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DAFFODIL SHOT WITH AN IP4S IN GEORGETOWN ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Love this weather, though when the annual spring Daffodil Week and Garden Tour arrive, there won't be any spring flowers.
JONQUILS IN FULL BLOOM
TULIPS CLOSE TO BLOOMING, THOUGH TYPICALLY THEY HAPPEN IN LATE APRIL AND EARLY MAY
THE WAXING GIBBOUS MOON OVER ROSE PARK, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Even though relatively exhausted from my exuberant Super Bowl party the night before, last night was a night out for dinner at Restaurant Nora, with Nora and my food writing Washingtonian colleague, Jessica Voelker. Jessica moved here with her husband from Seattle, started at Washingtonian on the same day as I did in October, and writes about food, restaurants and also, especially, craft cocktails. I had the arugula salad and the sauteed Diver scallops and apple pie. Nora remains delicious and also one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city. For me it will always be the fond memory of where Howard and I had dinner the day we learned I was pregnant in March 1991.
THE MAIN DINING ROOM AT RESTAURANT NORA
I walked to and from the restaurant, because it was a mild and pretty night and also a chance to walk beneath a glowing Gibbous Moon. Tonight it will be full.
A BANQUETTE AT RESTAURANT NORA. THE RESTAURANT'S COLLECTION OF QUILTS COULD BE IN A MUSEUM.
I spent the earlier part of the day at the State Department, working on a story for the April or May issue of the magazine, a feature called "Places You Can't Go." We went someplace very special. It was a privilege, and the privilege was thanks to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The truth about weather is that there is no absolute truth, only speculation. Yes, based on science but not definitive. Nonetheless, the pic above is Georgetown's favorite sledding hill in Montrose Park, where children of all ages have zoomed straight down and done their best to avoid that tree. A friend lost her big fat diamond ring there years ago, in 5-6 inches of snow, when it flew off her finger as she and her daughter rode a toboggan over a bump. We went back to look for it, but no luck.
The local TV news tonight teased with threats of snow this weekend, but the actual forecasts - later in the broadcasts - pulled back to say "maybe" to the north some "spotty" snowfall. Of course they could be wrong. That's the point. Remember the evening of the all-night rush hour? That was last year and no one saw it coming.
Today, no snow but still handsome. Do you see a diamond sparkling in the brown?
MILD ENOUGH FOR A BRIDE TO POSE OUTSIDE SATURDAY AFTERNOON AT THE GEORGETOWN WATERFRONT PARK (and without needing a coat nearby)
MILD ENOUGH FOR QUINCE TO BLOOM ON Q STREET
MILD ENOUGH FOR WINTER CAMELLIAS TO BLOOM WITHOUT GETTING "FROSTED"
MILD ENOUGH FOR BULBS TO GROW TALL IN A GEORGETOWN GARDEN - IN THE SHADE
A friend in Winston-Salem, NC, Ruth DeLapp Sartin, wrote to say, "It's already spring in the south. Daffodils are in full bloom. I do not like it. Unsettling. Shakespeare felt the same."
I'm not unsettled by the mild weather. Not liking the cold, I'm delighted. It's fun to be snow bunny only in places like Vermont, Colorado, Switzerland.
Still, this weather is sui strange. Groundhog Day is Thursday, the first day of spring is 52 days away.
Snowmaggedon 2010 happened on February 11. Right now the forecast for Feb 11 is for temps in the 40s. Please, no precip.
ROSE PARK, 3PM, SATURDAY, ALMOST 70 DEGREES
THE COURTYARD AT KAFE LEOPOLD, 2:30PM, SUNDAY, 50 DEGREES
If winter were always as pleasant as the one we've been having, so far, I'd want to live here for years. I'm ready for spring, wherever it can be found.
