Washington Wanderings

Last weekend I got to visit my favorite city (do you even have to ask what it is?) and see some of my favorite people. Since I pretty much use any excuse to visit D.C., accepting an invitation to a dear friend's baby shower was good enough for me.

I hit the road from NC on Friday afternoon, willing myself to beat the traffic through Durham and Richmond, which were both pretty tame by the time I rolled through. Arriving into VA, I got to stop at a delicious spot, Cheesetique, to dine with two fabulous friends. Cheesetique is a cheese shop/restaurant where every day features a new selection of cheeses on the boards they offer. The two long cases in the front of the shop are filled with probably at least 200 different cheeses all sitting together in pure ecstasy. Across from them are homemade spreads, honeys, pickled olives and as many cheese accompaniments as your imagination can conjure. Beside those, sitting between the cooler of homemade pasta and sauces, is a wall of wines. It's no wonder that this is a fun place to visit with friends. Between the three of us, we managed to polish off two cheese boards and a bottle of wine while we caught up on life. It was wonderful!

After gabbing at Cheesetique, I made my way to Mal and Dave's where I made camp for the weekend. It's like going to my home away from home (I guess called I called it "home" at one point before moving back to NC). As always, catch-up time with them was a cherry to the night's sundae.

Saturday morning and afternoon were stellar because I had some time to myself (Mal was working and Dave was earning CE credits/watching football). With my book and camera in hand, I made my way to one of my favorite places in DC to relax and clear my head: the Congressional Cemetery! Now, I know some of you may be worried about my "obsession" (as some have called it) with the cemetery, but you need not be. Every one should have a place where they go for quality "alone" time. My go-to spot in DC just happens to be one of the coolest, underground places (no pun intended) in the city. It's yet to be discovered by many folks because it sits far from the touristy, overly-visited places that the city has to offer. Yet it's the final resting place of some of the more famous names in history.

Knowing of my adoration for the grounds, Mallory and Dave gave Mike and me a beautiful, framed watercolor painted map of the cemetery. I took my camera there on Saturday to take some pictures of some of the tombstones and markers highlighted on the map. My plan is to print and frame them in smaller frames around the 16x20" painting they gave us. Here are some of the shots I took:

One of my favorite benches to visit while I'm there

J. Edgar Hoover's Grave

A bench that sits beside the "Gay Vietnam Veteran" grave- it's a beautiful quote and also a VERY visited graveside

The headstone of the aforementioned grave

Signatures from Visitors

 

He shares my birth date (except for the year!)

A headstone marking graves for the local Methodist church

Military Graves

Family Tombs

Pompy lived to be over 100!

When I'm not at the picnic bench, I'm often found at this one

The Chapel

After taking some pictures I even had some time to read a couple chapters in the book that I'm reading right now. Called Stiff, it's a really fascinating (and funny) book about the "life of human cadavers". I know what you're thinking... but I promise that I've not gone a bit loony. I'm not obsessed with death and dying, despite what the evidence of this post suggests. The book really is SUCH an interesting read. It's filled with so many awesome historical facts and present day trivia about cadavers. I've learned so much about the human body after death and the author has an incredible way of weaving humor into the subject matter.

While in the cemetery, I also enjoyed chatting with a couple men who were "working" a funeral later that afternoon. I'm not sure what their titles would be. They basically are contractors who dig the hole, set up the funeral staples (chairs, mats, etc.), lower the coffin into the ground and then cover it. I think they also install headstones. They told me that it takes about 40 minutes to dig a hole and 20 to set up for the funeral. In just an hour the last chapter of your life can begin. Or maybe the first chapter of your death? Whatevs.... moving on....

After the cemetery was baby shower time. Talk about life full circle, eh? Mal went to the shower with me since it was a mutual friend and it was probably one of the best baby showers I've been attended. Mainly because it wasn't like a shower at all. It was more like a cookout with a bunch of friends gathered, beer on ice, dogs and burgers on the grill and conversation flowing the whole time. There were no cheesy games or time spent watching presents being opened. How many onesies and baby outfits can an audience stand? Well, the audience on Saturday didn't have to stand any of it because there was no such show. And it was awesome.

On Sunday I got to attend National Community Church- yay! I wish I could bottle that church up and carry it in my pocket. It's the first church in my life that I MISS when I don't go. I love everything about it- the music, the people, the pastor's heart, the mission, the community involvement, the meat of the scripture given every week and the desire to be PART of a difference in DC. It's a church for everyone, whether they are a high ranking government official or a transient. All are welcome and they really mean it. I love it.

My weekend in DC wrapped with some hugs and a road trip pointed south. I made it back to NC in time for dinner and chill time with Mike before the week began.

Do you have any favorite pictures of the ones above in the cemetery? I'm trying to narrow them down to about 4-6 to frame.

United States of Krispies

What is better than Rice Krispy treats? Rice Krispy Treats geography!

