A Few Field Trips

So in the past week I have had time to do some really nice things.

First was Marcius and I were taken to a DC United MLS game and they were actually playing Toronto FC. TFC won but a good time was had by all. We also had our first semi-tail gating experience. Let's just say we didn't need any more drinks inside and the experience reminded me of  Thursday night pre-drink at the University of Guelph.

Secondly I took a friend, yes I finally have a real friend, to Great Falls park in Virginia - about 25 minutes out of the city. It is a series of waterfalls where the Potomac river drops 1000 ft quickly. At the park you can see remnants of a canal/lock system that was to help early settlers as a passage to Chesapeake Bay and hence the Atlantic. Fall has finally hit DC so the colours are at their peak now.

Service Wars Round 2

So I spent my day at a Honda dealership in Arlington, Virginia having the car serviced and I learned a few things.
1. There are no car dealerships in DC proper - some by-law passed a long time ago.
2. Lube, Oil & Filters in Canada (at least in TO) are way over priced...here only $25!!! Seriously!
3. When they service your car they also detail it. It was so nice to get into a clean car...my rims looked awesome!

In the battle of US Service vs. CA Service, US leads 2-0.


PS - Are the Leafs seriously undefeated?

Upcoming Events

Just to note on your calendars what we will be doing in the next few weeks...

Marcius is one of the planners of this year's national conference and he will be in Montreal this week. Check out this link for more info.

This weekend I will be volunteering at the USA Science & Engineering Festival. I am hoping to meet Bill Nye and Jo Schwarcz.

On October 30th Jon Stewart will be hosting "Rally to Restore Sanity"
and Steven Colbert will be hosting  "Rally to Keep Fear Alive"
Not to worry Marcius and I will be there to report back!

Cool Art

My mother-in-law was here this week and together we discovered some cool new DC things.
First was the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The outdoor sculpture project by Niki de Saint Phalle was awesome, playful and empowering. Here are a few pics.

That is Michael Jordan, #23!

Secondly we laughed our heads off to Modern Family Season #1...I know I am a bit behind.
Thank you Doris for all of the talks, walks and laughter.
Have I sold the rest of you yet on coming to DC?

Thanksgiving in Kawartha Lakes!

A final day at the dock! See you next summer!

Happy belated Canadian Thanksgiving!
Marcius and I had a fabulous time heading to Toronto and then up to the Kawartha's for a beautiful family weekend. Special thanks to my sister-in-law for her vacant apartment, my father-in-law for breakfasts, my sister for her cottage, my mom for the excellent turkey, my brother for the laughs and my nieces for the wake-up calls in the cabin! We couldn't have asked for better company, weather or fall colours! Fall hasn't hit DC yet...but if it is anything like Ontario this year I can't wait.

Also a special shout-out to my girlfriends who always make time for a glass of wine, pizza and steak! And to all the teachers and staff at Mac who made me feel like a million bucks just for walking in the door. I am surrounded by awesome friends and family.

A view into Thanksgiving dinner preparations.

West Virginia...Mountain Mama...Take Me Home...

You know the rest of the song....
We spent last weekend camping and hiking in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. It is only 3 hours away from DC but a whole other world. We were invited by some former fellows who graciously planned the whole trip and we just showed up. The people, secenary and food were great. It was a little cold (I know all I have been doing is complaining about the heat...smile...) but we still had a great time. Hopefully these photos will tell the story.

View of Seneca Rocks from Campsite

Seneca Rocks

East Scenic View near Trail Head

That is me giving a plant reproduction lesson on milkweed.

Our Campsite - Super Deluxe!

Having another great experience together!