Wednesday, March 12, 2008
(Hopefully) Our Home.
Welcome to the Madrigal Lofts. This is the lobby:
From the elevator in the hallway:
Standing in the front door looking through to the living room windows:
And the opposite view; from the windows back to the front door. This is standing in the living room area. The Kitchen is to the left, the bedroom is down the hall to the left and the bathroom is down the hall to the right.
This is the small balcony:
Views from the rooftop deck.
That's the National Cathedral off in the distance:
Our current apartment building is seen on the left:
None of this--none of it--would be possible without the trust and support of our fabulous families. Thank you all.
Welcome to the Madrigal Lofts. This is the lobby:
From the elevator in the hallway:
Standing in the front door looking through to the living room windows:
And the opposite view; from the windows back to the front door. This is standing in the living room area. The Kitchen is to the left, the bedroom is down the hall to the left and the bathroom is down the hall to the right.
This is the small balcony:
Views from the rooftop deck.
That's the National Cathedral off in the distance:
Our current apartment building is seen on the left:
None of this--none of it--would be possible without the trust and support of our fabulous families. Thank you all.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Who knew the Land Shark had a cousin?
Now THAT'S a wake-up call.
Now THAT'S a wake-up call.
She lived a full life.
Ever wonder what a Min Pin looks like once she hits her bed back at home after five hours of travel while crammed inside a portable crate?
Yikes.
Ever wonder what a Min Pin looks like once she hits her bed back at home after five hours of travel while crammed inside a portable crate?
Yikes.
Monday, July 23, 2007
What’s Up, Doc?
So this past Sunday (7/22) I am in full errand mode as I pop into the Safeway. Suddenly, I find myself standing in front of Boston Celtics head coach and former Marquette Warrior Doc Rivers.
Normally, it’s just enough for me to spot a celebrity and then report it to Ella (e.g. “I saw Nicole Kidman in Georgetown today.” —true story). Only on occasion will I say anything (e.g. The time I said “Hello, Mr. Sheen” to Martin as he strolled along M Street. His reply? A very cheery “How ya doin’?!“ —true story).
It would have to be a pretty extraordinary sighting for me to become That Guy and ask for an autograph or a picture. I guess J.D. Salinger would apply. And perhaps Mr. T.
However, Doc saw me see him and was giving me the “I know you know who I am” eye. So I figured what the hay and said, “Hi, Coach. I’m Marquette Class of ’91.” Doc smiled, shook my hand, and said, “Good to hear! Nice to meet you.” He then gestured to his college-aged son and said, “I’m here taking care of the Georgetown part off the family.” He said “Georgetown” with mock distain, given Big East rivalries and all.
So it was cool to meet the Coach. Still doesn’t beat the time I met Mrs. Garrett from TV’s “The Facts of Life.” (True story.)
So this past Sunday (7/22) I am in full errand mode as I pop into the Safeway. Suddenly, I find myself standing in front of Boston Celtics head coach and former Marquette Warrior Doc Rivers.
Normally, it’s just enough for me to spot a celebrity and then report it to Ella (e.g. “I saw Nicole Kidman in Georgetown today.” —true story). Only on occasion will I say anything (e.g. The time I said “Hello, Mr. Sheen” to Martin as he strolled along M Street. His reply? A very cheery “How ya doin’?!“ —true story).
It would have to be a pretty extraordinary sighting for me to become That Guy and ask for an autograph or a picture. I guess J.D. Salinger would apply. And perhaps Mr. T.
However, Doc saw me see him and was giving me the “I know you know who I am” eye. So I figured what the hay and said, “Hi, Coach. I’m Marquette Class of ’91.” Doc smiled, shook my hand, and said, “Good to hear! Nice to meet you.” He then gestured to his college-aged son and said, “I’m here taking care of the Georgetown part off the family.” He said “Georgetown” with mock distain, given Big East rivalries and all.
So it was cool to meet the Coach. Still doesn’t beat the time I met Mrs. Garrett from TV’s “The Facts of Life.” (True story.)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
We Quit Our Jobs!
Well...for one week, anyway. We were on vacation from Monday July 9 through Sunday July 15. Although we didn't travel anywhere (see you soon, Playa del Carmen!) we did enjoy an extended stretch of relaxation, good eats, good reading, hanging out with the Hound, occasionally acting like tourists (minus the fanny pack and novelty FBI shirts) and assorted hijinks.
Here are some of the highlights from Creative Loafing Week '07:
We paid a visit to the Old Post Office at 12th and Pennsylvania. Its 315-foot tower is the third-highest structure in the District after the Capitol dome and the Washington Monument. There are spectacular views from its 270-foot high observation deck. Ella is not a fan of cramped quarters or tremendous heights. Ella was not a fan of this stop on the vacation train. Whatever. I've got pictures to take:
Way in the distance is the Capitol:
Way in the distance is the National Cathedral:
In the center-background, behind the Treasury Building, is the White House:
We also popped by the fabulous Sculpture Garden at the Smithsonian. A big favorite is Roy Lichtenstein's "House 1" as it exploits the illusionistic effects of a third dimension. The side of the house at once projects toward the viewer while appearing to recede into space.
Freaks you out, is what it does:
Then we went to Paris! (No we didn't.)
A stroll down to the National Mall reminded us that Heritage Festival was going on. Northern Ireland was featured...
...as was the legendary Bushmills Whiskey distillery.
Cool! Gosh, I wonder if they have samples!
Oh.
