UPS Snowman

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

UPS Snowman

Icy Stream

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Icy Stream

Snowman Cookie

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Snowman Cookie

Winter Lights

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Winter Lights

That's Cold Out

It pouring ice outside.

Brrr.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

That's Cold Out

Fashion Hot and Cold

Fashion in Washington, D.C. in January winter low temperatures. 

Perhaps trying for "hot" (-like) fashion on a cold day.

I don't think it would go over all that well in an office-setting, especially in this often stodgy town. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal) 

Fashion Hot and Cold

@Lake Frank

(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)

@Lake Frank

Washington Democracy

Nice photo of the Capitol, the Reflecting Pool, and the Botanical Gardens.

Even in cold January in Washington, DC, it is a mighty impressive sight. 

Some of the most important lessons for me:

Democracy never ceases as long as the people rule, freedom is protected, and human rights is respected.

Those in power have an even greater responsibility to ensure they do the right thing and maintain the utmost integrity.  

We have a lot to live up to!

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and MLK holiday.  ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Washington Democracy

Travel in Metro DC Snow

I took this photo yesterday in the Metro DC area. 

This brave--or should I say crazy--dude is bicycle riding in the snow.

Car is turning in front of him with the lights on.  

But the bike and rider has no lights or reflective material to speak of. 

Seems like a death wish or just plain stupid. 

Only more ridiculous thing I've seen with a bicycle recently is the rider plowing hard through a rain storm while holding an umbrella with one hand. 

Perhaps, there is a gene that makes people look for trouble in bad weather or is it the economy stupid (maybe sadly, the guy can't afford a car or even an uber)?

Ride like the wind... ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Travel in Metro DC Snow

Taste The Snowman

Thought this was quite creative 

And probably tasty too. 

A snowman made out of vanilla ice cream. 

With red fruity eyes. 

(and a dangerous--do not eat--green thumbtack nose!) 

The hands are little flags from the Silver Diner. 

Very cute, festive, and mostly edible. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Taste The Snowman

Even If You Can't Get To The Beach

During the big snow storm this week, what better to do then to cozy up with a nice 500 piece puzzle set of an Island Beach (and dream of being there--somewhere warm and fun). 

The challenge with this puzzle was in differentiating the oodles of pieces making up the blue sky from those of the blue water. 

Similarly, with all the green pieces for the palm trees and all the white ones for the sand. 

It seemed as if all the pieces were just shades of similar colors, and hard to differentiate between them. 

But my daughter is so smart and determined.

First, she strategically separated out the pieces with the edges and put the whole frame together.

Then, she organized the rest of the pieces by their associated colors, so sky blue pieces would be in one pile and distinct from ocean blue pieces in another one and so on. 

As you can see, all that's left is to finish off the sky, and it's done.

I was able to find a few pieces, but I'm better laying at the beach, then putting one together. 

Just two more weeks to Spring...thank you G-d. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Even If You Can't Get To The Beach

Iced Pool BUT Hot Tub

So I learned this vacation that some people really seem to enjoy temperature extremes.

These folks on the left are in the outdoor steaming hot tub.

However, see the pool next to them on the right--it's nearly completely frozen over (and it would be except for a fireplace at the other end of the pool deck)!

The temperature outside a frosty 19 degrees fahrenheit.

Yes, for those who know me...I keep the air conditioner on in the Winter (true).

But even I didn't bare it all in Santa Fe in December--at least not yet! ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Iced Pool BUT Hot Tub

Cool Cat

So yesterday I was coming home from the fitness center/pool.

I was wearing shorts and pool shoes even though it was only in the 30's-40's temperature out. 

This large man with a Texas accent stops me to ask how I can dress like that around Winter time.

And it's particularly funny, because there is another man overhearing this conversation next to us wrapped up in no less than 2 coats/layers.

So I say in a lighthearted way "I guess that I just have warm blood, so the temperature doesn't really bother me."

He says, "Uh, in Florida, when it goes into the 60's, people start shivering and bundling up down there."

I smile, and say "Well maybe we're just different people."

Then he goes, "I like that--I like people that think different! You know why, [and he pauses and repeats again] you know why?"

I look at him sort of eyes wide open at this point waiting to hear his explanation to the build up. 

And he says, "Because it means they don't give a sh*t what other people think!"

At that point we both started nodding and laughing. 

Maybe you had to be there, but I think you can probably envision this sort of nutty scene.  ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Cool Cat

Cash And Books

I took this photo in downtown Washington, D.C. today.

It was interesting to me for a number of reasons.

First, the amount and variety of advertising here (and there was more that is not even pictured here) was a little bit incredible, especially in light of the single customer at the stand.

Second, this vendor is buying the books back from the university students at a hotdog stand--yeah, more than a little weird, no?

Aside from the fact that students pay an exorbitant amout for textbooks and then get pennies on the dollar back, now you are encouraged to make your transaction with a street vendor in the cold of December.

Anyway, you think anyone will notice this cash for books stand? ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Cash And Books

Hydrant Hat

Yeah, a fire hydrant with a hat on.

What if all fire hydrants "wore" hats of different colors and styles (baseball cap, top hat, stetson, more)? 

Keeps the water warm in winter and serves as a stylish accoutrement to an important fire protection device. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hydrant Hat