This morning Hubby and I went for a long walk at the National Arboretum. They changed the parking areas and flow of traffic, essentially opening up most of the roads to pedestrians and cyclists only, so we had to park off campus and walk in. We have never seen the place so full of people. Thankfully, there is plenty of room to absorb the crowds. The azaleas are just past their peak, and with yesterday’s rain, were looking a little soggy. But despite this, the colors were still dazzling to the senses.  We made our way up the hill to the Asian collection, then walked down the steep path to the Anacostia River. Some people had kayaked to the arboretum. No sign of our bald eagle friends nesting on the azalea hill.

This evening I went to a storytelling show outside at a new brewery in the Shenandoah (Lost Barrel Brewing). My good friend Shabnam Curtis was telling her fist live story, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. Despite the face masks, it was so Before Times to gather outdoors for good drinks, good food, and good stories. Seems everyone is feeling more confident—most of us are vaccinated or at least halfway there, but it’s still important not to let our guards down. On the lovely evening drive home I was treated to the full moon.

Mom is spending a couple more nights in the hospital until we can find a place to move her where she can get the skilled nursing care she needs. She doesn’t know it yet, but that’s where we are.