First Snow in DC = Worst Commute Ever

This was definitely one of the top five, worst commutes into work. Snow was a steadily coming down with the temperature hovering around 25 degrees. The unshoveled sidewalks made my run more into a shuffle. Last night, the local news was reporting up to an inch of accumulation. Wrong. This morning at 6 a.m., the meteorologists were predicting one to two inches of snow. Wrong. According to the Weather Channel (which has no better track record), the area will see two to four inches today. Right! The roads are a mess. The government and my organization are open, with a liberal leave/telecommute option in place. DC Public Schools are open on time--crazy! Stay at home if you can! The pictures do not do the treacherousness justice.

Concert, Santarchy, and Festivities

Busy weekend for holiday fun! Full disclosure, I did not run to the concert, but everything else was captured on foot.

My mom was in the choir and did a fantastic job at their Christmas by Candlelight 2014 concert. My favorite part was the candlelight carols. It was also so nice to meet my mom's "widow group"--a bunch of sweeties.

On my run, I had the pleasure to witness the start of the Santarchy event at Farragut Square. We have seen the trek of Santas every year and wondered, where are they all going??? Now I know. They walk to the White House and then take a group photo. DC has some really fun events.

The next stop on my run was the Downtown Holiday Market. You should go; there are a lot of vendors, some of the usual stuff like jewelry and chocolate, but also some unique scarves and clothing. On F Street, between 8th and 9th Streets, every day until Dec. 23, noon - 8pm. It totally beats the Christmas Market and Winterfest at Tysons Corner. I stopped by before the concert on Friday--taking the Silver line out to Tysons is AWESOME--and was very disappointed. There were not that many vendors (don't trust the list on the Web site). Go to the Downtown Holiday Market instead.


Georgetown Glow, a new winter event celebrating the holiday season, featured a public art exhibit along Wisconsin (Book Hill), M Street, and the Washington Harbour. There were great window displays by many of the stores and restaurants too.

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