Mike and I are kind of junkies when it comes to Rice Krispy treats. We make them for dessert about once every two weeks and constantly keep the supplies for them in our pantry. One never knows when the treat-mood will strike!

Check out our latest dessert fun... Mike shaped them into the United States (minus Alaska and Hawaii) and then we proceeded to eat it state by state. He started with California and I with Texas.

Did you ask if we learned anything?? Why yes, we did!

That we probably need to hit up a fifth grade geography class again. When we later checked ourselves with Google map, we realized some of our errors. Good thing we weren't also trying to name all the state capitals while we indulged!

In case you were curious, Rhode Island is made of one Rice Krispy.

A Reflection on Grandparents

Last Sunday was "Grandparents Day". I'd never really heard of this day until recently and decided that it was probably created by Hallmark to make grandchildren feel bad if they forgot to send a card (which I did forget).

However, having started this week with that day, I've noticed myself a bit more reflective and grateful for the influence of my grandparents. Here are some random memories sparked this week by daily doings:

Mike came home with a bunch of canvases for us to paint. Instead of getting just one of each size, he got two. This reminded me of my paternal Papa who would often buy at LEAST two of something for his grand daughters. If we wanted a new pair of shoes, he'd buy each us three pairs. I think I still have pencils somewhere from the year we went "back to school" shopping with him and he bought us about 300 #2s.

On Tuesday night I attempted to make a recipe that my paternal grandma always makes when I visit: Noodles! The recipe was her mother's and one that she's made for us since I was in utero. I made Mike and I wait an hour while the noodles simmered in the chicken broth. When we sat down to try them, they weren't nearly as yummy as grandma makes them, but they are on the right track. As I was washing the pot, I couldn't help but day dream of what it may be like to serve noodles to my grandchildren and tell them how the recipe dates back to their great, great, great, great grandma.

Monday night I sat down to sew some poorly damaged kitty toys. Fluffing was pouring from random holes in two of Charlotte and Pearl's toys. As I sewed, I remembered times with my maternal grandma as we sat at her dining room table from the afternoon hours until the sun had long set. Mallory and I watched as she laid out the patterns we'd chosen, cut the different fabrics and went about creating fun dresses out of boring material. The night would end with a modeling session in which Mal and I would try on our fun new wears for her and anyone else in the house.

When Mike came home on Sunday night he brought with him some grapes he'd found growing wild in the woods. They were muscadines and brought back memories of the grapes my maternal grandparents would grow in the back yard. In the summer and fall, they'd be coming in and you could smell them from the back porch even though the grapes were about 40 yards away. The soap that I most recently bought reminds me of my maternal grandpa. Besides soap, Papa also smelled like sweet tobacco, Old Spice and aftershave. I heard his voice on Sunday night when I called their house to talk to my grandma. Instead of her answer, I was given the machine, which still has his greeting though it's been 5 years since he's passed. Hearing him again, with the kindness that knew no stranger, made me teary and long for his presence.

Not many people get a "bonus grandparent", but Mallory, Becky and I did in our godmother. I never look at a Boston creme pie or strawberry shortcake without thinking of her. Each trip to the beach to visit Beach Grandma we get to also see Joan. Whether she's there to greet us or not, she makes sure that our favorite dessert is (Boston Creme pie for me and strawberry shortcake for Mal and Becky). She's been there for all the adventures at the beach and is truly family, thus a bonus grandparent!

I know these are just slivers of the daily influence that my grandparents have had on me. Little treasures that I'll keep in my heart and carry with me as I go through life. God's plan for families and grandparents is truly awesome.

Transitions & Nesting

As promised to some of you dear friends, here is a Newlyweds Update!

Mike and I have been finally sliding into a pattern after some of the early rush of travel and family vacationing. We've been taking full advantage of some of the awesome weather lately and enjoyed making some changes to the house and yard.

Mike and Charlotte in the Garden

A Butterfly & Bee on the Lantana in Our Yard

Some Bounty from the Yard: Thai Peppers, Eggs, Green Beans & Figs!

Our Chickens aka "Ladies"

This weekend alone we mowed the grass/trimmed hedges, cleaned/organized the garage, took (what felt like) our 30th trip to Goodwill as we consolidated and got rid of more items, wrote more wedding thank-you notes (yeah, still not done with those...), visited a new church, and even squeezed in some personal time where he went hunting (aka sitting and watching the woods) and I snuggled up with a book.

I just love being married to him. There's this local ad on the radio for the NC lottery where a guy is asking people when they feel lucky. People respond with all these relate-able answers "when I find money on the ground", "when I don't hit any red lights", etc. I thought about it. When do I feel lucky? I feel it first thing in the morning, when I open my eyes and he's next to me. When I snuggle into him and realize we get another day to enjoy each other.

