Bright and Charming !!

NEW Private Exclusive LISTING!
Picture yourself relaxing in front of the fireplace of this beautiful Bungalow in AU Park on an enchanting winter evening!

Address: 4600 Asbury Place, NW Washington, DC 20016
Listed at $860,000
Bing and I know this American University Park neighborhood very well, as he has a fellow Airedale, Lucy on Asbury Place too! This house is featured in the book, BUNGALOW NATION.This is a lovely tree lined two-block street between 48th and 49th, close to parks (woof), two subway stations(Tenleytown/AU and Friendship Heights on the Red Line) and major bus lines on nearby Massachusetts Avenue. Not to mention how close it is to downtown DC, Spring Valley and Bethesda!

This Classic 1939 Bungalow has it all-- four bedrooms and three full baths on a beautiful elevated corner lot that has been thoughtfully renovated and the large yard has been landscaped masterfully with azaleas and select trees. Your are first welcomed by the grand front porch complete with a copper roof. The living room boasts original hardwood floors and a working fireplace and a soaring atrium with cathedral ceilings and skylights that make this an especially bright and airy space. The gourmet kitchen is complete with beautiful hardwood cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. This is truly a classic home with original craftsman style details and a contemporary twist.


The two bedrooms on the main floor can aslo be used as lounging or dining areas. The wrap-a-round rear deck is easily accessed for meals or grand entertaining with serene tree tops views. The garage is just steps away from the back door of the home.

The bright upper level boasts a handsome Master Suite, complete with ample storage closets and a full bath. The skylights and large dormer windows on the front and side of the house maximizes the warm light from the South and East.

The lower level was totally dug out by the previous owners and the current owners took it up another notch with hardwood floors and tasteful updates. There is a large bedroom, full bath, a library (could be easily updated with kitchenette) and another ample room that could be used as a den/office.

Please contact me for additional photos and information on this listing.

Kevin Canada
202.746.3988
kbcanada@gmail.com


TOYS FOR TOTS

Welcome to Toys for Tots Washington D.CThank you for your interest in the Toys for Tots program of Washington D.C. This website covers information for Washington D.C, and Montgomery counties. If your interest is in other states visit the national website at www.toysfortots.org

This website provides the tools for; individual families to request toys, drop-off locations, sponsorship, donations and volunteer support. You can also keep up with what Toys for Tots is doing in your community through our local events and gallery pages. This is a dynamic website that will be kept up to date throughout the season so you will have the opportunity to see how your gifts are being used and how you can further support our holiday mission

http://www.dctoysfortots.org/

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!

Ho Ho Ho

Bing and I wish everyone Happy Holidays!! See you in 2009!!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS!!

Today's Events

Theater: Legally Blonde the Musical
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - Sunday, January 11, 2009
Location: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Nominated for seven 2007 Tony Awards, Legally Blonde makes its DC premiere. Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her, Elle sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law.
Bill of Rights Day Naturalization Ceremony
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
10:00 AM
Location: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
The National Archives, in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, continues its annual tradition of holding a naturalization ceremony for petitioners seeking American citizenship.

Fabulous Holiday Centerpiece Talk and Workshop
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Visitors will learn about Hillwood’s holiday floral decorations on a walk through the mansion, then join floral designer Adrienne Summers, AIFD, to make a festive holiday arrangement of their own.

Gallery Talk: The Christmas Story in Art
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
11:00 AM - 12:00 noon
Location: National Gallery of Art
Join J. Russell Sale for a gallery talk on the topic of The Christmas Story in Art.

1st Annual Riverfront Holiday Market
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - Thursday, December 18, 2008
11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Capitol Riverfront
The first annual Riverfront Holiday Market will attempt to capture some of the magic of both the Downtown Holiday Market and Eastern Market during a three-day run.

Chamber Concert: Friday Morning Music Club
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM
Location: Dumbarton House Museum
Friday Morning Music Club presents a chamber concert featuring the works of Beethoven.

Kluge Scholar Seminar - Model City: Buildings and Projects by Paul Rudolph for Yale and New Haven
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM
Location: The Library of Congress
Kluge Fellow Timothy Rohan discusses Model City: Buildings and Projects By Paul Rudolph for Yale and New Haven.

Music - Tuesday Concert Series: Christmas Benefit Concert
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
12:10 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Church of the Epiphany
The Tuesday Concert Series features vocal and instrumental soloists as well as musical ensembles from all over the Washington area. Today hear the Epiphany Choir perform Christmas readings and music, featuring audience carols.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Film Series: Running Fence
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
2:15 PM
Location: The Phillips Collection
This film shows Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s five-year struggle to build a 24.5-mile fence of white nylon fabric and steel poles on the private property of 59 ranchers in California’s Sonoma and Marin counties and into the Pacific Ocean.

