More Images Of A Sweet Week

DC by day...

DC by night...

DC by day...oh what a sight.

And then there were our wonderful evenings in Old Town.

Old Town Alexandria is truly a treat for visitors. History abounds on every corner but so does the delicious smells and lovely treasures calling your name as you stroll past the many shops.

Despite the heat, it WAS a sweet week. This week has been business as usual, albeit, busier than it often is. With Grace home, there are classes to run to and the occasionally picnic in the park.

We ferry my nephew, the Boo Man, to and from his school and spend time with my mother.

Grace is a huge help in the garden and around the house. The girl just LOVES it. In fact, she is rather pushy about it! "Come on Mom! Let's get to it!" *sigh* Oh my aching back!

We have a weekend of yard work, ice skating lessons, dinner with friends, a birthday party and a wedding shower. The weather has been just as perfect as one could imagine Summer should be. Soft and warm...low humidity, warm, not hot, temperatures with just enough rain at night to keep us from watering each day. The greens are lush and the bright colors are brilliant. All in all, a lovely June.

Wendy and Tammy? Check my giveaway post below...you are both winners! (Whether you like it or not!) Just email me your address and your little packages will be on their way.

Oh! Guess who is at my favorite book seller's on Monday evening? Gene Hackman! He has co-written a book on the Civil War so my brother and I will be heading over to see him. There was a time, before I discovered one Mr. Dennehy, that Mr. Hackman was IT for me. Other girls my age were pining over the 20 something actors but me? It was Gene in The French Connection baby.

Now, he also appeared in a film, Twice In A Lifetime in which Mr. D played his best friend. Forget that French Connection...he has a Dennehy Connection!

I had yet to make mention of this, but one week ago, we lost someone in the news media in whom I trusted and admired. When I was asked who I would love to run into in DC (I have always run into someone while visiting...once it was Congressman Sonny Bono!), I quickly responded with his name. Sadly, that was not to be. Farewell Timothy J. Russert. Yours was a life well lived.

Well, I must run. Grace is a tough taskmaster and duty calls!

Stay well and be good to yourselves. You are loved.

Susie Q

Any Guesses ?

Who ARE these young and oh so skinny kids from the late 70s?

And these two... not quite as skinny, just slightly older duo from the late 80s...who are they?

I have NO idea.

Yes, Yes. I Remembered!

I did! I swear I remembered! Okay, so it momentarily slipped my mind. I would never really forget the giveaway. Uh huh. That little thing! Yup. I have a sweet tea towel from Washington DC, a nice little book about the wonderful spots in the DC area and a sweet box of Dayton, Ohio's own Esther Price chocolates here to give to someone. Let's see, there were 56 comments left from 56 beautiful and intelligent, creative and elegant women. So, those names go into the free, online random number generator....and poof! Out pops number....18. So, let's count...1, 2, 3...18. Wendster!! Wendy, come on down! You are the winner of the little "Susie Q Went To DC And All I Got Was This Lousy Tea Towel, A Book And A Box Of Chocolates!" giveaway!

I also decided to add another box of EP delicious chocolates into the mix so here goes that random number generator....aha! 26! That would be one Tammy from Family Doin's!

So, just pop those addresses in an email to me at: combs_sue@yahoo.com and your packages will be on their way to you shortly! Remember, I am slow but steady...just like that tortoise but I

have a much softer shell.

And yes, I DO need to add a picture of the gifts. The tea towel is adorable!

Love and hugs to you all and thank you for all your sweet comments! It was so much fun to read them all.

Susie Q

So Little Time...

...and so much to do! The laundry pile threatens a coup, the garden sprouted weeds that are taunting me, name calling and spitting. It is horribly rude out there. Grace has ice skating lessons (Yes, I have the ER on speed dial!)) and reading tutoring and Boo is back in his school for the Summer session which means Auntie Sue is on the run again.

This coupled with 2 wedding gifts and shower gifts to purchase...all means that I may not be able to visit you all as I love to do. I have much blogging to catch up on and am anxious to see what you have been up to while I was away. I will, I promise...even if it means reading and running, a crime I know. Comments will come soon I promise. I adore you all...you give my life color and joy. That is a priceless gift I can never repay. I still have questions aplenty to answer and more photos of our trip...how behind can one woman get? NO....Not how BIG a behind I have! I mean really! I am surprised at you all....

I will post and visit over the next week. I just may be slow...well, slower than usual *ahem*, so please forgive me!

I want to send another special thank you and warm hug to Rosemary...pictures of Hermione's crown are forthcoming...and to Penny. Penny did something so amazing and generous and loving this week that I will ask if I can share with you all. Just know that I am rendered speechless and that is almost impossible to do.

