Sunny...21 deg.

Walking Sunday from our hotel to the many memorials on Capitol Square. It was quite chilly so we kept moving, from the Lincoln Memorial we viewed the Korean, Vietnam, and WW11 memorials that honor and remember the courageous men and women who gave their lives so we can live in a democracy. Another special interest for us was the bronze wreaths at the WW11 memorial. They were all cast at a foundry in Joseph (our home town.) On to view the White House, where we with many others looked through the black iron fence imagining what the inside looked like. From there we walked a different route to our hotel and our dinner of Scallops Alfredo and salad was yummy.

Saturday was our warmest day, each day getting colder and snow forecast today. Sunday we bundled up and braved the 30 deg. temps and bone chilling wind as we walked several blocks to board the metro. On Monday morning we arrived early at the 'Washington Mall" to tour the museums of Air and Space, Natural History and American History. Met at a 7th street cafe for lunch and returned to our hotel late afternoon and our best meal so far. A delicious pasta casserole, that will never happen again! Hot showers helped us get our core temperature back up to normal. Even though the cherry trees are not blooming and the temperatures are freezing, as always we are making the best of things and having a great time, as memories are made. Today is our last day here and the time will be spent inside as much as possible.  Rusty, Herb and I fly out early tomorrow morning while Stan, Bobi and Cienna take the train/bus to New York City for 3 days before flying home to Portland...hugs to all OWAV :)

DC, Day 3...40 degrees

After a day of warm temps weather is cooling, rain predicted. Yesterday Bobi got all of us add on tickets for  the metro. We used up several tickets as we visited and toured the Capitol building. Awe inspiring to see how our country was formed after the revolution, torn apart by the civil war and then rebuilt. The we boarded metro again to take in the Eastern Market, Herb and I rested on a bench to people watch while "the kids" bought fresh food for meals for the next two days. Six weary,foot sore travelers made their way back to Avenue Suites where we dined on chicken, salad and pecan pie. Foot massages soon followed before a rousing game of five crowns. Bedtime was early...Hugs to all...OWAV:)

Washington D C

We left Islamorada after days of pool time, warm ocean breezes, delicious food by Pat and Brian plus meals out, of seafood and yummy desserts and ice cream. Next was a day in Savannah seeing the sites via trolley and harbor cruise. More sea food was eaten before our journey continued north many miles. Then Brian navigated Washington D C as skillfully as a veteran taxi driver, with Pat and Siri's help. We said goodby to them on Pennsylvania Avenue, only a few blocks from the White House.

Like clockwork our kids arrived by plane to join us at Avenue Suites where we have rooms for the next 5 nights and we begin our tour of the nations Capitol. Herb and I are a little road weary, but with the kids here will find renewed exuberance to take in the sights.  Hugs to all. OWAV:)

Day six...Breezy

Time is flying here in Islamorada as we start day six winding down and preparing for the trip north to Washington DC...Yesterday we arrived at http://www.theaterofthesea.com/imap/ where we spent the morning viewing marine life, as well as parrots and flora on the lovely grounds of this family owned business...We took in the shows performed by dolphins, sea lions and parrots...we observed sea turtles and colorful fish...Tired and hungry after an enjoyable morning we lunched at an outdoor cafe before returning to the condo for an afternoon at the pool...Hugs to all...OWAV:)





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Cool...66 degrees

 If felt kind of good last night to snuggle under the covers, after 3 nights of being covered with only the sheet and hoping for a breeze. No I'm not complaining just saying.

We were up early yesterday and on our way to Key West for the day, before 8am. Upon arrival (two hours later) Brian skillfully navigated through the narrow streets, into a parking lot...A Conch tour of the city was soon arranged and Herb and I boarded one of the trains to tour the city...Pat and Brian would tour the Hemingway House. This island town of tightly packed houses, both large and small has interesting history at every turn.  Please google Key West because I'm doing this blog on my new iPhone (smart phone,with a not too smart operator) and I still have to figure out how to add a link and a photo.

We  met for lunch at a roof-top cafe before the drive back to Islemarodo. One last stop before the condo was Ma's cafe for dessert. Key lime pie for Herb, Berry cake for Brian and German chocolate cake for Pat and Della. The guys chilled at the condo while We girls spent a leisurely hour in the pool, then a shower and relaxed until bedtime. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_West ...some how this link made its way to the blog so click on it for Key West info!..Hugs to all.  OWAV:)

80 deg

Oh My!!!!  Warm breeze, ocean view, wonderful friends...Color us happy...made all of our flights with ease...I wa able to sleep for four hours on the overnight flight from Seattle to Charlotte NC...Then onto Fort Lauderdale where Pat  Brian were waiting...On to Islamorada arriving at their condo two hours later...We spent the afternoon at the pool and after a lovely dinner we were ready for bed.

This morning Pat and I had a full morning with water aerobics and acupuncture appointments...Now we are relaxing on the lanai with a glass of wine and the ocean view.

Rain...36º

Herb and I were honored to be guests at an early Birthday brunch for our dear friend Jane Williams...We joined family at the lovely riverside home of Gail Swart where she had prepared a delicious meal for eight people...(For the past five years Gail has auctioned off a brunch at the local fund raising banquet for our local hospital, it is one of the most sought after items at the event.) After warm greetings at the door, mimosa's served, Gail entertained us with several songs (Jane's favorites) on the "Baby Grand" piano that sits in the very middle of her living room...The next two hours passed quickly as we dined, visited and enjoyed the setting and company...Our thanks to the "younger" Williams' for including us in this special event...Hugs To All...OWAV:)

Table all set

Gail and Jane share a music score

Thinking back

Happy Birthday Jane