Backstage Tour
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Sidney Harman Hall
Are there flies in flyspace? Where do the actors go between their entrances and exits? Is the green room really green? These interesting answers and even more interesting secrets are revealed in this new backstage tour of Sidney Harman Hall.

Music: Convivium
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: U.S. Botanic Garden
Come to the U.S. Botanic Conservatory for live musical performances throughout the month of December. These special nights will have extended evening hours until 8 pm. Tonight, Convivium presents an a cappella program.

Workshop - Grip and Grin: Office Event Photography
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: The Brandywine, Connecticut Avenue
Given in an office environment by professional photographer E. David Luria, this safari will cover topics such as how to pose people, how to cover office conferences and meetings, “grip and grin” award ceremonies, and candid shots of co-workers.

Author Lecture: Cartoonist Mort Gerberg
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Washington District of Columbia Jewish Community Center
New Yorker cartoonist Mort Gerberg has assembled an all-star cast of gifted cartoonists in order to create a collection that will amuse, inspire, and occasionally unnerve everyone obsessed with the perennially compelling topics of old age, retirement, and, yes, death.

Music: Les Yeux Noirs
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
7:30 PM
Location: La Maison Française
Les Yeux Noirs are a group of six scintillating musicians who have offered audiences around the globe an intoxicating and jazzy blend of Romani ("gypsy") and Yiddish klezmer music that explores the common relationship between these two parallel di





The Big Bad Woof Dog Adoption Event
If you're thinking about adopting a dog, come visit several fine canine representatives at Big Bad Woof, a pet boutique for the socially conscious pet, featuring organic food, fresh bones and stylish collars and accessories. Stop by...you just may meet your new best friend!
December 20, 2008
Time: 11:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Big Bad Woof 117 Carroll Street, NW Washington, DC

Big Bad Woof is conveniently located in Takoma Park on the Metro's red line. For more information, please call 202.291.2404 or visit thebigbadwoof.com.

http://www.warl.org/

Over the River and Through the woods...

Bing and I had had a lovely morning walk to Rose Park in historic Georgetown with a beautiful golden mantle of ginkgo leaves.

Here's more on Georgetown:

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/information2550/information.htm?area=2526

Before setting off on your Thanksgiving travels, read this funny article by humorist Ken Levine

Thanksgiving travel tips
The Thanksgiving holiday is the peak travel weekend of the year (in America. The rest of the world could give a rat’s ass about Thanksgiving.) So as a public service, here are some travel tips: Leave for the airport NOW.

Especially if your flight is on Wednesday.Bring no luggage. Wearing the same clothes for a week is a small price to pay.Southwest has no reserved seating. Get in one of the latter groups boarding. You don’t want to be one of the first to sit then watch as fifty people glance at the empty seat next to you, then to you, and decide to sit somewhere else.If you have children under the age of five tell your relatives one has an ear ache and make everyone come to YOU.Those people in the Stand-By line – those are the same people who think they can get rich selling Amway products, and the Tooth Fairy really exists. Don’t fly Stand-By unless you like sleeping in airport terminals for five days.If you rent from Hertz plan on a two hour wait just to get your car. Unless you’re one of their “preferred” customers in which case allow only one hour.When rental car companies recommend you use premium gasoline put in regular. It’s cheaper, it’ll run just fine, and it’s not your car.Before you pull off the road to a Chuck E. Cheese for lunch, remember their namesake is a rat.Three words of advice if you’re driving a long distance: XM satellite radio. Especially if you’re crossing Texas and want to listen to Air America.Air travelers: avoid O’Hare. Better to land in Dallas, even if your destination is Chicago.If you’re dropping someone off at the airport don’t even think you’ll be able to stop. Have your travelers practice the tuck and roll from a moving car. The first couple of times they’ll bounce but by the fourth or fifth try they should have it down.Watch the DVD of HOSTEL on your laptop. The bigger the screen, the better.There’s more legroom in Exit rows. When the flight attendants ask if you are willing to help out in case of emergency just say yes. Like it’s going to make a big difference anyway if you crash.There are NO bargains in the Sky Mall magazine.When you’re stuck in St. Louis and all flights are grounded (and trust me, you WILL be), grab lunch at Mike Shannon’s.If you’re flying on an airline that doesn’t have reserved seating never sit next to anyone whose already eating or reading Ann Coulter.Before you fly to New York and have to negotiate JFK just remember – the parade is on TV. And it’s the same balloons as last year. The only difference is that the stars of NBC’s big new hit from last year, COMMITTED won’t be there.Never pay to see an in-flight movie starring Debra Messing.Put a big strip of duct tape on your luggage so you’ll recognize it easily. And it makes a nice fashion statement.If you’re flying with small children see if there’s such a thing as “Flintstones Valium”.In-flight alcoholic beverages are expensive. Better to drink heavily at the airport before boarding.

