Arlington Natonal Cemetery

So here’s the problem with writing posts 3 and 4 days later, you forget stuff ‘cause at midnight, after a long day walking all over D.C. Chucky’s brain and body are a bit fried.

In between Reagan Airport and the McGlynn’s, we neglected to report on our side trip to Arlington National Cemetary [ANC].

It was in the original agenda for the AM and since it was on the way to Clifton from DCA, a good chance for a HoHo tour of ANC and to hook up with DL’s Cousin YiYi [real name Edelia, nickname GiGi in Cuban speak = YiYi] who lives in the area . 

We had exposed the boys to videos of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and they were anxious to see it up close. 

We also had another mission there.  Our Dear Friend, Brutha Earl Sedlik of Seattle has an older brother buried there and we will use the ANC Explorer App to locate his grave and pay tribute. 

Jay Martin Sedlik was a Bronze Star decorated Lt Col in the Air Force who did 3 tours in Vietnam as an Air Force Photographer.  He would be in the 2^nd plane behind the bombing runs to photograph the strike and coordinate all the photography for the ensuing briefings of the upper brass.

Jay is Jewish so Dave and Jon had selected stones from our rock garden to place on his headstone as a tribute and remembrance.

After the obligatory missed turn and traditional girare-U, we pull into the Parking garage in time to see YiYi waiting for us and a spot opening up right next to the entrance.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit ANC, it is a must for your bucket list.  It is truly awesome to travel through history and witness the magnitude if this national monument.  The vistas and grandeur of this place is truly breathtaking.

A Hop Off at the JFK memorial and a long line to get on the next led to the Tomb of the Unknown, just in time for the changing of the guard.  Chucky and the boys got separated from DL and YiYi and tried to get as close to the middle as possible.  The ladies got the better spot, right where the Sargent of the Guard inspects the incoming guard.  In all, the ceremony was as somber and awesome as recalled on YouTube, but up close and REAL. 

And then a bonus.  Two High schools were there to lay wreaths at the tomb in 2 separate ceremonies, complete with a bugler playing TAPS. 

Here's a link to our own YouTube video of these special events.

Change Of Guard- Arlington 4.9.17

The boys were Super Impressed with it all and then we were off to catch the next bus for the completion of the tour.

Once back at the Visitors Center, it was time to locate Jay’s Gravesite.  Using the ANC APP the boys were able to find the location, but getting there was not as easy as expected. Since they have some serious construction in the area, it was impossible to go out the back door of the VC and across the parking lot as Brutha Earl had directed and after some directions from a park employee, we found Section 54 and began the numbers count to locate gravesite 1771.  

The Gravesite location is noted on the back of the Headstone as 54 1771. Dave was the first to spot it and he and Jon placed the stones they brought to pay honor to a Dear Friend's Family Member.

Hugs and Bessitos with YiYi who had to rush off to prepare for her long day at work Monday [she is in the Pentagon’s Logistic Division] and we were off to find the McGlynn’s with RODAH in the lead.

The rest you already know from the last post so we'll continue this romp through the Nation’s Capitol with Monday’s excursion aboard the DC Trails HoHo bus for a panoramic view of  D.C.

C-Ya Tomorrow.

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The Happy visiting with her Cuz,

Dragon Lady

HELLO McGlynn’s... At Last!

This one will be short and sweet but we need to finish Sunday.

We last found our erstwhile Vagabonds leaving Arlington National Cemetery after fond Abrazzos with Prima YiYi and winding their way to the McGlynn’s.  Really an easy enough feat with ROADUH guiding the way [the aforementioned Wrong Driveway Sojourn notwithstanding].

Danny and Angie have a Fabulous home in the suburbs of Clifton, Va with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths upstairs, a lovely fireplace dominated living room, and a Great Playroom in the basement next to a spacious Guest Bedroom and full bath.  Oh and of course the obligatory GREAT kitchen, adjacent dining room and half-bath.  There is also an exceptional multi-level Deck complete seating for 8, with fire-pit and BBQ. WOW!

Danny was home with their two sons, Daniel 8 and Michael 3 waiting to welcome us.  Angie, a neo-natal nurse and lactation consultant was working till 9pm, so after settling our stuff in the appropriate bedrooms, the seven of us headed to their favorite Pizzeria, Ciro’s.  Good ole fashioned, reasonably priced Family Italian fare and we were in Pasta lovers heaven!

