Sad I didn’t get a chance to visit this gem of a place when we were in London, but will check it out next time. For those in the area, enjoy…
Archive for the ‘Travels’ Category
House of Illustration
Posted in Travels on Monday, 3 November, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Washington DC: Constitution Gardens
Posted in Photography, Travels, US, Washington DC, tagged Congressional Gardens, Photography, Travel, Washington DC on Saturday, 25 October, 2014| 3 Comments »
Constitution Gardens is a lovely garden situated in the West Potomac Park near the intersection of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street NW. It’s along the north side of the National Mall and surprisingly quiet even on a gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon. Established in 1965, the Gardens are open 24 hours a day and a Park Ranger is available to answer questions about the area. You will find rangers at the nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial between the hours of 9:30 am and 11:30 pm.
The park area contains a large lake:
There’s a memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence with each of the signers signatures such as Benjamin Franklin:
The park includes several walkways and park benches:
From the park you have a great view of the Washington Monument:
We drove to the park because it was Sunday and parking is free but taking the metro is your best bet on other days. For additional information, go to the National Park Service website.
Washington DC: Rainy Day Around the US Capitol
Posted in DC, Photography, Travels, Washington DC, tagged Rain, US Capitol, Washington DC on Tuesday, 14 October, 2014| 6 Comments »
When we host visitors to Washington DC, their first reaction is usually surprise at how beautiful DC is. I couldn’t agree more: it has lots of parks, the impressive monuments/memorials, lovely statues and then there’s all the beautiful people out exercising. I felt that way today as I walked around the Capitol in the rain.
US Capitol with scaffolding
Romantic couple in the rain
Walking, Running and Biking in the rain.
Information for the US Capitol
The other side of the US Capitol
Washington DC: Library Of Congress Open House
Posted in Photography, Travels, Washington DC, tagged Books, Gutenberg Bible, Library, Library of Congress, Reading Room, Washington DC on Monday, 13 October, 2014| 6 Comments »
After many visits to the Library of Congress located on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, where the only way I could view the Reading Room was from a balcony, it was thrilling to finally walk through the Reading Room and the Main Card Catalog area during the bi-annual Open House. The staff and volunteers provided a lot of interesting information and the card catalog was such a throwback to my high school days.
The Library of Congress originally began inside the US Capitol in 1800 but now consists of three buildings: the Thomas Jefferson Building (1897) is the original building and is separate from the other two, the John Adams Building (1938) and the James Madison Memorial Building (1981). The library collection includes more than 158 million items consisting of more than 36.8 million books and other print materials in 470 languages. It is the largest rare book collection in North America, has over 68.9 million manuscripts and is the world’s largest collection of legal materials, films, maps, sheet music and sound recordings.
The Library is the research arm of Congress and is recognized as the National Library of the United States. As the world’s largest library, it’s a fantastic resource to scholars and researchers. The material is open to those age 16 and older without charge but there are caveats. Check here for information on how to research at the library.
As a book lover, the Library fascinates me. In 2013, the staff responded to more than 636,000 congressional reference requests as well as provided to Congress approximately 23,000 volumes from the Library’s collections. It also registered 496,599 claims to copyright.
Library of Congress
Reading Room
Card Catalog
Showing her daughter how to use the Card Catalog
Flangan’s Clock ~ with the observation balcony on either side.
Looking up to the Dome
Close up of the Dome
The Stacks at the Library of Congress
More books at the Library of Congress
During your visit to the Library of Congress, don’t miss the Gutenberg Bible which is on display year-round. The bible is the first important book printed in Western Europe using movable metal type and signaled a turning point in the art of bookmaking.The Gutenberg Bible was completed around 1455 at Mainz, Germany and sparked the transition from the Middle Ages to the modern world by providing the written word to all people including commoners.
Next time the Reading Room will be open to the public will be President’s Day ~ February 16, 2015.
Friday Favorite: My Hero Jean ran the Ultra-Trail (100 Miles)…
Posted in France, Travels, tagged BearStrength, Running, Ultra-Trail, UTMB on Friday, 26 September, 2014| 7 Comments »
I can’t stay awake for 38+ hours straight let alone run 100 miles through the mountains of France, Switzerland and Italy, but my Kiwi friend Jean did it for FUN! I’m awe-struck!! Gotta love technology ~ we were able to track her through a live-feed as she tackled the Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc. After the run, she sent a recap and it’s obvious, at this level of competition, mental fortitude is so much more important than the physical aspect. She’s not on social media which is not surprising since she spends her time with her husband, two boys, controlling aircraft (she’s an air traffic controller) and running?! but I’m hoping to talk her into guest blogging her experience one day soon.
Until then, I’m going to brag on her just a little: she ran the race in 38:30:27, came in 2nd in her age group (49-58 years old) and was ranked 28 in the Overall Women’s category. Anytime I want to quit a workout, I think “well, if Jean can run 100 miles then…”
I’ve been searching and finally found the perfect “congratulations on finishing another 100 mile race” gift. It’s a t-shirt with the saying Strong is the new Skinny. I found it at Bear Strength which is a UK based cross-fit attire company but the clothes are for all types of workouts. Since Jean is the strongest woman I know, it couldn’t be a better choice (hope she likes it as much as I do). I’m going to order one for me once I finish my next race as a congratulations to myself!