And finally, watch PLANES, TRAINS, & AUTOMOBILES again and think of it as a “best” case scenario.

Happy trails to you all.

OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY November 23rd on Capitol Hill, 1-3 pm

Address: 221 3rd Street, SE

Washington, DC 20003

FABULOUS LOCATION! 3 STORY BRICK W/ DOUBLE PARLOR LR, NEW BATHS & GREAT FLOW! PERFECT FOR COMFORTABLE LIVING & GREAT FLOOR PLAN FOR ENTERTAINING. HW FLOORS THROUGH OUT, ORIGINAL DETAILS, 4 FPL, OPEN FAMILY RM/KITCHEN W DOOR TO PATIO. MOVE RIGHT IN! WALK TO CAPITOL, HOUSE & LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. CLOSE TO RESTAURANTS & METRO.BTWN PEN & C ST. Priced at $949,500

VIRTUAL TOUR:

http://www.homevisit.com/tour/mrisTour.asp?id=23457

DINING OUT FOR Thanksgiving!!

http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/cityarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=13283121&GT1=24000

Food & Friends

About Food & Friends
Reverend Carla Gorrell founded Food & Friends in 1988 when a friend, sick at home with AIDS, needed something to eat. What began as lunch for one has become 3 meals a day, for more than 1,300 individuals, six days a week. Over the past decade, we have moved from a cramped church basement to our own state-of-the-art kitchen and pantry facility and initiated new programs to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses in the Washington, DC, metropolitan community.


Volunteer & Donation Information:


http://www.foodandfriends.org/site/pp.asp?c=ggLMIYOGKrF&b=1851063

Please unleash me--let me GO!!

Bing has been enjoying frequent trips to the newly opened off leash dog park! A nice place for our four legged friends and owners to socialize too! In the photo is Bing and his neighbor Juno enjoying the dog park.

Located on 11th Street, just south of R Street in the Shaw/Logan area!

Follow this link for more information and photos:

http://dcist.com/2008/11/04/shaw_recreation_field_dog_park_fini.php

another Washington Post article on the new Shaw Dog Park-- 11/20/08

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/19/AR2008111901420.html

Featured Events


Music: IFC's 29th Annual Interfaith Concert Tuesday, November 18, 2008 7:30 PM Location: Washington National CathedralThe Interfaith Concert is the annual "Celebration of the Sacred in Song, Dance, and Chant" Interfaith Conference on Metropolitan Washington. For more than 29 years, this concert has been inspired by the musical talents of international artists.

Performance - Surati: Classical and Folk Indian Dance from New Jersey Wednesday, November 19, 2008 12:00 noon - 1:00 PM Location: The Library of CongressSurati, inc. is a performing arts company and school for Indian music and dance, based in New Jersey. Surati’s group of professional dancers and musicians perform a multitude of Indian Classical and traditional folk styles on stage.

Early American Beverage Tasting Series: Chocolate and Wine Tasting Thursday, November 20, 2008 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location: Dumbarton House MuseumJoin Master Chocolatier Eric Johnson along with Boxwood Winery during this program that will expand your wine-tasting experience and appreciation while discovering the similarities and differences of the pairings of wine and chocolate.

Family Theater: Chem Mystery Friday, November 21, 2008 - Saturday, November 22, 2008 Location: The Katzen Arts Center at American UniversityThree students shun each other because they assume they are too different to be friends. One loves science, one loves storytelling, and the last loves sports. When they find themselves threatened by a bully, they put their differences aside to save themselves.

Edit labels

Presents For Paws-Washington Animal Rescue League
Presents for Paws, now in its eighth year, is a holiday drive through which the League collects pet food, treats, new toys, dog sweaters, cat scratching pads, and beds for cats and dogs. In late December, we distribute these gifts to people whose animals need them. This year, with the downturn in the economy, the list of people who need our help is longer than it has ever been. Gifts can be brought to the League's shelter between November 24 and December 23. Or they can be dropped off at a number of different locations in the area.

Contact Information email: warl@warl.org phone: 202-726-2556 web: http://www.warl.org/

Volunteer at Washington Animal Rescue League!!

http://www.warl.org/howhelp/volunteer.php

Harvest Home

Today's walk was in the U Street Corridor!