Back at the McGlynn abode we settled in for a glass of wine just as Angie came in to join in a little reminiscing and catching up on all the doings in the family before the long day caught up with us all.

The laptop found a spot for NOWAT production, but it was just too late to start any posts and beside, the warm, soft bed was calling “Chucky…Chucky… Come Snuggle with me”. 

And He did.

Tomorrow begins early with a Romp around the Capitol on the “D.C. Trails HoHo Bus” for a panoramic view of Columbia, The Gem of the Ocean… or is that just another song?

Yeah, we're running a bit behind, but hey, HE warned ya.

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The already in deep slumber,

Dragon Lady

HoHo-HoHo All Around The Town.

Settle in for a long one Dear Hearts and Innocent bystanders, the last post was just a tease.

In spite of a late snuggle after a hectic day, dragging HIM from the Soft, Cozy, Warm, Cuddling {Enough already} bed, was surprisingly easy. 

Of course 4 little boys screeching not quietly at their respective video games and TV, right outside his door may have helped a bit.

Morning ablutions done creakingly and we find a bright eyed Angie whipping up Bacon and Eggs, Biscuits and HOT coffee from her Nespreso machine.  

This is one Helluva B’n’B!!! 

Getting 4 boys upstairs to breakfast, prying them grudgingly away from dueling with Gorgamell and the trolls…or whatevah, was a chore but after all were sated, dressed and organized, the seven of us were headed to town to Hop On/Hop Off the “D.C. Trails” HoHo bus and See D.C. like the proper tourists that we are.

Getting to L’Enfant Plaza where the Bus' load up was easy, getting into the parking garage, was a challenge but soon overcome and we get parked in the far corner from the office where Chucky needed to take his SpotHero reservation for validation. 

Chucky Note:

Two Parking Apps will play a critical part this week, Parking Panda and SpotHero.  The original plan was to park at the Vienna/Fairfax Metro station [20 min from the house] and train in. But... after calculating the costs for round trips plus parking, driving in an extra 10 minutes  and reserving spots in key locations came out much cheaper, than the train thus the 2 aforementioned apps were downloaded before we left Hollywood. 

Since the HoHo bus is right outside the Plaza building, we were on top of the next bus and on our way in less than 10 minutes.

   “D.C. Here We Come”,

shouted Dave and Jon.

   “D.C. Here We Cooooome”,

Echoed Michael [who parrots everything he hears] a 3 year old with a pretty impressive vocabulary.  The product of having an older sibling and very engaging parents.

We were able to snag the very last seat which held 5 of us with DL and Chucky in the next seat.  The guide was wired and we were off.

You can trace our route on this map from D.C.Trails website  DC Trails Tour Map

First Stop was actually#2 the Capitol followed by obligatory stops or waves at the various Museums and monuments on the way to #9 on 7^th street NW, where we got off to find a spot to feed our hungry little travelers.  After searching in both directions, we settled on an interesting BBQ Joint, [which Chucky later realized he had bookmarked for such a need, but as usual, neglected to check his Trip Notes].

Now Here This: 

When in D.C. and hankering for some REAL DOWN SOUTH BBQ, HillCountry BBQ is THE SPOT.

Known in the old days in the restaurant business as a “Cut Your “Own Throat” joint, [not as gruesome as it sounds] you step up to the counter, and pick your favorite Que and they’ll carve it right there, throw it on the scale and wrap it to take back to your table where you unwrap it in the middle and everyone digs in.  I won’t got into the menu, you'll find it via the link, but I will tell you:  Some of the Best QUE this side of Austin, Texas I have ever wrapped a lip around.

The boys were elbow deep in greasy goodness with BBQ sauce, ear to ear and pardon the pun, In Hog Heaven… YUM!

Sighting the bus passing by and figuring we had 20 minutes to saddle up and get back to Stop #9 before the next ride, we hustled to the restrooms to clean up, etc, and raced down the street to Stop #9.  

So much for a bus every 20-30 minutes.  

D.C. Traffic has us standing on the corner for close to an hour before a VERY Crowded bus showed up.  Seating was only scattered downstairs inside and Chucky wound up sitting on some Handicapped Lady’s Rolling seated/walker.  Not to worry a few stops later we were able to get back up top when half the bus unloaded at the White House Stop.