Words will never fully express my affection and admiration for all of you. I can not imagine *not* blogging and not having you all in my life. You have meant more to me than you will ever know.

Blessings to you all...

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Just A First Peek...

I have a great affection for this city, our nation's capitol. I have been privileged to spend a great deal of time in the DC Metro area over the years and have come to love it's monuments, parks, shops, restaurants and history. For anyone who may be planning a trip here in the future, I have oodles (Yes, I said oodles!) of ideas of must sees and dos. Not that I know more than those who actually LIVE here but I know the area well from a tourist's perspective! From some of the oldest museums (The Smithsonian), to the newest (The Museum of the Native American), it is a treasure trove of learning and adventure. The Holocaust Museum is one of the most moving and powerful places I have visited in my entire life. As somber as the subject matter is, in the end, you are left with a pure sense of hope and the light of the enduring human spirit.

As lovely as the city is by day, it seems almost magical at dusk. Even the most staid buildings, like the US Treasury Department's offices, take on an ethereal glow. The next 4 photos were taken at the World War II memorial. It was one of my must sees this trip. I had yet to experience it's power and was awestruck by it. I am, as many of you know, a lover of history but particularly of the WW III era. My father served in the Pacific during the war so it is especially meaningful to me.

One of the most iconic monuments in the DC area is most assuredly the Washington Memorial.

The museums of the Smithsonian are amazing but I love the architecture of the *Old* Smithsonian building. It is a wonder from any angle. Arlington Cemetery is a very special spot and a must see for any American. You could spend an entire day here and not see each unique aspect of this sacred place. The next 3 photos were taken at the Lincoln memorial. It is one of the most recognizable sights in America and one of the most popular destinations for every tourist.

It is a well designed city with a easily accessible Metro system. It is also a great walking city...even with the heat turned up to *High*! Plenty of shady areas, places to sit and rest or reflect and lots of great little spots to have a bite to eat. One of our favorites is in the cafe located on the grounds of the Holocaust Museum. It is has an amazing vegetarian menu for a small establishment and also features kosher meals as well.

The parks are so beautiful and the streets are clean and well maintained befitting a nation's capital city.

And remember, the museums are free...the memorials are free...the glorious art galleries are free...touring the Capital building or White House is free. Just speak with one of your state's congress persons or Senators about passes. Free is a wonderful word isn't it? And free just seems to be a word that runs through my head as I tour this city...free. I am free because I am a citizen of this nation. This country is not perfect, no, not infallible, but it is a shining example of the word *FREE*'s definition. I.E. a: having the legal and political rights of a citizen b: enjoying civil and political liberty c: enjoying political independence or freedom from outside domination d: enjoying personal freedom : not subject to the control or domination of another...

And yes, to be free to ramble on aimlessly on my blog! Free truly IS a marvelous word and Washington DC IS a marvelous city.

What a Wonderful City...

~ Tomb of the Unknown~

...what a wonderful trip. This was my 15th visit to the DC area and yet there are always new and oh so wonderful things to see and do. This was Grace's first visit and she loved it all...okay. Maybe NOT all. The heat and humidity was just awful but, since there was nothing we could do about it, we just kept going. I could not help but think I was beginning to resemble the Wicked Witch of the West as I began to *melt*. Hmm...but I am decidedly NOT green skinned. Mine is more red and blotchy.

And I have yet to find the broom that would hold my ample tushie as I fly from here to there and back again. Still, I do think Brian Dennehy would have made a lovely Winkie Guard. But we are surely digressing here...

We spent a great deal of time in the charming old town of Alexandria, VA where our hotel was located. Beautiful old homes, historical buildings, delightful shops and fantastic restaurants. You can not beat such a delicious combination!

3 days were devoted to Washington itself and it is always a treat. What an honor it was to finally see the newest memorial: a beautiful and very moving tribute to those who fought in, and supported the home front during, World War II.

The highlight of Grace's trip was our tour of The White House. Of course, no cameras can be taken inside.

The list of other items not allowed included: diaper bags, purses, backpacks, pens, make up, water, fanny packs, food, lotions, if you have it, it ain't welcome, well, except for cell phones. You can not believe the folks with passes who were turned away because they thought they could break the rules! Those Secret Service men have little patience with such antics!

I was able to take a photo of Grace near the front portico with my phone and will try to get that posted soon.

I will be posting pictures in the next day or so AND announce my giveaway winner!

I thank you all for leaving comments on my last post! It was such fun to read them all upon our return late last night!

Today we celebrated not only Father's Day but also my Mother's 81st birthday and my brother's birthday. It was such a nice day with family...but now I have a mountain of clothes to wash and suitcases to unpack and groceries to buy and, well, let's just say I need to

get to work!

