My Gecko Does Tricks (And Other Nail Colors)

Today we have been to a law library, attended the funerals of eight presidents and had our nails done -- big day. 

The day started, thankfully, at Starbucks. Our casual conversation was thwarted by the massive amount of passionate conversation going on around us. There may or may not have been a revolution brewing next to us. In Warrenton (our home Starbucks), you are likely to hear about the latest razor clam dig. Some of these people could benefit from beach life!

Our next stop was back at the Library of Congress in the Madison Building. This is not the tourist stop from across the street, and the guards very curiously asked if we were in the right place. What makes us look like we don't belong? Pink lip gloss, beachy jewelry, sparkly shoes? Ha! 

Our requested materials were right where they were promised to be. 

1986--2002.  :) What a gift to see it and touch it outside of our own offices. 

 It even has a LOC call number and binding. 

Is it wrong to take a selfie in the Law Library? 

We figure it's our history- why not?  :)

After pretending to finish up our legal research, we headed to the Smithsonian's Museum of American History. We didn't have time to see it all, but we did see American Presidency and the First Ladies' Dresses. The take away? Michelle Obama's inagauration dress is truly beautiful and Dolley Madison kicked butt. We also learned random presidential facts which I hope to regurgitate into random conversation later.  ;)

We got our nails done (gecko green for me), and I got  a much needed haircut (several inches!). Another great day. But then, isn't every day on Spring Break great? 

We Cannot Live Without Books

What else is more thrilling for a couple of literarians than a giant library?  The Library of Congress was so...epic.  The building itself is gorgeous. The colors and the details are truly amazing. You're already in awe before you even think about the fact that it is a library. 

Our favorite part was definitely Thomas Jefferson's library. 

Two thirds of what he donated was destroyed by fire and they have worked to replace those lost pieces so the original collection is in tact. That leads me to wonder if I should begin keeping a record of my library. You know, so years after my demise one of you can work to keep the collection in tact. Ha! 

 

One of my favorite features was the apparent whim in organization: "sometimes analytical, sometimes chronological, and sometimes a combination of both". What a relief! As many of you know, I am emphatic about the alphabetization of my books, but there are exceptions I can't quite explain. Me and Jefferson--great minds? 😉

After our tour, we went across the street to get our Library cards. Really-how cool!! I was unamused with the worker (she had a slight attitude), and am unfortunately displaying a teacher face. Yikes! 

To be fair, Mom's is the same, but I won't embarrass her with publishing it. 😊 And then, here's the coolest part of the day. We made our way to the Law Library Reading Room and used our freshly printed cards to request materials. It was late in the day, so we will go to do our "research" tomorrow.  What did we request?  Yes, it's what you're thinking. More on that tomorrow. 😉

We had dinner at Cuba Libre--so good. We ordered the tasting menu to try a little of everything. Probably won't order yellowfin tuna anytime soon, but it was good to try!  We've had such good food here. Starbucks every morning doesn't hurt--happy girls!!

Archives and Portraits

I'm sure that every day will be like this: today we felt immersed in history.  We started the day at the National Archives visiting the Charters of Freedom. Isn't that just cool to say?  Did I already say I'm a Revolutionary War nut? The whole idea and process of a new nation gives me shivers.   I loved seeing the Declaration. My favorite part is that it is "united States of America" with a lowercase "u". Ironic that as a proper noun "United" has lost some of its weight. I know, blah, blah -- we're not in 5th grade (and yes, this is what it's like in my class in the Spring!).   No pictures of the inside, for obvious reasons, but the outside is not too shabby!

Because we slept late, we literally were running to get to our allotted time (although apparently my fitbit wasn't impressed with that little jaunt).  After roaming the the rest of the Archives (go Suffragists), we were in need of a sit-down lunch. We both ordered "Eggs Benedict".  It's weird, right?

And then we went on to the Portrait Gallery. We didn't even come close to seeing everything, but we enjoyed the galleries of American Origins and Presidential Portraits.  Around president 26 (Teddy Roosevelt) we petered out.  Being a tourist is hard work! We were so happy to find the atrium for a little snack and a seat. Well, and a selfie (or two).  Can you tell we're a little rummy at this point? You know, without actual rum?  ;)

We finished up the day with a twilight tour of the Monuments (thanks Marisa for the rec!!).  Two ideas have settled firmly in our hearts. One -- wow.  What a great nation. How lucky are we that there were people who came before us who were idealists and visionaries that held fast to those beliefs.  Whew. The Monuments were so beautiful at night, and the weight of history was heavy -- in a good way.

