craftsmen in the building trades: stone carvers, masons, carpenters, and stained glass fabricators. So when I found two stained glass windows back by the furnace in my home, I knew exactly whom I should ask about restoration. My sweetie stripped the frames of the old lead paint. Then they were off to Washington Art Glass for repair.

Jed Boertlein besides being extremely deft at his craft is just one heck of a nice guy. He delivered the two windows yesterday to my joy and thrill. He noted that they were perhaps made around 1890 or so. What an awesome Christmas present!

I Want One!

2011-12-12T15:51:00.002-04:00

I think this is cool!

So...if you're feeling flush - so to speak - and you have a cool $400 you can check it out here. Thanks! Love you!

December Marigold

2011-12-10T10:57:00.001-04:00

This is growing right outside of my garage, in the pavement:

Candy

2011-12-08T11:40:00.001-04:00

I can tell which ones are Rolo and Butterfinger, and I think I can spot the Snickers and Mounds. Not sure about the rest...

Much Ado About Nothing

2011-12-06T17:01:00.001-04:00

What a splendid evening at Shakespeare theatre! It started a little slow but wound up being a total hoot. Even a bad evening in the theatre is better than a good day at work...but this was a great night in the theatre. Derek Smith as Benedick was amazing. I think I was not supposed to take that picture but the idea of "plantation" Cuba as a setting was so, well, right. Of course when I got home I was WIRED. When theatre is that good how can anyone go to sleep right away?

The Christmas Lights Are Up

2011-12-06T14:08:00.001-04:00

It's the same decoration that I used last year. The neighborhood children love it. Well, so do the neighborhood adults!

Been Awhile

2011-12-01T10:50:00.001-04:00

I found this image very poignant. She is saying goodbye to her love departing for a deployment in the Pacific. He will obviously be gone over Christmas. I could get in a lot of trouble since I stole this picture from the Washington Post and use it without permission or fee. But it seemed like such an appropriate image for the season of Advent, approaching Christmas. It's a time to slow down, not overdo. I try to think of all that I should be grateful for and not what I want. Besides I surely have everything I need and am surrounded by love - and it can't get better than that, right?

Amos 'N' Molly

2011-11-14T17:46:00.001-04:00

This is Amos, our new neighbor.

He is blind in one eye and likes to follow Molly and me when we go on walks. Both Amos and Molly are very friendly so they get along just fine. Molly is the third dog I've had, but the only one who likes cats. They sort of played in the yard for a while.

Eventually, Molly rather lost her patience for Amos' attitude and wanted to get inside.

Will you please let me in?! OK, thanks. XO

The Cathedral and Federal Money

2011-11-10T13:26:00.001-04:00

I am torn. President Obama has signed the disaster declaration for DC opening the channels for FEMA money to be awarded to the support repair to the National Cathedral after suffering extensive damage from the earthquake. According to Mark Seagraves on WTOP: "It is not unusual for the federal government to providedisaster relief to non-profits or religious organizations. After HurricaneKatrina, FEMA provided more than $27 million to the Archdiocese of New Orleansto help rebuild catholic schools. 'The Cathedral is still in the process of determiningits eligibility to apply to FEMA for funding,' says Richard Weinberg,communications director for the National Cathedral." And, according to the Associated Press, FEMA has said that the Cathedral couldrequest funds for areas of the Cathedral not used for religious purposes. But Fred Schmidt makes a compelling case for why this should not happen (and he used to work there).

That's the Difficult Access Team on the Gloria in Excelsis (central) tower last Tuesday.

Every day, now, we look up and see the scaffolding going up in more and more places: the South Transept, the west side of the Garth, the west front towers; and it's discouraging. After all, the Cathedral has only been "complete" for twenty years. And then there are these guys - they have jobs!

They're the guys who put up the scaffolding.

So, if the Cathedral gets money from the Feds, our Cathedral can be repaired and people will have jobs. Would it be the reality that they would become beholden to the US Government for taking federal funds? I don't think so, because how would that work, anyway?

Couples in Love, Captured

2011-11-08T15:00:00.000-04:00

When I stumbled across this photo of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, I immediately thought of another iconic photo of a couple in love.

Unlike the photo above, the John and Yoko photo by Annie Lebovitz for the cover of Rolling Stone portrays a somewhat unequal partnership: here, Yoko is the strong one and John is, well, more vulnerable.

How true that turned out to be. He was shot and killed about five hours after this photo was taken, December 1980. It was published by the magazine in tribute to John Lennon, January 1981.

Another great couple photo - like all of the above - shows the true love:

Texas Tiny House

2011-11-04T13:08:00.001-04:00

This sweet, tiny house is the work of architect Jim Poteet of San Antonio, Texas. It is actually a container: 8-feet by 40-feet with floor to ceiling windows, a green roof, and heating and air conditioning.

Pretty sweet, Jim Poteet!

