Once November arrives, the gardens are mostly quiet and tucked in for the dormant season. This gardener breathes a deep exhale and rests in knowing she has a few months ahead to indulge in travel. Always tethered to the gardens from March-October, plans form quickly for a few days away.
my mood soars with a get away in sight
For Thanksgiving, I packed Baby 5 and headed north to my old neighborhood, Arlington Virginia. A guest of my friend and former real estate agent, we had a loose agenda, and flowed into our two days.
the Old Dominion Yacht, c. 1880 is currently being pressured to sell to developers…Old Towne Alexandria, VA please RESIST!!!
nearby a water bird paddles with ease in the mighty Potomac. Notice its incredible eye color!
remnants of decades old signage remain on a waterfront warehouse
down river, the massive Woodrow Wilson bridge spans the Potomac, supporting six lanes of traffic from Virginia to Maryland. So glad I no longer lived here when the old bridge was replaced. Talk about heart-stopping traffic jams…daily for YEARS!!!
Across the river, we played tourist at the Capital Waterfront
this sculpture was relocated here to the Maryland side of the river
body parts shock or become a playground for children…
long hair is seen everywhere, any age group
The Capital Wheel, similar to the London Eye, only smaller. We simply could not resist being touristy on this pretty river day.
at the highest point on the wheel, a wee thrill as we begin the descent.
the view from the top of the Capital Wheel (Maryland) looking at the Washington Monument (DC). Impressive! Can you find the dome of the Jefferson Memorial?
Friday we headed to DC and wrangled our way through Georgetown traffic from NW DC and the National Cathedral. Notice the window message… “where lonely sofas meet perky pillows.” Clever.
The Washington National Cathedral still recovers from devastating damage following the earthquake three years ago. At least the Bishop’s Garden tranquility is preserved.
massive scaffolding still covers many areas of the Cathedral’s facade…
broken spires await expensive repairs…so sad for this magnificent building
on a lighter note, the Washington Monument is fully recovered and mended from the earthquake’s damage. Flags stand at attention as we drive by, while an aircraft departs Reagan National airport off in the distance.
Evenings were spent enjoying meals and movies. My return trip on Saturday down 95 was uneventful until after a brief shop at Ikea — the next hour on the road was bumper to bumper making my arrival home sweet indeed.
Good nostalgic, short trip revisiting sixteen years in NOVA, yet in no way would I ever return. My little 800SF condo now sells in the 350K range. Since 2000, when I sold it for 116K, real estate prices in NOVA have reached epic proportions. And any new construction, either side of the Potomac, begin in the 400K-600K price range. How the average Joe affords working/living here eludes me indeed. Salaries, especially for the non-profits, cannot possibly keep up.
Now off to my next road adventure…
Copyright © 2014 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
home, garden, life 
Indeed Melissa! That is why walking tours are so practical and affordable. Museums are fantastic ways to educate children without spending a dime. Glad you enjoyed my little get away. Always glad to return home. Happy Christmas to you and yours! Diane
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Rising prices everywhere… it is kinda scary! I appreciate the little corner of the earth I can call home more all the time.
Loved the pictures!
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Thanks so much for this wonderful day trip! Your photographs are truly outstanding – you have a wonderful eye. And from the top of the ferris wheel – yikes! I don’t think you could even get me on one of those nowadays. So I enjoyed my panic vicariously. 🙂
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Charlie, This sculpture has been around for decades and I am not sure if I like the idea of kids climbing all over it as if it were a jungle gym. In its previous location, it made an impact from a distance.
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Really love the people-part sculptures…They are such great fun, love the whimsy.
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