Had a fantastic experience here in Washington DC for the Tobacco End Game Summit. I found my people from every corner of the USA and from several other countries trying to save lives by fighting an industry that has the PRIVILEGE to PEDDLE POISON. Where is the outrage at 8 MILLION preventable deaths a year?
I took a few other days here in DC to see museums and I got a start by going to the National Gallery. What a gem, and what a reminder of how beautifully this French-inspired city was laid out. I was so reminded of wonderful times in Paris when I sat in the drizzle on the National Mall. I saw incredible works and experienced zen in the halls of this most gorgeous building as well. I’m sure the pictures won’t do it justice.
Americans have so much to be proud of in our society with the right context put to the art of our culture, and that was very clear in the depictions of black and indigenous Americans, even though the gallery was very heavily European-influenced. Reading the fine print and discovering what is behind art history reveals so much. I hope to see a variety of museums while I’m here.
This squirrel is hesitant at first, but then takes tiny pieces of bread right out of my hand numerous times this morning. I feel blessed to connect with animals like this. Years ago I was called an Alpaca Whisperer and many of you followed the doves nesting my front porch wreath last year.
Very early morning! Solano Rowing Club’s Women’s Team could not be stopped. With the rain, wind, and cold they moved to Benicia 9th Street Pier from Glen Cove Marina disembarking at 6am.
I was the bowhook in case someone needed relief, but they kicked ass so I got a free ride. I was happy to be there to help our teams get ready for the next race.
While waiting at the Vallejo Yacht Club I felt the 11:12am earthquake from the East Bay, one day after a rare New Jersey centered earthquake was felt by tens of millions of people in the New York City area.
The above pictures were taken by me. My fellow rowers took the these:
Feel free to check out the Q2 issue of the Glen Cove Community Association newsletter for our neighborhood. I write a President’s Letter article, but this quarter I had to include the sad story of the fire on January 18. I’m still proud of how professional our team delivers this online periodical each time. See Slideshow version here.
Brought the dogs to my friend Peter Herman’s amazing backyard. Got some great hot tub in while the dogs explored a novel place for them. Had great music and snacks and great company practicing my Spanish and teaching him a bit of Italian. I’m so lucky to have him as a friend through these tough times especially. I’ll certainly appreciate my hot tub when I get home to Wellfleet Drive again.
I’m very pleased with how some of my selfies turned out, and also glad I didn’t drop my phone in the water!
Mike O’Rourke is an amazing attorney in Canada who I went to law school with and who was instrumental in my coming out process. His husband and he flew in to the San Francisco area and we were able to meet up with our friends Rick and Kai. I brought the dogs to Viansa Winery and then we made a quick trip to downtown Sonoma where we had lunch. The weather was gorgeous and I was glad I was able to share some time with them as they started their Wine Country leg of their trip. Mike had flown in from Hong Kong a few days before and Pangus (a British Columbia native) flew in from Toronto, where they both currently live.