Waving at the Jefferson [we’d catch that another day] and FDR memorial’s, the plan was to stop at Lincoln, catch the Korean and Vietnam War memorials and catch the bus on Constitution.  And that’s what we did.

You really can’t digest the awesome magnitude of the view down the mall from the top steps of the Lincoln Memorial in pictures, movies or newsblips.  And of course, staring up at what is considered the BEST likeness of Lincoln ever captured through moist eyes brings a real Tug to the heart strings. 

Pictures all around [with the obligatory David holding the Washington Monument in the Palm of his hand] was followed by the trudge first to the Korean Memorial where it is stirring to see a combat patrol formation in such stunning relief.  [I was previously alerted to the significance of this stunningly portrayed formation by longtime friend, MHS '60 classmate and Vietnam war Army Journalist Capt. Henry Bassman]. We were advised by residents that the individual lighting reflecting off the Juniper ground cover at night is an eerie representation of a fog covered Korean Battlefield.  

Then came a not so brief and fruitless stop at the Vietnam Memorial index books to try to locate another MHS ’60 classmate that didn’t make it home.  After a brief prayer at this Granite Gash in our nations heart to mourn the loss of so many bright stars, too soon extinguished, and we were off to find the next bus.

A longer than expected ride back to the car due to Rush Hour Traffic got us there after 5PM.  On the way, our Tour Moderator introduced us to “The Wharf” as we made the U turn back to the barn and we decided to find our way down the hill and meet Danny there for dinner.  WRONG!

While our Guide extolled the virtues of the freshest seafood, tastily prepared to order, he neglected to mention there was no place to sit our troop, and to be honest, not a very appetizing venture at that.

A long slog, back up the hill to the car, an exciting adventure exiting the city and we were off to drop Danny at the Metro.

After a short stop at the GIANT Supermarket for supplies we made it home in time to cook up some “Dis ‘n’ Dat” for the troops before everyone scattered to Video Games and shortly thereafter showers and bed for the Kiddies and camaraderie over Much Wine for the Adults. Perhaps a tad Too Much Wine… but it WAS sooooo good.

Tuesday is gonna be another challenge with the plan for Postal Museum at 10AM [yeah right], followed by Lunch and then the CAPITOL building tour at 2:30PM.  What follows that will depend largely on the waning attention span of the smaller members of our expedition.

This got waaaay too long, but it saved breaking it up into 2 parts, so until Tuesday AM… G’night! 

Now where's that Cozy, Warm, Cuddly, Soft.....Zzzzzzzzzzzz...  

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The In a Fine Wine Comma,

Dragon Lady

A Trip to THE HILL

Tuesday's wake-up call came early… or so I thought.  Well… at least the screeching and laughing of 4 little boys along with “Boink….Zzzzzzttt…Kaboing…BapBapBap” outside my door came early.  The rest was a battle to uncramp aching feet from yesterday’s HoHo romp about D.C.  Probably more romping than HoHo’ing.

Today’s plan is to get into town early, cruise through the Postal Museum, do lunch at Union Station and roll on over to Capitol Hill for a 2:30PM tour. 

Dragon Lady and Angie had the chow underway as Chucky herded the boys upstairs for an overly lengthy breakfast.  By the time we had everyone dressed and organized and away from video games, we didn’t hit the road until 10:30… so much for getting an early start.

Chucky and ROADUH had another running dialogue all the way in, with the GPS Fairy plotting a course Chucky didn’t want to take and “RE-Calculating every time he deviated. He really only needed her once in town to navigate to the Parking Garage.  Wonder of wonders, 45 minutes later he [and She] found their way to our Parking Panda reserved spot right opposite the Postal Museum without too many “Re-Calculations”.

Once back on the street it seemed we were too far behind schedule, plus a lack of interest from the peanut gallery, to do the Postal Museum [they barely know nor really care about stamps, pony express or whatnot, While PaPa thought they would really like the pony express stuff… Oh Wellllll] so it was off to Union Station to find lunch.  Hey… didn’t we just finish breakfast?  Welllll, 2 ½ hours earlier and these little guys are already hungry.

