Hellos and Goodbyes

Julia went to New Hampshire and spent time with Emma, Grandma Gert, Peggy, Pete, and Irina. Emma traveled with her to/from DC, which was extra lovely. Meanwhile, Brenda came down, and we spent the day with Miriam and Katie. Just like old times...hanging out in the hood and supporting local faves like Call Your Mother and Rocklands. Julia came back late Monday night and left this morning for St. Paul. Quiet gave her some love before she left. We miss her already!

Back in the Hood and Mother's Day Weekend

Julia and Benjamin have been back in DC for a full week and it has been wonderful. The house is a bit more lively and the cats are happier with the better cat to human ratio. Laura came to celebrate Mother's Day. We also celebrated Ethan's 19th birthday (with Georgetown Cupcake). We got mani/pedis and deep-fried a turkey from Wagshals. It was delicious. On Sunday, mom came over for some Rocklands and a visit to the new Eisenhower Memorial. It is spread across four acres on Independence Avenue, near the Capitol. There isn't much to it--some bronze sculptures, engravings, and a huge tapestry depicting the beaches of D-Day (had to look up what this was, because it wasn't obvious or stated anywhere!). So thankful to be sandwiched between a wonderful mother and an amazing daughter.

 

Ice Skating and Orbital Cellulitis

 Julia's semester is in full swing, with classes and TA-ing. Benjamin and Jules went ice skating outside; the ice is amazingly smooth. It looks like so much fun. Julia has a real greenhouse going in her apartment. She even ordered a special heat lamp for all of her new plant babies. And no matter the weather, she's still drinking iced coffee every day. 

Back on the home front, Steven's eye infection went from bad to worse, from urgent care visit, to the ER, then following up with a Zoom video call with a PA. The infection wasn't responding to the first round of prescriptions. And though he hated to go to the ER, it was absolutely necessary to ensure via CT scan that the infection hadn't spread to behind his eyeball. They put him on 2 stronger, more broad-based antibiotics and new eye ointment. It is still not back to normal, but everyday it looks slightly better. He's lucky that 99% of his work calls are without video! :)

Launching into 2021

Ringing in the new year was low-key, with champaign/Bai and a charcuterie board. We've tried to squeeze in some favorites before Julia leaves, such as Compass cold brew coffees, Rocklands, puzzles, and just hanging out time. Wednesday, January 6, thousands of President Trump's supporters were in DC to protest the outcome of the 2020 election. Hundreds stormed the US Capitol as Congress met to certify electoral college votes for President-elect Biden. It was shocking and sad to watch this behavior. As if there isn't enough going on in the world right now...

Christmas Festivities to the Max

We crammed a lot of Christmas activities into a week of celebrating! Benjamin came for a few days and we went to Enchant Christmas at the Nationals Park on Friday with Meme. Saturday, we had the cookie decorating party with Holton Friends. On Sunday, we went to the Kennedy Center for Second City's Love Factually. Highly recommend--it was so funny! We had Wingo's Sunday night. Unfortunately, Benjamin had to return to his family in Traverse City on Monday. But we continued on, with a visit to the Capitol Christmas tree--always nicer and less crowded than the White House tree. Tuesday was Christmas Eve and the gingerbread decorating party--deep fried turkey included! For Christmas, we opened presents, went ice skating at Washington Harbor, then indulged in Delmonico steak from Wagshal's. The next day, Meme came over and we went to see, "Bombshell" (awesome!) and had more of Wagshal's delicious steak... this time bone in prime sirloin. Friday, Meme came over and treated us to Rocklands BBQ. You can't go wrong with Rocklands. And the ramping up to New Year's is happening...with more excitement on the way.