New Years Eve in DC

There were lots of options, we chose Oyamel. So far, oysters and cocktails are providing return on investment! And a pregame nap was needed so Sandy can stay awake.

Solution to urban potluck dinner parties

We have bread pudding and whisky sauce, wine, beer, and bacon wrapped asparagus packed to travel the to Kim's house, which is about a 10 min walk from us. 

Tacky Christmas Lights Tour

Thanks to a coworkers forward, we went on a tour of houses in northern VA with really over the top Christmas light displays. Unfortunately I took pictures with my now defunct AT&T phone. Until I manage to get those emailed, maybe a picture from this less tacky display on Pennsylvania Ave will be a good placeholder.

Local Weekend

After a fast paced NYC weekend, we were happy to stay around town this weekend. We did brunch at Founding Farmers (thanks Jen & Robert!!) 

I had a Pimms cup and carrot cake pancakes...(mouth waters) and Barrett had steak and eggs.

On Sunday, after Mass, we had a shopping excursion south of DC. Bernadette's reward for her patience was a visit to the Shirlington Dog Park. She loved it! She was like a kid on the first day of school: really excited but a little scared, too. 

And I scored these elf-ish Nordic houseshoes from Ikea! 

All in all, a great weekend was had by all.

Birthday Blessings

Cake for breakfast!

Treats sent from Vicksburg! 

I was definitely feeling the birthday love. Thanks everyone.

Katz's Deli

As seen on "When Harry Met Sally" and one of the things I wanted to do while on NYC. It did not disappoint.

Pickles: full sour, half sour

Barretts slow cooked brisket sandwich 

Bob & K split a Reuben 

And I had the pastrami! Pa-stra-ME!!

Frozen

Not really like the movie, though we witnessed several Salvation Army ringers who brought microphones and were convincing everyone to sing Frozen tunes! It was a successful fundraising approach.

We didn't skate, but we were there. Tree was still under construction, but was very impressive.

We enjoyed Union Station and K tied a ribbon on the holiday memorial. I shopped for the perfect hat, but it eluded me. The Titans beanie will just have to do a while longer! :)

Exciting first night in NYC

Barrett (and Bob) had a scrumptious burger at Scarlotta, it had chunks of brisket in it!!

We went to see the Rockettes and Santa at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Super awesome!!

And Bob captured us on the big screen in Timea Square, that's Barrett waving next to the "t" in tkts 

Thanksgiving Drive

We had a great Drive through MD-DE-PA-NJ-NY to get us here for a long weekend. 

Inbound journey

Packed up all our business attire...

And the red head with her toys...

Tried to keep smiling...

And made sure to catch the Blue Ridge sunrise on Sunday morning...we made it!

DC Craft Beer Festival

Thanks to social beer drinking media, Barrett and I bought to tickets to a beer festival this weekend. Loving dark, strong beers, I was PUMPED for some seasonal offerings.

There were a few familiar faces, but lots of new ones, too. My favorite beer of the night was Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, but there were a lot of really tasty offerings we enjoyed 2 oz at a time.

Barrett pondered buying a kilt, and I enjoyed some mead. 

Just trying to keep you guessing!

DC protests

Went right by our apartment. Not all 11,000 people shown here.

Saints Paradise Cafeteria

Our night shift concierge, Debbie, gave us a great recommendation for breakfast this morning: Saints Paradise Cafeteria...where LOVE is the main ingredient!

This was about a 1/2 mile from our apartment and it was a brisk morning walk, but we were not disappointed!

I think Barrett will be back for lunch, as they serve liver in Tues and Thurs! Here is a blog post from someone more eloquent than I. 

http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/bestbites/hidden-eats/hidden-eats-saints-paradise-cafe.php

Also, we sat next to the Pastors reserved rable, hoping he might show.

Look Both Ways

This dog has adjusted pretty quickly to life in the city, as evidenced here as she patiently waits to cross the street to get home. 

DC Food Scene

We are enjoying that, to no one's surprise. This is peposo, a hearty stew, this one with lamb, served over polenta that we shared on a cold and rainy evening.

Our first china night

Ode to Team Mitchell for the idea (and flower holder) and to my granny for gifting me her china many years ago. 

I get by with a little help from my friends...

There was a wedding...

There were friends...

There was beer...

There was a sad dog when we left... 

(pictures from Denise and Christina, thanks!)

Bernadette's Belated Birthday

Dog bone shaped cake topped with cream cheese and cashew butter. 

Even the cat was interested, to Sweet B's dismay!

Mission Accomplished

Houseguest Status

Due to some bathroom renovations, Barrett's parents have welcomed he and I to stay with them as we prepare to leave for our fishing trip. 

I slept in Emma's room and of course there were flowers!

The feline host, Albert, joined Barrett and I for some snuggles while we watched Scandal. He asked a lot less questions than Barrett.