Ghost Ship Barry

Forgot to write this post last week, but here it is.

Last Friday, The Navy Museum had an event they call "Ghost Ship Barry". Which pretty much explains what it is: a haunted ship. Last year I missed out because I was visiting family in Michigan, but this year had the opportunity to go.

My co-workers, who organized part of the event, mostly the games and candy for the kiddies, used the term "given free reign" when referring to the sailors who had altogether too much fun scaring willing customers.

Going through with one other friend, at a lull in the traffic, was a bit lonely - and possibly creepier. I was elected to go first, which in my opinion is not the scariest position, but anyway. Probably what set the tone for my first trip through (yes, we went twice) was what happened when we encountered the very first ghoul. I hopped down the stairs, turned a corner, and walked halfway down the hall before my friend shrieked. I turned around, and look! There's a man all dressed in black with fake blood running down his face. Oooh. So we're stopped before we even start, have to wait while someone alerts all the creepy people to get ready to scare.

The first time, we walked through pretty quickly, I think mostly because I didn't want to stick around and wait for goblins and dead people to pop out at us. Lots of them were hiding behind black curtains, or on the other side of glass walls (we were on a ship, remember). Apparently something followed my friend for a while, and kept putting claws on her shoulder and whatnot. At one point, I turned around and he tried it with me, and I said, "oh hi there!". Someone else banged on the walls quite a bit, and then at one point one of them, I think he was trying to show us the way, flashed a little red light in my eyes. Not nice. Nor scary. Mostly though, the whole time through, I kept cracking up at how scared my friend was. She caught the brunt of the scaries, and I don't think I was in the right frame of mind... So I spent our first run through laughing.

The second time, we'd added one more person, and I ended up going first again. This time we cruised through a little more slowly, so the creatures had more time to scare my buddies. The second time worked out better in terms of scare-factor. I had someone hanging onto my purse (my "luggage") from behind almost the whole way, which actually freaked me out at the beginning. The scariest part though, had to be when I saw someone all dressed in black ahead, and he fell down to his hands and feet and started rapidly crawling towards us. Remember, I was in the front! And he didn't stop! I thought he'd stop, but he got right up to me, and then melted away. Also, the fake spiderwebs got to me. I know, I know, they're fake. Evidently that doesn't make a difference.

All in all, a very fun evening. Though I'm sure the sailors had more fun than anyone who went through the ghost ship.

Economy and The Saving of Energy Versus Warmth: Where is the Line?

For me, the line is drawn significantly in front of freezing in the office. Just moments ago, I had on three layers, one of which is some kind of wool blend, and fingerless gloves, also a wool knit blend (%60 wool, %20 angora, %20 acrylic), and I still felt cold! I have decided to put my coat on, even though it somewhat restricts my shoulder movment, and confuses my keyboard into opening strange windows. My fingernails are not blue, not yet, but they feel as though they might be.

How does Lucky say it, in 101 Dalmatians? "My nose is froze, my toes are froze, my ears are froze..." I've misquoted, for sure, but the point remains the same. Nobody should have to wear her coat in the office. Coats are for outdoors. There was a day not too long ago, on which I can remember noting the fact that I didn't even have to button up my (winter) coat, before going outside - because it. already. was.

Thankfully, I am not working in the museum, whose thermometers yesterday measured the cozy temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But with all the people coming and going from our building, and our position right next to the foyer, and the glass wall that forms part of the exterior wall, it's still not warm.

Now, I'm all for saving energy, and if that means not having a really nice 72 degree temp in the home or office, I can handle that. But 60 degrees I definitely do not do. Nor do I appreciate 65 degrees. In fact, whenever I feel cold and prickly all day long, I'm not comfortable, and quite frequently as a result, do not work productively. There's an old saying that seems relevant here, although it leaves the audience with a negative impression of the speaker/writer: "I can't work in these conditions!" Quite literally, I can't. Just like when a person has to pee really badly, the discomfort of being cold completely overrides all other thought processes. All I think about is how cold my fingers are, and how uncomfortable wearing my coat for 5 hours is, and even how cold my toes (in socks and boots!) feel.

Color me unimpressed and very cold, and unproductive. Did I mention irritated?

Environmental Do-Gooding

I planted my first tree today! Got up before the sun, made my way to DC to work with Casey Trees, an organization that helps restore the urban tree canopy. Good thing they had coffee, and even though I arrived early, I didn't have to wait long for a hot cup. Styrofoam-ish, but what can you do. I hope eventually the improvements I make by helping to plant trees outweighs the styrofoam cups I've used. Though next time I may bring my own mug.

