We would like to wish all of our readers a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy New Year
We would like to wish all of our readers a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Who Is That?
In my paper sorting this weekend, I have found more than just plat drawings and old bills. I found some pictures, greeting cards, a transcript of a book I started a few years ago and many other things. One of the pictures I found really brought back memories.
That is yours truly a few years ago when I was embarking on what I hoped to be a modeling career. That plan did not take off as I intended. I decided to take a different road and have been very blessed to have had a wonderful life without the runway. The picture had some water damage and the frame it was in was completely destroyed. A new frame and some gentle handling and this is what I ended up with. I thought the picture was even more interesting with the water damage. I would say this was taken circa 1982. I ended up leaving the next year and living and working in Saudi Arabia through 1984. I wonder what else I will find as I continue my quest to organize in 2013.
Who Is That?
In my paper sorting this weekend, I have found more than just plat drawings and old bills. I found some pictures, greeting cards, a transcript of a book I started a few years ago and many other things. One of the pictures I found really brought back memories.
That is yours truly a few years ago when I was embarking on what I hoped to be a modeling career. That plan did not take off as I intended. I decided to take a different road and have been very blessed to have had a wonderful life without the runway. The picture had some water damage and the frame it was in was completely destroyed. A new frame and some gentle handling and this is what I ended up with. I thought the picture was even more interesting with the water damage. I would say this was taken circa 1982. I ended up leaving the next year and living and working in Saudi Arabia through 1984. I wonder what else I will find as I continue my quest to organize in 2013.
Framed House Location Plat
I have put this downtime around the holidays to good use. Yes, I've spent time with family and friends which always comes first. But during this lull, I have been going through boxes of miscellaneous paperwork and sorting what needs to be kept and shredding the rest. Yes, even I suffer from the endless amounts of paperwork that inevitably pile up.
In my sorting and filing efforts, I found a copy of the county plat drawing for Crest Avenue. It was buried in a box with a lot of other papers. I immediately knew I did not want to just file it away. So I went to my room of project supplies and found a frame and decided to frame it.
If you have a corner or small wall that needs something and you aren't finding anything that catches your eye, this is a fun way to get something up on the wall for very little expense. This will be a conversation piece. When people see it they will stop to take a look. Anything you have can be framed. Maybe a piece of art from your children. An old map. A program from a favorite show that you may have saved. Any and all of these would be good ideas for things to frame.
In my sorting and filing efforts, I found a copy of the county plat drawing for Crest Avenue. It was buried in a box with a lot of other papers. I immediately knew I did not want to just file it away. So I went to my room of project supplies and found a frame and decided to frame it.
If you have a corner or small wall that needs something and you aren't finding anything that catches your eye, this is a fun way to get something up on the wall for very little expense. This will be a conversation piece. When people see it they will stop to take a look. Anything you have can be framed. Maybe a piece of art from your children. An old map. A program from a favorite show that you may have saved. Any and all of these would be good ideas for things to frame.
Framed House Location Plat
I have put this downtime around the holidays to good use. Yes, I've spent time with family and friends which always comes first. But during this lull, I have been going through boxes of miscellaneous paperwork and sorting what needs to be kept and shredding the rest. Yes, even I suffer from the endless amounts of paperwork that inevitably pile up.
In my sorting and filing efforts, I found a copy of the county plat drawing for Crest Avenue. It was buried in a box with a lot of other papers. I immediately knew I did not want to just file it away. So I went to my room of project supplies and found a frame and decided to frame it.
If you have a corner or small wall that needs something and you aren't finding anything that catches your eye, this is a fun way to get something up on the wall for very little expense. This will be a conversation piece. When people see it they will stop to take a look. Anything you have can be framed. Maybe a piece of art from your children. An old map. A program from a favorite show that you may have saved. Any and all of these would be good ideas for things to frame.
In my sorting and filing efforts, I found a copy of the county plat drawing for Crest Avenue. It was buried in a box with a lot of other papers. I immediately knew I did not want to just file it away. So I went to my room of project supplies and found a frame and decided to frame it.
