Beautiful Fall Monday in Maryland

Mondays are tough!

This morning I had scheduled to have a fasting blood test done. It was very cold this morning, must have impacted my veins. The technician had a little trouble getting to a vein. (Had to use something I think called a "butterfly", which actually hurt.) Last time, the young guy with several tattoos drew the blood, he had no problem. He didn't hurt me at all, I barely knew he was doing anything. Some people just have a really nice touch. I wonder where my tattooed friend was today? Seems like a different technician every time. That would not be a job I would want, however, I'm thankful for them.

Weekend in WV was OK. Stressful though... so much negativity. Very tough situation, no answers for the anger and grief. But so hard to deal with. Jesus. Such bitterness, anger, rage so close the surface, its like walking into a mine field. want to help, but really cannot. Want to run. Want others to quit being so mean to each other, for Goodness sake.

Will have to call NYC about the stocks. another stressor.

The Renwick

It was a beautiful day here in Washington, DC today. I spent part of the day at the Renwick and a few hours at the National Portrait Gallery. It was really nice. The Renwick has a lovely quilt exhibit of quilts moving west --- quite a few from Nebraska. Fine quilts.

The National Portrait Gallery is really large, much larger than I had imagined. It is conveniently near the Gallery-Chinatown metro stop and several good restaurants. Legals and Zola I saw for sure. (and Chipolte.)

The Cloisters

I enjoyed a great Columbus Day holiday in NYC. On Saturday we visited the Statue of Liberty, and then Ellis Island. The Statue trip was delayed due to fog, but after waiting more than 2 hours, we were able to depart of the Lady at 10AM. That was fine, we were able to go inside the statue and ride an elevator up to the top of the pedestal. Nice view, fun to see the statue up close and personal. Lots of security measures in place, Ed had to throw out our two bananas we had saved from breakfast.
We were on our feet a lot, especially with the two hour wait. I was tired, by the time I got to Ellis Island, I was really pooped, but managed to hear the audio tour and walk around. I really liked the Ellis Island tour. Very informative and very very moving. We poked around a bit in the research center, but Grandma Gallo's name doesn't seem to be there. We're doing something wrong, but were too tired to figure out what.
We flew into Laguardia instead of taking the train. (Both to save time and $$) We stayed at the DoubleTree on Lexington Ave. It was fine. (too $$$ though)

On Sunday, our son went with us to The Cloisters....
which was a very long bus ride on the M4. Son left quickly so he could go to a football game.......but I enjoyed listening to the audiocast at the Cloisters. It is a neat place, medieval art, architecture, tapestries. Tranquil, fun, interesting. Bus back to Manhattan -- 1 1/2 hour.

Got to share breakfast on Monday with son before departure. That was great.