DC Open Embassies and More

 

DC Embassy Open Houses, Flowers, and Museums

May 2024

 

A year ago friend Diane, Executive Director of Colonie Senior Service Centers, where I’m on the Board of Directors and Marjorie has given & taken art classes and other activities, told us about spring open houses in embassies in Washington. It sounded lovely, so I started looking into options for this year, then learned Diane is organizing a group tour (initially for 10, grew to 23). She’s arranging flights & hotel. We signed right up. Diane has a planning meeting 3 weeks beforehand with various tips and a list of 51 embassies then set to be open.

These open houses are part of Passport DC, a month-long “journey around the world.”  Celebrated annually in May, International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington, Passport DC is 31 days of programming by embassies and other cultural institutions. DC is home to more than 175 embassies, the 2^nd-highest in one city in the world. [No, we won’t try to see them all!] During Around the World Embassy Tour, embassies from multiple non-European Union countries will host open houses on May 4 for visitors to learn about cultures & and traditions thru food, fashion, arts & music, etc. Passport DC also features a Flower Mart & International Floral Exhibit at the National Cathedral. On following weekends EU & then Asian embassies will host visitors. These are all free events open to the public.

Spring is pretty much in full swing around Albany, tulips up in Washington Park, trees & azaleas blooming on the UAlbany campus. It’ll be interesting to see what Washington looks like. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC ended April 14^th, but maybe some will still be blooming. Temps in DC have been 80s, even 90s, so we’ll pack light. We neaten up the house some for son Matt’s visit over the weekend, here to pack up grandson William at the end of his sophomore semester at Siena. Marjorie leaves Matt a “to-do list,” mostly in the garden; Matt’s become quite the gardener around their building in Queens.

Florida 2023

 

Florida

March 2023

       Never thought of us as “snowbirds.” No interest in living in Florida, seasonally or otherwise. But we seem to be developing something of a regular winter visit. It began with a drive down to join friend Kay in Sarasota in January 2014. We took the Queens family to Disney World for Thanksgiving that same year. A break in the action until last winter: a 2-part stay, 1^st with friends Deb & Chris in Sarasota and then joining with Mary & Jeff to stay with Susan & Jim in Naples. Very enjoyable, why not do a repeat? We do like the Sarasota area, plenty to see & do without being too hectic. And the Naples condo is nicely situated on a big pond, easy access to local sights & activities. This time we’ll head down in March when travel should be less affected by weather and more may be blooming in Florida.

      After a pretty quiet winter here we’ve had some recent snowfalls, still a couple of inches on the ground. Nothing like California: 10’ of snow, some people trapped at home for 2 weeks. Weather forecasts look good for Florida. Last September Hurricane Ian, the 3^rd-costliest weather disaster on record and deadliest hurricane to hit Florida since 1935, caused damage around Naples & especially nearby Fort Myers, even washing away a bridge to Sanibel Island, but Jim & Susan’s condo wasn’t damaged.

      In the midst of prepping for the trip a UPS package arrives from Mary & Jeff. Something new in giftgiving, many merged into one: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, Happy St. Patrick's Day, Happy Spring! For me an adorable mini–Red Cross van that reflects my blood delivery driving.

Snowbirding in Florida 2022

 

Snowbirding in Florida

February 2022

             The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty, disarray, even chaos in travel plans the last 2 years. We’ve managed an occasional trip, but mostly stayed pretty local within NY & New England. The end of 2021 many flights had to be cancelled due to COVID-related staff shortages. But a chance to spend some winter time with Marjorie’s cousin Jim & wife Susan in their Naples FL condo, and to be joined by Marjorie’s sister Mary & hubbie Jeff, is too enticing. And then another invite to visit friends Deb (one of Marjorie’s fellow artists) & hubbie Chris in Palmetto, north of Sarasota, sweetens the pot. The latest COVID surge from variant Omicron appears to be waning, opening things up more. Though I know a number of golfers down

there, this will not be a golfing trip, just time to relax after a long 2 years of life in a pandemic. But there are risks: Reports a week before we leave of iguanas climbing trees in a cold snap, becoming dormant, then falling to the ground (“reptile dysfunction” says a radio DJ); so watch out for falling iguanas! And a “deep freeze” threatens the orange crop, a reminder of “polar vortexes” we encountered in a 2014 Florida trip. But a Facebook post by Florida friend Rob augers for warmer temps on the way.

We’ve been to Florida a number of times, including the aforementioned Golf Coast from Sarasota to Fort Myers. Matt, Anthea, and grandsons William & Miles stayed in Jim & Susan’s condo after Christmas, managing to get there despite 1000s of flight cancellations worldwide due to COVID-related staffing shortages. Jim & Susan were sorry not to be there, but Anthea nonetheless exclaimed “I think I’m in heaven!” We’ll take that as a favorable review. Matt passes along some suggestions, including good spots to stop along the Tamaimi Trail (which runs from Tampa to Miami) thru the Everglades.