If you have a corner or small wall that needs something and you aren't finding anything that catches your eye, this is a fun way to get something up on the wall for very little expense. This will be a conversation piece. When people see it they will stop to take a look. Anything you have can be framed. Maybe a piece of art from your children. An old map. A program from a favorite show that you may have saved. Any and all of these would be good ideas for things to frame.
A Little Snow
We got a little snow yesterday. It was really beautiful. It did not stick because the ground and the roads were too warm, but it was beautiful to watch falling. I tried to get a picture of it falling through these trees. However, all I got was a picture of the tree, which turned out to be pretty cool.
This would actually be a cool picture to have blown up and framed. Hmmm.
I was able to get a shot of a little accumulation on the frost cover on the palm tree.
You can see the snow falling as you look in the background going up Crest Avenue. Just a couple shots of a beautiful morning smowfall.
This would actually be a cool picture to have blown up and framed. Hmmm.
I was able to get a shot of a little accumulation on the frost cover on the palm tree.
You can see the snow falling as you look in the background going up Crest Avenue. Just a couple shots of a beautiful morning smowfall.
A Little Snow
We got a little snow yesterday. It was really beautiful. It did not stick because the ground and the roads were too warm, but it was beautiful to watch falling. I tried to get a picture of it falling through these trees. However, all I got was a picture of the tree, which turned out to be pretty cool.
This would actually be a cool picture to have blown up and framed. Hmmm.
I was able to get a shot of a little accumulation on the frost cover on the palm tree.
You can see the snow falling as you look in the background going up Crest Avenue. Just a couple shots of a beautiful morning smowfall.
This would actually be a cool picture to have blown up and framed. Hmmm.
I was able to get a shot of a little accumulation on the frost cover on the palm tree.
You can see the snow falling as you look in the background going up Crest Avenue. Just a couple shots of a beautiful morning smowfall.
Friday, December 28, 2012
One-Point Perspective Drawing, II
The One-Point Perspective drawing continues.
Yesterday's version:
Today's version:
Yesterday's version:
Today's version:
One-Point Perspective Drawing, II
The One-Point Perspective drawing continues.
Yesterday's version:
Today's version:
Yesterday's version:
Today's version:
Karmapa - The Politics of Reincarnation
You will, from time to time, hear me refer to my friend Lea in my writings. Mostly my references to Lea are that either she came to a party at Crest Avenue or she held a party at her home and we attended or that I had a small gathering on the deck of 3 or 4 people and Lea's name will be among those in attendance in this intimate group. I met Lea about 5 years ago when she returned to the United States from living and working in India. She was in the market to buy a house and she was looking in Cheverly at the urging of our mutual friend Barbara Silberstein. There was a house on the market at the time that was the same floorplan as Crest Avenue and Lea was very interested in closing the deal on the house. In the end, things did not work out on her purchasing that property. Undaunted, she moved ahead with her search for a house in Cheverly and ended up finding a lovely home within walking distance of Crest Avenue. We became fast friends. She is a lovely, wonderful and kind soul and we are so happy to have her in our circle of friends.
For Christmas, I was the lucky recipient of her newest book whose title you will read above.
I am currently reading "Natural Blonde" which was sent to me by none other than Liz Smith herself. That is a good read, but we'll talk about that later. As soon as I am done with "Natural Blonde" I will dive into "Karmapa - The Politics of Reincarnation." I have to admit that the title intrigues me. I am looking forward to reading something of a totally different genre.
Lea was kind enough to also inscribe the book.
Thank you , dear Lea, for this wonderful gift.
For Christmas, I was the lucky recipient of her newest book whose title you will read above.
I am currently reading "Natural Blonde" which was sent to me by none other than Liz Smith herself. That is a good read, but we'll talk about that later. As soon as I am done with "Natural Blonde" I will dive into "Karmapa - The Politics of Reincarnation." I have to admit that the title intrigues me. I am looking forward to reading something of a totally different genre.
Lea was kind enough to also inscribe the book.
Thank you , dear Lea, for this wonderful gift.