That being said, there have been quite a few transitions, most of them being fun and others being not so awesome. It's been less than fun going through steps to change my name and officially move to NC. I finally have (most of) my important cards and documents sporting my married name. I feel sometimes like I have a split personality when someone asks me my name. Most times I remember my new name and give it with no hesitation, sometimes I'm supposed to be giving my old name (like at the doctor where I haven't fully transitioned) and other times I just ask them "It's either (insert maiden name) or (married name), which do you have?" You should see the faces when I ask the latter.

My car is officially registered in NC now. That was kind of sad- changing the plates on my car. Here's a picture of my old DC plates. I still have to send them back.

We've also been making a few upgrades, which has been exciting! We got a new printer (for my office since I'm working from home right now) and a new television. Before I moved to NC, I sold my television for $15. I'd had it since college and it was a beast. It was SUPER heavy. Although it worked just fine Mike already had a television and neither of us had any reason to add mine to the our new house. After we were married, we decided that we'd invest in a new set. His was almost as old as mine and just as heavy. So, we made the plunge and bought a new television knowing that if it was anything like our old TVs, we'd have it for at least another 10 years. Although we haven't hooked any cable up to it, we're really enjoying it as we stream Netflix and random other shows through the internet. Even Charlotte likes watching it!

Charlotte and the New Printer

Mike's old TV. RIP.

Our New Toy

Watching the elephants!

"Mom!! I'm trying to watch my show!"

Speaking of Charlotte, Marie has granted me full custody rights, so Charlotte is now officially living permanently with Mike and me. Although there have been a few moments of less-than-love-for-each-other, Char and Pearl are tolerating each other as Mike and I have blended our "family". Here are a couple pictures of the girls...

Pearl on My Lap

Charlotte Looking out the Back Window

Transitions will always happen, but this stage in life seems full of them. I'm glad that I have my best friend beside me for the ride.

Day 1 of Our Honeymoon in Nassau

Pleasure in Pittsburgh

This past weekend, Mal and I had an adventurous time in Steel City. We went for a long weekend to celebrate the marriage of my dearest friend from high school.

I was so pleasantly surprised by the beautiful city of Pittsburgh. Having never been, I had this image of it being run down and dirty. I'm not sure from where the preconceived notions derived, but they were instantly crushed when our car drove through the tunnel of 376 and into the city limits. Leading up to the city one would never guess that a thriving metropolitan is just around the corner. The roads leading into it are mountainous and plush with grass, corn and other crops. Large farms line the winding roads and welcome travelers to Steel City. A tunnel separates the farmlands from the metro area. As one exits the tunnel and enters the city, the skyline changes. The green hills become rivers filled with boats, bridges cross the rivers and the bustle of city life replaces the slower pace on the other side of the mountain. The transformation truly is like none I've seen before.

We stayed at the Sheraton Station Square, which is right on the river and in the middle of a cozy downtown area of shops, dining and entertainment. Our first night, we took part in the rehearsal dinner festivities at an Italian restaurant called Buca di Beppo, where we were served a family-style dinner. After the meal we went on a riverboat cruise where we learned tons of facts about Pittsburgh. Did you know it has the most bridges of any city in the world, beating out Venice, Italy, by three bridges with a total of 476? It also used to be so dirty (due to their steel production) that some days they would have to turn on the street lights at 2:00 in the afternoon for people to see their ways around town. It's the home of Andy Warhol, Fred Rogers and Rachel Carson. Also random FYI: all of the sweaters Fred Rogers wore on his show were sewn by his mother.

Day two was full of wedding fun. The first part of the day was spent celebrating in the traditional Indian way. I'd never been to an Indian wedding, so it was really awesome to not only be a witness, but also be part of the festivities as a bridesmaid. I got to wear a saree, lots of gold bangles, a bindi and flip flops while walking down the aisle. :) Mallory acted as photographer and got some really fantastic photos of the happenings. We each watched from our seats as the priest talked and chanted for about 1.5 hours without once consulting a sheet of paper. He did the entire service from memory and I learned that many times the priest will learn from his father and it's a profession passed along throughout generations. Priya and Jeremi did a great job leading those of us who couldn't understand the language by providing programs that described each part of the ceremony and the meaning behind what was taking place.

After the Indian part of the wedding, we had a few hours to kill before the reception so Mal and I explored Pittsburgh. We went up the Monongahela Incline, which was only about a block from our hotel. From the top of the incline we enjoyed the breathtaking view of Pittsburgh in her glory.

 

After coming down from the incline, we readied ourselves for the reception, which was very much like a traditional Western reception with the bonus of Indian fare! The food was delicious, wedding gown beautiful, toasts tear-jerking and music bumping- it was delightful! It was also wonderful to see some friends from high school that I hadn't seen since shortly after graduation and even meet some of their spouses that I'd never seen in person.

The whole weekend was filled with firsts. Mal and I made some great memories. I'd definitely go back to Pittsburgh and explore more of the sites there. We were sad that we had to leave without getting a chance to see more of the city and the Frank Lloyd Wright house, which was just south of it. Another trip, perhaps!?