All Saints and Ann Tonjes

2011-11-01T06:20:00.001-04:00

Today is All Saints Day. This is the day that many faith traditions remember the deceased. I will always remember my neighbor Ann Tonjes who died tragically in her home demolished by fire. It was February 6, 2006 and I awoke around midnight because of an orange glow of light coming through the curtains. I looked out the window and saw her house completely overwhelmed in flames and her next door neighbor frantically shoveling snow from his side yard onto hers. The fire department was there until 4 or 5 in the morning. I certainly will never forget watching the EMS personnel walking towards her house with a gurney and a body bag only to be turned back towards their vehicle by a fireman.

Ann was a classic, great Democrat. She was brassy. I think she worked on the Hill before she landed at the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. She had an old Oldsmobile with a bumper sticker: Unions: We Brought You the Weekend. She was faithful to her church, Foundry United Methodist (16th Street) and coordinated their sandwich outreach for the homeless. She loved to garden, did beading as a hobby, and threw regular neighborhood parties. But I remember, too, back in 1991, the morning after George H. W. Bush dropped the bombs on Kuwait, we were leaving for work at the same time. She stopped me in the street and was incoherent in her anti-Rebuplican, military-industrial complex rambling. I later learned that she had some kind of emotional disorder, was committed, treated and released with medication. Towards the end, though, she was becoming a little edgier and mentioned that she was going off her medication. The neighbors wondered if there was a fatal combination of alcohol and drugs which made her sleep so deeply while the iron pan on the stove created such heat as to ignite the cupboard above.
The house still sits as it did after the fire was put out and there are a couple of big tarps over it to keep out the rain. There was some interest by the purchaser to rebuild it, but it went into foreclosure. I look at it every day and think of Ann.

Have a Nice Weekend

2011-10-28T16:46:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, I went to a "vinyl event" at Artisphere. It was an opportunity to browse and buy records from various vendors from the east coast who specialize in records. I mainly went to see what the market will bear for some of the records I already own. I saw an Allman Brothers Eat a Peach for $10. A Rubber Soul by the Beatles for $20. I observed a fellow trolling the vendors for anything on the Blue Note label. Don't know what I am going to do with my collection, but I can say that the art space in Arlington is Amazing. Period.

Green wall, above.

A view with the Green Wall.

It was a great experience and very accessible. I wish there was more space like this available in every neighborhood in and around DC. HAPPY WEEKEND!

Kitchen Device I Would Never Do Without.

2011-10-25T16:40:00.000-04:00

Yup. My pepper grinder. It's a Peugeot. I couldn't live without it. My Dad gave it to me when I went away to college in, oh, who cares when that was! But it is over 30 years old. So there. He was a Francophile...he loved all things French and freshly ground pepper is pure french, in fact, it is just taken for granted. Plus, anything given to me by my Dad is just perfect in every way. Love.

Dog Party!

2011-10-24T16:01:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, we had an impromptu Dog Party. Peter was over here working on the hedge, so he brought Brooksie. Jan, my neighbor happened to walk by, so Wally was invited in to greet Brooksie and Molly. What a swell party it was! I daresay, the excitement may have been a bit much for Molly - today, she appears to be a bit off her feed. A hangover, perhaps?

From L. to R., Molly, Brooksie and Wally. Three noses...all together, now!

If I Was Feeling Flush, or: Aren't They Cute?!

2011-10-19T16:24:00.000-04:00

...And if I had some money to spare, here's what I would do: I would purchase from the Animal Print Shop these amazing photographs by Sharon Montrose. I like them because these babies are not cute (but they are). They are natural and real: which is exactly why they are cute. I would create a whole wall of her prints. If only I had, you know, what they call "disposable income. ..."

Car Collector

2011-10-15T09:08:00.000-04:00

Charles Gould likes little cars. I like any vintage auto. Sometimes I waste my time scrolling the internet longing for a classy antique ride.

That's Mr. Gould sitting in his 1969 Evers Caravan - a salesman's demo. Pretty cute, eh? For a slide show of his collection, go here.

Photo by Tony Cenicola, The New York Times

Vacation Is Over Now

2011-10-12T10:24:00.000-04:00

We had the best weather ever. This time we saw dolphins on our first-ever tour around Chincoteague Island with the adorable Dan Davis.

It was over too soon.

New View - Our Injured Cathedral, Part IV

2011-10-01T09:08:00.002-04:00

Jen Walker took this picture of the progress made in securing the Gloria in Excelsis Central Tower:

Sure gives you a jolt: juxtaposing the relational size of the workmen to their surroundings...the Tower, the finials, the I-beams. As she said, "that would so not be me" up there! Egads.
PS: The flag on the crane is the team flag of the Pittsburgh Pirates, of whom the crane operator is a huge fan. I guess if I operated a crane I could fly any flag I wished. Thanks for the photo, Jen Walker, via Kim Gilliam.

Look Who I Saw

2011-09-27T00:41:00.000-04:00

...last week on University Terr. NW.

I believe it is a Red Shouldered Hawk. Looked to be about 14 - 16-inches tall...

Cathedral Crane, Day Nine - Our Inured Cathedral Part III

2011-09-19T05:57:00.002-04:00

Here is a picture of the massive crane - I'll call it # 1 - the day after it fell at the National Cathedral.
It is remarkable - a miracle, really - that it did not land just feet or yards to the left or right.