Along the way, David spots a Hot Dog-Snack wagon and almost scores his “second favorite food in the whole world”  [the first being Pasta] except Jonathan isn’t into Hot Dogs so we find ourselves in Union Station perusing menus and settling on Shake Shack with enough selections to satisfy everyone. 

Lunch out of the way, it’s time for the slog to the Capitol building.  Slog I say because it looked so short on Google Maps, and by the time we made it to the Visitors Center they were already complaining. 

As we were there at the Instructed 30-45 minutes in advance of our reservation, processing was quick [the reservation line was empty], the “no” reservation line was another thing… out the door.  Now we had time to kill as the Nice Guide Lady at the “Blue Line” was still working on 2:15 and shuffled us off to wander around the exhibits behind Lady Liberty.

This didn’t go well with the overanxious to “get this over with” shorties but time flew, potty breaks helped, and we were back at Blue Line when David just had to go look at something with Abuela and Jon in tow.  Of course NOW Blue Line Lady [we’ll call her Trudy] was ready for 2:30 and of course our troop was nowhere to be found, thus allowing a school tour [36 strong] to jump ahead in the line. 

Oh… did I mention all the school troops? Perhaps an understatement as D.C. was over-run by large masses of like colored t-shirted school, church, Scout, Clan, special interest group of one sort or another, all clamoring for “first in Line space” all over town. 

Yeah, it seems that Spring Break is THE busiest time of the year for School and other clan outings according to Trudy [who should know].  

But Don’t tell DL, she honestly was convinced she was the only one who thought this was the perfect time to beat the crowds, figuring they would all be home coloring Easter eggs or whatevah!

Once we got into the auditorium for the orientation video which, I really don’t remember much of as I was too busy convincing the boys that “Yes This Was Necessary”, we just as quickly were ushered out to another line and issued WiFi earmuffs, 2 of which constantly cut in and out and were promptly changed.  Once Trudy had all our attention, we were off at a small trot keeping close to her so as to not pick up another guides interference.

The tour was, for the most part, fairly instructive, and David finally got into it, Jon, not so much.  He hadn’t gotten that far in social studies so his interest level wasn’t as keen as David’s once Trudy started mentioning names and stuff David got smatterings of in school.  Chucky, on the other hand was in full Awe Mode, as all his History studies came into play and he finally got an Up Close and Personal look at our Capitol Building.

Trudy was most informative [well, that Is Her Job] and she did it well. And just like that, it was over and we were handing in our WiFi earmuffs and being ushered towards the exit, via the Gift Shop [of course]

The boy's Tio Andres & Tia Adriana had made sure we had extra cash for the boys to stock up on memorabilia at each stop and they took full advantage of it to be sure.

Time for Pics of this magnificent monument to our Freedom and the Republic, from ALL Angles.  This meant a trot around to the front.  Ya don’t realize how big this place is ‘til you’ve had to walk around to the front, which offered a magnificent View down the mall and proving that this really WAS on THE Hill.

The long slog back to the car was interrupted with a stop at David’s Hot Dog stand [when he’s on a mission…] and of course, no Dog’s for Jon so into Union station with Abuela for Ice Cream.  Retrieving the car was a snap, waving the Parking Panda app at the scanner and we were off to argue with ROADUH about the route home.  Remember, Chucky has an annoyingly great sense of direction once he has gone a certain way just once, and this was no different.  It was just the Rush Hour Traffic that was a challenge but just as they turned onto Constitution Ave, headed towards I-66, a Fire Truck and Ambulance turned ahead of them.  Fearing the worst [traffic jam] and hoping for the best [following the parade to beat the long line of stalled traffic] they got in behind the First Responders and as THEY pulled over at the “Bang and Crash” spot we whizzed by and were back in Clifton in 35 minutes.  Wellll, almost that easy.  ROADUH kept wanting to take exit 55B, Chucky wanted to go to exit 55 and they compromised at 55A which was actually a longer way than Chucky had plotted.. 

A Quick stop at GIANT Supermercado for STUFF, and Wine and back to the McGlynn’s for a Steak and Potato [Pasta for Dave] BBQ. 

Video Games consumed the rest of the night for the shorties, copious amounts of wine for the adults and all was well in that part of Virginia.

We'll pick this up tomorrow with the trip to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, where the Dinosaurs await Jonathan’s up-close and personal inspection. [This is his whole reason for coming along - otherwise he would have been just as happy staying in the basement playroom on video games all day.]