Featured Events


Family Tasting Series: Time for Tea! Saturday, November 8, 2008 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Location: Dumbarton HouseFamilies with young ladies and gentlemen are invited to this post-lunchtime activity to examine the history, culture, and varying tastes of one of the world's oldest and most popular beverages: tea!

Classical Native - Three Sides: A Multimedia Collaboration Sunday, November 9, 2008 1:00 PM Location: National Museum of the American IndianFor the third year in a row the NMAI presents Native composers and classical musicians. Today a new Native classical chamber music trio, Three Sides, presents three new works, including video and narration.

Symposium - Where Are You Taking Me?: What's Next in Musical Theater Monday, November 10, 2008 11:00 AM Location: Georgetown UniversityThis symposium features musical theater practitioners from around the country and will include a closed roundtable discussion followed by an open performance of songs from up-and-coming musicals.

Candlelight Walking Tour: Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11, 2008 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: National MallOn Veterans Day, honor and remember those who fought in the service of our country. This tour will explore the meaning of Veterans Day by interpreting the symbolism of three memorials and comparing them through events that changed history. Today's Events

Teacher Workshop - Teaching with Images: Shaping Views of American Indians Saturday, November 8, 2008 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM Location: National Museum of the American IndianIn celebration of Fritz Scholder: Indian/Not Indian, this workshop will help teachers integrate contemporary images of Native peoples into classroom discussions through an interdisciplinary focus on contemporary social, political, and environmental issues.

Exhibition: Rarities on Display Saturday, November 8, 2008 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: National Postal MuseumRarities from the Club de Monte-Carlo will be on display in honor of the evening's Philatelic Achievement Award Gala. The exhibition consisting of 22 frames includes pieces from Prince Albert II of Monaco, Robert Cunliffe, and others.

Family Theater: Kaydee Puppets Saturday, November 8, 2008 10:00 AM Location: Avalon TheatreProgrammed in part with Kids First!, the morning series features classic films, soon-to-be-released titles, and independent films that are engaging, respectful, and violence-free. Today bring the kids for a special program featuring the Kaydee Puppets!

Spy City Tour Saturday, November 8, 2008 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon Location: International Spy MuseumThis tour features over 25 of DC's most notable sites used by some of the nation's most infamous spies. Everywhere you turn you can find offices, restaurants, and hotels that have been at the center of espionage activity for the past 65 years...if you know where to look!

Workshop: What Story Are You Living? Saturday, November 8, 2008 10:15 AM - 5:00 PM Location: National Museum of Women in the ArtsUsing Role Models: Feminine Identity in Contemporary Photography as a point of departure, participants will explore the ways images in the exhibition can be interpreted archetypally, discover how to create effective stories, and more.

Children's Workshop: On the Campaign "Tail" Saturday, November 8, 2008 10:30 AM - 12:00 noon Location: Corcoran Gallery of ArtFlex your electoral muscles by voting for the Corcoran Youth and Family Mascot! Visit the galleries to meet candidates such as a brave buffalo and loyal lion. Before you cast your ballot, design your own campaign button, and hone your speech-writing skills.

Teacher Workshop - Timbuktu to Tibet: Textiles for Teachers Saturday, November 8, 2008 10:30 AM Location: The Textile MuseumTextiles are meaningful in the lives of all people. Learn how artists and artisans express their diverse traditions, lifestyles, fashions, and technologies through the textiles they create.

Family - 11th International Festival of Hispanic Theater: The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe Saturday, November 8, 2008 11:30 AM Location: Gunston Arts CenterTeatro de la Luna celebrates its 11th International Festival of Hispanic Theater, featuring award-winning actors and troupes from Hispanic countries in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Today enjoy The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.

Family Lecture: Diving with Whales and Sharks Saturday, November 8, 2008 12:00 noon Location: National Geographic Live!Photographer Brian Skerry, author of A Whale On Her Own: The True Story of Wilma the Beluga Whale, will take kids on a dive into the worlds of whales and sharks, showing how even these powerful animals face challenges to their survival.

Family Tasting Series: Time for Tea! Saturday, November 8, 2008 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Location: Dumbarton HouseFamilies with young ladies and gentlemen are invited to this post-lunchtime activity to examine the history, culture, and varying tastes of one of the world's oldest and most popular beverages: tea!

Bike Tour - History of the Mall: Explore the History of America's Front Yard Saturday, November 8, 2008 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Thomas Jefferson Memorial PlazaGrab your bike and join National Park Service Rangers to see and hear how the National Mall has evolved into what you experience today.