Karmapa - The Politics of Reincarnation
You will, from time to time, hear me refer to my friend Lea in my writings. Mostly my references to Lea are that either she came to a party at Crest Avenue or she held a party at her home and we attended or that I had a small gathering on the deck of 3 or 4 people and Lea's name will be among those in attendance in this intimate group. I met Lea about 5 years ago when she returned to the United States from living and working in India. She was in the market to buy a house and she was looking in Cheverly at the urging of our mutual friend Barbara Silberstein. There was a house on the market at the time that was the same floorplan as Crest Avenue and Lea was very interested in closing the deal on the house. In the end, things did not work out on her purchasing that property. Undaunted, she moved ahead with her search for a house in Cheverly and ended up finding a lovely home within walking distance of Crest Avenue. We became fast friends. She is a lovely, wonderful and kind soul and we are so happy to have her in our circle of friends.
For Christmas, I was the lucky recipient of her newest book whose title you will read above.
I am currently reading "Natural Blonde" which was sent to me by none other than Liz Smith herself. That is a good read, but we'll talk about that later. As soon as I am done with "Natural Blonde" I will dive into "Karmapa - The Politics of Reincarnation." I have to admit that the title intrigues me. I am looking forward to reading something of a totally different genre.
Lea was kind enough to also inscribe the book.
Thank you , dear Lea, for this wonderful gift.
For Christmas, I was the lucky recipient of her newest book whose title you will read above.
I am currently reading "Natural Blonde" which was sent to me by none other than Liz Smith herself. That is a good read, but we'll talk about that later. As soon as I am done with "Natural Blonde" I will dive into "Karmapa - The Politics of Reincarnation." I have to admit that the title intrigues me. I am looking forward to reading something of a totally different genre.
Lea was kind enough to also inscribe the book.
Thank you , dear Lea, for this wonderful gift.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
A One-Perspective Drawing
Today I am working on a One-Perspective drawing. I have drawn the room. Now it's time to add some furniture.
This is a fun project. It is very important, as an Interior Designer, to be able to draw a plan by hand. I know that computer software has taken over in many areas of our lives and has made things much easier and streamlined. But it is still important, in this field, to be able to draw by hand.
This is a fun project. It is very important, as an Interior Designer, to be able to draw a plan by hand. I know that computer software has taken over in many areas of our lives and has made things much easier and streamlined. But it is still important, in this field, to be able to draw by hand.
A One-Perspective Drawing
Today I am working on a One-Perspective drawing. I have drawn the room. Now it's time to add some furniture.
This is a fun project. It is very important, as an Interior Designer, to be able to draw a plan by hand. I know that computer software has taken over in many areas of our lives and has made things much easier and streamlined. But it is still important, in this field, to be able to draw by hand.
This is a fun project. It is very important, as an Interior Designer, to be able to draw a plan by hand. I know that computer software has taken over in many areas of our lives and has made things much easier and streamlined. But it is still important, in this field, to be able to draw by hand.
What Happened to the Sun?
It was so beautiful earlier this morning. Brilliant sunshine. I thought we were in for a cold and blustery, but bright winter day. But something happened.
That's kind of ominous looking. Oh well. At least we are not dealing with tornadoes like those poor people in the midwest and south did on Christmas day. Just awful. I feel so badly for them.
That's kind of ominous looking. Oh well. At least we are not dealing with tornadoes like those poor people in the midwest and south did on Christmas day. Just awful. I feel so badly for them.
What Happened to the Sun?
It was so beautiful earlier this morning. Brilliant sunshine. I thought we were in for a cold and blustery, but bright winter day. But something happened.
That's kind of ominous looking. Oh well. At least we are not dealing with tornadoes like those poor people in the midwest and south did on Christmas day. Just awful. I feel so badly for them.
That's kind of ominous looking. Oh well. At least we are not dealing with tornadoes like those poor people in the midwest and south did on Christmas day. Just awful. I feel so badly for them.
One Final Outdoor Decoration Post
You will remember the post about the outdoor decoration at Crest Avenue this year.
This was the picture I posted a few weeks ago.
I decided to add just a few more touches before Christmas Day.
I added these pretty red bows to the front of the planters on either side of the front door. They came with twist ties on the back which were easily threaded through the basketweave planter. A nice touch.
