Rainy Sunday

Today was cold and rainy, so I decided to go someplace warm and dry. Like the U.S. Botanic Gardens. Every Christmas they do an exhibit called Midnight Clear, where they display models of Washington landmarks made completely out of organic materials. It was really quite charming.

There was an amazing train set directly in front of the building. I think I stood and looked at it for a good 15 minutes.

Inside was a zoo. It was sometimes hard to get close enough for a photograph. Below is a small sampling, so be sure to look at the rest of my pictures here (along with all my Christmas pictures). Keep in mind, everything you see here is all natural.

The Smithsonian Castle.

The Jefferson Memorial was made out of a gourd.

It even had a mini Thomas Jefferson inside!

Lincoln Memorial.

White House (South Portico).

Capitol Building.

As I was standing here, it dawned on me that everything is laid out just like the actual Mall! They even have the "reflecting pool" where it should be. Pretty clever.

There was a suprising number of people walking about, considering the weather.

And finally, the real Capitol building with the Christmas tree in front.

P.S. It's really difficult to take pictures while wearing gloves and holding an umbrella.

Deck the halls

Here's a few pictures I took of my Christmas decorations at home....I know, I should've posted these before Christmas.

I actually got the idea of hanging ornaments on a chandelier from church. (I was on the decorating committee.)

My little Target tree. I think next year I'll get some garland.

And our cozy little fireplace. That we never use.

Christmas 2007

Whew! What a whirlwind. I feel like I was all over the place this Christmas. I flew into Fresno, and two days later we drove down to Southern California for my great-aunt's funeral. It was nice seeing all my relatives, even though it wasn't under the best of circumstances. We stayed with my sister for a few days, and the weather was great. It felt good to wear short sleeves for a change.

Me and Tricia.

While we were there, my nephew Alex celebrated his 2nd birthday! I may be biased, but I really think he's the cutest 2-year old in the country.

He really wanted to help ice the cake.

He ended up needing some help from grandpa to blow out the candles.

Grace showed off her piano playing skillz.

And Corinne showed off her new haircut. So cute!

This is probably the only time you'll see me smiling with three kids on my lap.

We then drove back to Fresno for Christmas with my brother and grandma.

The Waayers clan (minus my sister).

The day after Christmas, I drove up to Turlock to go shopping with Lacey. And while we were there, we visited a Turlock landmark: Latif's Restaurant. The place hasn't changed since the 1960s, and when you walk in you feel like you're stepping back in time.

They're famous for their pie. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

I had peach, Lacey had coconut. Mmmmmm.

Latif's is also famous for having former President Bush visit! He stopped by during his campaign in 1988 and had lunch.

Because it was "late" when we left (9pm), one of the cooks walked us out to our car to make sure we were safe. Ah, life in a small town. I kind of miss it.

Overall, I had a nice time. But I'm glad to be back on the East Coast. Fresno is kind of dump. (Sorry, mom and dad.)

Secret Santa

Look what my Secret Santa gave me!!

It's an autographed picture of John Patterson!

Thanks, Shane!

First snow

We had our first snow of the season this past Wednesday! It's beautiful to look at, but I had forgotten how difficult it can be to walk in. Especially when it becomes icy. And I'm wearing high-heeled leather boots. With no traction.

The view from my office...this is the parade grounds, and flag housing (officers' quarters) on the other side.

Some pictures from my neighborhood...

Zoolights

Last Tuesday night I went to the zoo with Laurel and Mike for a preview of Zoolights. Basically, the zoo gets all decked out with holiday lights, and they have various activities for the kiddies. It sounded like a fun idea, but it was freezing that night, and there weren't even any animals out! I was a little disappointed. But we did get to see some nice light displays.

Pandas!

And there was this guy in a panda suit, inside a snow globe. It was kinda creepy.

Pretty!

I love elephants.

The goats were keeping each other warm in the barn. So cute!

Everyone in the Ape House was asleep. Except for this guy....he was giving me the eye.

Golden leaves

The fall leaves haven't been as colorful this year, but occassionally I'll find a vibrant tree or two. These trees are just around the corner from my house, and they always stand out from the rest of the drab scenery.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was a little bittersweet. Heather has been hosting it for the past five years, and this was her last one in DC.

She's a force to be reckoned with when she's got those oven mitts on.

Me, Laurel, and Heather.

Mmmm....turkey.

I couldn't eat it all....my eyes were bigger than my stomach.

Let's Say Thanks

While you are giving thanks today and enjoying the company of friends and family, remember that our country has men and women who are away from their loved ones. Xerox Company has a great program where they send postcards to our troops overseas. I encourage you to send a quick message to someone in our military; it's easy and it only takes a second: http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

City rankings

I know some of you back home are worried that I live in such a "dangerous" city. But recently the list of the most dangerous cities was published and DC is ranked number 27!

DC gets a bad rap, and most people don't realize how safe the city really is. Crime has gone down tremendously in the past two decades. And besides, it's not like I'm walking around Southeast by myself at 3 in the morning (SE is roughly the equivalent of LA's South Central). So just take a deep breath, people, and relax. It's not as bad as you think it is.

And look how pretty!

The end of an era

Sigh...it's with a heavy heart that I write this. Last night we all went out to have a big send-off for Heather, who is moving to Michigan next weekend. Heather has been one of my best friends in DC and introduced me to most of the people I know here. (I seriously wouldn't have any friends if it weren't for her.) She also introduced us all to Ella's, so it was only fitting that we had our last hurrah there.

It's in the heart of the city, right across the street from the American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery.

Best sangria in town.

Heather's so proud of her blinky pin.

Heather and Shane, acting silly.

Me and Heather...the end of an era.