To DC and Beyond!

I’m writing this while safe and soundly ensconced in my condo, watching and listening to the Stellar Jays who are slowly and begrudgingly forgiving me for abandoning them during the fall harvest. Peace will be maintained as long as I keep the peanuts flowing.

I arrived in Anchorage to a light, wet snow; in Homer it was raining with snow on the ridge above town. As I write this the spit and mountains across the bay are ghostlike in a light rain and Bill reports that it is snowing again on Ohlson Mountain. A good day for “inside” stuff.

Back to the trip, which had finally reached the “Kids and Grandkids” phase. Spoiler alert: the grand kids have been growing. Up!

Earlier Amy had taken me to the Lancaster County Dutch Market where you can blow any diet six different ways in less than 20 minutes. They have everything from bagel dogs to chocolates.

When I asked her to please take a family photo for me (I had been quite negligent ) she sent this, knowing it would torment me. Effective. Amy said this photo doesn’t accurately reflect the fact that Spenser is taller than his dad.

I was impressed with the countryside. Much more rural than I expected, even in “downtown” Poolesville. This is the town square.

With a stage at one end and a McDonald’s across the street.

This was the local cafe’s pastry case right before the high school  let out for lunch. Turns out the kids didn’t go for the pastries as much as just the coffee. I know because I observed them while I was eating my salted caramel apple pie. I had to blend in while conducting my research.

Right behind their house is one of the many paths through a series of parks in their neighborhood.

Then, just a few miles outside of town, there’s this.

Set back from the road were many estates with lots of acreage. Sorry, no photos.

Back at home to wake up the animals. The senior member would be Carl.

Cassie may be older but Carl has seniority. The kittens are just settling in. There’s Goose,

and Kai.

The kittens came as a set, as they were already bonded. Here’s a link to a video that shows one of their favorite pastimes (it will open youtube in another tab):  Goose & Kai

I took one day to visit DC. Rode the train into Union Station. This is the coffee shop where I left my phone. That is rare for me; good thing because that does not trigger good things for me. Anyway, the nice staff kept it safe until I sheepishly returned for it. I left a $20 tip; seems way too small when I look back over it. If I were to learn from the experience, it should have been $100.

I think the whole building is made of stone, wrought iron and mahogany.

Then it was down to the Wall.

And time to pay my respects to some old friends. LT Leslie F. Douglas, LT Richard S. Dyer, SP-5 John L. Burgess and a passenger on that ill fated flight SFC Juan Colon-Diaz from B Co 1/5 Cav.

KIA 30 June 1970 in Cambodia.

Their names are about shoulder height in my reflection.

Back on the mall beginning at the Washington Monument are thousands of little white flags, each representing one of the victims of Covid 19 thus far. Here is a link to a 360 degree video of part of the display.  Covid19 memorial

Gonna pause for now. Next up, PDX.

Stay safe.