NEWBORN TROPICAL STORM KATIA, OFF CAPE VERDE (courtesy of weather.com)
After all the forecast drama of the devastating impact Hurricane Irene was to have on the Carolina coast and mid-Atlantic states, it's ironic that the state that seems hardest is Vermont. Their governor didn't appear on television or enforce evacuations in advance, or any of the other preparations that happened down south, and yet, and yet.
It's a shame the Monday morning experts are second-guessing the National Hurricane Center and others who sounded the alarm about Irene. It's a storm. Even with all the best technology, it's still impossible to know exactly what will happen. And after Katrina, no federal, state or town official will dare risk being underprepared. Can you blame them? Imagine the backlash then?
At the very least, here at home, I got my gutters cleaned and my roof checked and fresh batteries in the flashlights and stocked enough water for the week. We were fortunate in DC, and hopefully will remain so as the "hurricane season" plays out. A fresh Cape Verde tropical storm, Katia, was just born and is expected to become a hurricane by Thursday.
M STREET IN GEORGETOWN AT 7 AM SUNDAY, AS IRENE LEFT TOWN
Washington was lucky. The earthquake that began the week, while scary, was not horrible. Hurricane Irene, ending the week, while a threat, did not cause widespread damage. ON New York Social Diary today I wrap-up my experiences with pictures. Read it here.
Several inches of rain fell in a short time. My curiosity now is whether the run-off from up north will cause Potomac flooding downstream in Georgetown and Alexandria?
An early morning tour of Georgetown showed the neighborhood survived Hurricane Irene with minimal damage, at least in terms of fallen trees. Most streets were clear, but not all. There were several trees down, notably this one on Dent Place. Also, a big tree came down at Georgetown University, crashing through the iron fence.
There were the inevitable trees-fallen-on-cars. I feel for owners who park their cars under these vulnerable DC street trees in any kind of weather, perhaps not knowing it's a gamble. DC weather veterans know that in wind or snow it is best to park away from the street trees. Unlike in the parks or gardens, they have no place for their roots to grow. Again, look the pic up top. Note how small the root base is in relation to the tree. Here's another look, along with a few other photos shot between 7 and 7:30 Sunday morning:
A FORCE 9 DARK N' STORMY CHEZ JACOBSEN
Ruth and Simon Jacobsen hosted a hurricane cocktail party this evening where the cocktail du soir was a Dark 'n Stormy. Simon makes a Force 9 Dark n' Stormy, meaning he uses powerful 151 proof Gosling's Rum, which he mixes with Ginger Beer, and a wedge of lime, over ice. At that wattage it is a drink you sip gently, sparingly. Otherwise, you become the hurricane. It was fun to photograph, though.
A TOAST FROM OUR HOST, ARCHITECT SIMON JACOBSEN
I was impressed that some of the guests traveled distances -- like, from Northern Virginia -- while others of us walked a few blocks in the wind and rain. Everyone laughed because the New York airports are closed but Reagan National is still open with flights coming in and going out. Does that mean DC is at long last tougher than NY? We wondered. The other topic was whether we'd lose power in Georgetown. Half said "yes," and half said "no."
OUTSIDE THE JACOBSEN'S AT 6:30 PM
I got a message from the Bayou that they are hosting a public "Hurricane Party" tonight with actual hurricanes - as in the drink. The message said, "Come ride out the storm with authentic New Orleans style hurricanes, gumbo and live music." But, please, no New Orleans style storm. The Bayou is at 2519 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The drinks are $5, the gumbo is $3. "All night," the message said. The entertainment is Zachary Smith and the Dixie Power Trio. Go for it.
AND THEN THE RAINS CAME
Runners, walkers, shoppers and tourists took full advantage of the morning and early afternoon, as the heavy rain held off, but by 4 and 5 o'clock the rains and wind were across Washington. Jim Spellman and I went to Martin's for martinis. Great fun, especially to see a Nathans veteran, Aniko, behind the bar. We returned to my house for lunch and Weather Channel watching.
