thanks to everyone for visiting

thanks for visiting our blog - i am trying to figure out a way to save it, after that, i will dismantle it. It was fun, fun, fun. I know some of you learned something new with this blog and so did I!
Gonna go play with my BrainAge -gotta keep the old noggin happy...
love, Karen

especially for steph & marianne

here are pics of the furniture that Alison slaved over - without proper tools to boot!

Today I finally ventured out in the heat but only with the promise of a private tour of the capitol. We met up with Alison's workmates who are all very friendly and 2 of her bosses took it upon themselves to conduct the tour themselves. These fellows were as nice as nice can be. I felt so special being able to go down corridors and up staircases that were closed off to others. We got to ride the Disney -style tram car underground that transports the likes of Dick Cheney from one side of the building to the other. We stood in the rotunda where bodies lie in state, espied the old chambers for the Supreme Court, ogled statuary and visited the floor of the house of representatives where the state of the union is declared. Members of Congress were protesting Speaker Nancy Pelosi's decision to adjourn and not vote on energy legislation. The fellows took us out to lunch-I told you they were nice! Alison is fortunate to be working with the people I met today. Her walk to the office from the metro is practically across the street and the metro ride itself is a piece of cake - of course we werent riding it during rush hour.
I will be able to leave tomorrow with no reservations re: apt., job, future.

casualty!

I am saddened to report that our trip to Ikea resulted in the maiming of one of our dearest travel companions - Talulah Does the Hula From Hawaii (a.k.a. the dashboard hula girl).
She lost her left hand, an accident that ended a promising career as a ukelele player.
A moment of silence, please.

last nite for pie...

Sorry, no tourista today. I know this is not very exciting for you all, but Alison is very excited to have had her brand new bed delivered this morning and then a marathon shopping spree at IKEA. 4 1/2 hrs there. We got back to the apt. and started right in in assembling furniture. Alison managed to put together 2 chairs in the time it took me to put together a floor lamp. She is non-stop except for the fact that she didnt have a wrench. (dad send boxes soon) Moira and Julian came to her rescue. We had dinner with them in Old Towne and they brought along a selection of wrenches from which to choose. Anneliese and I colored and had some very nice conversation. She is so enjoyable, but her mom thinks she can be strong-willed at times - sounds like Tia to me. LOL!
Tomorrow is the test run on the Metro and a private tour of the Capitol provided by one of Alison's workmates. I WILL remember the camera!!
Sleeping in a bed tonite, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
P.S. Happy Birthday, Stephan xoxo

forgot the camera

This morning we went looking for the grocerie store. Filled Alison's pantry and fridge then had a very nice brunch at a French restaurant - shrimp and calamari biegnets and probably a glass of wine I shouldn't have had. Afterwards, we went out to see Moira and Anneliese. Played a little soccer and did some sidewalk chalk art. It was very warm and I was not coping very well (my apologies Moira)( and the glass of wine didn't help). Just as we were getting ready to leave, Julian came home so we got to see the whole family. If we weren't so full from brunch we would have gone out to eat with them, so maybe meet up with them tomorrow or Tuesday. As I said - I forgot the camera so I didnt get a pic of Anneliese to post for everyones enjoyment. They have a great old house out in the middle of a lot of trees.
Came back to Alison's apt. to pass out. We will wait for the mattress to be delivered in the a.m. then go to Ikea for some furniture, then we will try to get into the city, if thats what they say here, and see some sights. Hopefully, I will remember the camera!
I will take pics of the apt. just for you Steph - be back to post them soon. Love, Ma

a view from the window

Hey, ya'll I like to read your comments, too!!

Alison has arrived!! I am so pleased with her apartment and locale (especially). We only made it to the mattress store and Target today. It felt like we were supplying a dorm room for school but avoided the cheap plastic mixing bowls in favor of waiting til the next pay check for somethng more on an adult level. She is going to have such fun decorating HER apartment. It will be interesting to see what style evolves...
I called Moira today. We figured out they are only 8 miles away!! Cool. Julian can jog over and not even be out of breath! We will try to meet up with them tomorrow after lunch. I get to see Anneliese, Yea! Washington, DC is doing a Taste of the Town type of thing and we booked a cute little French Restaurant called Bastille for lunch. It is a prix fix $20.oo deal. Should be good! After lunch we should be able to do some sight-seeing.
Tonite is delivered pizza on her new plates. We are washing her new towels and sheets in her washer and drier IN her apt. Did I mention there is a swimming pool on the top of the building? Get to sleep on the floor tho, no bed delivery til Monday. The floor sounds so much better than another hotel room. Can you believe that was ME saying that??!!