I hope you all had a sweet weekend...I have missed you all!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Away For A Little While...And A Giveaway!

You are all so very important to me....each one of you is the *apple of my eye*! I cherish the friendships I have made through blogging. You will stay in my thoughts and heart and prayers while we are away. We will be in Washington D.C until the 14th. Bill has to be at a conference in the city so Grace and I are tagging along! We have made many trips to our nation's capital over the years. We were able to take Daniel to every major museum and government structure (Including a tour of the White House) during a 4 year period. He will not be able to be with us this time but Grace is quite excited to visit the city for the first time! She and I will be entering the White House on Wednesday and she is over the moon at this prospect! It is always an honor to visit this magnificent building and revel in it's history! Our hotel is in Old Town Alexandria, a favorite spot of ours, and near Mount Vernon so we will be able to see lots of wonderful things and show Grace a cracker jack of a good time. And yes...there will be swimming and pillow fights and Cheryl Wray endorsed Bed Jumping as well! I will miss you all and do hope to be able to check in here from time to time. I have tried to get around to see each of you before I go but, if I missed anyone, please know I am so sorry and will make up for that transgression upon our return! I promise! On that note....I want to offer a little giveaway. Just leave a comment on this post and I will enter you into the drawing! I will be on the look out for something delicious and/or delightful in D.C to share with one or two of you. I want to do this as a small thank you to each one of you. I feel so honored and blessed that you come here and visit me. I hope you know how much I care about you all. Through blogging I have been inspired, delighted, charmed, educated, warmed, blessed and wrapped in a hug! I adore each one of you. Oh, Kipper wants me to remind you...if you have not seen *his* post below, please visit it and share in his monthly Ritter Partay!! It is a scene dudes! Until I return...much love and friendship to you all! Now, go and leave that comment!

Love and Hugs, Susie Q

Hey Dudes, Let's Partay!

Hey dudes. It's me, the Kipper. Monday was dog nite at Ritter's. First Monday of every month is the best. All dogs get a free cuppa vanilla custard with a dog bone on top! Is that cool or what? The answer is, COOL dudes! It was a really warm night so there musta been like 10 million dogs there. Mom says I am prone to exaggerate whatever that means but DUDE! There was a lotta dogs! Hey dude! No back seat drivin' in there... Bad to the bone? Nah dude. You are just a big sweetheart. Love ya dude. Great face huh? Not as great as mine of course but hey. We can't all be The Kip. Can you get over that tongue? It is waaay cool. I mean, look at it! Dude! This pretty lady really *looks up to her Mommy*. Hey dudes...I gotta million of these jokes... Now little one, eat all your custard so you can grow up big and strong like Kipper over there. I swear dudes. Tank's tongue is bigger than some countries! Is that totally excellent or what? Yo man, I gotta lay off the treats....tomorrow dude. I think that is what Babe is sayin'. Like I said, I gotta million of 'em. Is this how a dog gets on The Last Comic Standing? Dandy is what we call a lap sitter. She never leaves the lap. I swear! I think she is glued on. We all gotta lean on someone now and then, right dudes? Pssst dude. You there with the ice cream...come on over. Yeah, that's it. Don't be afraid... Muffin practices her adorable face in the mirror for hours at a time. It is SO workin' right? Man dude. I am DOG tired...get it? DOG Tired...get it? Okay pardner dude. Smile when you say that... Tanner said my Mom told him to pose, so, he posed! To Buttons, "the world looks awfully big and girl sometimes you're all alone..." I heard that on a TV show somewhere... Good lookin' dude right dudes? I taught him everything he knows. Really! I did! Okay, maybe he picked up some things off the street but hey...I am only one dude! My Dad says that if you look up *contentment* in something called a dictionary, this dude's picture is there. I dunno what THAT means! Like Sweetie here says, sometimes we all need a hand or two... Aw man dude. Don't look at the cup as half empty...look at it as half fu...um...wow dude. Half nothin'. That cup is totally empty. What?? Timmy who?? What well? What was he doing playing around a well anyhoo? Well dudes...that's it for this month. I will be back for July's extravaganza at Ritter's and I'll be sporting my new red, white and blue bandanna. Look for me dudes! Till then...it's me, The Kip, signin' off! Smooches, Kipper

I Am A Rotten Friend...

Not only did I forget Rosie's birthday but I forgot Valerie's. Valerie was one of my very first blog buddies and she remains true blue, even when I am just plain awful about visiting. I was going to send her some cupcakes but then, as a way of apology, I am sending her the cupcake of all cupcakes....for her anyhoo...

Happy Birthday Valerie...funny, creative, darlin' and a darned good friend...that is Valerie.

