Camp Grandma and Øpa | Adele's visit 2026

Our granddaughter Adele came to stay with us for a week. 

We kept her busy (mostly Ruth's doing) with visits to the Mansion on O Street museum, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, a cabaret at Signature Theater, Vietnamese dinner at the Eden Center and an  Ethiopian meal with our friend Kidist Ebenezer at Bethel Cafe, and the Arlington County Fair. Plus more...

And - her family has two over-the top adorable new puppies at her home, Cleo and Clifford. 

A splendid time was had by all.

Still occupied. National Guard in DC

While heading to the National Zoo in DC last week with our granddaughter, we once again encountered out-of-state National Guard troops.  Their presence is of no positive use to our community, and they patrol exclusively in areas where there is little or no crime. 

DC is occupied against the will or best interest of its citizens.

Sunset, Bright Pond

 

Dr. Alfred O Taylor, z'l. In memory.

 In memory of Dr. Alfred Taylor, who passed away recently at the age of 91. Dr. Taylor was a dedicated community activist, a significant local historian specializing in the life of Arlington's Black communities, church elder, family man, distinguished educator, and a true gentleman; kind, wise, gracious, positive, and a pleasure to be around. A true servant leader. 

May his good works and memory ever be for a blessing.

Koan tree/garden/flowers

 From Glencarlyn Park, Bright Pond, and  my garden.

LiUNA Multi-Regional Conference | Chicago

I recently covered the Laborer's International Union's (LiUNA)  Multi-Regional Conference in Chicago. This 540,000-plus member union met to discuss organizing, health and safety on the job, plans for growth to a million members, build their share of the workforce, and signed an agreement of solidarity and cooperation with the 140,000-plus members of the International Union of Painter and Allied Trades. The energy and skill of these workers was infectious.

Thanks to Ed Rehfeld of LiUNA for the assignment, and to the hardworking men and women of LiUNA for their empowering righteous efforts to upbuild their lives and the nations of Canada and the United States.