Say, did you know that the Titanic was built in Northern Ireland? It was! Belfast, actually. Of course, I guess that's one export they don't brag about too much. Unlike whiskey. (Stupid "no sample" policy.) This is one of the actual models used in the ginormous boat's contruction:
George Best was a legendary Northern Irish football (soccer, for you Yanks) player best known for his years with Manchester United of the English Premier League (their NFL, if you will).
And now, two less-than-legendary players:
Ella had never eaten a Chicago-style hot dog. What makes it "Chicago style"? It is a steamed or boiled all-beef, natural-casing hot dog on a poppy seed bun. The hot dog is topped with mustard, onion, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt; but never ketchup. As experience has taught me, they are best enjoyed at the Weiner's Circle on North Clark in Chicago. But we grabbed this one from a vendor in D.C. Delish!
The terrific view from the steps of the Capitol building looking down the Mall toward the monument:
Three domes:
And now...an Emmy break (let sleeping dogs lie):
We did spend the weekend in Baltimore where we ate outside...
...ate crab:
...went to the Inner Harbor:
...saw the USS Constellation, a sloop of war that served from 1855 to 1933, and is preserved as a National Historic Landmark:
...and took a Water Taxi:
We ate dinner at a supurb restaurant calle Pazo:
Perhaps the mostest fun of all was the Chicago White Sox/Baltimore Orioles game we took in on Saturday night. It was our 6th wedding anniversary that evening and it could not have been a better experience. Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a cathedral. We had an amazing time and the Orioles won in the bottom of the tenth inning. It all looked something like this:
There's a pedestrian walk behind the right field wall and the warehouse buildding called Eutaw Street. It has all kinds of food and beverages, shops and pubs. It's a cool place to hang out before and during the game. On the sidewalk are brass plaques indicating spots where home run balls have cleared the right field wall and landed on Eutaw. Quite a shot, mind you. Here's one from Ken Griffey, Jr.:
Best of all, we staved off temptation to eat ballpark food and we adhered to our diets while at Camden.
Oh, wait...no we didn't:
Just as soon as vacation began, it ended. Back to the real world.
But we'll always have Paris!
(No we won't.)
Well...for one week, anyway. We were on vacation from Monday July 9 through Sunday July 15. Although we didn't travel anywhere (see you soon, Playa del Carmen!) we did enjoy an extended stretch of relaxation, good eats, good reading, hanging out with the Hound, occasionally acting like tourists (minus the fanny pack and novelty FBI shirts) and assorted hijinks.
Here are some of the highlights from Creative Loafing Week '07:
We paid a visit to the Old Post Office at 12th and Pennsylvania. Its 315-foot tower is the third-highest structure in the District after the Capitol dome and the Washington Monument. There are spectacular views from its 270-foot high observation deck. Ella is not a fan of cramped quarters or tremendous heights. Ella was not a fan of this stop on the vacation train. Whatever. I've got pictures to take:
Way in the distance is the Capitol:
Way in the distance is the National Cathedral:
In the center-background, behind the Treasury Building, is the White House:
We also popped by the fabulous Sculpture Garden at the Smithsonian. A big favorite is Roy Lichtenstein's "House 1" as it exploits the illusionistic effects of a third dimension. The side of the house at once projects toward the viewer while appearing to recede into space.
Freaks you out, is what it does:
Then we went to Paris! (No we didn't.)
A stroll down to the National Mall reminded us that Heritage Festival was going on. Northern Ireland was featured...
...as was the legendary Bushmills Whiskey distillery.
Cool! Gosh, I wonder if they have samples!
Oh.
Say, did you know that the Titanic was built in Northern Ireland? It was! Belfast, actually. Of course, I guess that's one export they don't brag about too much. Unlike whiskey. (Stupid "no sample" policy.) This is one of the actual models used in the ginormous boat's contruction:
George Best was a legendary Northern Irish football (soccer, for you Yanks) player best known for his years with Manchester United of the English Premier League (their NFL, if you will).
And now, two less-than-legendary players:
Ella had never eaten a Chicago-style hot dog. What makes it "Chicago style"? It is a steamed or boiled all-beef, natural-casing hot dog on a poppy seed bun. The hot dog is topped with mustard, onion, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt; but never ketchup. As experience has taught me, they are best enjoyed at the Weiner's Circle on North Clark in Chicago. But we grabbed this one from a vendor in D.C. Delish!
The terrific view from the steps of the Capitol building looking down the Mall toward the monument:
Three domes:
And now...an Emmy break (let sleeping dogs lie):
We did spend the weekend in Baltimore where we ate outside...
...ate crab:
...went to the Inner Harbor:
...saw the USS Constellation, a sloop of war that served from 1855 to 1933, and is preserved as a National Historic Landmark:
...and took a Water Taxi:
We ate dinner at a supurb restaurant calle Pazo:
Perhaps the mostest fun of all was the Chicago White Sox/Baltimore Orioles game we took in on Saturday night. It was our 6th wedding anniversary that evening and it could not have been a better experience. Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a cathedral. We had an amazing time and the Orioles won in the bottom of the tenth inning. It all looked something like this:
There's a pedestrian walk behind the right field wall and the warehouse buildding called Eutaw Street. It has all kinds of food and beverages, shops and pubs. It's a cool place to hang out before and during the game. On the sidewalk are brass plaques indicating spots where home run balls have cleared the right field wall and landed on Eutaw. Quite a shot, mind you. Here's one from Ken Griffey, Jr.:
Best of all, we staved off temptation to eat ballpark food and we adhered to our diets while at Camden.
Oh, wait...no we didn't:
Just as soon as vacation began, it ended. Back to the real world.
But we'll always have Paris!
(No we won't.)