MARTIN'S MARTINI, BRUISED, WITH OLIVES
ANIKO BEHIND THE BAR ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, AS SHE USED TO BE AT NATHANS
MARTIN'S WINDOW SEATS WERE FILLED
The forecasters say the "worst" will come between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. For what it's worth, if you need anything, the shelves at CVS are stocked and there haven't seemed to be any lines.
VERY OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND HURRICANE PARTIES
Cloudy, a few light gusts of breeze. Rain started just before 11 am. The Farmer's Market was open, thankfully, but half its usual size. Still, very busy. It had lines like the supermarket. Gorgeous tomatoes, red peppers, green beans, peaches, melons. I'm sure they will try to stay open until their usual closing time, 1 pm, unless they run out of food. btw, for the best online weather-watching, go to weatherunderground.com. They even have a little weather gauge where you can watch the wind speed in real time.
APPLE, READY FOR A CAT 4 STORM
Got in a walk before the rain. I have compassion for the Georgetown University parents who are moving their students into the dorms today. Not fun under any circumstances but extra stressful in wind and rain.
STOCKING UP ON HURRICANE CUPCAKES AT GEORGETOWN CUPCAKE
Stopped by Cafe Milano, where manager Laurent Menoud packed away the outdoor tables and chairs and put down a special absorbent mat in the front. "People are calling to ask if we're open," he said. "Of course we're open. This is not going to be that bad." I think he's correct. Certainly not bad enough to miss a Saturday lunch or dinner at Milano. In fact, the opposite. Have a "Naked Martini," relax and watch the storm.
DEAN & DELUCA: NO LINES AND LOTS OF FOOD
On the other hand, the Apple store had workers busy boarding up in prep for a Cat 4 storm. When you have money to spend you spend. Or maybe their glass is cheap and can't withstand a 40-50 knot gust. Whatevs.
Reliably, Georgetown Cupcake had a line of customers waiting to buy hurricane cupcakes. If you are looking for a market that has no lines but lots of food, stop by Dean & Deluca. it was near empty at 10:15 am.
And.. the recipe of the day, straight from Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans, where it was created and made famous.
THE HURRICANE
THE GEORGETOWN WATERFRONT FRIDAY EVENING, 8 O'CLOCK
It's a warm and steamy night in Washington, but we had a beautiful sunset. The calm before. But with the humidity at almost 80% we need something to bring in dry and cooler air. Irene will do that, but I'm hoping not with the impact initially forecast. She is said to be losing a little energy tonight, though that doesn't mean a whole helluva lot with a storm that's hundreds of miles wide.
OUTSIDE THE GATES AT WASHINGTON HARBOR
INSIDE THE GATES AT WASHINGTON HARBOR
THE BAR AT NICK'S, DENIED ITS VIEW
SEQUOIA, NO GATES AND THEREFORE CUSTOMERS
I felt sorry for the restaurants on the Georgetown waterfront. They've been hit hard enough by the flood earlier this season, but tonight Washington Harbor has the gates up. Memo to Washington Harbor: the river doesn't flood before the storm. These businesses will lose the whole weekend. It would have been nice for them to have the gates down, the river view and therefore steady customers tonight. Interestingly, outside the gates it was beautiful (see photo above). Inside the gates it was empty, dreary and claustrophobic. Over at Sequoia, not blocked by gates, it was very busy. So, I felt for Nick's Riverside Seafood and The Sports Junkies, who were having a party there. Maybe it will fill up later, after 10pm.
Seems to me that Washington Harbor management could have raised the gates after midnight or in the morning.