Lecture: The Lives of Epic Legends Saturday, November 8, 2008 1:00 PM Location: Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler GalleryDr. Philip Lutgendorf, professor of Hindi and modern Indian studies at the University of Iowa, discusses relationships among visual, textual, and performed versions of Indian stories, including episodes from the Hindi Ramayana of Tulsidas.

OPEN HOUSE-- Sunday, November 9th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

3537 Alton Place, NW

Washington, DC 20008

25K Price Reduction!!

PRICE REDUCTION!!!! Beautiful 3 Bedroom Solid Brick Home in North Cleveland Park with Large Backyard and Attached Garage. This Light & Airy Home Offers Central Air, Formal Dining Room, Cozy Fireplace and beautiful Hardwood Floors. Consider Expanding Your Living Area Into Your Huge Backyard. Sits on a Quiet Street with Only a Two Block Walk to the UDC Metro Stop (Red Line). You Can Settle Right In.

Virtual Tour:

http://slideshow.mris.com/slideshow.cfm?ListingKey=90007904771

Fall Reunion!!

Bing and I welcomed our good friends that flew in from Cincinatti, Chicago and Orlando for a fun filled weekend of catching up, great food and lots of laughs. They had fun at their retro themed room at Hotel Helix with leopard robes and bunk beds!

We spent time in Dupont Circle, Hotel Helix, Logan Station, great dinner at Georgia Browns, Eastern Market, brunch at Banana Cafe, breakfast at Trio's in Dupont Circle, light brunch on Sunday at Left Bank in Adams Morgan and lots of laughs!

http://www.hotelhelix.com/

http://www.gbrowns.com/

http://www.bananacafedc.com/

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/information2550/information.htm?area=2522

http://www.easternmarketdc.com/

Paws for a Cause!

We had a nice walk in Montrose Park, the beautiful park in Georgetown -- full of beautiful trees, roses and views!!

http://www.georgetowndc.com/go/montrose-park

http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc11.htm





PawFest 2008
The Washington Animal Rescue League’s Annual Open House
October 25 & 26, 2008

PawFest is an excellent opportunity to visit one of the most active and innovative animal rehabilitation and adoption centers in the country. Bring your family out for a weekend of fun and find out why the League is considered one of the most humane animal shelters in the world.
The weekend-long celebration begins with a low-cost ($10) vaccination and free microchip clinic on Saturday, October 25, from 9:30a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (made possible through the generosity of Bayer HealthCare — Animal Health). No appointment is necessary, but cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes.
Come back for the main event on Sunday, October 26 from12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Visit our vendor partners--Big Bad Woof, Dog Centric, and Happy Paws--stop by our pet training booth, walk your animal through the Haunted Shelter, or dress up your pet companion to compete in the annual pet costume contest!
Throughout the day, three-time Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Carol Guzy will be holding professional pet portrait photo sessions in the Medical Center lobby. Each session costs $200.00 for a photo CD of pictures of your pet. 100% of pet portrait sales will be donated to the League. Pre-registration is required. To reserve your 20-minute time slot, please contact spease@oai-usa.com.
Pet owners curious about the makeup of their lovable mixed breed pups can visit MetaMorphix, Inc.’s DNA Swab-a-thon™ booth to have their dog’s DNA analyzed. Kits will be sold for $120.00, $30.00 of which will go directly to support the League. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but not required. Please contact spease@oai-usa.com for more information or to pre-register.
Other family fun activities on Sunday include face painting, pet boutique shopping, pumpkin sales, and plenty of refreshments. Please bring friends, family and of course, dogs (on leashes)! Admission is free.

Autumn weather--at last!!

Yesterday I went South to the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia for brunch with my Mother and Sister. This photo is an early cool Autumnal shot of the upper pond complete with mallard ducks going in for their first swim of the day.

http://www.boarsheadinn.com/

Check out other great things to do in the Charlottesville Area, only about a two plus hour drive from Washington, DC.

http://www.10best.com/Charlottesville,VA/locationDetails.html

Washingtonian Magazine's article highlighting best vineyards in Virginia & Maryland

http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/travel/9580.html

Bing's pick of the week:

PawFest 2008The Washington Animal Rescue League’s annual open house.

October 25, 2008 to October 26, 2008 WARL 71 Oglethorpe Street, NW Washington, DC 20011
Visit one of the largest, most active and innovative animal rehabilitation and adoption centers in the country. Low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic on Saturday, October 25, 9:30 - 12:00. Shelter open house with Haunted Shelter, fun activities, light refreshments, animal portraits on Sunday, October 26, 12:00 - 4:00. Bring friends and family. Dogs welcome, too! Admission is free.

http://warl.org/about/

Basic Guide & Resource for First Time Home Buyers

http://homes.longandfoster.com/Buyers-Guide/Buyers-Guide.aspx

Over the River and Through the Woods.....