My fingers are crossed that Jean’s next 100-mile trail run is here in the states so I can be in the support van (where I hope napping is allowed)!
Palau: My Favorite Island Escape
Posted in Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Photography, Travels, tagged Koror, Micronesian, Palau, Photography, Travel on Thursday, 25 September, 2014| 11 Comments »
Palau is my ideal tropical vacation spot. Our 2007 visit was a trip of a lifetime. More than a few times, when I was there, I would pause to savor the moment and commit to memory some of the beauty I couldn’t capture in a photo. Especially the unbelievable night sky with stars so close I felt I could reach out and touch them.
Heading to one of the outer islands
Seems every time it rains, there’s a rainbow
Kayaking
Racing the rain in Palau
The Milky Way lagoon is a natural spa treatment which is supposed to make you look 10 years younger. I’m due to go back soon! The white mud felt great ~ cool and soothing.
Early morning swim
Beautiful arch
Morning at the dock
One of the best kisses ever!
Dolphins
Gorgeous, colorful mural at the community college
Cocktail hour (for me at least)
Sunset in Palau
Another beautiful Palau Sunset
Ah, a great place for a hammock
Palau consists of approximately 340 islands across 400 miles of the North Pacific Ocean. There’s a small population of only 21, 186. In 1994, after three decades being under the U.S., the Republic of Palau became one of the youngest nations in the world. The official language is Palauan but English is spoken everywhere. If you get a chance to go, GO!
The Girl Next Door is Missing: Bring Hannah Home!
Posted in Travels, tagged Bring Hannah Home, Hannah Graham, Help Save the Next Girl, Missing on Monday, 22 September, 2014| 6 Comments »
The girl next door is beautiful, smart, talented and MISSING!
By girl next door, I’m not speaking figuratively but literally. Hannah Graham lived one house down from us until she graduated from High School in 2013 and went to the University of Virginia. Ten days ago, in the blink of an eye, she became the 4th woman in 5 years to disappear from Charlottesville, Virginia. Her disappearance has struck fear and heartache for all in our community ~ especially those with daughters getting ready to go off to university in the near future.
I’m encouraged and thankful the media has kept her story in the forefront and her disappearance is getting national coverage.
It’s annoying women can’t go out alone at night without fear of opportunistic predators taking advantage but it’s a sad reality which isn’t going to change anytime soon. There’s a national non-profit organization called Help Save the Next Girl which was formed by the parents of Morgan Dana Harrington. Morgan went missing from Charlottesville in October 2009 and was later found dead in a remote pasture. The goal of the organization is to sensitive young women and girls to predatory danger.
Please keep Hannah and her family in your thoughts & prayers. And please share the information regarding Help Save the Next Girl ~ it’s important to educate our daughters/sisters/friends to be safe.
Virginia: Great Falls National Park
Posted in DC, Photography, Travels, Virginia, Washington DC, tagged Great Falls, Kayaking, Photography, Rock climbing, Travel, Virginia, Washington DC on Sunday, 21 September, 2014| 4 Comments »
Great Falls National Park is a beautiful 800-acre recreation area located just 15 minutes from Washington, DC. We arrived early enough to avoid the crowds but, as we were leaving, there was a line of cars attempting to come in. There’s lots to do at the park such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, picnicking but NO SWIMMING. Sadly, there have been several drownings due to the currents.
Great Falls
Great Falls
Narrowest part of the Potomac ~ Mather Gorge
Kayaking is popular at Great Falls
Rock Climbing in progress
High Water mark at Great Falls ~ water was definitely at a low mark on our visit
Climbing down to the rocks & water
On the rocks
If you decide to go, the park is open daily except for Christmas Day. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle but there are plenty of free pass opportunities such as Active Duty Military can get a year pass for free. There are picnic tables and grills which are available on a first come, first serve basis. By 11:00 am, most were already taken ~ not surprising since it was a gorgeous Saturday morning. For more info, click here.
The Pentagon
Posted in Travels, Washington DC, tagged 9-11, The Pentagon, Washington DC on Thursday, 11 September, 2014| 1 Comment »
Remembering those who lost their lives on 9-11-2001 ~
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl
A view of The Pentagon as seen from the Potomac River.
Virginia: Mount Vernon Estates 2015 Upcoming Events
Posted in Travels, Virginia, Washington DC, tagged Mount Vernon, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Wine Festival on Friday, 5 September, 2014| 2 Comments »
George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Northern Virginia is a favorite place of mine. I love the history and the serene setting. It’s only 14 miles south of DC and can be reached by car, bike, bus or boat. There’s always an interesting event happening. Here are the events coming up this fall:
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September 12 Gentleman Distiller: Whiskey Tasting and Dinner 6-9 pm $125.00
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September 20-21 Colonial Market and free Potomac River Sightseeing cruises 9am to 5pm (included in general admission price)
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October 2,4,5 Fall Wine Festival 6-9 pm $38 (Saturday already sold out)
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October 11 Slave Commemoration Ceremony 11 am (included in general admission price)
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October 24 Brewing History: Beer Tasting, Tour and Dinner 6-9 pm $95
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October 25-26 Fall Harvest Family Days 9 am-5 pm (included in general admission price)
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November 11 Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans 9 am -5 pm (included in general admission price)
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November 15 Our American Girl 1 pm $30 for youth, $20 for adult
To reserve any of the above, go to their events page.
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