Love and Hugs, Susie Q

It's A Rosie Sort Of Day

Photo by: cupcakesinmalaysia.blogspot.com/

I want to apologize to our Rosie for being so belated in wishing her a happy birthday! She is not only a lovely lady (Inside and out) but she is also creative, talented and generous. I hope your special day was a happy one and that this year will be filled with delightful days!

Love and Hugs, Sue

With Heartfelt Thank Yous...

I have been so remiss in thanking so many of you, my wonderful blogging friends, for the words of encouragement, happy thoughts and smiles you offer me each day. So, please accept this very warm, and most sincere, thank you. I adore you all...love you all. I also want to thank several of you who have been so extra sweet of late. I seem to be moving backwards many days and have yet to get all the photos processed and posted, SO, I am going to say thank you to YOU anyhoo. Okay? To Rosemary...Wow. How can I tell you just how much I adore this crown? Rosemary makes some of the most enchanting treasures you have ever seen! I recently asked about ordering a tiny crown for one of my rabbits...she did not allow me to order it, rather, she gifted me with this precious, original piece of art. I will get those photos up soon but I did so want to say my thanks to all of you who have offered such gifts to me. Thank you Rosemary...thank you so much...from the bottom of my heart. To Rosie...I have purchased a few delightful items from this talented lady and she always includes something delicious as a surprise. Grace, even as I type, is wearing the adorable belt Rosie crafted. There have been other sweet gifts for Grace and I want you to know Rosie, that each one is treasured. The lovely Rosie is creative and talented and ever so generous. To Robin...I bought a wonderful vintage bunny cake form from Robin but she also included one very extra special surprise inside the box. A sand dollar from the beaches of Oregon. Robin? You can not know how much it meant to me. Just a few days before your box arrived, one of the cats had knocked over my bowl of shells and my well loved sand dollar (From a beach in North Carolina) was shattered. You can guess how tickled I was to receive this gift from sweet Robin. Thank you SO much! To Mary...One day, one of those dreary, early Spring Mondays, a box arrived at Rabbit Run Cottage. Such precious delights were safely tucked inside the pretty tissue...delicious goodies, pretty treasures and, oh yes, the most wonderful framed vintage rabbit picture! Old Peter himself and oh what a smile he put on my face! A *Just Because* gift from the charming Mary. Now, how sweet is that? Thank you so much Mary! To Kathy...Talented Kathy makes the most enchanting hearts and birds and I am lucky to have a few of those. Inside each box, Kathy included, as gifts, some of her sweet tags or Pom Poms. Each box is so sweetly packed and pure pleasure to open! Thank you to dear Kathy! To Cassie...I have been blessed to receive treasures from Cassie in the past. I was lucky to win one of her *fantabulous* (and yes, I have deemed this to be a real word) giveaways last Fall. Oh my. You can not imagine the goodies packed inside the most artfully decorated box! I can not wait until October rolls around this year just so I can have fun playing! More recently, Cassie sent me a most glorious vintage tin just because I had admired it! Is that sweet or what? Not too long ago I ordered a lovely French Girl print and a flag banner from Cassie. They are wonderful of course but, also enclosed, was a sweet gift for our Grace. A notepad to hang on her bedroom door! She LOVED it Cassie and sat down straight away and wrote away. "Brothers Stay Out!" I do believe was the first message! Thank you for everything! I have also received the most glorious pieces of wonder from Jennifer at the Painted Cottage, Penny and Becky. Each one of these ladies has a shop that will treat each of your senses to wonder and magic...my home is far more beautiful thanks to your shops! To Andi...Have I ever truly said thank you for your handmade, and oh so pretty, cards? You have a gift for this and I have saved each one. Small treasures, creative works of art! I hope you know how much I love them. And last but not least, to Mama P...You coy little devil! Grace loved the papers and folders and wow. She was so tickled. You knew her so well didn't you? It was so unexpected and so sweet. Thank you, you, wonderful you! Each one of these ladies is creative and talented. I am always inspired when I see their art forms... All, save for Andi (and she could if she had time but wow is she busy!) & Mama P. (and she should have a site to sell that book she MUST write someday!) have etsy or ebay shops and/or *right on their blog* links to purchase their fancies and finery! Yes, I NEED to write thank you notes, as does Grace. Till we get off our tushies and do what we should, please know that we appreciate each loving thought and gift. I appreciate each one of you who actually takes the time to visit me here and read my silly drivel. It still surprises me that anyone does but I am so, so glad you do. I feel honored to know each one of you, to call you my friends. I think of you all so often, pray for you, keep each of you in my heart. Blogging has enriched my life more that I can ever express. Bless you all...thank you all.

Love and Hugs, Susie Q