Blooms of the week

Here are some highlights from our backyard

DC Pope Watch '08

The Pope Mobile route was only a block from my office, so I had to go out and check it out. I've been to lots of DC events, and I have to say that this experience wasn't what I expected. Everyone was happy, groups of people were singing and playing drums and dancing. There were families, church groups from all over the East coast, and of course lots of office workers like me. All the windows, balcanies and rooftops were filled with people. I didn't see a single protester (so unlike DC!), and it sounds corny, but it was a really joyous atmosphere.


Here's what the scene looked like from my spot -- the crowds were about 10-people deep (but no one pushed). The guys in the street are Secret Service.

Here he comes!

The world-famous Pope Mobile. People went crazy with excitement. Some people ran along the sidewalk so they could follow the him down the street.

After the Pope went by, people stayed in the street celebrating. These guys stopped so I could take their picture. There were holding Bibles open as they walked down the street.

You don't see signs like this in DC very often.

A group of strolling musicians, signing and playing as they walked down Penn. Ave.

By special request: this is a popover

Here they are, fresh out of the oven

Just add butter

Then feed to the official taster

It's that time of year again...

...Cherry blossom season!
I took a walk at lunch down to the Washington Monument to see the blossoms. It's always beautiful, and so many people travel from all over to see them, so I feel guilty if I don't go.


The District was nice enough to plant cherry blossom trees on our street this year, including this one right in front of our house. How lucky for us, huh? Can't wait to watch it grow every year.