April 2016

Well, we had a fun week with tests and doctors in Columbus.  We each have new medicines to take, all tests came back in good order, and we are on our way to West Virginia and then Washington DC.  We were able to see a few old friends while in town but not everyone we wanted to see.  I swear we spent the whole 10 days here in doctor's offices.  It's what happens with medical doctors, dentists,  optometrists.  Now except for a quick October visit to the anti-coagulation clinic & my GP, we are finished for the next 12 months!!

When we left WV, we considered going over Route 50 but opted for I-68 instead.  Every time I drive over Keyser Ridge and Big Savage Mountain, I expect to see snow - even on the 4th of July.  We lucked out and got over both mountains without one snowflake.  And we stopped in Frederick Maryland for a day.  I had not been back there since 1997 and there are many changes.  It has built up so very much since I worked there.  Farms have become shops and restaurants.  We spent a nice afternoon in Emmetsburg antique-ing and didn't buy a single item.

Then it was on to Washington DC.  The trip from Frederick was uneventful, if very wet, until we reached the beltway.  The beltway was backed up and Connecticut  Avenue was horrid with traffic.  Luckily the GPS was feeling helpful and we made it to our hotel safely, if not quickly.  It was beautiful in Washington for the 4 days we were there.  We ended up exploring a little, meeting up with Jim & Rhonda for Katie & Niall's wedding. 

Our first day in town we walked from our hotel at 10th NW and K St NW down to the Vietnam Memorial.  I thought my feet were going to fall off and that new medicine from Dr. Albers was kicking my hind end!!  Seemed we had to stop every 2 blocks so I could sit down and rest.  Thank goodness there are many, many benches along the National Mall.  Some observations:

• The FBI building has great security, especially for their parking garage
• Never leave a Nationals' game in the 7th inning.  That baseball game lasted 16 innings!
• Ford's Theatre had lines around the block.  Why do people want to see where a president was murdered? 
• The last of the cherry blossoms were still very pretty
• Why did they have to change the Smithsonian so much?  And where was my Hope Diamond?
• My main complaint about the Smithsonian is the number of unruly school kids running wild through the exhibits.  They weren't enjoying the experience, just trying to fill out the questionnaire's their teachers had given them.  Ruined the experience for us, that's for sure.

The wedding was held April 26th at 6 PM in the Senate Park beside the Capitol Building.  It was a beautiful venue with all of the azaleas blooming.  One of Katie's friends officiated and Ryan's daughters were flower girls.  After the ceremony, we went off to an Irish pub for the celebration. 

Only one more Witz  niece to marry off now.