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last update: 04/22 @ 19:03

A perfect way to spend part of Earth Day!

It was warmer today; about 75 degrees and the water level was about 3.5 feet. The water temp seemed a tiny bit warmer than last week — but maybe that was really just the much warmer air temp.

At any rate, a very nice day to spend some time out on the river.

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Protest
last update: 04/19 @ 19:04

Today’s protest and march was organized by Refuse Fascism.

It started on the other side of the Washington Monument from April 5th’s Hands Off protest and then marched down 15th to Constitution around the White House.

It was peaceful and well attended — not huge, but enough folks to fill Constitution from 15th to 17th; I think that’s thousands.

I appreciated that march up Constitution Avenue; if our elected officials actually honored the oath that they took to the Constitution, we’d start to see things getting better.

Sadly, we’re not seeing that yet.

And a bit alarmingly, there were some posts this morning warning that there could be violence which would likely be met by a large law enforcement reaction.

There is a real concern that the administration is looking for an excuse to really clamp down much harder of our free speech and right to assemble.

Sarah got me reading Heather Cox Richardson and Heather got me reading Timothy Snyder

Timothy today posted a reminder of how that scenario has played out over time and reminded his readers of Lesson 18 of his book On Tyranny:

18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. Modern tyranny is terror management. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that authoritarians exploit such events in order to consolidate power. The sudden disaster that requires the end of checks and balances, the dissolution of opposition parties, the suspension of freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and so on, is the oldest trick in the Hitlerian book. Do not fall for it.

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Chilly day on the river
last update: 04/17 @ 18:04

Sally had a friend to go visit this morning so Hank and I dropped her off and headed to Angler’s Inn. Sadly, Sarah had a conflict.

It was about 3.75 on the gauge; the water is still pretty cold (I found out with direct experience) and the air was just barely 60.

So chilly.

But look at the blue sky!

And all the trees are starting to leaf out now (some more than others).

We had to say goodbye to Hank and Sally this afternoon. They are headed back up to Hull for the spring. But we’re talking more seriously about when we could head up that way for a visit.

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Fun Day
last update: 04/15 @ 19:16

Hank and Sally are working their way up the east coast from their wintering grounds in Florida :)

And they stopped by our neck of the woods!

They gathered a mini-reunion of about half of the Galapagos trip folks for a day at Hillwood Estate.

We lucked out on the weather and spent the first part of the day outside (with a lunch under the tent) before touring the mansion as the little bit of rain passed through.

That’s David, Sarah, Penny, Hank, Neil, Sally and JD (photo by another visitor) outside the green house.

It’s really hard for me to say what was most impressive.

The flowers, orchids, gardens and grounds (including the Japanese Garden Sarah is showing off below.

Or the Faberge eggs, jewelry, paintings and historical collection.

It is well worth a visit (and with fun, interesting and beautiful things inside and out, the weather is not too important in planning a visit).

Sadly, Sarah had a couple of meetings, but was able to catch up and enjoy most of the grounds and tour.

And, of course, we took advantage of a quiet table to catch up and think about future trips.

Watch this space to see where we end up next :)

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A bit early …
last update: 04/14 @ 22:51

… but better too early than too late:

The all new, 2025 tax day letter is now available online!

Paper copies are in the mail (or should be in time to get an April 15^th timestamp). If you’d like a hard copy, just let us know we’ll be happy to add you to the distribution list.

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Mini Circus
last update: 04/10 @ 22:25

Sarah took me to the Live at the Library show this evening. Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Baily Circus is donating some historical artifacts to the Library and so, they brought some performers to show off what they do now.

Jumping rope with someone on your shoulders who is also balancing someone on their shoulders (they added one more layer after I took this photo) seems very extreme! It was awesome (but scary watching it performed on the marble floor).

Quite the venue for such a show!

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Hands Off!!!
last update: 04/05 @ 17:36

That was today’s protest.

Sarah and I were happy to add our voices and faces to the crowd that was well beyond the capacity of the Sylvan Theater at the National Monument.

We continue to hope that our voices are starting to be heard — but no clear changes from the current administration yet. We’re also holding our breath to see if the judicial system can stand up to the onslaught.

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Cloudy but warm day
last update: 04/03 @ 17:33

We’ve have some crazy warm days lately; today was an example: almost 80. The river is about 3.5 on the gauge so a bit lower than last month. The water is still chilly but it was a very nice afternoon.

No water on the lens this time just because this was early in my time playing around the chutes.

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75 degrees
last update: 03/19 @ 22:35

I can’t turn down a 75 degree day :)

The level was pretty close to the 3.8 from last month — surprising with the lack of rain we’ve had.

But I’m not complaining. It was very nice out (water still chilly, but air was warm).

And I would say the water on the lens is proof of a good time :) A little bit of time both on the Maryland and Virginia chutes and some fun in the center chute as well.

Let’s see how long I can claim the cold water is keeping me conservative on the river…

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Stand Up!
last update: 03/07 @ 16:47

I went to the Lincoln Memorial for the Stand Up for Science protest today.

It was good to see there was a fine turnout, and I thought they could have used another set of speakers further down the reflecting pool as it was sometimes hard to hear where I was. That also strikes me a good sign for the turnout.

The focus of the event was on the current administration’s refusal to understand or pay attention or give credence to science. And all the needless suffering and death coming both short and long-term for both Americans and folks around the world from the actions of this administration.

I do realize one protest will have little effect.

But I hope a steady drum beat of protests will keep the attention of of folks who will help to turn the tide in the mid-term elections.

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