Our tree was perfect. Well, nearly. Straight, but with a slightly crooked trunk, nearly deep enough in the ground. We had to deal with massive root systems left behind by ground cover and an earlier generation of trees. Lifted out a root-and-dirt carpet about 5 inches deep at one point. The trees our team planted were sugar gum, which I'd never heard of before, but they're quite pretty with star-shaped leaves and closely resemble the maples that we were replacing.

I learned how to use a pick-ax. Not sure I'm entirely comfortable with them, but they're not difficult. Just want to be careful not to puncture anyone. Could cause a nasty wound.

Got dirty and looked like a vagabond on the Metro ride home, and didn't feel the cold for at least an hour, we were working so hard. That's the first time in a long time I've had a chance to play in the dirt. All for a charitable cause, too. Can it get any better?

In the end, I can't write enough positive things about this new experience. Furthermore, I'm proud of having accomplished something as unique as planting a tree. What a great and productive way to spend a Saturday morning. Probably this is something I'll do more than just the once.

Before I sign off, a nod to Tyler Sloan, who tonight scored his first NHL goal while playing for the Caps in Dallas. Let's Go Caps!

The Sant Ocean Hall

Took a trip to the Smithsonian on this lovely autumn afternoon (crisp air, turning leaves, warm sunshine). National Museum of Natural History, to be precise. They have a new exhibit there, called the Sant Ocean Hall. Only opened last month, and unfortunately everyone else in the city also decided to visit the new exhibit today. Incredible exhibit, with very wide scope, as one might imagine for an exhibit whose subject amounts to 70% of the earth's surface. Not too detailed, instead very succinct panels and then more specific information about the many models, photographs and especially preserved remains of various species. Learned that the weird-looking creature I found once on East Sands at St Andrews is called a - well, I've forgotten the name now, but it's similar to a star fish. Only more wormlike. Ah, yes. Brittle stars. Point is, good to know, finally. Didn't have time to explore everything, but some of what I did included North Pacific Cultures (a traditional canoe hangs above here) whales - one in particular, called Phoenix - and coral reefs and the Poles, north and south. Another room I couldn't investigate had fossils, a jawbone of an ancient (and much, much, larger) great white shark. Called Megamouth, or something (carcharodon megalodon, technically). I could step through the jaws without ducking or hitting the three, four, five rows of teeth, I think. Shiver. Saw a video projected onto a sphere to represent the earth, and watched a theater presentation on submarine diving (to the deep ocean, approximately 2 miles under the surface).

Verdict: Well worth a visit. And then a second, and maybe a third, to get all the information. Good thing it's FREE!!! (God, I love living in DC some days)

Rediscovering "Family Time" at Dinner

There's something about eating with friends and family that just equals comfort. Comfort food on another level, if you will. Growing up, we always had dinner together as a family. Now that I live on my own, it happens far less frequently. Not all the siblings can gather together at the same time, because sometimes one is really busy and another is on travel or on the other side of the country. Only once have I lived with flatmates in a situation where we ate together most nights, because we alternated cooking dinner. All of us enjoy cooking, and they had a talent for it, luckily for me.

But I'm rambling. As a young adult, living on my own, eating together happens very infrequently. Last night, for the first time, my newish roommates and I finally got around to having a "roomies dinner". And I discovered how much I miss cooking for people. Not that I'm exceptionally talented, nor do I have the time or inclination to cook for people every night, but once in a while I do really enjoy it.

So last night I cooked a chicken, which I haven't done since I first moved in. It all started with the usual debate about what kind of chicken to buy, the choices being chicken (not free range, unfortunately) not given antibiotics or fed bits of other animals, and preserved without immersing it in water (evidently the Europeans do it differently) and then organic. Look at Green Guides for an article on different safety/environmental labels for beef (not sure if they have one specifically for chicken). I went for the cheaper version, because it seemed healthy and at the same time was $4 cheaper than the organic birds. Of course we were running late, so had to rush a little in the eating, but it's not even so much the eating with others I enjoy as the cooking part. A glass of wine; chopping veggies; putting the bird in the oven; mixing the cookie dough; occasionally munching on the food that's supposed to be cooked; and chatting all the while.

Who else can't wait for Thanksgiving?

Happy Discovery of America Day!