Pinehurst Golf Adventure

 

Pinehurst NC

A Golf Adventure

August 2021

 

           

          I’ve played golf in Branson MO, Kansas City KS, and Salt Lake City, but haven’t done a real “golf vacation.” Marjorie’s brother-in-law Jeff (my then apartment mate when he started dating Mary, thereby leading to my soon-to-be 50^th wedding anniversary ˗ but that’s another story) invited me to join a golf gathering of friends from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine WI (plus others over the years) that since 2001 has been a periodic reunion event dubbed “Still Crazy;” the core group is captured in freshmen “mug shots” (1961) in one of event organizer Bob Schroeder’s e-mails. 

 

Their logo is, shall we say, an homage to both the SCHS Angels and the “Blues Brothers” (John Belushi & Dan Aykroyd). Sites for the gatherings have included Santa Fe, Utah, Myrtle Beach, Breckenridge, Phoenix, & Orlando. Cancelled last year by the COVID pandemic (like so many things), but the 11^th “full-fledged official trip” has been organized for Pinehurst NC in August. I wait to see if there’s room for a “guest,” the invite coming in June to be on the 24-man roster, a smaller group this time. Couldn’t pass up this adventure. More about Pinehurst and courses below, but suffice to say legendary Bobby Jones called it “the St. Andrews of United States golf.”

            I arrange my participation with Bob, who has quite a task! Plus Tim Paulson handling financial matters. The stay is covered by a trip charge that, to quote Bob, “covers EVERYTHING once you arrive: shared vehicle travel, all meals, all munchies/healthy eating between meals, a dozen balls, green fees, carts, range balls, beer, wine, soda, juices, fruits, personal bar soap, tournament entry fees and prizes, four days of great conversation, a houseful of developing new friends, more golf tips than you can stand...and the best tasting hot early morning coffee you can ever recall...on and on...” I decide to join most of the guys for early Saturday arrival to allow a practice round Sunday before festivities officially begin with dinner Sunday night ˗ and, Jeff says, my “initiation.” My flights from Albany to Charlotte NC via Washington DC use mileage accumulated on our United credit card while the pandemic limited travel. Thought I might visit friends outside of Charlotte, but logistics don’t work out. A borrowed bag from friend Glenn will hold golf bag & clubs as checked baggage. That bag has oversized dimensions, but golf bags don’t incur an extra charge. Have to stay under 50 lbs, splitting clothes between carry-on & checked bag. It helps that I can use a very light golf bag that golf buddy Mike wins at a golfing fundraiser.

Fall in Virginia & North Carolina

Leaf-Peeping in the Smokies

October 2016

          It’s been a busy Fall for traveling: Midwest visits w/ family & friends around Labor Day, Marjorie then off for 2 weeks visiting her sister Mary in KC and friend Diane in Santa Fe, back for 2 weeks and now we’re both headin’ south to catch Fall colors. One of our 1^st trips together was to the Smokies in Spring 1973 when we were still living in Wisconsin: Mammoth Cave KY, thru Tennessee and The Hermitage, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, back to WI thru West Virginia. Flowers in the mountains & gorges were beautiful, and we’ve wanted to get back in the Fall. Not such a wide-ranging trip this time, focusing on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smokies. 

Joined by good friend Marlene, whose daughter Lisa lives in Charlotte where we’ve planned a stop to see friends Carl & Betty (forgot to check on their gendered bathroom policy; hopefully we won’t have to boycott like other events in NC). Marlene has successfully recuperated from a knee injury; we’ve assured her we’ll stop if she sees things of interest to her: “If you see something, say something.” 

Jacksonville & vicinity

Jacksonville

 June 2011

          It’s our Spring Break!  A bit late, since we weren’t able to make schedule connections earlier.  But it’s technically still Spring.  We’re off to visit friend Caroline – we met on our Provence river cruise two years ago – using frequent-credit-card miles for free United flights.  Tight connections on our flights (due to several changes in flight times), so we pack light with just carry-on; Caroline promised needed supplies at her end.  Looking forward to meeting her new Goldendoodle puppy, we’re advised to keep things out of her reach.  We’re leaving our own babies behind: newly hatched finches atop a wreath on the front door (they’ve flown the nest by our return).  We arrange a rental car so Caroline won’t feel chained to us the whole time as our guide.  But some trouble finding directions from JAX airport via MapQuest or GPS; does she live in some kind of “Area 51” secret government location?  Some record-pushing heat here just before we leave, will it be cooler in Jacksonville?

Thursday, June 9:

A steamy day in Albany after thunderstorms last night.  10am departure (pretty civilized for us) to Dulles, on-time and flight #2 delayed a bit so no trouble making the connection.  About on time into JAX at 2:15.  Budget car is a deep red Hyundai Sonata, roomier than the expected compact and comfy for the 400 miles of driving we do.  My first photos: documenting some scratches and scrapes on the car.  A lovely PM in J’ville, aka “Where Florida Begins” and “First Coast.”   