PREPARED FOR THE EXTREME
I've heard from friends tonight who are doing last minute shopping. The markets are jammed. I've heard from friends evacuating the shore. The highways are jammed. The streets of Georgetown were busy. Some restaurants were busy, like Sequoia, but others only half filled. Their customers were standing in line or stuck in traffic. But still good to be out tonight because tomorrow night it will be all about hunkering down. Up in the residential area, the thick air was thick with the scent of backyard grills.SENSIBLE SANDBAGGING AT THE COLONIAL PARKING GARAGE ON K STREET
It was interesting to see who has sandbags out. For example, the Bebe boutique on Wisconsin above M. They have sandbags in front and are boarded up. That may be a little much. If the Potomac rises to that level, Bebe and everyone else will have bigger problems than what sandbags can resolve. On the other hand, it makes total sense that the Colonial Parking garage on K is fronted by sandbags and a plastic barrier. They have been flooded before.
DINING OUT ON A STEAMY EVENING AT WISCONSIN AND N STREETS
Did you receive the pre-recorded phone message from Pepco today, saying basically the power may go out and now that we've warned you we're off the hook. We'll get to it, but don't be driving us crazy with complaints because, see, we've told you it could happen.
This evening at 6:30 there was an announcement that Mayor Vincent Gray had declared a State of Emergency in DC. That's good. It's a means of preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. Also, this announcement about sandbags:
The DC Department of Public Works said today that the demand for sandbags by District residents exceeded its supply of about 7,000 bags. As a result, DPW discontinued distributing bags at 5 pm. DPW will receive a shipment of about 2,700 bags by Saturday morning that will be available for pick up by District residents starting at noon, Saturday, August 27, on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents, with DC identification, may pick up sandbags (up to five per household) at its New Jersey Avenue and K Street, SE site (entrance on New Jersey at I Street, SE). Distribution will continue until the supply is exhausted. The sandbags weigh between 40 lbs. and 50 lbs. and residents will need to load them into their vehicles.
DC, IN THE RED, MEANING "HIGH" THREAT LEVEL
Am I the only DC resident who wonders why we haven't heard anything about hurricane prep from DC Mayor Vincent Gray or the City Council? The 11 o'clock news just happened and no voice of reassrance from our city. Through emails I know of the plans of Amtrak, Pepco, the MLK dedication, and others...but nothing from our elected leaders.
The governors of Virginia and Maryland have made decisions, declaring states of emergency, the mayors of New York and Philadelphia have made public statements to their citizens, but I've done a lot of searching and have not been able to find anything about the hurricane from the DC Government.
I know it's more symbolic than anything, because a Mayor cannot control the course of a storm, but part of the symbolic role is to at least talk about expected major events with awareness and forethought. Or am I being silly?
Do they think if we ignore it the storm won't come? I hope that works. I welcome the rain, but not torrents, and amscray on the wind.
UPDATE: DC Alert that came in at 6:34pm
The National Weather Service has issued a TROPICAL STORM WATCH for the entire District of Columbia metro area.
The 5PM update from the National Hurricane Center now shows Hurricane Irene coming close enough to the District to potentially cause Tropical Storm force wind gusts of 30-60 mph, with higher gusts closer to the shore. In light of that threat, NWS Baltimore/Washington has chosen to issue a Tropical Storm Watch for our area.
The details of the forecast track for Irene are subject to change for better or worse over today and tomorrow. Please stay closely tuned in to local media and Alert DC for important updates.
The outer bands of the storm, which could include significant rainfall and wind gusts, are expected to arrive on Saturday afternoon and continue into Sunday.
For a graphic of the current forecast track for the storm, please see http://bit.ly/Irene5PMThurs
Storm Preparation:
Make sure you have a battery-operated radio for news updates and possible evacuation routes.
Prepare or grab your Emergency Go Kit, which should have enough food and water for 3 days. More info athttp://bit.ly/EmergGoKit
Fill up your car with fuel.
Prepare to bring pets inside.
Stay inside during the storm if you do not evacuate.
Go to the first or second floor if you're in a multi-story building.
Do not walk or drive through moving water.
Prepare for likely power outages.
Report any downed power lines immediately.
