Day 2 in DC

I first awoke to Al's kiss goodbye as he left for a day of meetings.  

I made it downstairs for the breakfast buffet, and CNN and Fox News was on and showing the devastation in Japan and the tsunami warnings.  The waves were just passing Hawaii.  I returned to the room to watch more, and check Oregon's local stations.  I postponed my departure for the day until it seemed there would be little damage on the northern Oregon coast.

On to the Postal Museum, also part of the Smithsonian.  I introduced myself to the greeter as a former postal employee and she said 'Well, a Special welcome to YOU!'  It is a rather small museum compared to many here, but interesting.  I took the docent-led tour, which added some interest.

The lobby ceiling

The floor is paved with 'letters'

...and 'envelopes'.

The world's first postage stamps, Penny Black, and 2-Penny Blue

I could glimpse the Capitol dome from the Postal Museum, and I had time to explore, so I decided to check out the possibility of getting tickets for a tour tomorrow with Al.  

First glimpse

A lion on the United Methodist Building, kitty-corner from the Capitol

The Supreme Court Building

Washington DC

Al needed to be here for business (tomorrow), and it is a destination we HAD talked of visiting this Spring, so I got to tag along, and Al reserved a few more days, and here we are!

We arrived in Baltimore last night and traveled in style by Town Car to downtown Washington DC.  Being on West Coast time, we stayed up until 2AM local time.  Which made it difficult to get up in time for the breakfast buffet this morning, but we did it.

Since Al had just visited the Evergreen Aviation museum recently, he decided we didn't need to go to the Air and Space Museum, and we headed out for the Museum of American History.  On the way, we realized 'Hey, that's the White House over there!' so we detoured and walked around the block there.  And when we came around the other side, we could see the Washington Monument.

The longer we walked, the harder it rained, and the wetter we got.  Then at one intersection we jumped to cross the creek flowing in the gutter, but I landed funny and one of my clogs went rolling and I had to step in the wet road in my stocking foot.....and traffic was COMING!  

The museum was full of treasures, of course, and of course, I left the good camera back at the motel.  So these photos are all from my cell phone:

THE ruby slippers

Edith and Archie Bunker's chairs

I want one!  Just ONE!

A Tucker!

I enjoyed the First Lady's display, particularly all the gowns.  I may have to stop back tomorrow to take a picture of my favorite.  Other things we noted:  THE Star Spangled Banner, THE gold nugget that began the California Gold Rush, Julia Child's kitchen, the Manhattan Project.

We had a yummy dinner at a noodle house with several of the people Al works with.  It is nice to put a face to some of the voices I can hear on occasion.

Apartment

It was a nice day today.

Al got a few hours of 'work-work' done, as we call it, which means he gets PAID for it!

I did several loads of laundry, which always makes me feel good.

And I got some groceries, and we had a nice dinner!  Al picked up some fire logs and we relaxed.

Oh, Come on - Give me a Break. . . . . . .

                              It says:   "SR.  DISC."

OK,  lets get real here.

I turned 50 just a few days ago.  A few days ago, A FEW DAYS AGO! And now this happens to me when Kristi and I go out for Ice Cream???

Come on, Give me a Break...

A New Laundry Room!

Al considers it a bit of a 'backward move', but we have rented an apartment.  And it has it's OWN washer and dryer!  Al jokingly said he got me a $600/month laundry room.  And for three days I have happily done laundry to my heart's content.

I have also been venturing into the neighborhood.  Actually, it is already familiar to me, since we are just a couple of  blocks from Cinetopia in Vancouver, where we saw Avatar in 3D last year.  And in the other direction, when we leave the complex, I can see the shopping strip that houses the bagel shop where a group of friends and I attend Sunday Tea.

Al however has not slept well at the apartment. Even with a king-sized bed.  He kisses me 'goodbye' when we climb in, and it wiggles all over when he rolls.

Last night we spent the night at the boat again, and Al slept well!  We will spend another night there so I am that much closer on my drive to Hillsboro tomorrow morning.  And so I can change the sheets to collect MORE laundry!

BTW, we just assumed a lease, which expires the end of March, with the option to rent month-to-month after that.  We will see how it goes, but kind of plan on keeping it through April at this point.

Al's Workshop

For the past eight years, as soon as Christmas Ships and the Holidays are over, it is Project Time on the boat.  In the past, Al would use the dining table as a work bench.  BUT one of last year's projects was to install pretty new formica on said table, kitchen counters, and bathroom counters.  Which means he should  no longer sand, paint, glue, solder, epoxy, etc. on the table, and since he's intelligent, he won't.  Besides, the table is now a desk of sorts, which is occasionally used for dining.

Al is using an area of the boat that has served at a work bench before, but never so extensively during the Winter---the roof of the aft cabin.

Al is a little bit Absent-Minded Professor, muttering and talking to himself.  'Where are my glasses?  This should go here......or would it be better there?  I'll have to think about that.  Now, where did my pencil go?  Geez, it's cold out here....'  But this project has him looking a bit more Mad Scientist!  Look at all those pipes and gauges!  Though I haven't heard any evil laughter, yet.

And this will fit right here!

The soldering station

Every mad scientist needs a torch!

This project is in preparation of installing the hydronic heating system, with a Hurricane boiler.  Probably won't be working soon enough to be of much benefit this season, but will be greatly appreciated when we go 'up North' for the next 3-5 years.

Love Letter

My husband reaches the 50 Year milestone today.  He does not wish to 'celebrate' this fact, but I want to acknowledge that I am glad he was born!

I read recently that women should buy their own presents, and ask their husband for a love letter now and then.  That seemed like good advice, but how can I ask my husband for something I haven't given to him?  So, my birthday present to my husband is a love letter.

Why make it so public?  Because love should never be hidden.  And we declared publicly, before God, family and friends on 5-5-2002 that we loved each other and were committed to a marriage, together.

So, what is it that I love about this man?

I love his sense of adventure.  I love that he has had this dream of living on a boat, and has worked so hard and so long to see this dream come true, and that he wants to share that dream and experience with me.

And he has accomodated MY dream of travel.  San Francisco, Europe, Minnesota, Hawaii, Niagra Falls and Macinac Island, San Juans, Seattle.  Air, Land and Sea.

I often say jokingly that 'I married a little boy!'  This is NOT at all said in the 'oh, grow up' attitude.  I love Al's delight in the simple things.  Dark chocolate, a cat's purr, sunrise or sunset, a good beer, a friend's company.

His strong desire, NEED for approval, keeps him trying so hard.  That's another reason for me writing this 'letter'--I too often criticize, and I know this, and want to SAY what I appreciate.

He gives great hugs.  He holds me tightly, and is strong enough to lean on.  He keeps me warm in the cold, and I love to lie next to him.

Al is very intelligent, and loves to share his knowledge.

Though frugal, he is generous.  He is always willing to help in any way he can, friend OR stranger.

Al is my Golden Retriever-- loyal, tolerant, and happy-go-lucky.

And not last of all, but perhaps most of all, I love that Al attends church with me.  I often feel closest to Al when I feel closest to God, in church or out.