"In fourteen-hundred-ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue..." yadda yadda yadda. Today was a federal holiday. Those of us who work for the government and didn't go to work to have the day after Thanksgiving off, well, didn't have to go to work today. No matter that there doesn't seem to be any real point to it. There's nothing to celebrate, like our country's independence, no feasts to be prepared and then shared, no presents to be given... it's just a day off. For some of us. I'll admit, up front, that I love having three-day weekends and I wouldn't want to get rid of Columbus Day, because that would bring the total down to nine. And I want as many holidays as I can get!

However.

Most people know by now that Columbus did not actually discover the North (or even South) American continent, but a tiny island (in comparison) called Hispaniola. Or rather, which he named Hispaniola. Strong work there, Chris. Not only that, but he wasn't even aiming for a new world! Some might say that whether or not he succeeded - in his actual goal or in discovering the New World - he brought awareness of the new world to Europeans. Sure. Obviously they didn't know about it prior to his visits, because he claimed to be the first. And didn't even imagine when he got there that where he was wasn't, in fact, India. Furthermore, other explorers discovered the "new world" centuries before Columbus. Take Lief Eriksson, for example. Lived five centuries before Columbus and established a colony in Canada.

My point is, Columbus is given more credit than he probably deserves. Not that he doesn't deserve any, he just isn't the only important explorer. In light of the above, why not call it "Discovery of America" Day, and teach the elementary students about all the sightings and discoveries of America. These days, being politically correct is so important. The name for this holiday could better describe the important historical event, in my opinion. While we're at it, why don't we celebrate the establishment of all the various colonies? Who's for it, eh?

P.S. The Caps won today, "spanked" (a word I heard from a disappointed Vancouver fan on the Metro ride home) the Canucks with a score of 5-1. Sat four rows from the boards today, where the players seem much, much bigger than they are from the 400 level sections, and where the action is even more exciting. Shiny.

News Bulletin

Good news! The allergies I ranted about in my last post have mostly subsided. I don't want to jinx anything (cross your fingers and no, I'm not superstitious), but they have been at a very manageable level for the past few days. It appears that the change in allergy meds worked.

In other good news, I finally put up a shelf in my room. Very excited, because now I have a place for some of my extra books and my oxygen, clean-air producing houseplants. Which are all thriving, so far. Now, about my pumpkin... that might be a different story. I write "might" because I've been neglecting it yet again, and don't have any idea how it's faring. :(

Tomorrow I'm going to see the Capitals play the Vancouver Canucks!!

Lastly, I recently took one step closer to playing a greater role in saving the planet by signing up to volunteer in the area! Some weekend in the near future I look forward to helping clean up the Anacostia river. Among other things.

That's about it for this broadcast, check back later for more.

A Little Rant About Allergies

Because ranting is cathartic.

My allergies used to be normal. Excessive, but normal. As in, stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes... those of you who have them will know the basic symptoms. Now, for some reason, everything is bypassing my nose - which is very uncomfortable. I won't go into details, because it's rather gross, which is why I find it depressing, too.

The Ent doctor doesn't know why it started (sometimes viruses like the cold can last for a longer time, causing similar problems, but the only cold I've had recently didn't begin till the allergies had been worse for weeks), which means there's no easy fix. A change in medicine, he suggested, and guafenisine, which tastes nasty, in case anyone's interested. Neither of these things have cleared it up yet. The only other solution, according to the Ent, is to get tested for allergies so they can make me a "special sauce" and then give me shots - I've heard twice a week, once a week, for a year... Shots! Also, they have to monitor their victims for an hour after they administer the "special sauce", which means time off work...

I'm also wading through health insurance for the first time, and the plan I thought was great, really isn't that great if you've got to get expensive shots during office visits once a week for the next year.

The latest Green Guides issue has a short article on allergies... and how global warming contributes to them and makes them worse. As in, with warmer weather, the trees and flowers and grasses have longer pollinating seasons, which can make allergies last longer. More pollen can be produced, too. Not only that, but allergies evidently used to be an urban problem - until mass transit like trains transported the pollenating particles to the country. Then, in places like Arizona, which used to be a pollen and allergy-free state (it being desert), city planners started bringing in trees and bushes and flowers, etc to make it look less like a desert. Short-sightedly, most of those trees were male, which are the gender of trees that distribute pollen. Semen, if you will. Apparently, according to these city planners, having fruit drop on the ground was much more unpleasant. Hah.

So here I am, about to start the next, expensive, part of my life getting shots in the arm every week. Hopefully the inconvenience and pain will be balanced by some kind of correction of my allergic reactions to just about everything.