Courtesy, WNC, Craig Stapert.
Last Friday, nine days later, two more cranes had been brought in to remove it, and will then begin the work to repair the damage from the recent earthquake.

This shows the South Transept, looking north, up the Pilgrim steps. The crane on the right, we'll call # 2, will remove the undercarriage of crane #1. The crane on the left (# 3) will hoist the sections of crane # 1 on to flatbeds to cart them away, off the Cathedral Close.

(The lovely) Gregory took me up to the South Transept, "first" roof, for these amazing pictures with southern views of the city of Washington. That red crane, (# 2), is one heck-of-a-crane, yes? It will lift the base of crane # 1. I believe this one will remain on the Close to make the repairs to the central tower.

Above is the undercarriage of crane # 1.

Below, here is a picture of crane # 3 which will remove sections of crane #1:

They hope to complete removal of crane # 1 by the time this is posted, barring any hold-ups (OSHA?) or other mis-haps.

RADM. Samuel R. Brown, Jr.

2011-09-16T16:24:00.000-04:00

Back in the late 50's we spent a lot of weekends and several holidays with the family of Adm. and Ann Brown. I remember their daughters, Robin and Eleanor. And I remember Christmas Eve lights atop their house in northern Virginia. Adm. Brown was Capt. of the USS Forrestal from May 1959-April 1960 and I am pretty sure we attended his commissioning in Norfolk. (These short term commands were typical.) What I remember most were the parties, the cocktails, the capri pants, and canapes... and I even think he even had a crush on my Mom. Well, his wife was a brunette and so was Mother. The photo and citation above were found - of all places - on Ebay. Imagine that.

Assessing Cathedral Damage

2011-09-14T16:38:00.001-04:00

Checking out the finial pieces that fell fell from the Gloria in Excelsis Tower, today.
What to do next?

Dads B

2011-09-13T16:18:00.000-04:00

This sweet little ride belongs to Mimi. Offered as both convertible and coupe, the MGB was Britain's best-selling sports car. Production began in May 1962 to replace the MGA and continued until October 22, 1980. She thinks it's a " '75-ish". I'm jealous. More than being envious of owning an antique vehicle like this, I am envious of the ability to care and keep one - she does a lot of the maintenance herself.

PS: Mimi is a talented artist and gifted graphic designer.

Cannot Think of Appropriate Title for This Post

2011-09-11T12:11:00.001-04:00

Judie Park of New York City writes in today's New York Times letters to the Editor that what stands out most vividly to her are the stories of people who, in the face of their very last moments, sought for connection: the jumpers who clung to one another as they stepped off the ledges of the Towers, and those who made final phone calls to their loved ones to say goodbye. Is it a coincidence that I saw this sign in my neighborhood today?

Corner of MacArthur Blvd. and Reservoir Rd. NW., Washington, D.C., 9/11/2011

The Rescue Dogs

2011-09-10T12:27:00.000-04:00

That's Moxie, 13, now retired rescue dog. She worked for eight straight days at Ground Zero with her handler, Chelsea, MA. firefighter Mark Aliberti. She is one of 15 surviving dogs - of the 100 or so who served - that is featured in the book Retrieved by photographer Charlotte Dumas. Dr. Elizabeth Otto of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School treated the dogs onsite. She said that the surely the dogs were what kept people going. "You'd actually see their [people's] faces change when a dog walked by.

Morse Code Jewelry

2011-09-09T16:23:00.000-04:00

Here is something a little interesting to divert our attention as we navigate into the sober remembrances of the upcoming weekend. It's a very sweet, elegant necklace which spells "Love" in Morse Code:

The artist/jeweler is Rebecca Coagan Scharlatt and you can find or buy her designs here. A good way to show love.

Our Injured Cathedral, Part II

2011-09-07T16:30:00.001-04:00

As if a very rare earthquake wasn't enough, more bad luck. This morning I witnessed the 500-foot crane, brought to the Cathedral to repair earthquake damage, fall along South Road. Amazingly, no one was injured. The crane operator walked away but is surely rattled beyond what anyone can imagine. Here is the beam I saw them raise to the bell tower roof just before it happened:

Shortly after that, I saw the crane go down behind the roofline of our library building. It was in the middle of a thunderstorm and the woman with whom I was on the phone agreed that it was probably a good thing to lower the crane. We rang off but she immediately called me back and said, "it fell." (And she would know.) This next photo shows the upended base of the crane at the South Transept:

There are lots of images better than mine on the internet. The Herb Cottage was damaged, cars were flattened and OSHA will investigate:

Our hearts have been broken again.

Thank You Notes

2011-09-06T06:07:00.000-04:00

Last Friday I received an adorable thank you note from my 10 year old neighbor. She has very sweet little-girl stationery and I was so pleased and surprised. Probably the most memorable thank you note came to me this summer on very unusual stationery.

This was from a student who plays baseball and adores the great game. More unusual than the stationery were the profoundly kind sentiments expressed by this young, elegant teenager. It is one of the nicest gifts I have ever received.

