Saturday Meanderings

Last Saturday I was in Washington, D.C., and this weekend finds me in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia. In between, I had a quick stop back home in Phoenix—just long enough to unpack, tackle the laundry, and pack again. But the travel is for a truly joyful reason: celebrating my future daughter-in-law’s bridal shower! I’m so glad you’re joining me today for Saturday Meanderings, where we take a little time to catch up and chat about all the good things from the week.

Fun Activities in DC

Have you ever visited the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.? On one of my walks through the city, I happened to pass by and decided to step inside. The experience begins in the most intriguing way — by creating your own secret identity. At a kiosk, you answer a few questions to determine your undercover persona. I was assigned the name Ellis Ruiz, an artist from Athens. And, as every good spy needs an alias, my code name was Sparkle. Why is this important?

Throughout the tour, you must enter your credentials to do the interactive models in each section of the museum~undercover work, code deciphering, surveillance, disguises, tools of the trade, etc. The exercises are testing what you know about being a spy.

In the section about disguises, you can have your picture taken with a new “undercover” look. Here’s mine! Isn’t this hysterical?

I had a blast going through the museum at my own pace. Their gift shop has a wide selection of fun items like these napkins I bought for Halloween.

If you are in DC, (yes, they are open during the government shut-down), I highly recommend it.

Dinner at the Embassy

We attend this wonderful dinner event at the United Arab Emirates Embassy (UAE). Lots of security and protocol, but the food was delicious and the experience unforgettable.

I was trying to be discreet in my picture taking, but here is the ceiling in the room where we had cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

There is a close relationship between The Peregrine Fund and the long history of falconry in the UAE with a deep appreciation for protecting birds of prey.

Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen

Unfortunately, the dinner scheduled at the Capitol was cancelled due to the shutdown, so plans changed to Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen on the Wharf in Navy Shipyard, close to where we were staying.

With a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal and wonderful people, this was the perfect ending to a successful board meeting in our beautiful Nation’s capital.

Though I personally did not see Gordon, there is a big bright digital talking image of him you cannot miss!

Record Storms in Phoenix

What unusual weather we’ve been having! The last time it rained for 5 consecutive days in Phoenix was in 1916. Record- breaking rainfall and severe microbursts created so much damage all over the Valley.

Local photographer, Neal Summerton captures these amazing photos of the rain in the desert.

We are slowly drying out but are grateful for all the moisture!

Goodbye Diane Keaton

I am so saddened by the passing of Diane Keaton. Over the years, it feels as though we grew up together—her movies marking different chapters of life, each one filled with her warmth, humor, and unmistakable charm. From Baby Boom to Something’s Gotta Give to Father of the Bride, her performances never failed to touch the heart or make us laugh at ourselves.

Her presence on screen was comforting, familiar—like spending time with an old friend. With her passing, it feels as though we’ve lost not just a beloved actress, but a kindred spirit who walked beside us through so many seasons of life.

Cindy Hattersley pays a beautiful tribute to Diane Keaton~from her acting to being a style icon. You can read it here.

What are You Reading?

I am so enjoying this 5-book Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman about a group of retirees who investigate murders from their retirement home. 

There is also a television series based on the first book starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley on Netflix. I am currently working on book 5, but here are the books in order. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

The Thursday Murder Club-Book 1

The Man Who Died Twice-Book 2

The Bullet That Missed-Book 3

The Last Devil to Die-Book 4

The Impossible Fortune-Book 5

What are you reading?

No Pumpkins this Year

I am sad we do not have any pumpkins this year. We missed our window to go to our favorite pumpkin patch, Willis Family Farm in Snowflake, Arizona. For the last several years we get a big fabulous haul, but not this year. Boo hoo.

With all the traveling we’ve been doing, it just doesn’t make sense to buy pumpkins now and chuck them next month. So instead, we are just using fall flowers in the front entrance. Some years you just have to adapt, right?

Any Halloween Plans?

Each year we tend to have a Halloween/end of the Summer dinner party with our friends and neighbors. There are so many fun Halloween inspired appetizers. Check out this fun charcuterie tray from Kelly at Eat Yourself Skinny.

From the Internet

Have you heard of Loved Before? Founded by a young woman with a big heart, this London company was born from a simple yet meaningful idea. After noticing how many stuffed animals donated to thrift stores ultimately ended up in landfills, she set out to give these well-loved toys a second chance.

At the Loved Before headquarters, every cuddly friend checks in for a visit to the “spa,” where they receive a gentle cleaning, a bit of pampering, and any needed repairs. Once refreshed, they’re ready to be adopted and loved all over again.

If you’re thinking about donating, you can send in your pre-loved toys to begin their next adventure — and even include a little bio or story about them, if you’d like. It’s a wonderful way to pass along joy and keep cherished memories alive.

Recently, they opened a USA headquarters and sells their products through Bloomingdales. To add some sweetness and joy to your day, follow @lovedbefore_london on Instagram. It’s so heartwarming.

My daughters still have all their old well-loved stuffed animals and perhaps this is the ideal way to pass along all their stories to another generation.

Well, that’s a wrap! I will be flying back to Phoenix tomorrow and looking forward to being home for awhile. Have a fabulous Fall weekend and stay safe out there!