An hour drive south to Caroline’s, past the city and nuclear plant cooling towers (also seen as the plane came in), over a pretty bridge, views of such Floridiana as palm trees and waterways.  Some confusion with directions cleared up via cellphone, Caroline (and Dolly) meet us by the gate to her community: Riverwood (within the larger area of Nocatee); and she had alerted gate personnel that we were “OK” visitors.  

Virginia, DC, & Other Southeast

 Virginia

April 2003

Friday, 4/11:

          It’s been a long winter: over 100” of snow (3^rd highest ever), a big ice storm followed by snow just in the past week.  We’re ready for some spring warmth and flowers.  Our friend Kay joins us for a follow-up to our European trip last summer.  After her arrival from Wisconsin, we head to “The Trial at Gilligan’s Island,” a fundraising spoof for Literacy Volunteers.  Kay chats up local celebrity Alan Chartok (TV commentator/public radio guru/SUNY professor).

Saturday, 4/12:

          Still in a tizzy over son Matt and Anthea’s very recent engagement, we head off at 6am, before the crack of dawn.  Marjorie from the back seat: “Wake me when it’s warm.”  Both M & K seem to have no trouble napping in the car.  Rainy until NJ, where forsythia are our first flowers.  Some trouble finding a breakfast spot  ̶  we thought NJ had diners everywhere  ̶  but finally a nice place in a service area on the Turnpike.  Along the way we spot buses labeled “Greater Love Cruiser”  ̶  turns out to be for a church.  More green and flowers as we go thru the “Delmarva” peninsula: Delaware (where we begin to get sun and blue sky), Maryland, into Virginia.  We make good time, tho Kay seems to complain whenever we have a stoplight. 

Florida To & Fro: Sarasota to Sanibel

Snowflakes in Florida

January 2014

           We seem to be moving inexorably more into “senior” status: a few (?) gray hairs, getting Social Security, and now I’m into my “semi-retirement” transition  ̶  not teaching this year, set to finish up w/ the Spring 2015 semester. Not being shackled to semester schedules, what could be more appropriate than a winter jaunt to Florida, tho Marjorie says we’re “snowflakes” not “snowbirds” because it’s a short stay. Long-time Wisconsin friend Kay, w/ whom we’ve done much traveling (as a hostess gift we’ve put together via Snapfish a photo book, Travels with Kay), invited us to join her at a January rental in Sarasota. Given the vagaries of winter air travel we opted to drive, allowing flexibility and visits w/ some good friends to and fro.

Headin’ South

Disney World

My travel roots run pretty deep. In early childhood in upstate NY there were family vacations to the Adirondacks, Alleghenies, & 1000 Islands. My father bought a travel trailer for a trip out West, but cancer took him so he never lived that dream. Later my mother, brother, & I, often with my Aunt Jessie, took some family trips: Florida, Boston, Montreal, Quebec. My first big travel after childhood, perhaps living my father’s dream, was a whirlwind Western trip with my friend Carl in college: 6500 miles, 16 states (plus Ontario), in 12 days! Inspired by the very detailed trip diaries of our mother, a long-time secretary, my brother and I both write up our trips. Though my journals began some years after Marjorie and I began our travels, accounts here will also include synopses of our early trips.

As I write this I'm brand-new to blogging, and still just feeling my way in setting things up. For my very first post I thought I'd start with something "magical": a trip to Disney World with our grandsons.

A “Magical” Disney Thanksgiving

November 2014

            We’ve done Disney before: Disneyland in CA twice and Disney World twice w/ son Matt (1985 & 1991, when he was 9 & 15). For the earlier trips I had not yet developed my trip journal routine, so I'll put in some summary info. We were joined in Jan. ’85 by Marjorie’s Mom & Uncle Bill. It turned rather chilly, Disney did a brisk business in hats and mittens.  

We did Magic Kingdom (Matt posed w/ Mickey & Donald and later with Figment) 

and Epcot 

Also rented a car to tour around central Florida: Kennedy Space Center,  Busch Gardens, 

Cypress Gardens w/ spectacular flowers and waterski show, 

 Bok Singing Tower,

and, of course, Florida oranges!  

         

In ’91 we thought maybe this would be our last chance to travel w/ Matt in the summer, given his music camp interests and generally growing up, and he was then old enough to do some wandering on his own w/in the security of the complex (we stayed on-site at Caribbean Beach Resort, making it easy to get around via bus and monorail service). 

Plenty of nearby shops and entertainment. 

We pretty much did it all (at that time, anyway)!: Magic Kingdom 

including the pretty night parade w/ lighted floats & fireworks,

MGM Studios (where Matt got called up to be part of a performance, like in Bermuda), 

                               Epcot, 

Typhoon Lagoon, River Country, 

 

and Pleasure Island (more “adult” entertainment, at least by Disney standards).

We also were joined for a dinner by Marjorie's cousin Ann & husband Mel.