Maybe we'll get lucky!

Mrs Obama surprises White House visitors

Back from my scouting trip

Rick & I are back in snowy Chi-town after spending a weekend in D.C. assessing things for the reunion. First of all, I must say that the hotel is great - great location, great amenities, great shopping & dining ... and that cooked-to-order breakfast is wonderful. (I was giving the omlette man a workout). And there is a fully equipped fitness center with swimming pool and jacuzzi on the top level.

The hotel has the typical Embassy Suites open-air atrium style but the lower 2 levels are shops and restaurants. Between the shops in the Chevy Chase Pavilion and those in the surrounding neighborhood, there is something for everyone - from high end department stores, like Saks Fifth Ave and Neiman Marcus to discount stores like Loehman's and T.J. Maxx and from shoe stores to home accessories. You really can shop until you drop without walking 2 blocks from the hotel. The neighborhood also has restaurants of every type.

Although our main mission was to secure a picnic permit, we also enjoyed walks around Rock Creek and Meridian Hill Parks, we visited the National Zoo (free), we went on a self-guided tour of the monuments and Federal Buildings - including a trip to the top of the Washington Monument (free), we spent some quality time at the White House Visitors Center (free), we drove around the campus of Howard University and through the famed Georgetown neighborhood. One thing was clear - we will run out of time before we run out of things to do. And so many things are free of charge including every one of the Smithsonian museums. There is a metro station right under the hotel and everything is within easy reach.

Since I only blocked 30 rooms per night, I urge you to make your reservation as soon as possible - the reunion rate of $119.00 is a lot better than the $199.00 that we paid.

Rock Creek Park, oh yeah, Rock Creek Park!

Greetings from D.C.!

Rick and I flew in on Sunday to check out the picnic groves in Rock Creek Park. We decided that #24 is probably best - its right near a playground and the bathroom.

Today, Monday, is the 1st day that we could reserve a sheltered grove (there are only 4). I was in line at the crack-of-dawn to take a number, then I panicked when someone said that I could only pay with a money order. Where does one get a money order at 7:00am? I needed a convenience store. Help me out, g.p.s. - 'thank heaven for 7-Eleven.' Found it! Got the money order! Back to the office. . . heart racing. . .have they called my number yet? No. Whew! I waited anxiously as those before me requested their choices of dates and groves - keeping my fingers crossed that #24 on 7/11 would still be there when it was my turn. It was! I got it! Mission accomplished.

Its on!

btw, even in the middle of Winter, its obvious that Rock Creek Park is beautiful!