It's Cherry Blossom Time!

Today was the peak day of the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC. It was a full three weeks later than last year! Ed and I have been trying to see them since we've moved here, but seem to miss them every year.

Ed is freezing himself in Colorado Springs today, so Amanda and I ran down to the tidal basin to catch the blossoms before it's too late! They did not disappoint!

In my attempt to get the perfect picture of the Jeffereson Memorial, I accidentally propped my elbow in someon's melted posickle! Can you feel my pain?

We enjoyed coming across a Japanese wedding party getting some nice shots of themselves in their wedding finery, and surrounded by the beautiful pink blossoms.

We also met a falconer with his red-tailed hawk named Stuff.

The Washington Monument is scaffolded half way up to make repairs from the earthquake a year and a half ago. Fortunately, you wouldn't know it when you cover it up with cherry blossoms! What a beautiful sight, and what a picture perfect day to enjoy it!

Goodbye Friends!

The Nortons left yesterday. They took their trailer and their cute little dog and drove off into the sunset. We'll miss them. It felt like having family here visiting.

Renee even got up at 7:30 a.m. yesterday to help me feed the horses. She wasn't a bit afraid of them. I think she'd work out fine as a ranch hand.

Of course, we couldn't have had more beautiful weather for it. It actually got downright hot! It felt good after such a cold spring!

In the afternoon Lorry came over and we made napkin holders with alcohol inks. It was fun stamping and talking. It was something I had volunteered to do at our Relief Society Service auction last month. I was sad to find out that, just as I was getting to know Lorrry better, she is moving to Pennsylvania! Bummer! Oh, well, goodbye old and new friends!

Conference Sunday

We had a relaxing Sunday, watching LDS general conference at home on TV. We actually had to watch it on the internet, because we couldn't find it on Comcast again. Even the dogs watched with us. (You can just barely see Okie on Renee's lap!) It must be nice having a dog that cuddles on your lap, just like a cat. It's the best of both worlds!

We also got a tour of the Norton's travel trailer. They have a map documenting their travels. They started in Utah in November, and made it to Maryland in less than five months. If you want to follow their travels, they have a blog at http://norton-usa-travels.blogspot.com/. They have several months to go before they finish the loop and end up in Utah again. They're enjoying retirement and taking the time to smell the roses!

O Say Can You See Baltimore

We took the Nortons to Ft. McHenry yesterday. Did I mention it was a cool day? Where is spring??!!! However, the sturdy breeze made it the perfect day to take a picture of the Star Spangled Banner at the place of the song's birth.

The inner harbor was hopping with people, but despite the blue skies and sunshine, the buskers seemed to still be in hibernation!

We warmed up with some very tasty Italian food at Amici's in Little Italy. This fortified us somewhat for our evening outside in the elements.

Ed had got us 4 tickets to the Oriole's game at Camden Yards. It was a beautiful but cold evening, and with a blanket and a few layers we stayed just barely warm enough to make it through nine innings. We were a little sad that the O's lost (6-5).  However, we were grateful that the Minnesota Twins' run in the ninth inning saved us from going into extra innings! We just wanted to get warm!

Old Friends, New Friend

Chuck and Renee are in town! They are the first couple we met as a young married couple in California. We worked in Young Men/Young Women together and formed a fast friendship that couldn't be diminished by 30 years of living in different states. They had three boys and we had three girls. They are retired and we are not! So, here they are with their gigantic travel trailer in front of our home. They've been travelling the US for 5 months and have finally made their way to Maryland!

The weather warmed up yesterday, and we able to enjoy a walk in the woods with the dogs.

Coda and Okie (their long-haired Chihuahua) had a bit of a rough start. Coda wanted to play and Okie thought Coda was trying to kill him. But, they're doing great now. Okie is the sweetest little dog. We might dog-nap him when they leave.

We stopped by the farm and introduced Okie to the Horses. Okie had never seen any animal that large! Mr. Genes hadn't seen a dog that small, for that matter!

Miss Carol graciously gave us a tour of the house and the barn. Renee enjoyed taking the golf cart for a spin. Okie loved riding along in the basket!

The farm is a great introduction to life in Maryland. Today we have big plans to show them the city!

Spring has Sprung

We were so happy to see the daffodils finally in bloom. Spring must be here! Coda and Harper were so glad to get back out on the fire road this morning. So were Suzanne and I for that matter! Suzanne ran 6 laps around the farm while I stopped to say hi to Miss Carol. I thought that might have taken some of the vim out of her on our walk, but it barely phased her! We went an extra half mile without adding any extra time to to our walk. We think we can cover 6 miles in an hour and 15 minutes. Sometime we'll have to get a GPS and see what we really do!

Waiting at the airport

Crystal and I are waiting at the airport. My plane is delayed 40 minutes. Hers is only delayed 15 minutes.

Nothing that couldn't be helped by chocolate!