Bing and I enjoyed a nice weekend in Lynchburg, Virginia, yes at Grandma's house!

Celebrating Mom's 74th Birthday!



Lynchburg is a nice day trip from DC, just go out I66 and go South on Route 29.

You can visit Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello in Charlottesville and his summer home Poplar Forest outside of Lynchburg in Forest, Virgnia



http://www.monticello.org/


http://www.poplarforest.org/


Today's Events

Exhibition: Whales Tohorâ Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Location: National Geographic Museum at Explorers HallExplore the dramatic undersea world of whales in this breathtaking exhibition - alive with stories, intriguing objects, and interactive science. See a sperm whale hunt giant squid, hear whale voices, crawl through a model blue whale heart, and more!

Walking Tour - Environmental Studies: Dr. George Washington Carver Nature Trail Wednesday, October 15, 2008 10:30 AM - 12:00 noon Location: Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and CultureLearn about Dr. George Washington Carver and how the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa relate to natural recycling, the insect community, medicinal plants, and other outdoor offerings.

Dance - Happenings at the Harman: The Washington Ballet Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:00 noon - 1:00 PM Location: Sidney Harman HallSee the Washington Ballet in a special performance at Happenings.

Discussion: Suffragist Scrapbook Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:00 noon - 1:00 PM Location: The Library of CongressRosemary Plakas of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division discusses the Library's Suffragist Scrapbook Collection in the Creating the United States exhibition.

Gallery Talk - A Movable Feast: The Book as Art with Krystyna Wasserman, Curator of Book Arts Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:00 noon - 12:30 PM Location: National Museum of Women in the ArtsJoin NMWA educators, curators, and administrators as they offer short gallery talks in conjunction with NMWA's fall special exhibitions. Today's topic: A Movable Feast: The Book as Art with Krystyna Wasserman, Curator of Book Arts.

Music: Francesc de Paula Soler Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:00 noon - 1:00 PM Location: The Library of CongressGuitarist Francesc de Paula Soler performs classical guitar works in a program sponsored by the Hispanic Division.

Noontime Lecture Series and Book Signing - The Assassin's Accomplice: Mary Surratt and the Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:00 noon Location: U.S. National Archives and Records AdministrationKate Clifford Larson tells the story of Mary Surratt, a little-known participant in the plot to kill Abraham Lincoln, and the first woman ever to be executed by the Federal Government.

Music - Wednesday Jazz: Joe Natale Trio Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:30 PM Location: Corcoran Gallery of ArtJazz up your lunch time as the Corcoran Gallery of Art presents its free jazz concert series. Today enjoy performance by the Joe Natale Trio.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial 17th Annual Wreathlaying Day Wednesday, October 15, 2008 1:00 PM Location: National Law Enforcement Officers MemorialWith the laying of a wreath, top federal and law enforcement leaders will join surviving family members and colleagues of local officers who have died during the past year to mark the 17th anniversary of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Noontime Lecture Series and Book Signing - The Last Lincoln Conspirator: John Surratt's Flight from the Gallows Wednesday, October 15, 2008 1:30 PM Location: U.S. National Archives and Records AdministrationDespite all that has been written about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the story of John Surratt - the only conspirator who got away - remains untold and largely unknown. Andrew Jampoler tells what happened to that last conspirator.

Author Lecture, Discussion, and Book Signing - Vine Deloria, Jr. Native Writers Series: Ofelia Zepeda Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:30 PM Location: National Museum of the American Indian

Music: Martin Taylor Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:30 PM Location: IDB Cultural CenterAward-winning guitarist Martin Taylor has established a unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognized as the world's foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing.

Curator Lecture - Out of Sight: Life and Work of Slaves and Servants in a Georgetown Home Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:45 PM Location: Tudor PlaceJoin Tudor Place for an informative lecture of the community of domestic workers, enslaved and free, that lived and worked at Tudor Place. This lecture explores domestic service in Georgetown and DC from the early 1800s through modern day.

Film - Reel Portraits: On the Waterfront Wednesday, October 15, 2008 7:00 PM Location: National Portrait GalleryMarlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint star in this 1954 drama about violence and corruption on the docks of New York.

Walking Tour: The Most Haunted Houses Wednesday, October 15, 2008 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Lafayette Square"With the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit," wrote Edgar Allan Poe, describing the home of Roderick Usher. Imagine the observations Mr. Poe might have penned about the homes encountered on this walk and their owners.

