Last weekend found us enjoying our second annual Columbus Day weekend trip to our friend Casey’s place in MD.  We left Friday around 4:30PM didn’t get home until about 3PM on Monday.  We had a lovely lovely time.  None of us wanted to come home.

Seeing Casey is always enough.  But, just like last year we found ourselves trying to fit in as much fun and sightseeing as possible.

We spent Saturday in Washington, DC.

We walked and walked and walked some more. While last year we made a point to see the White House & the Washington Monument, this year lacked any major landmarks. But I did get a good shot of the Capitol Building in our wanderings.

We spent the bulk of the day at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.  I loved seeing Julia Child’s Kitchen.  I was moved by the Lincoln exhibit/artifacts. Sephoni seemed to really enjoy the hands-on science experiments.  Walking past the flag that inspired The Star Spangled Banner was simply awe inspiring.  There was alot to see, but honestly I enjoyed the Natural History Museum that we went to last year more.  I look forward to picking out a new museum to see next year (or maybe even the zoo as well if we add an extra day).

Afterwards, we walked down to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.  The craft of wax modeling is amazing.  Some of the figures were actually kinda creepy as the faces could be  pretty realistic.  Walking through the Presidents’ Gallery was a unique experience.  That being said, I felt it was overpriced for the amount of time we spent there.

We finished the day with a meal in Chinatown.  We each placed our order and we ate family style.  The center of the table was a huge lazy-susan which made passing plates so convenient.  The food was excellent.  The company was much enjoyed.

We spent Sunday at the MD Renaissance Festival.

We again, walked and walked and walked some more.  We were on our feet, in motion, probably 90% of the time we were there.

I love going to Renn Faire. The best part this year was that all four of us attended in garb.  This necessitated a purchase for Reya of a skirt and a bodice, but as she plans to use them again next year (and for Halloween and 2 parties in the meantime) it was a worthwhile investment.  Unfortunately, my pain levels (and fatigue issues) were such that my heart really wasn’t in it.  I can’t remember any other time attended Faire that I simply couldn’t wait to leave.

However, toward the very end of the day, when I was finally sitting (and frankly wallowing in a weary body and an achey soul) I was surprised by a group of men dressed in Greenman costumes, singing a traditional Pagan chant. I and Reya listened with delight (I joined in) and I could not help but feel the touch of the Gods in my being there in that moment to hear that song and in it a message of hope.

Hoof and Horn, Hoof and Horn
all that dies shall be reborn
Corn and Grain, Corn and Grain
all that falls shall rise again

– Words and music by Ian Corrigan

We drove back Monday. I miss Casey already. Accolan and I are still paying for all the walking with spikes in each of our pain levels. It was worth every moment.  We are blessed to have such a good friend, who (just like last year) showed us such a good time.

I hope the Fall season is bringing you blessings of your own.

Jia

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