I also added these hanging baskets filled with silver ornaments of different sizes. Some are bright, shiny silver, some are glittered, some are opaque and in an assortment of sizes. I got the hanging baskets at Lowe's for something like $4.98 each. I picked up some artificial garland in 50' length at Wal-Mart for $7.98. I then cut the garland in half and used 25' in each basket. It took some time to weave it through the basket but it was worth it. They look waonderful.
This was the picture I posted a few weeks ago.
I decided to add just a few more touches before Christmas Day.
I added these pretty red bows to the front of the planters on either side of the front door. They came with twist ties on the back which were easily threaded through the basketweave planter. A nice touch.
I also added these hanging baskets filled with silver ornaments of different sizes. Some are bright, shiny silver, some are glittered, some are opaque and in an assortment of sizes. I got the hanging baskets at Lowe's for something like $4.98 each. I picked up some artificial garland in 50' length at Wal-Mart for $7.98. I then cut the garland in half and used 25' in each basket. It took some time to weave it through the basket but it was worth it. They look waonderful.
One Final Outdoor Decoration Post
You will remember the post about the outdoor decoration at Crest Avenue this year.
This was the picture I posted a few weeks ago.
I decided to add just a few more touches before Christmas Day.
I added these pretty red bows to the front of the planters on either side of the front door. They came with twist ties on the back which were easily threaded through the basketweave planter. A nice touch.
I also added these hanging baskets filled with silver ornaments of different sizes. Some are bright, shiny silver, some are glittered, some are opaque and in an assortment of sizes. I got the hanging baskets at Lowe's for something like $4.98 each. I picked up some artificial garland in 50' length at Wal-Mart for $7.98. I then cut the garland in half and used 25' in each basket. It took some time to weave it through the basket but it was worth it. They look waonderful.
This was the picture I posted a few weeks ago.
I decided to add just a few more touches before Christmas Day.
I added these pretty red bows to the front of the planters on either side of the front door. They came with twist ties on the back which were easily threaded through the basketweave planter. A nice touch.
I also added these hanging baskets filled with silver ornaments of different sizes. Some are bright, shiny silver, some are glittered, some are opaque and in an assortment of sizes. I got the hanging baskets at Lowe's for something like $4.98 each. I picked up some artificial garland in 50' length at Wal-Mart for $7.98. I then cut the garland in half and used 25' in each basket. It took some time to weave it through the basket but it was worth it. They look waonderful.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
A Wintry Mix
This morning when I first turned on the news at 6:30, the weather guy said that it was snowing to the south and west of us. He went on to say that it would continue to snow and that around 8:00 AM we would start to see the snow in the greater metropolitan area, meaning downtown DC and in the eastern suburbs where Crest Avenue is located. There were no winter weather advisories for the DC or the eastern suburbs. Only for points west of the city in Northern Virginia and far western Maryland. We would get rain and in the afternoon it would be sunny. Uh, . . . not happening. I decided to drive to the office this morning because I thought the weather would clear up. Shortly after arriving, I got this:
National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia), until 1:00 PM; expecting a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain.
I thought, OK, I can deal with that. It will all be over by 1:00 so by the time I leave everything should be OK.
About a half hour ago I got this:
National Weather Service extended the Winter Weather Advisory until 7:00 PM; for the the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia).
So, we have gone from no Winter Weather Advisory for the Washington, DC and eastern suburbs to a Winter Weather Advisory through 7:00 PM. It is not pretty outside. See below.
Right now we have rain with some ice mixed in. You can see there is already some ice accumulated on the awnings and grassy areas. My concern is that as all of this continues to fall and the temperature drops as we make our way through the day, we are going to be in for a slippery ride a little later on. Yucky.
National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia), until 1:00 PM; expecting a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain.
I thought, OK, I can deal with that. It will all be over by 1:00 so by the time I leave everything should be OK.
About a half hour ago I got this:
National Weather Service extended the Winter Weather Advisory until 7:00 PM; for the the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia).
So, we have gone from no Winter Weather Advisory for the Washington, DC and eastern suburbs to a Winter Weather Advisory through 7:00 PM. It is not pretty outside. See below.
Right now we have rain with some ice mixed in. You can see there is already some ice accumulated on the awnings and grassy areas. My concern is that as all of this continues to fall and the temperature drops as we make our way through the day, we are going to be in for a slippery ride a little later on. Yucky.