Music: Tribute to Maestro Rostropovich! Wednesday, October 15, 2008 7:30 PM Location: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsThe Rostropovich Foundation presents a concert of classical masterpieces performed by Rostropovich Commemorative Scholarship Winners, honoring Maestro Rostropovich's passionate devotion and commitment to aspiring young talent.

Performance: Kahurangi Mâori Dance Theatre Wednesday, October 15, 2008 7:30 PM Location: National Geographic Live!The Kahurangi Māori Dance Theatre has introduced audiences around the world to the vibrant culture of the native Māori people of New Zealand with chants in honor of ancestors, martial arts demonstrations, and powerful songs of Māori pride.

Films at the Avalon - French Cinémathèque: In Mom's Head / La Tête de Maman Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:00 PM Location: Avalon Theatre"Twenty years ago, a few years before I was born, mom loved a guy. Twenty years ago, they were forced apart and when the silly fool left, he took my mom’s smile with him. I’ve gotta find him, gotta bring him back for mom. Otherwise, I’ll die." - Lulu, 15 years old.

Poetry and Prose Reading: Faculty Benefit Reading Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:00 PM Location: The Katzen Arts Center at American UniversityThe annual reading of poetry and prose by American University’s creative writing faculty features Kyle Dargan, Andrew Holleran, David Keplinger, Richard McCann, Glenn Moomau, and Mary Kay Zuravleff.

Presentation - ReConstitution 2008: A Live Remix of the Presidential Debates Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:00 PM Location: Corcoran Gallery of ArtReConstitution is a live audiovisual remix of the 2008 presidential debates. The brainchild of Sosolimited, this nonpartisan hybrid of video art and performance exposes the themes, content, and structure behind the sound and images of the debate.

Social Event: Trivia Night Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:00 PM Location: Solly's U Street TavernTrivia Nights at Solly's are a blast and on Wednesday, October 15 all proceeds will benefit the Young Playwrights' Theater.



OPEN House- Sunday, October 19th, 2-4

Address: 3401-3420 38th Street, NW # 522

Lovely One Bedroom/One Bath with Large Balcony in Vaughan Place Towers

Price Reduced to $359.500.00

Great Cleveland Park location. You can walk to Starbucks and Giant and enjoy the many amenities, such as 24/7 Concierge, Pool, Fitness Center, On-site Property Management, and free shuttle to the Tenleytown Metro. Pet Friendly!

Check out my website for a host of useful resources!

http://www.kevincanada.lnfre.com/

Airedales, Bison & Bulldogs..Oh My!!!

Bing and I had a nice walk on Q Street across the Dumbarton Bridge (also known as the Bison Bridge) through Georgetown this morning. This is also the last original carriage bridge in the city--if you walk below the bridge you can see the beautiful details, which include Indian heads.

Featured Local Events:


Music: Patrick Bismuth and La Tempesta Thursday, October 9, 2008 7:30 PM Location: La Maison FrançaiseThis renowned French baroque ensemble is celebrated for its bold and enthusiastic interpretations.

Walking Tour: Return to the Philippines Friday, October 10, 2008 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: World War II MemorialIn the spring of 1942, General Douglas MacArthur made a promise to the Philippine people: “I shall return.” Many American military personnel that were left behind had to survive the infamous Bataan Death March. What was their story and how many survived?

Workshop for Kids: Making a Viewing Stone Display in a Tray Saturday, October 11, 2008 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon Location: U.S. National ArboretumThis workshop will be taught by Jim Greaves, a stone collector and master of viewing stone display. Participants will learn about stone appreciation and create their own display to take home.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Sunday, October 12, 2008 Location: Hillwood Estate, Museum & GardensParticipate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony guided by the Chado Urasenke DC Association. Or take advantage of the Sunday opening to relax and enjoy the fall foliage, which is breathtaking this time of year.

more information can be found at the Cultural Tourism DC website:

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/calendar2532/calendar.htm

Taste of Georgetown
(M & Wisconsin Avenue, NW)

Saturday, October 11th, 11 am – 4 pm

The annual Taste of Georgetown showcases the spectacular cuisine of thirty of Washington, D.C.’s finest restaurants, highlighting Georgetown’s culinary personalities and featuring nearly sixty delectable dishes to sample, as well as wine pairings and the jazz talents of Blues Alley.As the fifteenth annual celebration of food, wine, and music, the Taste of Georgetown has become the premier food and wine festival of D.C.