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The already foot weary,

Dragon Lady

Once Upon A time - 60 Million Years Ago…

   “Where’s all the Dinosaurs Papa?”

   “Uh… Beats me.

   “There’s gotta be some more.”

   “Yup, Let’s look over there.”

Wait… that dialogue comes a lot later in the day, first let’s get outta Virginia.

Another slow start at Casa McGlynn, but another great breakfast from our hostess.

In the middle of all this, Abuela decides it was time for a little homework before we could get on the road.  

Yeah Homework.  It seems that the sadistic teachers at Avant Garde Academy thought it would be fun to saddle their classes with homework over spring break.  Hey it’s called Spring BREAK for a reason dammit! And it’s not a light packet.  Sooo, our young squires begin the groaning and procrastination until SHE puts her foot down, which of course also delays our romp through the various museums scheduled for the day.

As it turns out, we don’t get to our Parking spot until almost noon.  So much for getting an early start on what will come to be a long day.

With not enough time to do both Natural History and American History in one day with lunch in the middle, an on the fly change in agenda has us heading to the National Archives first,  for a view of our 3 most important documents, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  Now Chucky and DL are excited about this. Daniel, who has joined us sans his mother and little brother, and David are mildly enthused, Jon on the other hand could care less.  He’s walked more in the last few days than he has all year and is not shy about telling us ALL about it.  

While this all seemed like a good idea at first, after cruising around the archives building we finally find our goal, the precious documents, only to run into a VERY LONG LINE, 5 switchback-Disney Style.  Seems that half the school, church, clan, Whatevah groups in D.C. are all here today.  One look at the line and the first vote is that this will have to wait for another time.  

The second vote is between Lincoln’s Hat at the American History Museum, and Dinosaurs at Natural History.  Dinosaurs win 3-2, this is REALLY what Jonathan came along for, old hats just couldn’t compete.

And of course now comes the most important question of all:  “What’s for Lunch?”

Fortunately Chucky spots a line of Food Trucks on 7^th Street and Wham Bam… Hot Dogs and Chicken Sandwiches save the day.

Now we’re off to journey back in time amongst the critters etc, and after wandering through the Mammal gallery, filled with loads of interesting critters, whales, and whatnot, we find ourselves in the Neanderthal section and the boys start to take interest, seeing evolution up close.  Interestingly all the Heads are placed at the presumed heights of the various species and as we read the attached descriptions the boys, particularly David, are really warming to the subject.  But… the main goal here is: Dinosaurs.

We finally head upstairs to wander through the geological sections, David our budding Geologist is in Heaven, Daniel is mildly interested, Jon is bored, “Where’s the Dinosaurs!?!”  The stones and gems section was becoming too lengthy and we never made it to the HOPE Diamond.  Oh wellll.

Passing through more Creature exhibits, we finally get to the Dinosaurs, only to spark the opening Dialogue above.

It seems that there are only 2 Dinosaurs in the whole damn museum, not counting the supposed T-Rex head in the lobby which we found on the way out.  A hokey mockup of a baby Triceratops and a T-Rex that did not meet expectations.

At least the Bug section on the way out got a little better reception but not much.

Minor, or major disappointments, depending on which boy you polled were quickly assuaged by a trip to the gift stand where T-Rex heads on the end of Grab-it-Sticks placated our young explorers and all was well in their world.  Well, at least after a stop at an ice-cream truck on the way back to the car.

Lincoln’s hat and Julia Childs Kitchen amongst the other treasures at the Smithsonian Museum of American History will just have to wait for another time.

The usual running dialogue between Chucky and ROADUH with the obligatory “Re-Calculating”, got us out of D.C. in record time. 

Danny had made it home early and we all headed into Quaint Downtown Clifton, complete with a Real Ole Time General store and one traffic light,  for a picnic at this cute little park behind the church.  A call to the local pizzeria, where we picked up some Great Pizza and Wine and the adults got to watch the boys wear themselves out on all the contraptions.  And of course batting practice for Daniel, with Dave and Jon shagging the pop flys.

A Stop at Petersons Ice Cream Shop, [REAL Home Made Stuff and whose sign indicated that it may, or may not be open depending on the weather or mood of the owner] topped off a lovely night out and we headed back for showers, 30 minutes of video games [hey, what did you expect] and off to bed with our little guys. 

