Blues Bars in DC

One of the nice things about babysitting dogs is that you can feed them, walk them, and then go do what you want for a time.

We went looking for some blues on Sunday afternoon. This place, appropriately called Blues Alley, didn't open 'till 6PM, so we'll have to come back some day.



The other place we wanted to go to is in a section of DC known as Adams Morgan. This was a vibrant residential area with lots of eateries, bars, and folks wandering around in the sun. We had wanted to go to a club there called Madam's Organ.

They were open for brunch, so we enjoyed our eggs with beer and some bluesy music.

And of course, we're always looking......

DC again!

Erika & Mike headed off to a wedding in Wisconsin, so Tom & I are babysitting our grandpuppies.

We love walking the dogs in the "green space" just beyond the house - who would ever think such deep woods could be present in this urban area?

We also enjoy exploring different areas when we come here. Today we went to Old Town Alexandria.

We had to pay for parking, so here's Tom looking for a little change......

Since it was a rainy day (although WARM!) we spent some time in The Torpedo Factory Art Center.

This is a wonderful gallery (on the waterfront) that features working artists' studios. There are many wonderful pieces to admire, and the advertised draw is to watch the artists at work. Kind of like going to the zoo!

We also have a similar gallery in Syracuse, The Delavan Art Gallery , where Rob and paintings can be found!

That "S" Word!

Well, it's that time of year again- the "s" word was in all the forecasters' reports yesterday. We awoke this morning resigned to seeing some white, but, although it was certainly cold, there was only rain. In Cortland.

As I drove north, I tried to imagine I saw snowflakes mixed in with the rain, but I was pretty sure that the drops hitting my windshield were only raindrops. Until Lafayette.

Heading up the hill in Lafayette, I noticed white stuff on the ground at the edge of the fields. I hoped it was only frost, but the higher I went, the whiter things became, and it was evident that I was seeing the first snowfall of the season!

Wild ponies at Chincoteague, Va

When we left Erika & Mike's house a week ago Friday, we were heading home through Annapolis on a route (301 & 50) that runs up through the middle of Maryland. However, once you cross over the Chesapeake - just before you commit to that northern route- route 50 makes a right turn and runs right to Ocean City, MD.


It was Friday, the sun was shining, it was warm, it was off-season, and so as we approached this junction, we looked at each other and said "Why not?"


Therefore, we took the eastern route to the ocean. We don't like Ocean City (much too crowded and commercial) so we went south a bit to Chincoteague.


Chincoteague and Assateague are barrier islands off the coast of Virginia that are quite famous as a wildlife refuge. It was a very beautiful place...



Chincoteague is also famous for the herds of wild ponies that roam the island. Every year, cowboys round them up and make them swim across to the mainland where some are sold in order to keep the numbers manageable. The award-winning book, Misty of Chincoteague, written in 1947, is still well-read today, usually by little girls who develop an instant love for wild ponies and all things equine.

We met one of those little girls........



This is a still shot of the ponies in the wild.....


I wanted to walk some of the trails that are available for hikers or bikers only, so we ended up walking about 5 miles. Unfortunately, we also met another form of wild life on this trip. There were clouds (and I do mean clouds!) of voracious mosquitos everywhere on the inland part of the refuge, and despite using an entire bottle of bug spray, we picked up more than a few bites!

Lastly, as we were leaving the refuge, we pulled to the side of the road to take one last look at the ponies. I thought Tom was driving our car, but I looked up and saw this.....

I could not believe my eyes - a Tom twin!! We didn't say anything to him, but now we will always wonder who is he and where he is from.

A Feast of Maryland Blue crabs

We stayed an extra day with Erika & Mike, and went to the fish market to buy our dinner. After checking out all the available options, Mike decided he wanted to steam some crabs. I believe he ordered the #1 Jimmies!

I couldn't watch them go in the pot.

Corn on the cob, cole slaw, and beer rounded out the excellent crab feast on the patio!

The Aquarium in Baltimore, MD

This is a cool place- go if you have a chance. Admission is expensive, but after seeing the exhibits you can understand why. I think it must cost big bucks to keep all that water clean!

A sea turtle-


A neat fish...

Jaw bones...

And there was a dolphin show. No pictures of that, because Grandpa & Owen were busy getting splashed by the dolphins.

To Erika and Mike's home

After leaving Syracuse, we all trooped off to see Erika & Mike. We enjoyed their southern hospitality, great cooking, and the fire pit & s'mores.

Brother & sister posing for Dad! Note the sunshine & shirtsleeves. The weather was fantastic (as usual) while we were there.


Uncle Mike is starting Owen off early - sharing his passion for white water kayaking!




Since Erika & Mike live right outside of Washington, DC, we spent one day in the city at the Smithsonian. We visited the Museum of Natural History and saw some cool dinosaurs.



We toured the Air & Space Museum where we saw planes, rockets, space capsules & the like. This space suit does not look very comfy when viewed close up!


Uncle Mike bought a kite at the Air & Space museum, so we enjoyed the sun on the Mall and watched the boys fly the kite. Recognize this building?


Great breezes took it aloft..

Owen likes holding the controls..

At this point in our day, my pedometer told me we had walked over 3 miles. No wonder we needed a rest!

But eventually all good things must come to an end, and it was time for Chris, Laura & Owen to continue on. They are heading off to Laura's folks & then to Disney, so they will be having some wonderful times ahead.

Chris is packing the car with the essentials.... See what he is carrying here...

Travels with Owen ( and his parents)!

We were so excited to have Chris, Laura & Owen back in the States for a little while. Since we no longer have a house (or a boat), we all descended on Sue, Rob & Ian in Syracuse for a few days. Rich, Diane & the boys came for a great dinner, and we all had a great time talking, eating, and spoiling Owen. Chris said it was like Thanksgiving without the turkey!

Not sure why we're all standing .....


Presents for Owen...... When he saw the wrapped packages from Rich, Diane, Chandler & Garret, he said, "Wow! and it's not even my birthday!"

Mommy and Owen.

After leaving Syracuse, we headed south to Erika's house, making a stop in Cortland to visit with Aunt Shirley in her new apartment. Karen called while we were there, so Chris got to talk with her as well!