A Wintry Mix
This morning when I first turned on the news at 6:30, the weather guy said that it was snowing to the south and west of us. He went on to say that it would continue to snow and that around 8:00 AM we would start to see the snow in the greater metropolitan area, meaning downtown DC and in the eastern suburbs where Crest Avenue is located. There were no winter weather advisories for the DC or the eastern suburbs. Only for points west of the city in Northern Virginia and far western Maryland. We would get rain and in the afternoon it would be sunny. Uh, . . . not happening. I decided to drive to the office this morning because I thought the weather would clear up. Shortly after arriving, I got this:
National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia), until 1:00 PM; expecting a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain.
I thought, OK, I can deal with that. It will all be over by 1:00 so by the time I leave everything should be OK.
About a half hour ago I got this:
National Weather Service extended the Winter Weather Advisory until 7:00 PM; for the the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia).
So, we have gone from no Winter Weather Advisory for the Washington, DC and eastern suburbs to a Winter Weather Advisory through 7:00 PM. It is not pretty outside. See below.
Right now we have rain with some ice mixed in. You can see there is already some ice accumulated on the awnings and grassy areas. My concern is that as all of this continues to fall and the temperature drops as we make our way through the day, we are going to be in for a slippery ride a little later on. Yucky.
National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia), until 1:00 PM; expecting a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain.
I thought, OK, I can deal with that. It will all be over by 1:00 so by the time I leave everything should be OK.
About a half hour ago I got this:
National Weather Service extended the Winter Weather Advisory until 7:00 PM; for the the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia).
So, we have gone from no Winter Weather Advisory for the Washington, DC and eastern suburbs to a Winter Weather Advisory through 7:00 PM. It is not pretty outside. See below.
Right now we have rain with some ice mixed in. You can see there is already some ice accumulated on the awnings and grassy areas. My concern is that as all of this continues to fall and the temperature drops as we make our way through the day, we are going to be in for a slippery ride a little later on. Yucky.
The Packed Sleigh, er, . . . um Car Ready to Depart
I returned from Richmond on Saturday evening around 6:00 PM. The train back to Washington was crowded and even hotter than the train going down. The attendant in our car tried to adjust the thermostat but had no luck in getting the heat turned down. I would describe the mood of the car as "frantic." People were hot and there was no relief. Finally the attendant opened the doors on either end of the car to try and allow fresh air to circulate. Unfortunately, that did not help. The passengers were upset and begging for bottles of cold water and cups of ice. When the attendant finally made her way to my seat I asked for the same. This was a difficult trip. I was glad to arrive home. Sunday was spent doing a few things around the house and wrapping gifts. We were invited to Paul and Barbara's on Christmas Eve. I packed the gifts and gift bags in the car and headed to the party.
The red gift bags contained bottles of Korbel Extra Dry and Biscotti tied together with green grosgrain ribbon. I found this super fun wrapping paper that I couldn't resist. I just thought it was really cute and the added benefit is that it is reversible. The other side has the same blue background with snowflakes. So, it was Ho Ho Ho this year. Next year it will be snowflakes. And the roll of paper was huge. I don't even know how many yards of paper are on it. Enough I would imagine for many a Christmas to come. Of course there is the canvas bag in blue and white (that is actually a Martha Stewart bag) with Baxter's toys and food and treats. We were spending the night away from Crest Avenue due to the fact that Baxter planned on having a few cocktails at Paul and Barbara's and didn't want to drive home!?!?!!!
Here is a picture of the back seat of the sleigh with two rather large boxes which each contain a Malm Nightstand from IKEA. You see little Baxter's seat on the other side. He was standing guard at the front door just waiting to be buckled in for the trip to deliver presents and to attend the party.
Of course the party was divine. Lots of food and drink and wonderful company. Paul and Barbara are wonderful friends and we don't know what we would do without them. (So anymore talk about moving to 16th Street NW will not be tolerated!!)
We had a wonderful Christmas Day and Christmas season at Crest Avenue this year, as we do every year. I'll leave the outdoor decorations up through Monday night. Then Tuesday morning they all come down and are placed back in storage until next year. I think I'm going to make some changes on how I store the holiday decorations for all holidays and we will talk about that in the coming weeks.
