Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Every year the Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy presents a Christmas tree to the people of Washington and the US in gratitude for American assistance to Norway during WWII.

My Norwegian friend Inger in the front row

The beautiful ceremony took place in the magnificent Great Hall at Union Station.

Christine with the star guest performer from Norway, Jardar 

Note the beautiful tree with its lights and miniature Norwegian and American flags.

Thanksgiving Chez Moi

A very happy Thanksgiving with family and friends at the Apache Street abode

Family and friends - from left to right: Barbara, Bill, Christian, Marcello, Katie, Michelle, Colin

The appetizers that made a big hit with the Italian carnivores! 

The Cabinet Member

Here are some recent photos of Adriano with the Mayor of Rome

Beautiful Music

My friend Barbara and I went to a performance of the Northern Virginia Recorder Society held at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Fairfax, VA. Dr. Edward Fiedler (far left in the photo below) is the President and Deborah Roudebush is the Music Director.

The music selections were delightful. A few of the 13 titles:

Un sarao de la chacona by Juan Aranes (15?? -ca 1649)

Salish Sea Images: The Mountain by Will Ayton (2012)

Oj wi fehn es segn - Yiddish folk song

Sonata in C Major by Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1712)

Niel Gow's Lament for the Death of His Second Wife by Niel Gow (1727-1807)

Remarkable Exhibit

Janet, John, and I went to the National Gallery to view the extraordinary exhibit of paintings by Vermeer and several of his Dutch contemporaries.

Lunch with Robin on the Island

My good friend (friends since 1951) Robin and I met half way between our homes for lunch at Annie's on Kent Island. We had dessert to celebrate Robin's birthday!

Arctic Evening

I was invited to the Arctic Evening at the Norwegian Embassy. George E accompanied me as my guest.

We met our friend Inger at the reception. 

We had our photos taken at a photo booth out in the garden. 

Eating Greek Again