Keeping Tradition

Andrea and I always went down to see the cherry blossoms. We would drive around first and then he would park while I got out to walk among the trees for a while. This year I was on my own. I took the Metro down and walked over to the Tidal Basin from the Smithsonian Metro Station. What a crowd! But the trees were beautiful. This may be my last year to see them, however, unless someone offers to drive me down on a day when most people are working!

Lunch with Kim

I had a lovely lunch with Kim at Cheesetique's in Shirlington. I had the usual - an old-fashioned grilled cheese sandwich.

Kim is another remarkable young woman. She is a wonderful mother of two. She is also a very talented writer. We both like to write so I enjoyed discussing writing with her. Since we have both taught writing courses online, that was a very interesting topic of discussion, too.

On the way to Cheesetique's I saw these beautiful trees in the little park in front of the library.

A New Church

My friend George invited me to go to the Maundy Thursday service at Epiphany Episcopal in the District. It was a lovely service complete with foot washing. We then had lunch at Bistro d'Oc, a favorite French restaurant across the street from the Ford's Theater.

SON New Members and Awards

The DC Sons of Norway lodge had a very enjoyable meeting today.

New members were introduced and current members who had achieved 5, 10, and 15 years and more of membership received special membership pins.

Christine Meloni (i.e. Yours Truly) received special awards.

(1) Walking Sports medals - Gold and Platinum

                                                 Christine and Sports Director Greg Ovrebo


      Walking Gold Medal            Walking Platinum Medal 

(2) Pin for Completing the 387 miles of the virtual pilgrimage from Oslo to Trondheim along St. Olav's Way



(3) Pin for Level 2 of the Norwegian Language and Culture Cultural Skills Program













        












                                                                                                                                                                            Christine and Doris, Lodge President


 The introductions and awards were followed by a delicious brunch including Norwegian waffles, egg dishes, fresh fruit, and pastries. A good time was had by all!

A New Building and a Beautiful Kimono

GW's new Science and Engineering Building

I first attended the monthly luncheon of the Emeriti.

Then we were given a tour of the very impressive, state-of-the-art new Science and Engineering Building.

The building has many "green walls," that is, walls covered with leaves. One of the reasons for these walls is to provide oxygen to the environment. Water falls from the top floor to the bottom floor behind the leaves.

The external walls are predominantly glass and provide adequate sunlight so that very little interior lighting is required during the day.

No plastic bottles for water can be found in the building.

Sustainability is a major theme.

All interior walls are whiteboards and one can write on them.

Interaction between students and between students and professors is strongly encouraged. The entire atmosphere is conducive to this interaction.

Okinawa: Theme at GW's Textile Museum

After the tour, I went over to see the exhibits at the Textile Museum. I had my photo taken in a lovely Japanese kimono.

Lunch with Sonia

Sonia and I met for lunch at Le Pain Quotidian near Metro Center. We had a lovely time, chatting and catching up. She is an amazing woman, a wonderful mother of three beautiful young children and a hard-working, successful Washington lawyer.

We ate delicious food. I had a vegetable quiche with a fresh green salad. I think Sonia had an omelet. I also had a refreshing mint lemonade.

Sonia and Chris

Lunch with Bill

I enjoyed stimulating conversation and good food with my friend Bill.

The Wonder Exhibit

George, Marie, Barbara, and I met at the Renwick Gallery (across the street from the White House) to view the latest exhibit, "Wonder." Nine contemporary artists were given a gallery each to create an installation. They used unexpected materials in their art work.

Patrick Dougherty - He used willow osiers and saplings to create enormous pods that could offer sanctuary to museum visitors.

 

Christine

                                        George

 George and Christine

Tara Donovan - She glued thousands of index cards together to create ten towers. This was my favorite installation. Was it because I am an academic and am always surrounded by index cards? I do have a passion for these cards!

Christine

Gabriel Dawe - He developed dazzling waves of colored light using threads that went from floor to ceiling. We all had the urge to run through the light as it gave the impression that it was indeed light and not something solid.

 Christine with rainbow scarf

 Marie taking a photo of the waves of light

The Greek Slave - This replica of the Greek Slave was created by 3D printing.

 George admiring the 3D creation

Insects and Skulls - The beautiful pink color painted on the walls of this gallery was created by crushing tiny, gnat-size insects.

John Grade - The artist made a plaster cast of a 160-year-old hemlock that he had found in the Cascade Mountains and invited volunteers to recreate this tree by using recycled cedar strips.

 George studying the recreated tree

 Marie (with back to tree) and Barbara (back of head)

George had to go home but Marie, Barbara, and I went across the street and down a few feet to the DCGC (DC Grilled Cheese) for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich.

French Lunch and Norwegian Movie

We first met at the Bistro d'Oc (across the street from historic Ford's Theater)  for a delicious French lunch.

Charles and Barbara

Christine (and Linda who is not in the photograph)

We then walked over to the E Street Landmark Cinema to see the Norwegian film "The Wave." We all agreed that the movie was interesting and well-done.

May's Arabic Culture Event

May presented a special dinner with delicious Lebanese food accompanied by a conversation offering information about Arab culture. A delightful evening complete with dancing!

 
                MAY, THE EXUBERANT STAR OF THE EVENING

 BILL AND KATHY, A FASHIONABLE PAIR

 

 CAMILLA JINGLES AND JANGLES (BARBARA CANT BELIEVE IT!)

 DISPLAY TABLE

LEBANESE TREATS

BILL IN DISGUISE

HAS JOHN SEEN A STAR IN THE EAST?

A WATER PITCHER