Change My Way of Thinking.....

Another hot day here, no progress on the government shutdown.

DOWN: 

1)  I think the rubber plant needs some fertilizer.  The new leaves are quite small.  Also, it'll soon be time to bring it inside for the winter.  I've been told by those who know that the rubber plant is a houseplant, not an outdoor shrub.  It has seemed to enjoy being outside for the past few months, though.  But the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are, however infinitesimally, falling.

2)  It's spooky not having many people on the metro these days.  The mobs of federal employees are missing!  About the only people in the cars now, especially during rush hours, are restaurant workers, school kids, old people, and street people.  I fall somewhere in the latter categories.  If the Republicans are paying attention to the warnings now coming from people in their own party about how the shutdown will affect their chances in the 2014 elections, they don't seem to care.

UP:

1)  Despite the heat, today was a lovely day.  There has been a lovely soft breeze all day, making the new spacious picnic tables on the terrace outside the Dupont Circle Hotel a favorite spot for people who enjoyed having a cup of coffee with their friends this Sunday afternoon. 

2)  To ease the ongoing weekend track work for its passengers, the Metro provided free shuttle buses today from Dupont Circle to NoMa/Gallaudet and stops in between.  This is my favorite thing when the red line especially is being slowed or closed on weekends.  The shuttles arrive in a constant stream to take us to and fro the various closed stations, there are lots of friendly Metro employees to answer question and give directions, and it's FREE!  It would be wonderful if Metro were free, easy, and helpful, with nary a wait--all the time!!  Thanks, Metro folks!  You're the best!!