Sent by Kevin Kornreich (DC HSEMA) to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN
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CHESAPEAKE BAY SUNRISE ON A CALM MORNING
This message came in this afternoon from a friend in Annapolis. It pertains mostly to people who live on or near the Bay, have boats in the water or at a dock, though most boat owners today are pulling their craft from the water.
"I just finished a briefing from the Coast Guard in which they emphasized the atmospheric instability that has made predicting the movements of Hurricane Irene difficult.
"At this point (2 p.m. Thursday) their forecast has Irene centered over the Delmarva Peninsula at 8 a.m. Sunday as a Category 2 hurricane. Category 2 means sustained winds of 96 - 110 MPH close to the eye. It would take only a minor further westward shift in the projected track to place those winds directly over Annapolis.
"The Coast Guard urges that, while we all hope it will not be that strong, we prepare for it to be. Category 2 winds are strong enough to turn almost anything that is not tied down into a dangerous projectile, shred furled sails, and wreck exposed canvas structures such as biminis and dodgers.
"We urge you to take this storm seriously. Check your boats and homes with particular attention to projectile risks; follow the available guidance on how to protect people and property from both wind and surge effects; and prepare to hunker down in a safe place as the height of the storm approaches."
CALM AT THE BAR AT CITRONELLE AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
I stopped by CitBar last night, also known as the bar at Citronelle, to get a measure of what neighbors were saying after the earthquake. Sure enough, it was busy, with Georgetowners out to share their stories, have a cool drink, a good meal at the bar. To a one, they had stories, including Jean-Jacques, the manager, and California earthquake veteran, who said his neighbor in northwest lost a chimney. He also said, given his California experience, that the DC quake counted as a legit quake. "It was the real thing." Yes, it was, even though I, in my car, missed the experience.
FRESH MOJITO AND LEMONADE AT CITBAR
Angel, Sergio and Jacob, who were behind the bar, all in good spirits, making all kinds of crazy craft drinks with lots of fresh juices and other tasty ingredients. Good news for lovers of the city's best Cosmpolitan: the raspberries are back in stock. Also popular, the Mojito made with champagne and lots of mint, and the fresh squeezed lemonade. They also have an excellent rose on the menu of wines by the glass.
ANGEL IN MOTION BEHIND THE BAR, CREPES SUZETTE IN FOREGROUND
What were people eating? Plates of smoked salmon with toasted brioche bread, the platter of paper thin prosciutto, the excellent oyster shooters, mini burgers, French fries, chopped salad, and a yummy miso soup. If you go, don't deny yourself the Crepes Suzette.
JACOB LIGHTS THE CREPES SUZETTE
CIT'S SCRUMPTIOUS CREPES SUZETTE
Remember: they start serving at 3 pm and have outside tables. I've experienced all kinds of weather here (blizzards are great, even a torrential rainstorm, sitting outside under the awning), and it would work well for a hurricane, too.
CAUTION! FLOODING BEYOND THIS POINT AND THE POLICE WON'T LET YOU GO THERE
Jiminy Glick Cricket what's happening here? Shortly after 9 o'clock Monday night the Potomac was expected to gush over its banks in Georgetown, splashing up and onto K Street. Not an unheard of event but reliably spectacular. Earlier in the day, approximately 5 pm, teams of workers surrounded the Washington Harbor complex, pumping water from the deluged garage and basement restaurants. Piles of sandbags could be seen in front of other office buildings. Lots and lots and lots of yellow "caution" tape. Also lots of local TV satellite trucks.
WATER GETTING PUMPED FROM WASH HARBOR'S BASEMENT RESTAURANTS
Based on the numbers of Pepco trucks, private security guards and guys in rubber boots I would surmise Washington Harbor had a mess on hand. (Later reported the whole inner restaurant area fully flooded because the building owner did not get the flood gates up in time). While access was denied in certain areas it was easy to get to the riverfront at the Waterfront Park and near the Swedish Embassy and the boat house.