All proceeds benefit the Georgetown Ministry Center’s Service to support the homeless.


http://tasteofgeorgetown.com/



HUD to Offer $50 million in Housing Counseling Grants

As part of an ongoing program to help families prepare for homeownership, HUD will offer housing counseling grants to assist families in becoming first-time homeowners and remaining homeowners after their purchase. HUD-approved counseling agencies not only provide homeownership counseling, but also offer financial literacy training to renters and homeless individuals and families. "These critical counseling grants not only help to put people into homes, but they help to keep them there as well," said Preston. "Housing counseling organizations will continue to help families make more informed choices before they purchase a home and counsel families facing foreclosure. Now, more than ever, it is critical that Americans better understand how to manage their money, navigate the homebuying process, and securing their financial future." Counseling agencies will use $4 million to help assist senior citizens seeking reverse mortgages or Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM).


http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm


DC Dog Parks

http://www.doggeek.com/Dog%20Parks/Washington%20DC.shtml

Historic Neighorhoods in DC

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/homepage2549/index.htm

Pumpkins & Gardens

Today's walk with Bing found us going north on Wisconsin Avenue from Georgetown up past Glover Park and further north to(left on Porter Street) MClean Gardens Cleveland Park.

MClean Gardens is a lovely condominium community with handsome brick buildings situated on over 40 acres of tree lined streets, anchored by Wisconsin Avenue to the East and Archibold Glover Park to the West.

Here is their website for history and more information:

http://www.mcleangardens.com/outside_home.asp

Sunday Open House: MClean Gardens, October 5th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Address: 3600 38th Street, NW, Unit #276

Description:

Immaculately maintained large one bedroom loft ,this light and airy top floor corner unit offers spacious bedrooms (1,290totsf)& open floor plan with two-story vaulted ceilings. Other features include spacious kitchen with ample cabinet & counter space, master suite on main level with dressing room, hardwood, fresh paint, washer/dryer,9 windows,3 skylights with three exposures. Amenities Include: Pool & Tennis courts. Pet Friendly! Move in Ready!

Monday.. Monday...

Our morning walk took us South down 13th Street through the historic U Street Corridor and eventually to the historic Logan Circle Neighborhood.

Then it was time for Bing to go to the Vet (City Paws at 1823 14th Street, NW) for his annual shots!!He actually loves to go to the Vet!(http://www.citypawsdc.com/)

Georgetown Long & Foster gets $49 Million Dollar Listing!

WSJ article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122236932560775917.html

Check out this sampling of other businesses on 14th Street:

Pulp, 1803 14th Street, NW-fun cards and gifts (http://www.pulpdc.com/)

Go Mamma Go, 1809 14th Street, NW- huge array of asian gifts and much more!(http://www.gomammago.com/)

Home Rule,1807 14th Street, NW contemporary accessories for your home (http://www.homerule.com/)

SaintEx ,1847 14th Street, contemporary cuisine with flare- I loved the fried green tomato BLT! (http://www.saint-ex.com/)

Dog's Eye View

Morning walk with Bing went from the U Street Corridor north on 13th Street up the hill from Florida Avenue to Clifton Street in Columbia Heights. We enjoyed the beautiful city view that allows you to see the Capitol and the Washington Monument.

OPEN HOUSE Today:

Large 1BR @ $367K-open 1-4 , address is 2723 Ordway Street-just one block from Cleveland Park Metro) This price includes parking!

Breakfast today at Busboys & Poets at 14th and V.
Good food and Free Wifi!
http://www.busboyandpoets.com/

Wet Paws

My trusty dog "Bing" and I had a nice walk down V Street between 14th and 11th Street this morning at 5:30 am, looks like a rainy first half of the weekend with a bit of sun and warmth by Sunday, just in time for my open house in Cleveland Park ( Large 1BR w/parking @ $367K-open 1-4 on Sunday, address is 2723 Ordway Street-just one block from Cleveland Park Metro)

Wow, what a stressful two weeks we have had on the financial rollacoaster! Hopefully the lawmaker pin heads will finalize a compromise "bail out" package and we can move forward.
In light of this mess, even "The Donald" says it is a great time to buy Real Estate!

Enjoy the first "official weekend" of fall '08

Woof--Fall is here!

Greetings to all dog lovers in DC! I have lived in DC for almost 25 years and in the U Street area since 1990 and my dog, an Airedale Terrier named "Bingley" (also known as Bing or Bing Bing) always has an extra skip in his step when the autumn leaves start to turn and the weather gets cooler.

U Street Corridor
Check out this website:

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/information2550/information.htm?area=2529

Washington Animal Rescue League

Bing encourages you to learn about this great organization and donate!

Also, tell people about their free neuter and spay program!!

http://www.warl.org/about/?PHPSESSID=486873bc7d747e40f16da2b3af169d12

Has anyone tried the great new chicken restaurant on 11th street called "Chix"??


(http://www.chixdc.com/)