Labor Day & "I'd Like to Say a Few Words in Defense of Our Country"

2011-09-02T13:21:00.001-04:00

Lewis W. Hines' iconic photograph, Powerhouse Mechanic and Steam Pump, 1920. This was taken after his decade-long project photographing child labor in the U.S.
From Shorpy.

From Randy Newman's song: "I'd Like to Say a Few Words in Defense of Our Country":

I’d like to say a few words
In defense of our country
Whose people aren’t bad nor are they mean
Now the leaders we have
While they’re the worst that we’ve had
Are hardly the worst this poor world has seen

Let’s turn history’s pages, shall we? ....

A President once said,
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"
Now it seems like we’re supposed to be afraid
It’s patriotic in fact and color coded
And what are we supposed to be afraid of?
Why, of being afraid
That’s what terror means, doesn’t it?
That’s what it used to mean

You know it pisses me off a little
That this Supreme Court is gonna outlive me
A couple of young Italian fellas and a brother on the Court now too
But I defy you, anywhere in the world
To find me two Italians as tightass as the two Italians we got

And as for the brother
Well, Pluto’s not a planet anymore either

The end of an empire is messy at best
And this empire is ending
Like all the rest
Like the Spanish Armada adrift on the sea
We’re adrift in the land of the brave
And the home of the free

Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye.

Happy New Year!

2011-09-01T16:42:00.000-04:00

Another year to celebrate and another to which I look forward. I've said this before. I think it goes back to my boarding school days that when Labor Day weekend rolls around, or September 1st, the anticipation I feel going forward is more like New Year's than December 31st. The academic year meant new pencils - remember how they smelled?! - and new notebooks; new shoes (for school, of course) and, um, underwear. I even make resolutions and set goals. Egads. I can't believe I said that. But I do, because when the weather turns cooler it's a change of season that can accommodate change in lifestyle (like running or erging outside after it's been so hot all summer). Yes. So. In that spirit, I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Sunrise, January 2011, looking south over the city of Washington from the Cathedral close.

We Dodged the Bullet

2011-08-31T12:21:00.000-04:00

Smarting from Hurricane Isabel (2003) I was so sure to be fully prepared for Irene. That year we lost power for exactly seven days and five minutes. Well, we dodged the bullet. Good karma? Blessings from above? Luck of the Scottish? The basement was bone dry, and we never lost power. The only casualty was that the Christmas decoration - a bicycle decorated with lights that I never did put away - fell over, into the bushes.

I do not for one second mean to make light of this horrible incident - after all, we had an earthquake and a hurricane with in one week. My prayers and thoughts are with those who suffered injury and loss. Chincoteague also dodged the bullet - the ponies were fine...

...and John's house - the shed, too - were dry.

Irene Before She Says Goodnight

2011-08-27T14:10:00.000-04:00

At Flag Harbor on the Chesapeake Bay.

This is looking south at about 8am towards Calvert Cliffs, and the nuclear power plant (at the mouth of the marina). People in Calvert County who live within 100 feet of the cliffs were ordered to evacuate. John Little is going to pull John Drew's boat up out of the slip, and trailer it.

By the way, here is a picture of Flag Harbor on a pretty day.

After searching eight different stores over two days, I finally found some D-batteries!

Bring it on, Irene.

House Envy

2011-08-25T13:56:00.000-04:00

Alex and Seonaid MacLean-Bristol live in a modern house built into a Scottish ruin. From the New York Times.

A map of the island:

Our Injured Cathedral

2011-08-23T15:57:00.001-04:00

By now, everyone knows about the Earthquake. It is so heartbreaking to see the damage to the finials on the (central) Gloria in Excelsis Tower...or anywhere else at the Cathedral...and I understand that there was more damage on the north side...

The damaged finial is the one on the left (west). It is difficult to see, but the one on the right was dislodged and could easily tumble in a strong wind or aftershock. There was other damage on the south side:

In this photo, the flying buttress, third from left, also lost its finial. When the quake happened, the bells in the central tower were heard. Everyone came outside and looked with awe and compassion. It is hard to comprehend that a beautiful and solid structure of such faith and strength can be so easily compromised by a force of nature. But maybe that's the point.

A Sweater!

2011-08-23T13:31:00.000-04:00

It was chilly this morning! And with the convertible top down I was chilly, so I ran inside and grabbed a sweater - not this one but a funky old grey cashmere that I pulled out of the lost and found from last year...

County Fair!

2011-08-21T14:19:00.001-04:00

He didn't want to go. I begged him to drive me there because I had forgotten exactly where it is: Gaithersburg...the Montgomery County (Md.) Fair! We used to go a lot as kids with my Dad. He was a fair-nut. He also liked going to the Maryland State Fair in Timonium, and one year took me to see the trotters race. The 4-H is still very engaged - thankfully. I enjoyed watching the young teenagers show their cattle in the cattle pavilion - so clean cut and so earnest. We didn't bother with the midway, above, but there is no such thing as a county fair without one.

More than anything, I loved the animals. They have a calming effect on me. Why, I wonder?