The red gift bags contained bottles of Korbel Extra Dry and Biscotti tied together with green grosgrain ribbon. I found this super fun wrapping paper that I couldn't resist. I just thought it was really cute and the added benefit is that it is reversible. The other side has the same blue background with snowflakes. So, it was Ho Ho Ho this year. Next year it will be snowflakes. And the roll of paper was huge. I don't even know how many yards of paper are on it. Enough I would imagine for many a Christmas to come. Of course there is the canvas bag in blue and white (that is actually a Martha Stewart bag) with Baxter's toys and food and treats. We were spending the night away from Crest Avenue due to the fact that Baxter planned on having a few cocktails at Paul and Barbara's and didn't want to drive home!?!?!!!
Here is a picture of the back seat of the sleigh with two rather large boxes which each contain a Malm Nightstand from IKEA. You see little Baxter's seat on the other side. He was standing guard at the front door just waiting to be buckled in for the trip to deliver presents and to attend the party.
Of course the party was divine. Lots of food and drink and wonderful company. Paul and Barbara are wonderful friends and we don't know what we would do without them. (So anymore talk about moving to 16th Street NW will not be tolerated!!)
We had a wonderful Christmas Day and Christmas season at Crest Avenue this year, as we do every year. I'll leave the outdoor decorations up through Monday night. Then Tuesday morning they all come down and are placed back in storage until next year. I think I'm going to make some changes on how I store the holiday decorations for all holidays and we will talk about that in the coming weeks.
The Packed Sleigh, er, . . . um Car Ready to Depart
I returned from Richmond on Saturday evening around 6:00 PM. The train back to Washington was crowded and even hotter than the train going down. The attendant in our car tried to adjust the thermostat but had no luck in getting the heat turned down. I would describe the mood of the car as "frantic." People were hot and there was no relief. Finally the attendant opened the doors on either end of the car to try and allow fresh air to circulate. Unfortunately, that did not help. The passengers were upset and begging for bottles of cold water and cups of ice. When the attendant finally made her way to my seat I asked for the same. This was a difficult trip. I was glad to arrive home. Sunday was spent doing a few things around the house and wrapping gifts. We were invited to Paul and Barbara's on Christmas Eve. I packed the gifts and gift bags in the car and headed to the party.
The red gift bags contained bottles of Korbel Extra Dry and Biscotti tied together with green grosgrain ribbon. I found this super fun wrapping paper that I couldn't resist. I just thought it was really cute and the added benefit is that it is reversible. The other side has the same blue background with snowflakes. So, it was Ho Ho Ho this year. Next year it will be snowflakes. And the roll of paper was huge. I don't even know how many yards of paper are on it. Enough I would imagine for many a Christmas to come. Of course there is the canvas bag in blue and white (that is actually a Martha Stewart bag) with Baxter's toys and food and treats. We were spending the night away from Crest Avenue due to the fact that Baxter planned on having a few cocktails at Paul and Barbara's and didn't want to drive home!?!?!!!
Here is a picture of the back seat of the sleigh with two rather large boxes which each contain a Malm Nightstand from IKEA. You see little Baxter's seat on the other side. He was standing guard at the front door just waiting to be buckled in for the trip to deliver presents and to attend the party.
Of course the party was divine. Lots of food and drink and wonderful company. Paul and Barbara are wonderful friends and we don't know what we would do without them. (So anymore talk about moving to 16th Street NW will not be tolerated!!)
We had a wonderful Christmas Day and Christmas season at Crest Avenue this year, as we do every year. I'll leave the outdoor decorations up through Monday night. Then Tuesday morning they all come down and are placed back in storage until next year. I think I'm going to make some changes on how I store the holiday decorations for all holidays and we will talk about that in the coming weeks.
The red gift bags contained bottles of Korbel Extra Dry and Biscotti tied together with green grosgrain ribbon. I found this super fun wrapping paper that I couldn't resist. I just thought it was really cute and the added benefit is that it is reversible. The other side has the same blue background with snowflakes. So, it was Ho Ho Ho this year. Next year it will be snowflakes. And the roll of paper was huge. I don't even know how many yards of paper are on it. Enough I would imagine for many a Christmas to come. Of course there is the canvas bag in blue and white (that is actually a Martha Stewart bag) with Baxter's toys and food and treats. We were spending the night away from Crest Avenue due to the fact that Baxter planned on having a few cocktails at Paul and Barbara's and didn't want to drive home!?!?!!!
