Cautiously Socializing

We had some excitement at the Simpson house. Allie (Julia's friend she met at U. of Leeds) came to stay from NYC. She had a lacrosse tournament in Baltimore. She's a sweetie and endured the buggy backyard like a champ. One slab of meat we can all agree upon (not too lean, not too fatty) is bone-in sirloin steak from Wagshal's. Yum. I also made a leg of lamb roast. Steven and I enjoyed it.

Brenda came down to see Miriam and Katie. It was so nice to spend time with her and to see the girls, Dana, and Aaron too. Brenda is making BIG changes in her life; I'm so proud of her. She bought me a lovely "Friendship is a sheltering tree" necklace for my birthday, see pic below.

We had a nice catch-up call with Don & Laura, Lisa & Tony. Julia has been hoodwinked into working more shifts at The Phoenix. DC Mayor just issued that a mask must be worn at all times while outside of your home. The numbers have been trending upwards. Also, school districts have changed their minds and are only offering online school as an option for the fall.

Feels like Summer

This is the only thing that feels normal...hot, humid, and sticky summers in Washington. Instead of traveling, we're going through all of the Rick Steves' programs. The one on Bulgaria was very interesting; we hope we can visit one day! Otherwise, it was more of the same... lots of meat, another month anniversary for Julia and Benjamin (chocolate dipped fruit delivery), and hanging with the cats.

July 4 Deep Creek Lake

We had such a fun and relaxing weekend with the family. It was nice to get out of the city, take a break from work, and run/walk new routes. The Sarrges were excellent hosts, as always. The food was delicious and we had fun on the boats. Julia tried wave surfacing--so cool! Wagshal's left us in a lurch with no turkey, so we deep-fried two chickens and a top round roast, and then doughnuts the next day. Yay, the fireworks still happened! We had a flat tire on Sunday, so we had to stay an extra, wonderful day. The weather was perfect all weekend. So blessed with a great family!

Father's Day and Tour Completed

We had a very chill day celebrating Father's Day. We went over to see Meme. Steven spent quality time with each cat as well. Julia got her massive NASA computer all set up. Meanwhile, Benjamin completed his bike tour around Lake Michigan over the weekend. Congratulations and huge kudos!

Circle Tour for Change

Benjamin started his bicycle trip around Lake Michigan yesterday. Check out his, Circle Tour for Change, go-fund-me page. His goal is to raise one dollar for every mile that he bikes. Upon completion, he'll match all contributions and proceeds will go to Color of Change, the nation's largest racial justice organization. Praying he'll stay safe, healthy, and not too sore.

On June 15, Steven and I celebrated 19 years of marriage. We're so thankful to have a happy home, great respect, and a partnership mentality. Best...decision...ever--for both of us! On the 15th Benjamin and Julia celebrated their 2 years and 5 months anniversary. Benjamin sent Edible Arrangements (chocolate-dipped fruits, candy) and balloons. So sweet.

Julia is officially on the NASA website with her profile. COOL. Also pictured is an eye of round roast from Wagshal's, before I sliced it up on my meat slicer. Yum.

Educating Ourselves and Supporting Change

These are extraordinary times. To see the nation struggle with how to make changes, to get educated, and to continue the conversation has been both sad and interesting. How can we make a difference? How can we make it better? What can we do now?

Benjamin, Protesting, and Curfew

Benjamin drove to DC on Thursday, just over 12 hours. Julia was super excited to see him, pack-up, and get out of dodge. LOL Steven got porterhouse steaks from Wagshal's--so good! We walked around Georgetown some, with definitely more people outside in the beautiful weather. Julia and Benjamin left Sunday morning to go back to Michigan (nice view of the lake below). There have been demonstrations and protestors in the wake of George Floyd's death. DC had an 11pm curfew last night and for the next two nights, the curfew is now 7pm. So sad. The looting and graffiti in downtown, Georgetown, and even up in Tennleytown...so unnecessary and not helping the cause.