If You Thought I Was Back....

The Capitol at dusk - photo by ME!

....and then gone again, you were right! And to be honest, it's been a slow re-entry back to my "normal" life. After spending two+ weeks back east on vacay, adjusting to my home time zone has been a bit bumpy. I fall asleep early, wake up in the middle of the night, and then sleep late. Ergh. It's a good thing that school isn't in session or I'd be in Barney. (Extra points if you get that movie reference *wink*.)

The family packed their bags and flew to Ohio only to load up into the rental car and drive the seven hours (six with an hour construction delay on the d@mn PA turnpike!) to Washington, DC. We'd promised the Lass that we would take a family trip there to make up for the fact that we couldn't afford to send her on her 8th grade "graduation" class trip. We saw as much as we could in three and a half days, including a couple of drive-by monuments tours, one day in the Smithsonian's Air and Space museum (the newer one by Dulles International Airport), and a day a half at the Museum of American History. We also squeezed in dinner at an Indonesian restaurant in Alexandria with our nephew (now stationed in MD), dinner at an Italian restaurant in Alexandria with a long-time friend of mine, and dinner and visiting with long-time friends who live near Baltimore. Then we crammed back into the rental Corolla (along with our 11 bags!) and drove the six-hour drive back to Ohio to get ready for my parents-in-law's 50th wedding anniversary festivities.

Whew! Are you tired yet? I know I still am, and we've been back nearly a week. ;)

Here are some things that I observed, realized, and/or contemplated. And before any of you reminds me of the incredible subway system in the DC area ("the metro"), let me say now, yes, I know about it. Yes, it's great, and yes, I've ridden it. And no, we didn't use it because we had places to be every night so taking it was not feasible. Now, on with my list:

• People in the DC metro area love their small commuter cars. Our rental Corolla with the VA plates fit right in. It was odd not seeing the high numbers of SUVs, pick-ups, and mini-vans that roam the streets here.
• If you are still parked on a through street in downtown DC at the start of evening rush hour, they will tow your car, but they will not impound it. They will tow it to the nearest available open spot not on a high-traffic street and leave the parking ticket for you to pay by mail.
• If you are in possession of a handicapped plate or parking placard, you are entitled to park for double the time stated on free parking spots before having to move your car. For example, if the sign says "Free Parking for two hours" you can park for four if you have the plate or placard. Remember that at 4:00 p.m. rush hour begins, though, because you will be towed if you are parked on the "wrong" street. :)
• We really do have dry heat here in the desert. Triple digit heat with single digit humidity is definitely more comfortable than 92 degrees F with 87% humidity. I'll take the desert summer anytime. Thank goodness the museums were like ice boxes; I had to wear a sweater. :)
• I was emotionally overwhelmed at the sight of the original star spangled banner, much more than I imagined I would be. And I've seen it before!
• The Air & Space museum near Dulles gets two emphatic thumbs up from me; it's well laid out, has an enormous amount of space, is easy to negotiate with a wheelchair, and has fantastic exhibits.
  
• I'd forgotten how much thunderstorms can freak me out.
• I'd forgotten how adorable four-year-olds are. :)
• I'm in awe of the fact that my beloved parents-in-law have been married 50 years. And knowing that they have been together that long makes me sad knowing that my parents never got to celebrate 50 years together here on earth.

Our trip was filled with lots of laughter, tears, newly discovered facts, hugs, food, and family time. I hope your summer has, so far, been the same.

Later daze..................