Here is a picture of the back seat of the sleigh with two rather large boxes which each contain a Malm Nightstand from IKEA. You see little Baxter's seat on the other side. He was standing guard at the front door just waiting to be buckled in for the trip to deliver presents and to attend the party.
Of course the party was divine. Lots of food and drink and wonderful company. Paul and Barbara are wonderful friends and we don't know what we would do without them. (So anymore talk about moving to 16th Street NW will not be tolerated!!)
We had a wonderful Christmas Day and Christmas season at Crest Avenue this year, as we do every year. I'll leave the outdoor decorations up through Monday night. Then Tuesday morning they all come down and are placed back in storage until next year. I think I'm going to make some changes on how I store the holiday decorations for all holidays and we will talk about that in the coming weeks.
The Christmas Trip to Richmond
Last Friday I traveled from Union Station in Washington, DC to Richmond, VA to visit with family. We decided we would have a pre-Christmas celebration this year by a few days, leaving all of us time to spend with other family and friends on Tuesday. This turned out to be a wonderful idea.
I headed to Union Station around noon on Friday. When I arrived and went to the board to check on my train, I found that it was delayed.
I was on the 95 N.E. Regional to VA Beach that was scheduled to leave at 2:30PM. It turned out that the train was only 10 minutes late, so our schedules were not interrupted. I have found that Amtrak runs a tight ship. There are few delays.
Given that I arrived at the station early, I had some time to walk around. Union Station in Washington is a beautiful space. The station was redone a few years ago and it really is beautiful.
The stairs leading to the "Upstairs Bar" in the center of the atrium when you first enter the building. The decorations were simple and elegant. I would not have changed a thing.
A couple more shots from the open atrium area. The building is very elegant. Tasteful and elegant. As you can see above, the atrium is awash in natural light. It is very soothing. It has a calming effect on the soul. I many times need a calming effect on my soul, especially when traveling. I'll either take an environment like this or a valium, but I prefer being in this beautiful space.
Here you see another eatery of some description on the upper level and shops on the lower level. There are lots and lots of shops. I went into a Bath & Body Works, but it was too crowded for me to stay for very long. There is a wonderful Swarovski shop with the most exquisite pieces in the windows. I did not buy anything from them, but I was tempted.
Finally, it was time to make my way to my gate in the waiting area. It was very crowded. Just before they started to call passengers for our train, people started crowding around the gate which is infuriating. I was in the business class car. They called for handicapped travelers and then business class travelers to board first. We all had a difficult time getting to the gate because of the rude people who would not move out of the way. Another sign of the times in which we live. The train was crowded and hot, but in a mere two and half hours I was in Richmond. So I put all of that unpleasantness behind me and had a wonderful visit with my family.
I headed to Union Station around noon on Friday. When I arrived and went to the board to check on my train, I found that it was delayed.
I was on the 95 N.E. Regional to VA Beach that was scheduled to leave at 2:30PM. It turned out that the train was only 10 minutes late, so our schedules were not interrupted. I have found that Amtrak runs a tight ship. There are few delays.
Given that I arrived at the station early, I had some time to walk around. Union Station in Washington is a beautiful space. The station was redone a few years ago and it really is beautiful.
The stairs leading to the "Upstairs Bar" in the center of the atrium when you first enter the building. The decorations were simple and elegant. I would not have changed a thing.
A couple more shots from the open atrium area. The building is very elegant. Tasteful and elegant. As you can see above, the atrium is awash in natural light. It is very soothing. It has a calming effect on the soul. I many times need a calming effect on my soul, especially when traveling. I'll either take an environment like this or a valium, but I prefer being in this beautiful space.
Here you see another eatery of some description on the upper level and shops on the lower level. There are lots and lots of shops. I went into a Bath & Body Works, but it was too crowded for me to stay for very long. There is a wonderful Swarovski shop with the most exquisite pieces in the windows. I did not buy anything from them, but I was tempted.