As the adults put a pretty good dent in the wine supply, Chucky was able to dash off the first D.C. NOWAT post.

Thursday will be a fun day but you'll just have to come back later to see how that went.  He's fried and the wine just kicked in...

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The already snoozing,

Dragon Lady

A Surprise Celebration Awaits...

Thursday is slated to be special, and you'll just have to follow this bouncing ball to see how special as we continue the Saga of Dave & Jon Do D.C.

But first, the morning ritual of “Shut Up Out there”, followed by groggy morning ablutions, and another Great Breakfast at Villa McGlynn, followed by the battle of getting video-game distracted boys dressed for the day.

Since Chucky and DL have a special engagement for lunch, Angie and her boys will join us for the ride in as we all have a scheduled a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing at 2:30.

On the way into town, we'll stop at the Jefferson Memorial and maybe the WW II Memorial. Only time will tell, as Abuela is dead set on getting some homework in before we head out.

As usual, the morning routine stretches a bit longer than expected [why am I not surprised].  And since we are getting a late start and Jefferson is definitely on the schedule, homework is suspended for now [YEA] and we pile into Angie’s Mini-van for a short haul to the Tidal Basin. 

Since Parking is no longer available at the site due to 9/11, Angie drops us off and we hustle over to the main entrance which looks out over the basin just in time for a

Surprise!

Unbeknownst to us, today is the 274th anniversary Thomas Jefferson's birth.  And the District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Military District of Washington, sponsor a commemorative ceremony every April 13^th complete with the Navy Band, Soldiers in Revolutionary costume, Proclamations, speeches etc., as has been the case since the dedication of the Jefferson Memorial in 1943.

This called for pictures all around including a magnificent shot across the Basin toward the Lincoln memorial. We were about to climb the steps to Wish Ole Thom Happy Birthday up close, just in time to have everyone chased off the steps by the Park Rangers.  The ceremony was about to begin. 

Now What? 

A quick query of a Park Ranger and we are sent around the corner and down under the building to the elevator next to the gift shop [where else] that will let us off upstairs inside the main chamber of the Memorial… just as long as we stay inside and off the steps. 

The elevator gets stuffed with other tourists and as we enter the spacious chamber we are reminded by not one, not two but three park rangers to “Please stay inside the Chamber and off the steps during the ceremony”.

Pointing up at the statue of Jefferson, Dragon Abuela takes this time to remind the boys to Thank the President for getting them out of doing homework this morning [a fate she saves for when we get home].

If you haven’t been to the Jefferson Memorial, it is a MUST, even more impressive than it appears in all the videos, pictures etc.

We manage to get our visit and requisite pics completed just as the Navy band strikes up National Anthem marking the start of the ceremony and we rush to the elevator texting Angie that we are headed to the Pickup spot.

Once back in the van, a missed turn has Angie whipping a girare-U to drop Chucky and D.L. off at the WW II Memorial. The boys have no interest as the video-game tablets snuck-aboard hold much greater attraction. 

This is another spot that the pictures and videos just don’t do justice.  Truly impressive and another great shot of The Lincoln Memorial directly over the fountains.

We call for our pickup as Angie whips another illegal girare-U.  We head out to find our ParkingPanda reservation with barely enough time for a quick walk down New York Ave towards a Very Famous spot to meet Danny for Lunch.

Where you anxiously ask???

Wellll… since this got a little longer than expected you'll just have to wait for a full report of this special occasion in a special location along with the rest of the day in the next post…

Gotta keep you in suspense, ya know.

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The quivering with anticipation,

Dragon Lady

A VERY Special Lunch

Welcome Back y’all.

We last found our dedicated travelers hot footing it towards the intersection of New York and Pennsylvania Avenues to meet Danny, who us waiting outside…

The Treasury Building?!?

Yup, it so happens that our “Little” Danny McGlynn, High School Basketball team-mate and Best Friend of our son Brian, is quite a Big Deal in the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  [So Damn Proud of that boy!]

 

And as a special treat, he has invited us to lunch, in the Executive Dining room of The Treasury Building.  La Tee Da!