The second idea that we agree upon whole heartedly is that middle school is too young for a DC tour.  OMG -- they're everywhere! I myself went on a DC tour in 8th grade. Please, please tell me I was less of a hooligan.  I didn't do anything embarrassing and teacher like, but it was oh so close. ;)

Tomorrow? Library of Congress! And...who knows what else!!  Good night!

We're here!

It was a looooong travel day that started before 6 o'clock. The problem with living off the beaten path in the lap of luxury is that it takes a little more effort to get to the airport. As long as I can remember Sea-Tac has been 45 minutes away (from everywhere!). It took a bit longer to get to PDX, but honestly, what a nicer airport!

We are here now, having survived the plane ride, and more unbelievably the shuttle ride. I still have a slight hand cramp from clutching the seatbelt so tightly.  To say it was harrowing is a vast understatement.  We were victorious in that neither of us shrieked, puked or swore. ;)

After getting settled (dropping our stuff inside the door!), we headed out to see something (anything!) before sundown.  After Cannon Beach living, the city is a little like Vegas -- the sounds and sights (and smells...) can be a little overwhelming. But then, you see something like this...

Such an amazing city -- can't wait to see more of it tomorrow.

Thelma and Louise Ride Again!

Some of you may remember five years ago when there was a small fire above my classroom at Opstad. What is it about the week before Spring Break? On Sunday when my principal called to tell me the roof flew off the portables, I was standing in a pool of water IN MY HOUSE. I actually burst out laughing, because of the absurdity of the day. Tarp on the roof at school, emergency plumber here and gone, and now? VACATION!!!!

If you're keeping track, it's a Hawaii year. But...our shoes are already full of sand, so we are headed for the urbanity of Washington, DC.  It won't be poolside with a green flash colada, but I can't wait. I'm trying to pace myself emotionally for the drama of such a powerful walk through history. I don't know dates, and I'm not very political, but I love the story of our nation.   At the moment we're knee deep in the American Revolution at school, so I'm a little wrapped up in being a true Patriot...

Spring Break is truly one of the best weeks of the year. Our adventure kicks off on Saturday, the 21st. Hope you'll be armchair travelers with us!

Day 7 & 8: Viva Las Vegas!!

Well, I guess Day 8 isn't really a Vegas, but since Day 7 didn't end until 3 o'clock in the morning, I'm going to go ahead and count our travel day as an actual vacay day. :)

On Saturday we experienced your basic Vegas day. We slept in, had massages, coffee and went shopping. And no, I didn't load up on shoes, but it wasn't for lack of trying!  Maybe a couple of dresses though... Then, we took short naps so we would have it in us for the long haul at night! First, we traveled from the Westin where we were staying, to MGM to eat at Craftsteak.

Here's a quick Vegas tip -- know what's going on around town before you set out! We arrived at MGM with literally thousands of people: Fight Night! If you're thinking Ocean's Eleven, you're thinking right! Wall to wall people in every direction (and all sorts of get-ups!).  Craftsteak was amazing. Literally the best food I've ever eaten. They had a special tasting menu for the fight, so we got to taste a little bit of everything: soup, three salads, two steaks, four sides and four desserts.  I wouldn't have ordered any of it, so it was perfect to try new things.  

From MGM we traveled to Rio to see Penn & Teller. Next time you're in Vegas, you have to see this show! Of course, it's magic, but it's such a smart show -- a highlight of the trip. And then, if it's 11pm in Vegas, what to do? We flitted around from casino to casino, playing some penny slot machines and mingling with the weirdest people we've ever seen. :)  

Next year? We're not sure. After a road trip year, we love to have a stay-in-one place trip. We probably will give Maui a serious thought.  Here's a look back at our trip:

Favorite Thing You Saw

Ann:  I loved driving in to Lake Tahoe because it was everything you'd heard about: clear blue water and tall ponderosa pines.

Erica:  I think Belmont Mine was my favorite, but actually, the discovery of Hamilton Cemetery a couple of hours before was so exciting.  I still can't believe we found those places way out in the hills!

Favorite Dirt Road

Ann:  The one to Hamilton.