WILL ONE BOOT DO THE JOB?
You know what they say about snakes and floods? That the floods fill the streets with slithering reptiles. Well, it may be true, even in Georgetown. As I walked along the almost flooded canal path behind the Swedish Embassy I came upon an actual snake! eek! Given its size -- not much bigger than a pencil -- I was actually afraid for its safety. A woman came along and helped urge it across the concrete before some snake hater smushed it. She said this particular type of snake was harmless and lived on bugs and cockroaches. That is a useful snake and worth saving.
NOT QUITE SNAKES ON A PLANE. HOW ABOUT SNAKE ON A GEORGETOWN SIDEWALK?
Everywhere I walked there were people taking pictures of the rushing water. It moved seriously fast. At one point a whole tree raced by. Not a trunk, not a few limbs, and not a baby tree, but a great big full grown tree, rollin' on the river.
GIVE THIS RIVER A SPEEDING TICKET
Back before Potomac flooding in Georgetown became a media event I lived half a block up from K Street, at the James Place apartments. A spring or fall flood would happen annually. This was a time before Washington Harbor and flood gates. The water simply jumped the banks and engulfed K Street. We'd walk down to the corner and watch. There at 30th and K was the momentary "new" bank of the Potomac. The adjacent basement parking garages got flooded. OUTSIDE A PARKING GARAGE AT 30TH AND K STREETS
I know you are asking: what does any of this have to do with Charlie Sheen? Only that during my walkabout I noted two expensive and luxurious tour bosses, the Prevost kind used by many big name acts. I'm familiar with the in's and out's of tour busses due to my friendship with a band called Spinal Tap. I actually once rode on their bus. Forever after I've wanted to run away with the band (almost any band) on one of those seriously pimped out rides. It's possible Charlie is using high end busses for his tour. One for himself and the "goddesses" and another for staff and crew. It's so much easier than flying from city to city to city.
TWO HIGH END LUXURY PREVOST BUSSES PARKED OUTSIDE THE RITZ GEORGETOWN. KNOCK KNOCK, "CHARLIE?"
The two busses I noticed are parked on Wisconsin at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown. One is seriously black and oversized, the other is more conventional. Typically, when on tour, the "act" comes into town the night before a concert -- Charlie is performing here Tuesday night -- and, as the "talent," moves into a luxury hotel; the bus (or busses, and staff,) chill outside. Charlie, er, would be the talent. Ah, I understand that the "goddesses" also qualify as talent, possibly more than Charlie. Note: reports have him down to one goddess; life is rough in the violent torpedo of truth business.
I have no earthly idea whether these busses do, in fact, belong to Charlie Sheen. I'm surmising based on experience. They could belong to Dave Brubeck, who's at Blues Alley.
Bottom line: get out of the house, get down to the waterfront, have a flood dinner picnic, enjoy the spectacle, and on your way back up Wisconsin, knock on the bus door and ask for "Charlie." And then let me know.
btw, high tide again tomorrow morning.
AN "AWARD WORTHY" CLOSE-UP OF HAIL ON THE SIDEWALK OF N STREET
What kind of day is this? At dawn it was clear and bright, then blood ran in the streets and gnats clogged the air. No, I mean, then it got dark, then light, then rain, then sunshine, then dark again, then hail, now a mix of clouds, rain and a muddy sky. I'm kidding about the Plagues of Egypt. At least for today.
I happened to outside when the hail fell. A rain of Tic Tacs. Not particularly cold at the time. The balls of ice landed, bounced, landed again, and melted into the pavement and earth. They made a wonderful racket as they hit the village's many metal rooftops and the tops of cars. Not big enough to do any damage, fortunately. I've been in a storm with hail the size of eggs. They can leave some awful (and expensive) dents in automobiles.
Good news: tomorrow's forecast is for sunshine and a high of 60 degrees. Hello blossoms.
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