Old Ebbit Grill and White House Christmas Tree

I love the classic nutcrackers outside of the Old Ebbitt Grill. Take a look at the White House Christmas tree. Thank goodness for the outside wiring structure--otherwise it would appear the tree comes up a bit short. I love Christmas.

November 22: Last Glover Park Farmers Market

Even last week, it seemed a bit unnatural to have the Farmer's Market...too cold. However, since it is the last weekend--come take advantage of it! Saturday, 9am - 1pm, with great vendors including Walnut Organics, Whisked, Kuhn Orchards, Bonaparte Breads, Heirloom Kitchen, Spriggs Farm, Fiber Arts Festival, Heritage honey, Midtrees Farm, and more. The Big Cheese food truck will be there too! The market is located across from Safeway, in the Hardy School parking lot, at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and 35th Street NW.

Swany Toaster and Merino Wool - New Favs

DC is finally coming out from the deep-freeze weather! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were unbelievably un-fall-like. After minor wimpers on Monday to Steven about frozen fingers and toes, he went to REI and bought their merino wool expedition socks (two pairs!) and Swany Toaster mittens. If you unzip the mitten, there is an inner glove with touch screen compatible fingertip and thumb. Good gear, matters. I so appreciate Steven getting the right stuff. Huge difference. Bring on winter, I'm ready.

Theodore Roosevelt (Treasure) Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, 26^th president, and his passion for nature and preservation. The Swamp Trail around the outside of the island is 1.3 miles—half boardwalk over the wetlands and half trail—with many smaller paths to explore. Next time, I’ll venture to the center and get a picture of Roosevelt’s statue and I’ll probably do at least two laps. It was a nice break from running on the sidewalk. There were other walkers, dogs, and some runners, but the majority of time I was running alone in this beautiful setting with the faint hum of the city in the background. I highly recommend this island; I think it tops even my favorite run around the mall.

Stinkgo-berries, Decorations, and More in the Hood

Fall has arrived and the ginkgo berries are falling everywhere. These trees unfortunately tolerate heat, air pollution, acidic soils, alkaline soils, and resist oak root fungus. If you happen to have a tree outside your house, please--please!--help reduce the odor by cleaning up the fallen fruit before it begins to rot (sweep into a bag and put in trash). Georgetown Visitation is advertising their Georgetown Christmas, November 7 and 8. Almost, 'tis the season.

Sunrise looking at Capitol Building

Washington Prayer Gathering at Lincoln Memorial

Yesterday, churches gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the Washington Prayer Gathering. There were quite a lot of people, somewhat organized via geography. The music was great.

DC Red Dress Run

Over my shoulder shot

On my run this afternoon, I spotted a bunch of people wearing red on 14th Street and my first thought was… an Ohio State University event! Since Julia is at OSU, any and everything red = OSU. So I purposely ran up 14th to check it out and noticed a huge group of men and women all wearing bright red dresses. I had no idea about the DC Red Dress Run and I'll have to get better pictures next year. The best was this guy in a red, very ornate ball gown. I was too chicken to snap his photo; I don't know how he could possibly run in it. I'm glad the rain cleared up for their event.