Barricade Situation = Gridlock Downtown

Crazy morning commute due to a woman firing a shot around midnight and holding up in a nearby office building.

Congrats Marine Corps Runners

The Marine Corps Marathon was yesterday--congrats to all of the runners! I caught a picture of the wheelchair racers from the Q Street bridge. Although a pain for cars to get around the city, it was fantastic for all non-race runners to take advantage of closed roads and much less traffic. 

Running on Clearwater Beach

While DC was enjoying morning temperatures of ~35 degrees this past weekend, it was sunny, 65 and with a light breeze in Clearwater Beach, Fla. The sand is amazing. It was not crowded at all. We stayed at the Sandpearl Resort; the pool, hot tubs, food, and service are all fantastic! The best part was spending time with our daughter, Julia, for her fall break. Second best part was soaking up the sun and relaxing.

Pope in DC

Yes, the Pope is in DC; it is a runners dream with all of the street closures and barely a car in sight. Even 7-Eleven cashed in on the event with stuffed dolls and posters for sale. I did not make it to the parade, but there is a shot of the street soon after.

Monumental Run

Gorgeous weather for running. This run was not monumental in distance, but monumental in views! Check out some of our nation's wonderful monuments and memorials. Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

WWII Memorial looking toward Lincoln Memorial

Memorial to Peace on Thomas Circle

This week, I tried a new route and discovered a wonderful church on Thomas Circle, Luther Place Memorial Church. It was built in 1873 as a memorial to peace and reconciliation following the American Civil War. The neo-Gothic architecture is beautiful. I like the statue of Martin Luther, too; however, the reason I stopped and took a picture was for the door display. "God's doors are open to all." 

Early Run on the Mall

Up and out early this morning, enjoying 73-degree weather on September 1. The first picture is the back of the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument in the distance. The second picture is of the Reflecting Pool.

Concerts, Noosa, and Georgetown Cupcakes

You know it is summer when you can find live concert series all over the downtown area. Check out the plaza next to the Ronald Reagan Building, Monday through Friday, 12-1:30pm.

While walking through Georgetown on a hot, sunny day, we scored some Noosa yoghurt. And, if you haven't ordered your summer dozen from Georgetown Cupcake, you have until August 31. The flavors are strawberry, coconut, lemon blossom, banana split, caramel sundae, red velvet, vanilla, salted caramel, chocolate, peanut butter fudge, chocolate sundae, and key lime. The weather has been divine this week for running...nice and cool in the morning, and pleasantly mid-80s in the afternoon.

Running for My Birthday

Another year of running around DC and thoroughly enjoying my city. Here are some of my favorite things...

  

Christmas in July

The National Christmas Tree is still there! It has been over 7 months and I'm just noticing! It looks like it is not enjoying the DC humidity. 

Hula Hooping on the Plaza

Come out every Thursday in July (5:30-6:30 pm) to Hoopin' on the Plaza, Woodrow Wilson Plaza, outside of the Ronald Reagan Building (1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW). It's free and it's fun! Thank you to Julia's EPA colleague, Jennifer, who runs this great event. As newbies, it was not intimidating at all; Jennifer gives great instruction and makes it all about enjoying yourself. There were several people that stumbled upon it and joined in--work clothes and all. Yes, some people were gawking, taking videos, and pictures...but who cares, we were gawking, taking videos and pictures too!! The best part was spending time with Julia; I'm so happy she's home to push me to try new things (Chipotle and hula hooping, just this summer!).

Flag Day at the White House

Happy Flag Day! The heat is definitely on in DC. Interesting flag display in front of the White House this morning.

Moving Day for Parkinson Foundation

Congratulations to all the participants of Moving Day, Saturday, June 6, organized by the National Parkinson Foundation.

Construction on the Mall

It wasn't the prettiest run I've had through DC. On the National Mall between 7th and 12th Streets NW, the National Park Service is restoring the Mall's turf with durable grass varieties, placing granite edging, and installing sustainable systems to improve soil drainage and collect storm water. The expected completion date is January 2017. The Capitol dome is covered with scaffolding. Visitors still abounded around the Smithsonian museums, but you kind of feel bad for the tourists that it looks so ugly.

Rolling Thunder's Ride for Freedom

If you live in DC, you cannot help but notice the thousands of motorcyclists that rumble into our area for each Memorial Day Weekend. This year marks Rolling Thunder’s 28th annual Ride for Freedom; Sunday, 12 noon, from the Pentagon to the National Mall, West Potomac Park. This is to demonstrate their commitment to help veterans and to account for missing soldiers from past and current wars.

Wagshal's, Fly Over, Gardens, Race for the Cure

Julia is home and we are stocking up on meat! London Broil, roasted chicken, chicken liver, country sausage, kielbasa, genoa salami, roast beef, steamship roast, lamb, bacon, goat cheese, pears. Alex at Wagshal's is the best--so friendly, always smiling and providing excellent service! Thank you, Alex!

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was today, along with the Georgetown Garden Tour. On Friday, I got a quick video of the fly over. I was a bit late to the party (had a meeting that went late)--but the Mall was packed with people. Very cool…just another perk for living and working in DC.

Georgetown French Market

Did you check out the 12th annual Georgetown French Market last weekend? This open-air market showcases antiques, clothing, sweet and savory crepes, pastries, macarons, music, and more. We were out of town, but I was happily surprised to see some remnants of it on Sunday afternoon. Last year, Steven and Julia got crepes from Cafe Bonaparte. Yummo! 

Cherry Blossoms in DC

Beautiful running weather and ideal for the springtime buds and blossoms. I love my city.