Can you reproduce the color pink that you see in this pig?!

And the babies...

There was poultry...

There was cattle...

When we got home, Molly was so very interested in the soles of our shoes. I could practically hear her say, "Where have you been walking and why couldn't I be there, too?!"

Canning Part II

2011-08-17T16:28:00.000-04:00

"What are you going to do with all of those blueberries?!"

Uncle. So, I dug out one of my all time favorite cookbooks - mainly used for making homemade Christmas gifts at the very last minute. Apparently, the book is now a classic: Helen Witty's Fancy Pantry. I say "classic" because "new" copies are selling on Amazon for $75.00! This one, Blueberry Orange Preserves was easy. Yes, you heard me: easy. It just takes a little organization and a fair bit of time. I made a few adjustments (minor) in the recipe. I tried to get a picture showing the lovely, rich purple color...no such luck.

Now look. I never claimed to be a great cook - there are a gazillion food blogs out there (they even have their own "communities", a term typically used among the "faithful" no matter what their religion may be). But really. This. Is. Doable! I am on a roll! Peach Jam with Brown Sugar and Rum, anyone?

Canning

2011-08-12T16:24:00.000-04:00

What was I thinking? I purchased 25 pounds of Roma Tomatoes to put up for winter use. I read somewhere that 25# would yield approximately 7 quarts. Wrong! I have now put up over half...only to yield NINE quarts with approximately 3 more (quarts) to go. Go. Figure. So, for the last three evenings, I have been putting up tomatoes. Yeah. I feel like I could do this in my sleep. Maybe I did. I don't remember.

But, jeez, aren't they pretty? It sure would be hard to replicate that color in any other art form, yes?

A Bit of a Scare

2011-08-08T22:51:00.001-04:00

Molly, April 2008, Calvert Beach, Chesapeake Bay

(It's 3 years later and she looks exactly the same!)

On Sunday morning, I gave Molly her most favorite treat: a strip of duck flavored jerky (called "Happy Hips" because it has glucosamine in it). Well, egads. She must have gotten a piece lodged in her throat because there was a rush to eat grass. There was gagging. White froth at her lips. Forlorn looks at me: Well, can't you do something?! So I did. I took her up to Friendship Animal Hospital which has an emergency room. They took her right away ("triage for short of breath to the waiting room!"). There was nothing lodged in her throat but her breathing was clearly labored. And then it was a very long morning. 3 hours later the lovely Dr. Schultz - who had nothing but nice things to say about how sweet Molly is (duh!) - gave us a diagnosis of Laryngeal Paralysis. This is basically exactly what it sounds like: an inability for the abductor muscles of the larynx to work properly. In a nutshell, it makes breathing hard. It develops over time - we've noticed - and it's important to keep her cool and un-agitated. There are surgical remedies, but I have never been one to operate on an older dog. She is perfectly happy to be quiet and enjoy the air-conditioned cool of the living room.
This is the first time I have contemplated her mortality. I can't imagine life without her but I can certainly rejoice in the life we're having together for now. What an angel.

Reap the Wild Wind (1942)

2011-08-04T14:41:00.000-04:00

I caught this the other night while recovering from the surgery. Loved it. Kind of hokey: giant squid!, kind of preachy: man's corruption and inhumanity, kind of funny: ventriloquist's dog, and kind of weird: spanking scene at society party. Directed by Cecil DeMille, it provides a retreat into escapism in glorious technicolor. Its about shipping as the basis on commerce in the late 1700s-early 1800s featuring sloops and schooners, and culminating in the hero's desire to command the brand new steam ship but succumbing to the temptation of making a fast buck to a tragic end.

Paulette Goddard as Loxi Claiborne is the tomboy heroine who wears some pretty cool tomboy outfits. The movie also stars Ray Milland, John Wayne, Raymond Massey (bad Yankee), Hedda Hopper, Susan Hayward, and Robert Preston.

The courtroom scene provided the snapshot of all the movie's themes about honor, corruption, piracy, commerce, love...well you name it. I loved it.

The Periodontist

2011-08-01T15:49:00.000-04:00

See those tools in the image, below? Well my head feels like he used them on me. It's gross. It's uncomfortable. Period.

I hate to be a whiner and I actually think I was a pretty good sport, considering, but damn.

The Shadow House

2011-07-29T16:24:00.000-04:00

Even this morning, before 7am, it was almost 80-degrees. I went to the Shadow House in the Bishop's Garden and it seemed to retain some 'cool' from last night, but it was still so hot. Most people call it "the gazebo in the Bishop's Garden" but it is not. It is the Shadow House.

It is s made of Carderock stone from “Red Top,” the summer home of President Grover Cleveland. Interestingly, Dan Brown describes the Shadow House in Lost Symbol as sitting “elegantly amid meandering pathways of stones dug from George Washington’s private quarry.” Would that be Aquia? (The Shadow House is mentioned in Chapters 63, 67 and 79.)

Samuel Yellin designed the weathervane and the structure was dedicated in April of 1928.

Above: from the inside looking east and below, looking northeast towards the Gloria in Excelsis Tower...

