Eyes have been turned to Arlington Cemetery today, as Senator Edward M. Kennedy is laid to rest near his two brothers, President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.  The trio is reunited again, ending a generation that committed itself to public service.  The eternal flame, the hallmark of the JFK gravesite, burns brighter at their reunion.
Visitors to the nation’s capital, have long made Arlington Cemetery an important visitation spot, and the Kennedy gravesite is one of the most popular stopping spots in the cemetery, the other being the Tomb of the Unknown.  When I visited the cemetery, those …read more

I was excited to line up a trip to Washington DC during what was shaping up to be prime cherry blossom viewing.  It had been a few years since I’d seen them, and I was excited to make the trip. The weather was nice, I had interested companions, and the timing (early evening) seemed perfect.
Off we went to on the Metro, opting to get off near the US Capitol Building, with the plan to walk along the National Mall ending up at the opposite end and the Washington Monument.  We didn’t figure that we’d have quite enough time (or …read more

It’s a day when all eyes turn toward Washington DC!
 
A new President:
 
 
Sworn in on the west steps of the US Capitol Building:

Living and working in the people’s house, The White House:

 
 
Images:  All from wikimedia, Presidential portrait; US Capitol Building; White House

If you won’t be traveling to Washington DC for the inauguration next week, this is what you’ll be missing.
 

 
This little peek at what’s to come, is a result of a dress rehearsal for the big day.

Get to the polls, or mail off your absentee ballots today, and you can help decide who gets to live in this big, white house.
 
 
Photo credit:  Wikimedia, public domain
_________________________________________________

One of the fun results of writing the series Matchbook Monday is digging through my own matchbooks and discovering fun places that I have been, along with the memories of times well spent.  I’ve heard from many readers that they enjoy that same experience.
But everyone in awhile I come across a matchbook that evokes no memory at all.  And that’s the case with today’s matchbook from the West End Cafe.
I had to do a little searching to find out where the West End Cafe is located.  Turns out that it’s located at the Circle Hotel, an affiliate of George …read more

Today’s Matchbook comes from Nathan’s in Georgetown (3150 M Street, Washington DC).
Occupying prime real estate at the corner of Wisconsin & M Streets, Nathan’s fashions itself as a neighborhood saloon.  The bar has dark walls with lots of wood and brass, and when I’ve been there, there has always been a sporting event on the television.
The restaurant has wood paneled walls, red leather banquettes, and black and white photographs on the wall.  It’s rumored as a favorite haunt of several recognizable DC figures, although I’ve never seen any — or haven’t recognized anyone.
The menu covers typical American fare, with …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from a friend who swears that this is her favorite Italian restaurant in Georgetown  — Paolo’s.
The Georgetown location (1303 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC) was the original home for Paolo’s, and the restaurant has now expanded to additional locations in Reston and Towson.  You can check out the menu here.
I haven’t tried Paolo’s, and am wondering if I need to put it on my list.  Anyone else care to chime in on it?
Do you have a favorite restaurant or club that you’d like to share?  Please email a photo to me for use on a …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from La Tomate, a family owned Italian bistro in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington DC.
A friend sent me this matchbook and reminded me of many an evening we had spent there with a bottle of wine and a lively conversation.  I’m not sure that we ever had a meal there; we’d mostly stop in for a little music, conversation, and the people watching that the neighborhood is known for.
The restaurant and bar was always busy, whether from it’s location, reputation, or food, I’m not certain, and at times it could be a bit on …read more