Old Man Winter

Needs to leave town! These negative digits made even worse with the wind chill (-28 today) are downright miserable!

Not sure how much longer my body can handle this freezer! I need to thaw out! Good thing a tropical vaca is in the works for March!

George Washington National Masonic Memorial

Guessing many of you have either a family member that is a Mason or a friend. My grandpa is a Shrine Mason ( or Shriner).



My “Tour Guide” for the day is a Mason so upon discovery of the National Masonic Memorial right up the street he wanted to stop and look around. Trying to be a good travel partner I said of course.


Much to my surprise it turned out to be a very cool experience and gave me a much better glimpse into the organization my grandpa and many others are a part of. So much more than the Shrine Circus we always attended as children!




In reality the Masonic fraternity is seeped in history, tradition, and values. I love it and love all the rituals.




“Freemasonry is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy toward others; dependability in one's work; compassion for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; concern for good government; support for public education; and above all, a life-practicing reverence for God and love of fellow man. Through the influence of good men such as George Washington, Freemasonry and its ideals continue to thrive around the world.” George Washington National Masonic Memorial

Arlington Memorial Cemetery

I have wanted to go to Arlington for a very long time. This last weekend we made it a priority and I am so grateful.


It was amazing. So expansive, much much larger than I had expected. Such a display of loss, sacrifice, and courage all at once.


I had always assumed all the headstones were the same at Arlington but actually there were many very ornate and large headstones as well as the expected square marble version.


Viewing the graves and flame of the Kennedy family was a real treat for me as I have always loved Jackie Kennedy.



The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was also an amazing experience. Something I highly recommend.





It’s such a serious ordeal steeped in tradition and honor.







The views of DC were breathtaking.


Sometimes words aren’t enough to convey emotions felt - this is one of those times. Thinking of all these people who died protecting our rights and freedoms and of their families and loved ones. Such a heroic act.

DC Dusted with Snow

Even though I recently visited DC in in October it was fun to be a tourist again due to the recent dusting of snow. (I just realized I never finished posting photos from my last visit!)









And it was a fun adventure for my friend Scott and I (we originally met in Iraq years ago!)







We broke up our exploration into a few days due to the cold weather and our desire for a leisurely pace.