Finally, it was time to make my way to my gate in the waiting area. It was very crowded. Just before they started to call passengers for our train, people started crowding around the gate which is infuriating. I was in the business class car. They called for handicapped travelers and then business class travelers to board first. We all had a difficult time getting to the gate because of the rude people who would not move out of the way. Another sign of the times in which we live. The train was crowded and hot, but in a mere two and half hours I was in Richmond. So I put all of that unpleasantness behind me and had a wonderful visit with my family.
The Christmas Trip to Richmond
Last Friday I traveled from Union Station in Washington, DC to Richmond, VA to visit with family. We decided we would have a pre-Christmas celebration this year by a few days, leaving all of us time to spend with other family and friends on Tuesday. This turned out to be a wonderful idea.
I headed to Union Station around noon on Friday. When I arrived and went to the board to check on my train, I found that it was delayed.
I was on the 95 N.E. Regional to VA Beach that was scheduled to leave at 2:30PM. It turned out that the train was only 10 minutes late, so our schedules were not interrupted. I have found that Amtrak runs a tight ship. There are few delays.
Given that I arrived at the station early, I had some time to walk around. Union Station in Washington is a beautiful space. The station was redone a few years ago and it really is beautiful.
The stairs leading to the "Upstairs Bar" in the center of the atrium when you first enter the building. The decorations were simple and elegant. I would not have changed a thing.
A couple more shots from the open atrium area. The building is very elegant. Tasteful and elegant. As you can see above, the atrium is awash in natural light. It is very soothing. It has a calming effect on the soul. I many times need a calming effect on my soul, especially when traveling. I'll either take an environment like this or a valium, but I prefer being in this beautiful space.
Here you see another eatery of some description on the upper level and shops on the lower level. There are lots and lots of shops. I went into a Bath & Body Works, but it was too crowded for me to stay for very long. There is a wonderful Swarovski shop with the most exquisite pieces in the windows. I did not buy anything from them, but I was tempted.
Finally, it was time to make my way to my gate in the waiting area. It was very crowded. Just before they started to call passengers for our train, people started crowding around the gate which is infuriating. I was in the business class car. They called for handicapped travelers and then business class travelers to board first. We all had a difficult time getting to the gate because of the rude people who would not move out of the way. Another sign of the times in which we live. The train was crowded and hot, but in a mere two and half hours I was in Richmond. So I put all of that unpleasantness behind me and had a wonderful visit with my family.
I headed to Union Station around noon on Friday. When I arrived and went to the board to check on my train, I found that it was delayed.
I was on the 95 N.E. Regional to VA Beach that was scheduled to leave at 2:30PM. It turned out that the train was only 10 minutes late, so our schedules were not interrupted. I have found that Amtrak runs a tight ship. There are few delays.
Given that I arrived at the station early, I had some time to walk around. Union Station in Washington is a beautiful space. The station was redone a few years ago and it really is beautiful.
The stairs leading to the "Upstairs Bar" in the center of the atrium when you first enter the building. The decorations were simple and elegant. I would not have changed a thing.
A couple more shots from the open atrium area. The building is very elegant. Tasteful and elegant. As you can see above, the atrium is awash in natural light. It is very soothing. It has a calming effect on the soul. I many times need a calming effect on my soul, especially when traveling. I'll either take an environment like this or a valium, but I prefer being in this beautiful space.
Here you see another eatery of some description on the upper level and shops on the lower level. There are lots and lots of shops. I went into a Bath & Body Works, but it was too crowded for me to stay for very long. There is a wonderful Swarovski shop with the most exquisite pieces in the windows. I did not buy anything from them, but I was tempted.
Finally, it was time to make my way to my gate in the waiting area. It was very crowded. Just before they started to call passengers for our train, people started crowding around the gate which is infuriating. I was in the business class car. They called for handicapped travelers and then business class travelers to board first. We all had a difficult time getting to the gate because of the rude people who would not move out of the way. Another sign of the times in which we live. The train was crowded and hot, but in a mere two and half hours I was in Richmond. So I put all of that unpleasantness behind me and had a wonderful visit with my family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)