summer returns

DOWN:

Day two of the shutdown, and the streets are largely empty.  Even Starbucks by the Archives metro stop was closed early.  With all the Smithsonian museums closed--all that glorious art locked up--it feels like an emotional ghost town.  The Phillips and the Women's Museum--both private--were open and free yesterday.  Dunno about the Corcoran.  The tickets for those over 65 at the Newseum were like $18!! (Do you think the greedy barons of broadcasting could spare a freaking dime?)  They say that's for two days, but I don't want to go back.  All those fakey, misleading headlines out front just spoil my outlook. 

It's hot again (mid to high 80s).  I know, I should not complain (and always brag that I'd much rather be hot than cold--true).  But it's still uncomfortable when the calendar tell me I want to be wearing a sweatshirt.

Have been listing to port a bit these days when I go out to walk.  Even just to take out the trash.  no problem with starboard....just port.  Need to get serious about this. 

I think the Republican Leader in the House of Representatives often is bombed out of his skull.  An intervention, please!!

My old friends leave today.  Snif!

UP:

Lovely advice yesterday online:  "Buy whatever you want at the grocery store:  it's always cheaper than eating out." So true.  It's always less fattening than restaurant food, too.  Lots of data on that. 

I think I have the most wonderful friends in the world.  What a huge blessing they are and have been.  Brilliant, compassionate, fun & funny, warm & loving, accomplished, unpretentious, not a repug among 'em! 

The new entry fob system is fun.  I love all the loud buzzing and instant access!!  As long as the power holds....

TEA & CAKE:

Dandelion root tea at home, though I ate the cake out:  a brownie--not precisely cake, but delicious--with chocolate sauce, a very small scoop of vanilla ice cream, and 5 raspberries.  Yum.