Fish Supper

Finally, after weeks of not having time or, admittedly, the inclination, to go to the grocery store, I grocery-shopped like it was my job. Kind of lost my head in the produce department, ending up with the usual bell peppers, bananas and spinach, but also asparagus, oranges and bok choi. I've decided I like asparagus and bok choi, both newly acquired tastes.

I even bought fish! That was exciting. At the fish counter I learned it's possible to get some of your "pound" of fish frozen, in individually wrapped packages. How cool is that? There's no way I can eat a pound of tilapia in one night, so it worked out well.

Per Nigel Slater's British recipe (because, let's face it, the British have to be the best at fish suppers), I fried my tilapia and made some fluffy mashed potatoes in lieu of chips (a.k.a. fries to the Americans). I can roast veggies, but chips are beyond me. Boiled some asparagus to go with it, and presto! Dinner was served.

I have regained my enthusiasm for home-cooked dinners. Not just eating them, but making them, too.

Filling in the Gaps Between Now and Nashville

Dear Readers,
(yes, all four of you!)

My sincerest apologies for disappearing for so long. While in Nashville, I had very limited access to the internet. I came back, found myself very busy, and then came down with a cold.

(As I watch the debate: entitlements? And who hasn't given up on social security already? Who seriously expects change without having to pay for it? There's an old saying about free lunch...)

In between now and Nashville, I have spent time in diverse ways. I'm going to start from the end, and work my way back to the beginning. This weekend, I went hiking in the Shenandoah. The main point of the expedition was to catch the predatory bird migration; according to my guidebook, thousands of hawks can be seen flying overhead in one day. Unfortunately, all we saw were black vultures circling high above us. The hike was short but sweet, and challenging, as that was day 2 of the cold. The trees have started turning here in Virginia, but I will need to go again when the leaves change and become even brighter. Nature is without a doubt the best part about hiking; it helps calm and center me, and lifts some of the stress from my life. The combination of dirt, sun, trees, fresh air, birdsong and insect noises creates a soothing environment. It also serves as an excellent reminder of the reasons to make changes to help save the environment. Fortunately, this time I did not run into any spiderwebs.

The cold started late on Friday night after I went out in Dupont Circle, to a lovely little wine bar called Veritas, which has fantastic customer service, a low-lit, pleasant atmosphere, and an obliging behind-the-scenes DJ. They even have wines from the very inclusive selection on tap! Had a lovely evening there with a friend. Space was limited, so we ended up sitting with two very nice young women at a small table. A very fun, but late evening.

Thursday was special. Thursday a coworker invited me to a Washington Capitals Season Ticket-Holders party at Six Flags in Maryland, where I got a hat signed by some of the players. Woot! Woot!

The rest of my life since Nashville has included much work, nearly enough sleep, and sadly enough, lots of television.

Yours truly,
Me

NashVegas!! (a.k.a. Nashville)

Didn't really see much of the NashVegas part, actually. Only, we drove down Music Square, where some of the big recording studios are, and I got some kickin' cowboy boots."These boots were made for walkin'..." That's right. That's what they do. I love 'em.

I will admit that Nashville does not appeal to me. What little I saw of it didn't feel like a city. Lots of distinct neighborhoods, some of them very beautiful (in one of the latter, passed by Reese Witherspoon's parents' house). Downtown, we went to the Country Music Hall of Fame, which brought back my childhood and made me feel very nostalgic for my country music-listening days. Nashville has one very unique aspect, as Music City - it has music boxes on the street corners! Classical music next to the symphony hall, country music next to the Hall of Fame. I started singing when I knew the words... Maybe I shouldn't mention that.

One of the most fascinating things I saw there was the print shop my friend (I hope she's watching the debate) works at which is the second oldest... in the city? Excuse my hazy details. There, they use old hand-cranked presses with block type and images that are arranged by hand. Some beautiful posters are made in that shop. There are also two resident, though shy, cats. Unique atmosphere, there.

Mostly, though, I spent time on the farm. Not Bob Evans style, however. Not sure if that jingle popped into anyone else's head... It's located on a beautiful property, with an excellent view of the sunset from the front porch, or even the hammock. Unfortunately I forgot about mosquitos while I was there, and came back with several bites. But, the sunsets were worth it. I watered some cows, which grow like house plants when watered, apparently. Let's see, I napped, hung out in the hammock (pun intended), read a lot, and washed plenty of dishes by hand. Essentially, I relaxed. Though not the beach, the vacation passed tranquilly.

Hurrah for using up the last of one's vacation time.