And of course, since we’re right next door to… 

THE WHITE HOUSE 

[Ohh Yeah!] 

the obligatory pictures of all of us, along with 5,000 other wide eyed tourists in front of the North Lawn... uh... well... just off the sidewalk of the North Lawn since there is now a barrier 10 feet away from the fence due to recent jumpers, drones and Whatevah.

Time to say Ciao 4 Now to Angie and the boys who will take the Metro to wait for us at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing [B.E.P.] with a stop for lunch along the way.

With our "Government Issued Photo ID's" in hand, we are checked through the first security post and as we climb the steps, a quick photo of the statue of Albert Gallatin Secretary of Treasury under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, from 1801 to 1814. The longest tenure in this office in American history. 

Hamilton, the first Treasury Secretary - and subject of a VERY Pricey Ticket on Broadway - is on the South Side facing the Mall insuring the sun always rises and sets on his face [perhaps a nod to his Elitism].  As opposed to the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol dome which faces East so the sun "will Never Set on The Face of Freedom".

Once inside, another checkpoint with the requisite X-Ray machines "please place all electronics in the tray and your bag on the belt ma’am", and we stop to marvel at this magnificently appointed building, with exquisitely ornate tile floors, gilt trimmed crown molding, aged wood paneled ceiling and walls [if they could only talk].

Running a bit tight on time, a grand tour will have to wait until after lunch.  With a familiar and cordial welcome to Danny from the dining staff, we are ushered through the dining room and onto the terrace, right next to…

THE EAST WING of the WHITE HOUSE

and the South Lawn

What a View!

Of course no pictures are allowed from this vantage point, unless of course we want the 2 Secret Service agents just below in the driveway drawing down on us as just then, the current Secretary of the Treasury and his entourage, are exiting the building below us for a short walk to the WEST WING for a meeting with "You Know Who".   

[Now SHE's REALLY impressed]

Lunch was Absolutely  Delightful!

A recommendation from our waitress of the Roasted Veggie Pannini and a Lamb Burger for Danny was spot on, topped off with a fresh Baked Almond Biscotti and Oatmeal Raisin cookies and French Roast coffee. [Yeah, it's Gourmet Stuff here]

After lunch we got a tour of this impressive home to a variety of monetary policies and secrets topped off with a visit to the special “Corner” office Danny currently oversees until a new Deputy Secretary is appointed.

But before we to can get inside this multi-locked, ultra-secured sanctum, we have to put all our electronics into a lead-lined mini-vault [can’t be too secure around here]. Quite impressive digs, especially since it has windows [in such a secure building], but with a Spectacular view of the White House on one side and the Washington Monument on the other... who's gonna complain.

With a heartfelt Thank You for a fabulous lunch with an extraordinary view and “see ya at home”, we bid our host Ciao Ciao and head out to grab an UBER on the corner for a short ride to meet OUR Entourage at the B.E.P.

Arriving right on time for our scheduled tour, we get a quick pic of the boys standing next to $1 Million Dollars and sit through brief video presentation.  Since our tour was especially arranged by the "Office of the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury" [How Cool is That!], we get our own private guide and are escorted through the process of Making Money without a large group crowding us. From the special paper produced with several security devices embedded in it, to the inspection and sorting and stacking, 10,000 sheets to a pallet, 32 notes to a sheet [that’s $1.6M per pallet in $5 notes if none are rejected after printing, which sometime 20% or more are], to the giant press', to more sorting and more inspecting, etc.  To save space here, the details of the complete process and other neat facts can be found via this link to the B.E.P. website. We would have been able to go on the actual printing floor for an up-close and personal look at the machinery and process but the boys were under-age.  Oh Wellllll.

After a stop in the Gift Shop for some Real Loot, our merry band of tourists head back to the car, with the obligatory stop at an Ice Cream truck on the way, or as Jon calls it "His Post Agony Reward for Being Bored" {No Dinosaurs}. Where does he come up with this stuff, he's only 9! [or only 8 according to a Doting Abuela who insists "He Ain't 9 Until July"]

Getting out of town was easy with a stop at GIANT Super-Mercado for some roast chickens and ‘taters with S'more’s over the fire-pit on the Deck for dessert.

Chucky managed to knock out another NOWAT and it all of a sudden it was time for baths and 'jammies. Friday would come waaaayyy to early for our trip to the Air and Space Museum, and just maybe... a look at Lincoln's Hat.