Virtual Playdate

2011-07-27T09:29:00.001-04:00

Marlene wanted Lilly and Charlotte to meet Molly. Now Molly really likes all creatures. She is, therefore, quite playful in a perky, girly sort of way. Lilly and Charlotte live in Reston which is a rather distant region for Molly to travel. So we are having a virtual playdate - just the girls...party on girls!

New Painting

2011-07-26T15:40:00.000-04:00

Back in May, we went to the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival to see Stephen Brehm. I have purchased his work before and we just wanted to say hello. I wasn't really expecting to buy again but this one captured my interest.

Dad's Movie Camera

2011-07-25T16:28:00.000-04:00

Now, "vintage", this is the camera he took to pre-war France when he was a technical rep for Curtiss. Imagine: a young 25-or-so year old on an unlimited expense account in France! He filmed historical places, street life, and finally their trip from France into Spain (in order to leave Europe before things got too dicey). We salvaged some of the film and transferred it to VHS. (I hope we can find those.) The Keystone 8MM Movie Camera was manufactured in 1936 or 1939. My hunch is that he had the '36 version, because he was already in Europe in '39. The viewfinder is folding and is situated on the right side of the housing. The housing is grey metal. The machine is small and easy to handle. I cannot open it.

Here is a close-up of the little box inside the big box... a "color corrector"!

...and a close-up of the camera (side view), and original documents, please note the dent in the upper right of the device. He probably dropped it more than once. Oh, those Martinis!!! He left Europe through Casablanca with a new, young and beautiful French wife.

Palisades Summer Flora

2011-07-24T13:35:00.000-04:00

Some neighbors' plantings in the throes of summer include

...colorful flowers - annuals - as you might find in English cottage garden...

...her neighbor's huge sunflower (a bit out of character for an urban garden, but it works!) ...

...and scented Bee Balm...

...some community herbs...

...and finally, my path: a pretty "painted" bug...

...and Creeping Jenny with Hosta border...

She's Thirteen

2011-07-21T16:36:00.000-04:00

She's 13 and she hates the heat. In fact, when it's time to go out and it's a heat wave, she will put her nose up in the air and then turn around and go back inside. Her boyfriend gave her a chew bone today; and she will enjoy a spoonful of vanilla ice cream before bed. I love her. John loves her. Molly is our best friend and devoted partner. She does sleep a lot...and she snores like a freight train!

Something Cool

2011-07-19T13:51:00.000-04:00

June Christy. Now she was cool. Julie London did a version; so did Della Reese. But I like June Christy's version the best.

It's just so darn hot.

Do Good Fences Make Good Neighbors?

2011-07-17T14:27:00.000-04:00

One day near the end of June, I came home to find John very distraught. Our neighbors had hired a yard man to do some work and decimated the Euonymous hedge which straddles our property line. Had he heard or seen the extent to which the laborer went in cutting it down he would have stopped it. I think John felt terribly bad about that. But, it wasn't his fault. Their man was given instructions and he did what he thought he was supposed to do.

To the right of the white picket fence, above, shows how the hedge should look on the left (above the pickets). In the photo below, the extent of the cutting is more apparent.

There were some civil email exchanges and I resisted the urge to explain the difference between gardening and yard work...I did mange to get in my two cents when I told them that powdery mildew Is. Not. Fatal.

"He moves in darkness as it seems to me~

Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors."
from Mending Wall by Robert Frost
I think I'm over it, now...except when I see the Catbird and Mourning Doves. I found some broken eggshells - one was the deep turquoise of the catbird and one was the larger pale white of the doves - the open areas revealed a couple of demolished bird nests. And it will all grow back. Right?

John's Necklaces

2011-07-15T16:14:00.000-04:00

He has a good eye and a distinctive style. He has a particular "bead lady" he likes to buy from at the Bethesda Farm Womens' Market: onyx, lapis, turquoise, tiger's eye... At the Lion's Club Flea Market back in June, he had a dandy day and sold quite a few of these.

Every time I wear one, some one asks about it, or gives me a compliment.

Felix Grant

2011-07-12T15:44:00.000-04:00

When I wake up in the middle of the night I am anxious and worried. It happens a lot. Sometimes I turn on the radio but the choices are pretty grim. There's the BBC with the bad news of the world; all news with “traffic and weather on the 8s” (and the insufferable “Dean Lane”); canned classical; and on a rare occasion, a decent jazz playlist on WPFW.

How I miss the elegant Felix Grant.

Back in the 9^th grade, when I got my own first AM radio, I used to listen to him after I got into bed at night. The radio was on the bedside table so I could keep the volume low. He was a gentle DJ with a distinguished voice, some called “soothing,” and he had an easy talking style. “The Album Sound” was the best radio jazz program ever. (Although Miyuki Williams comes in sort of close.) I don’t think there was a jazz icon that didn’t cross his threshold for an interview…too many to list here. He brought to the American audience Jamaican reggae and Brazilian bossa nova. He’s the reason for re-naming the old Calvert Street Bridge the Duke Ellington Bridge. When he died, he left his entire archives to the University of the District of Columbia: books, albums, CDs, sound recordings, periodicals, ephemera, correspondence – anything and everything about jazz. I sure do miss Felix Grant.

