This weekend I spent a lot of time reminiscing about past Independence Days...mostly thankful for where I was this year and that I wasn't on the Mall. I have spent 3 amazing yet miserable 4ths on the Mall. It doesn't get much better than fireworks draped behind the Washington Monument in what seems like a touchable distance. But it certainly does get better than 100 degrees, 99% humidity, and not a cloud in the sky for cover.
My first mall experience was when I was a summer intern, my parents and younger brothers were visiting for the week, and we ventured out to the Mall with a bunch of other interns I was living with. We staked out our share of green space at about 10 am and stayed there for the next 12 hours and basically sweated, we didn't have energy to do much else. Of course we took a number of breaks touring the museums which provided great relief from the sweltering heat.
The next time I watched from the Ellipse and it rained on and off all day. What I remember most about that year was the walk from 17th Street NW to 8th Street NE in the pouring rain. JWM and I ran for a little bit but then we decided just to take it slow, a nice summer walk in the rain for 25 blocks.
The last (and perhaps final, unless our kids can get us out there someday) time on the mall was under the direction of the going out committee headed by Benanna, though I don't think Ben was part of the team yet. We packed a serious picnic...two maybe three coolers full of food...including juice spiked with rum and jello shots, both were very illegal and probably didn't help much as we were losing lots of water to the heat anyway. We staked our green space right at the base of the Washington Monument with 3 or 4 blankets, a Volleyball court, and a croquet field, as the crowds filled around us we just continued with our games and our group grew all afternoon as our friends joined the party.
BUT...
This year it was really nice to spend the afternoon by the pool with drinks and a great spread. Then the evening at the FRB watching the fireworks from an air conditioned dining room with the Mister and PAL. Pal loved (sleeping through) the fireworks. And we enjoyed a nice relaxing, cool Fourth of July.
living, laughing, loving on S street
3 comments:
I remember those summers in DC when I was in college! Ugh! I worked at NIH and would sweat just walking from my car to my office at 7:30am! I'm so glad you are enjoying little PAL and were nice and cool this year! I've been enjoying checking your blog periodically and I'm so happy for you both! She is adorable and it's so fun to see your joy with her!
Check out our blog for our four kids!
~Stephanie
Oh, yes I remember that 4th of July!!! The hottest, most miserable day of the year, yet so much awe and beauty being at the nations capital on the 4th!!! Lance playing with those sticks all afternoon!!! Your "little firecracker" is so precious and lucky to spend the 4th with you, friends, and at the Fed.!!!! It is "THE" place to be on the 4th of July!!!!
Love ya
Mom
I wandered onto your blog from Ben&Anna's today. Anna told me about your happy addition to the fam--congrats! Also, Naoshi and I well remember that 4th on the mall where we all almost died of heat stroke. What doesn't kill us makes for a good story later!
--Debbie
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