But not before just one more glass of that Delightful Merlot...

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The Stackin’ up her FitBit Steps,

Dragon Lady

Avionics & Lincoln’s Hat… Maybe

So here we are at Friday.  The last full day to get done in D.C. that which we have either put off, re-scheduled, re-thought or just plain ignored.  In other words, whatever Jon decided was not worthy of our attention, or his.

So how did we get to the point where a 9 year old [8 according to his Abuela] directs our journey through our Nation’s Capital?

Well actually we can’t put it all on Jonathan.  Seriously do you really think I would let my middle-namesake Grandson [Jonathan Charles] take the fall?  No, it was those sadistic teachers with their Spring-Break Homework schedule… and the morning video alarms…er uh… games, and "just one more biscuit" breakfasts and… oh lets face it, hug-a-bed late starts.

But Today, we will correct those mis-steps.  We will venture forth and catch up on all that has eluded our quest.  We shall make up ground and visit those missed opportunities, or Whatevah.

Actually, today’s schedule includes the National Air & Space Museum [the one in D.C. - there's another one in Chantilly, Va] which was originally scheduled for Sunday until DELTA screwed the Pooch by canceling Saturday’s flight and we were just able to squeeze in the pre-booked visit to Arlington and time with Prima YiYi.

As usual, a late start after another belt busting breakfast from the kitchen of our hosts and some requisite homework [curse you Avant Garde Acadamy] left us arriving at our final SpotHero parking spot at L’Enfant Plaza around 11:30 for a bit of a hike to Air & Space.

We almost made it there without incident until the odor of grilled onions, crispy fries, and fresh [not frozen-so they claim] meats came wafting down the way from the pop-up McDonalds trailer just outside the museum. 

Yeah… nothing could stop the moans and groans of:

“Oh Papa Please... Chicken McNuggets are calling my name”

And,

“Quarter Pounder with Cheese Puleeze!”

How could I deny our little troopers… besides I could use a Quarter Pounder too.

Belly’s full, for now, and we queue up for entrance to the Museum, past the X-Ray machines and David is again in Heaven.  Daniel who has joined us again follow’s his lead and Jon… wellll, it just not Dinosaurs.  Ok, 4 out of 5 are eager to fly [pun intended] through this tribute to man’s quest to soar above the earth and beyond.

Starting on the Airplane side, we get to visit most of the exhibits including the naval aviation portion which highlighted the part it played in both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam, helping to advance technology etc.  It also gave Papa [a history buff] a chance to expand on some of the exhibits, much to David ad Daniel’s excitement, Jon… still not so much.

The trip over to the other side where the rockets and Space Stuff didn’t take long before they were starting to wear out and much to Chucky’s dismay, the American History Museum and Lincoln’s hat were vetoed as this took a bit longer than expected.

Fortunately, there was an Ice Cream truck just outside the museum to quell any further gripes of "Are We Done Yet" and we worked our way back to the car.

Now very familiar with the traffic patterns, Chucky got them out of town in record time.  One last stop at GIANT for some Breakfast fixin’s and to restock the Wine wrack and we were back at Villa McGlynn in record time.

Angie had to Work at the Neo-Natal unit today, but Danny had made plans to take us to his favorite spot for dinner, Sweetwater Tavern.  Another Great Treat!

No reservations allowed but a call ahead had us set up for a short wait for a very broad menu with something for everyone.

If you ever get the chance to visit one of these “Great American Restaurants” [they've got 8 brands] you MUST try the Blue Crab and Shrimp Fritters with grilled corn salsa & lobster ginger sauce, Oh My!!!

Jon was in Heaven with Grilled Smoked Salmon, Dave and Daniel wailed on grilled Tenderloin with a side of Mac ‘n’ Cheese, and all was good in their world.

Once back home with some great leftovers for Angie, Video games ruled downstairs, Wine and Conversation upstairs as Angie arrived to dig into the Fritters etc.

Same old nights end routine prevailed as Chucky knocked out one last NOWAT for posting after they return.

Saturday would bring an end to this most wonderful sojourn with a trip to Dulles International for a 3PM flight home via Atlanta.

More on that in the next post, along with the usual wrap-up… or whatever strikes his fancy.  

Uh... pass that Tasty Cabernet over here please...

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The sorry its ending so soon, 

Dragon Lady