HowCooliZat?

2011-07-10T14:40:00.000-04:00

A real nail-biter! USA Women Rock!

Say what you will about the whole fairness thing....USA PREVAILED!

Joyous!

Thirsty

2011-07-08T06:23:00.001-04:00

Saw this in Real Simple. It made me thirsty and so I had a hankering. Real good, too. Basically it's just simple syrup: equal parts water and sugar, mixed with lemon (I added some lime) juice to taste. The sprig of Thyme is a nice touch...happened to have that in one of my pots out on the deck.

John's Pocket Watches

2011-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

He likes to collect certain things. After a long period (years, really) of darkness, he is sorting through boxes and drawers; he has rounded up his tools, a workbench, and probably a nifty old drawing table. This is part of his pocket watch collection. And they all work!

And this is one that he gave to me: because it has dogs on it?

Wouldn't it look nice on a black satin ribbon and worn as a pendant?

The Palisades Parade

2011-07-05T15:48:00.001-04:00

From my perch above the fray, in the shade and in the company of a nice but somewhat snooty lawyer (who happened to discover my private viewing stand), the 2011 Palisades Parade was the usual, predictable fun.

My viewing stand.

It began with police escorting Chief Lanier and her dogs.

She was followed by the bagpipers.
That's Matt McKulkin, bottom right behind the major.

Then there was a long delay. Well, no wonder. The next group were our beloved DC politicians who spend their trip walking down MacArthur Boulevard being friendly to Ward 3. Eleanor Holmes Norton was followed by the "colors": Gray, Brown and Orange. There was Mary Cheh: no picture because I'm still mad she voted for Gray but she did have a red MINI.

And, there was David Catania (yellow MINI) and Jack Evans, above.

Speaking of MINIs, there was a really nice vintage model:

The best part for me, anyway, were the Bolivian dancers, above,

and the United Black Horsemen, below. Those cowgirls are pretty classy.

And finally, the most fashionable footwear...

Jack Rogers on a three year old. Egads.

(I can barely cough up $69 for dress shoes.)

Happy Birthday America, Happy Birthday Louis

2011-07-04T07:45:00.000-04:00

August 4, 1901 - July 6, 1971

But, he claimed July 4 as his date of birth - so I'll go with that.

He once said that "all music is folk music - I ain't never heard a horse sing a song."

4th of July

2011-07-02T08:54:00.000-04:00

Ephemera - I love it all, especially the patriotic ephemera from the turn of the century to the twenties, thirties and forties, heck, even the fifties. Old ticket stubs, programs, illustrations, postcards, posters, you name it.

This is from the private collection of Scott Henderson.

This One Floats

2011-07-01T09:37:00.000-04:00

Another tiny house - this one is a German design. I want a tiny house but I think I would prefer something of a style, well, a little more antique.

A Swim at the Bay

2011-06-28T06:16:00.002-04:00

We found a calm spot because she wouldn't swim into waves. The little crabs - softshells - swam away from her. Exhausted, it was time to go, now. She will be 12 ! years old, next month.

Happy Birthday

2011-06-26T07:08:00.001-04:00

Babe Didrikson Zaharias, 1932 Olympics, Los Angeles

Probably the greatest ~~woman~~ athlete of all time. A nice piece about her here.

Ouch!

2011-06-24T06:08:00.001-04:00

The dentist. While the technology is well advanced and so much improved from the time this picture was taken, I feel like the pain must still be very old fashioned. It just hurts, and it is very stressful. Does anyone like going to the dentist?! Mine is very nice, young, and very articulate. They - he and his assistant - tell you what they are going to do, how they are going to do it, and when they have done it. Do I understand? Yes. (I think I do.) They have developed a "plan." I'll be going back several more times for repair and hygiene. Why do I feel like I'm buying a car? "Is it a racket?" I asked my boss (who is also a good friend). "Yes," he said, "but a necessary racket."

The photo is from Shorpy. It was taken around 1924.

Leaving Home

2011-06-22T06:30:00.000-04:00

Brilliant!

Is Pink OK?

2011-06-20T06:24:00.000-04:00

Contemplating pink. It's sort of a light salmon color. It's from Martha Stewart paints at Home Depot. I prefer Benjamin Moore and can't afford C2. Interesting that all trim and walls are one color.

Dad

2011-06-19T08:34:00.000-04:00

...doing what he loved (and he did it so well) - shucking oysters. He loved eating them as much as he savored his moments in a duck blind, doing his needlepoint, watching the Redskins (although he became less enamored of them as time wore on past the Sonny-Sam-and-Frank days). I miss him, I need his advice.

What Color?

2011-06-17T08:14:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I am even thinking about painting my living room - again!

Please accept my apologies for not citing the source - I honestly can't remember where I found this amazing picture!

Artist on Break

2011-06-14T06:13:00.000-04:00

Local artist Howard Carr taking a break. This picture was taken a few weeks ago before the blistering heat wave. I have four of his paintings, bought over - egads - thirty (or more!) years. Growing up in the same neighborhood we have known each other a long, long time.

