My Trip Back East

I just returned from a 7-day trip to the east coast.  5 flights, 3 hotels, 2 different rental cars and lots of driving and a wide variety of activities. There is quite a bit to share with you so please forgive the longer post.

Monday, I flew into Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. and stayed at The Hive Hotel, which is walking distance to the George Washington University campus, where my son has been staying for the summer during his internship.

This is a very cool boutique hotel, based on a beehive concept. Mixing smart design with the unexpected, The Hive unites modern innovation with historic character.

With its prime location, Hotel Hive guests can buzz about the city and return to a unique and innovative hotel experience. Their efficient rooms provide guests with everything they need and nothing they don’t.  The rooms range from 125–250 square foot hives are anything but ordinary and are perfect for one or two guests.

They serve a limited menu at their bar and rooftop deck~~excellent pizzas and a fun cocktail menu.  This place is “buzzing” after work hours and on weekends.

The staff is young and upbeat and their customer service is superb.  I would definitely stay here again.

The next day, I attending a military interment service at Arlington National Cemetery for my dear friend, Bob Garrett. The service was done with all the precision, respect and honor that the military represents. I didn’t realize Arlington has 30 burial services each day.

The reception following the ceremony was at the Officers Club where old friends shared their favorite stories about Bob. It was a fitting send off to a dear friend. I was especially glad that my son and my brother, Mike were able to attend. Arlington is a somber reminder of all the brave men and women who have served and fought for our freedom.

Tuesday night, I connected with a long-time friend and business associate, Bob Pikora.  We met for hors d’oeurves and drinks at the stunning restored post office on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Old Post Office, the city’s original postal center, has endured a series of uses throughout the years. Opened in 1899, it included a Clock Tower, which at 315 feet, remains the second tallest building in the city and provides panoramic views of Washington, D.C.

In 2013, the building had a $200 million dollar restoration and is now Trump International Hotel.  As one who loves historical buildings, this one is an architectural Romanesque Revival gem. Hard to believe this was once slated for demolition.  We sat at the outdoor cafe on this beautiful evening, had wonderful conversation and delicious bites.

On Wednesday afternoon, I flew up to Connecticut for a very quick trip to take my Aunt Gail out for her 97th birthday.  Yes, 97!!! The last remaining member of my father’s siblings, Gail is sharp as a tack, lives alone, still drives and has a very busy life.  We had an enjoyable lunch at the Norwich Inn and I am always in awe of her good health, quick wit and sharp memory.

While there, I stayed at my sister, Susie and her husband, Ned’s home in Old Saybrook, CT, which is right on the water. Lucky me!

The weather was absolutely perfect-in the 70s, low humidity and slight ocean breezes.  Having my cup of coffee in the morning and overlooking this view at low tide, was balm for the soul.

Even though I was there for less than 2 days, I was able to get in a few invigorating walks, where again, I coveted those flowers that cannot grow in Phoenix.  This seashore community has very attractive homes and beautiful landscapes.

The weather was perfect for boating. Here are some pictures from our dinner boat ride from Old Saybrook, CT to Stonington Borough, CT.

Just before I left on Friday to fly back to Washington, D.C.,  I met my siblings and their spouses at Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough in Noank, CT for their famous lobster rolls and seafood.

I landed late in the afternoon in D.C. in time to go out to dinner with my son and celebrate the last day of his summer internship.  He is a big foodie so he chose The Dabney for dinner.  The evening was overcast and drizzling and the atmosphere at The Dabney was perfect~~with its open hearth cooking.

As quoted from their website, “At The Dabney, we source our food from the Mid-Atlantic’s finest farms and purveyors. The centerpiece of our open kitchen is a wood-burning hearth that allows us to showcase the region’s versatility while staying true to its classic cooking methods.” It was truly a culinary experience and such fun to share it with my son.

The next morning we drove from DC to Charlottesville, VA to begin the move-in to his new college room, which is in a 1919 brick 2-story house.  Naturally, the t.v. went up first!

For the next 3 days, we cleaned and scrubbed, assembled furniture, hung window coverings, and got his room in tip-top shape for the start of school next week. Here’s the finished product!

It was a VERY busy and productive week and it’s good to be back home.  All 3 children are now settled into school and we are back to some semblance of a schedule again.

Hope this finds you happy and healthy and enjoying the balance of the summer.