Identification

I am starting to get a feel that lots of people here identify themselves to the world by brands
- more than just brands of clothing, but stickers on their car, universities on their clothing, key chains, mugs, car licence plate frames, etc. Lots of veterans have caps that record what ships they were on, in what war, and I see quite a lot of "Navy mom" or "Proud Parent of XX school honor student". And of course, there is the ring thing - rings that say you've graduated from the Naval academy, rings that say you won the football, rings that say you're married to someone who graduated from the Naval academy, etc. I'm assuming its some sort of club identification or subtle (and not subtle) preening.

Two steps forward?

I must post an update on Mr Indescribable.
Tonight we had salmon again - which was eaten without tomato sauce...
Also, he ate the head of the broccoli bit I had put on his plate (when he objected to having it on his plate, his father told him he just had to practice looking at it, to which he replied "oh, ok" - tip for future). This was after pulling off a tiny bit with his chubby baby fingers and trying it, and exclaiming 'I tried it! I like it!' with such surprise and joy. Thank you Yo Gabba Gabba.
And, just to round out the evening, he ate a quarter of an avocado (he has previously refused to even try avocado. I was a bit put out, because I had sat down with every intention of eating the whole thing on my own. I'm still suspicious that was why he suddenly needed to share.
So yes, it was one of those nights where I felt we took a couple of steps forward.
Photo is of this mornings activity - pulling pots and lids out of the cupboard, again.

Cool Art from School

This is for all the discouraged art teachers out there... You're so great! How awesome is this mask?

Great Falls

Instead of being at home getting huge amounts of stuff done this Memorial Day, we opted for a day out at Great Falls National Park, which is part of the C&O (Chessapeake and Ohio) Canal that appears to run from Georgetown to Cumberland. Great Falls is in the Potomac river beside the canal, where there is a 40ft waterfall. So big contrast between the tranquil canal path and going on the bridges over the rushing water! First bit of bushwalking (hiking) with the three year old not in a back pack. He is not such a good walker, but easily distracted, so he walked a fair bit more than he wanted to (but we gave a lot of piggy backs too, for both the kids)!
My overwhelming impressions, apart from the beautiful scenery, is of exercise clothing, because there were huge amounts of locals there jogging, riding bikes, kayaking and walking the dog. Even the kids were wearing exercise logos.
And if you weren't wearing exercise clothing, you needed to be wearing a shirt with a logo that indicated you had taken part in a run/paddle/cycle recently. There didn't seem to be many people in between the super fit and the completely unprepared for the terrain (you know, the ones with chunky good shoes, no water, no hats, no sleeves, and possibly jeans on an 82F day?)
Hoping to return here, and maybe take a canal boat ride.
First photo is of the lock keepers house, enlarged twice to make a hotel (before it became National Park), and second photo is of the top of Great Falls, looking across to Virginia. Yes, there were kayaks going down that whitewater.

Brandy and lemonade

The lemonade here is like flat solo, and the homemade stuff is made by squeezing lots of lemons, and adding sugar and water. (Hot water to dissolve sugar, but otherwise cold water). Adding brandy makes an enjoyable afternoon cocktail (yes, we're that classy - I sat in my chair and everything).

Strawberry picking

This is what I value - being able to show my kids where the food comes from, and how much better it tastes fresh off the farm. This strawberry farm is about an hour south, and well worth the drive. Beautifully appointed with more berries than you can poke a stick at. Blueberries in about a month, closer to home! Can't wait.

My Lovely Chair

Unfortunately I don't have some sort of enclosed verandah overlooking my beautiful back garden, where I can sip mint juleps. But this is a very comfy chair. I feel sort of classy every time I sit in it...