Jonesing

2011-06-13T06:33:00.001-04:00

Boy, wouldn't this be fun...

Would've made a great birthday present, hon.

Just a Few More Hours

2011-06-11T08:28:00.000-04:00

...and the craziness and stress of the job will be over!

Then there will be TWO things to celebrate. HOORAY!

Not Just a Bad Day

2011-06-02T16:34:00.000-04:00

It's been a bad couple (more?) of weeks.

My sweetie wants space. My good friend and mentor died alone. My favorite friend in the whole world had the fright of her life in a bad car accident - I can't bear that I may have lost her (how selfish is that ?!). Work sucks: remember HR does not work for you, HR works for the "company" (NO one - no boss - goes to bat for you). I am glad that nobody reads my blog: no one noticed I haven't posted in over two weeks and, well, the news is bad, anyway. I can't wait until after June 11, when the lists are checked off, the stress is past and I can find motivation, well, somewhere new.

The Cathedral Verger

2011-05-16T14:38:00.000-04:00

The shorthand definition is that a verger is a liturgical stage manager. The verger assists the clergy in conducting worship services. In the Middle Ages, the verger beat back the ruffians and scoundrels with his “virge”, or staff while processing the clergy to the altar. The verger is anonymous, almost invisible to the congregation watching the clergy and participants in the procession.

The verger I knew best, Steve Lott, planned and blocked services at Washington National Cathedral. He was also sacristan, acolyte master, sexton, chalice bearer, lay reader, and protector of the procession. Most evenings, it was he who turned out the lights and locked the Cathedral doors. Those were just a few of the multitude of other duties and odd jobs. Steve was a retired Air Force major. He was a very private man but I understood he had some background in military protocol which makes sense since so much of liturgy is based on tradition and ritual. He processed Presidents, Heads-of-State, celebrities, the homeless, and the average guy. Each person was treated with equanimity, and dignity. He taught me everything I needed to know for my former job there and it is mainly because of him that I love the Cathedral. His interests were many and his reach was far and wide. He was distinguished, articulate, elegant, kind, interested and devoted as a friend.

The photo, above, shows Steve in the grey vestments at the departure of Ronald Reagan's casket following his state funeral. Steve was found dead Sunday May 8. Cause of death at this time is still unknown.

Earth Day

2011-04-22T09:12:00.000-04:00

I wish we could keep it lovely....

Gifted - Two Types

2011-04-17T12:35:00.002-04:00

Blown away. When Billy asked me to stop by his shop (he calls it his "hidey-hole") he presented me with this:

It was a gift (type #1) Amazing! He makes these whirly, giggy thingamajiggy birds (whirly birds?) which twist and twirl in the wind. He paints them as accurately as in nature - this one being a wood duck. The detail on the wings and head are spot-on. All he wanted was to do something nice for John and me - it was a long winter and he rightly thought this would lift us up. I am thrilled. John was cheered and you could see the memories swirling around in his head (his eyes are so bright!).

Another "type" of gift is the talent itself: this is the man and the "hidey-hole":

You can tell he's so talented just by looking into his shop.....

Gifted.

Jury Duty

2011-04-04T16:38:00.000-04:00

...called, but not seated for a trial. Good! The DC Superior Court - the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse - is a one-day, one-trial system. If you are not seated for a trial, that's it, your service is up 'til the next time, usually two years to the day...since DC has such a limited pool of available and qualified citizens from which to draw.

The courthouse is the crossroads of humanity: elegant judges, slick lawyers, cops, junkies and whores, and everyone in between. I saw a woman with finger nails that were four inches long.

(I am proud to report that the child care center available for clients of the court - witnesses, jurors, etc. - located on level C of the courthouse was established by my Mother and her group, the Friends of the Superior Court. It is now part of the court system and they no longer have to raise funds to support it.)

A Short Break

2011-04-02T16:42:00.000-04:00

We landed at Chincoteague for a few days of escape. It was so chilly, so unseasonably chilly. I read two books and walked by the sea. The ponies were not shy - boldness of the spring season?

But, wasn't the ocean and the beach so unlike the end of March ("out like a lamb")?

We stopped at the White Marsh Cemetery on the way home for a 7th inning stretch.

She Really Did Have Eyes the Color of Violets

2011-03-23T09:35:00.000-04:00

She was so beautiful. When she spoke at the National Press Club to promote amfAR (1996?) she passed our table on the way to the dias. She smiled at my Dad - who just about melted - and we both swooned. And, yes, her eyes really were like violets.

When the Elephants Came to Town

2011-03-23T07:51:00.000-04:00

It has been many years since I saw the elephants come into town for the Circus, the Greatest Show on Earth. I think they used to walk down Michigan Avenue[?] East Capitol[?] when the show was at the old Armory. This year we caught them parading up 3rd Street. Here they come...

They paused at the Mall for the photo shoot in front of the Capitol.

Isn't she beautiful!

Everyone loves elephants...

And now, there is no man who follows the elephants into town: