Took the girls to a petting zoo where they could not only look at the animals but interact as well. Saw some things of interest to me; an albino peacock (well, I don't know if it was albino but it was all white); petted a llama (their hair is kinda rough); the world's fattest rabbit (big as a poodle!); pigs, cows, horses, donkeys, turkeys & chickens & roosters (oh, my); a beautiful garden of vegetables and flowers; and lots of ducks and geese.

More carousel rides, a pony ride, a hay ride, and a train ride (no wonder Americans are fat). Let them burn off a few calories on a nice playground - skipped the miniature golf. Not bad for $20.00. Tomorrow, the National Museum of American History on the mall. They have a nice new display of popular culture which includes an original 1955 Kermit the Frog that oddly reminds me of the human display in Planet of the Apes. Taking the Metro subway drops you off practically at the door and at the subway entrance is another huge carousel. The museum's free and the subway + carousel will probably only set me back $30.00. Trying to make the most of my salary during this vacation!

Edit: The National Museum of American History is closed for a $46 million renovation and won't re-open until November. Plan B: Port Discovery in Baltimore and maybe Dad can sneak over to the Babe Ruth Museum.


Three Replies to Vacation Week II

Amy Austin | August 13, 2008
Call it what it really is, Steve... a "stay-cation"!

(Still... really jealous -- of both the activities and the family fun time. Washington DC is a great place for a staycation! ;-))

Jackie Mason | August 17, 2008
[hidden by author request]

Steve West | August 17, 2008
Dinosaur bones or Babe Ruth bones? Decisions, decisions.


Web Junkie

Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Oscars 2012

Now that I can make no further changes to my picks, I'd like to hear about the categories people wrestled with most. I struggled most with costume, documentary and even adapted screenplay. Goodl luck everyone! Go »

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

At 11:00 a.m., Brenda called me from the school where she works and told me that she had fallen and was unable to drive home. She needed me to 1) find a second driver for her car, 2) come get her and take her to urgent care and 3) make sure that Olivia is taken care of when she arrives home in an hour. Go »

Baseball and Androgeny

Recent conversation with Brenda: me: (watching baseball) Do you realize how filthy professional baseball players are? Brenda: Not first-hand, no. me: Look at these guys. Go »

Is This Your Dog?

Recent conversation with Brenda: Me: I just got a text from a Facebook friend that was funny and cruel at the same time. Brenda: Do I want to hear this? Me: He saw a "Missing Dog" poster, called the number and only barked. Go »

Halloween Post #5: What Do You Mean You're Out Of Blood Colored Yarn?!?

Several goo site participants have demonstrable sewing skills. Anybody knit? For those who do and are in a festive spirit on a psychotic level, you might want to try your hand at these. Go »

Ten Times Bliss

Brenda and I just finished putting the girls to bed. We picked them up from Grandma's a little earlier because she was babysitting while Brenda and I celebrated our tenth anniversary. Just a brief opportunity to spend some time together on a school night. Go »