Erica:  Me too! There was a little excitement because there were some snow covered places, and basic anticipation of finding something amazing.  You know, and the other truck in the ditch… 

Ann:  Yes, it was a little scary and took all of my excellent driving skills. ;)

Favorite Food

Ann:  I think the pea risotto at Craftsteak. 

Erica: Duh.  Craftsteak. I think the Lobster Bisque in particular was my favorite. I don't like lobster, and I don't really like soup…but this was the best thing I have ever tasted.

Favorite Food Outside of Vegas

Ann:  I think the waffle panini in Virginia City -- it was so unanticipated.  

Erica: I'm going to go with the coffee at the Flower Basket in Ely.  So unexpectedly delicious. 

Favorite Photo

Ann:  I liked many of the ones Erica took with the noir filter. 

Erica:  I love the one I took with the "noir" filter of the two old houses in Hamilton.  

Favorite Small Town Moment

Ann:  Getting coffee at the Flower Basket in Ely, especially the second day.  The little old lady was so cute!

Erica:  The bathroom stop in Austin was really my favorite. Obviously the bathroom was a necessity, but that woman was so nice!

Best Thing in Vegas

Ann:  Two things; the Penn & Teller Show, and coming back to the tranquility of the Westin after the chaos of the strip.

Erica: Craftsteak or Penn & Teller? Toss up? But I'm leaning towards Penn & Teller...

Weirdest thing in Vegas

Ann:  I don't want to talk about it.

Erica:  The night is a little bit of a blur at this point.  I will say this: the Victoria's Secret "angel" with the Johnny Depp pirate was not even close to the weirdest thing.  Fight Night brings out the strange in everyone….

What You'd Go Back to See

Ann:  I'd go back to Lake Tahoe, and I'd also see another Penn & Teller show.

Erica: I'm not sure this is a trip you repeat, but I would like to go back to Great Basin to see the bristlecone pine trees (they were just out of reach above the snow line). 

Thanks for traveling with us! We always have such a good time with each other, and we love sharing our adventures with everyone!

Day 6: On the Road Again

On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been


We've played this song every day getting back in to the car and heading down another dirt road. We woke up in Great Basin National Park to 43 degrees and a nice homemade breakfast. And, sigh, no coffee. Today was definitive proof that coffee IS necessary for basic functionality. As nice as free range eggs are, they do not compete with Starbucks. :) We are products of the Pacific Northwest.

Seein' things that I may never see again


Yes, this trip held many things that we have never seen, and are quite sure that we will never see again. There is something special about seeing a portion of the world that you know you will never see again. You soak up what you can, knowing your travels will probably not bring you back.

The first things we soaked up today was Cathedral State Park. It's another geological wonder in Nevada. :) The erosion creates these cathedral looking formations, and cave like things called slot canyons. As we were walking around we found one such slot canyon that went back quite aways. Someone was wearing white pants (you can imagine that was not me!), and someone was bent on exploring. I climbed and slinked and wedged myself through the small opening to get to the back of the canyon. There was a slight bit of anxiety getting back out, as walking down the slippery rocks was a little more terrifying than climbing up. But, as you can imagine, I figured it out. :)

And I can't wait to get on the road again

Honestly, most of the day was spent on the schlep to Vegas. It was several hours of very uninteresting terrain. And while the middle of Nevada has so much mining history, there seems to be not much that has happened on the southeastern border. I admit to sleeping while mom continued on the drive.

 
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway

As we got within 30 miles of Vegas, boy did the traffic change! We have seen a handful, literally, only a handful of people in the last week. And now, we were surrounded by hundreds of cars! We were overwhelmed before we even set foot in a casino. Plus, the temperature had risen to…97!! But here, although we feel like fish out of water after the last week, we are thankful for many of the amenities that Vegas offers: coffee, plush pillows, and amazing food! Our only complaint at this point is the fire alarm that has been going off for…2 hours? I can exit a building with 28 of my closest friends in record time, but apparently that skill is not valued here. A busted sprinkler is apparently to blame. Needless to say, we won't be sleeping until the intercom shuts off in our room!

We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way and our way


Hopefully it is extremely evident that we love Spring Break. We love the adventure, we love the spontaneity. We love forgetting what we do and remembering who we are. And we love doing it together.


Tomorrow we are living it up Vegas style: massage, pool, dinner, show, casino…Wahoo!!

Is on the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
And I can't wait to get on the road again