The eclectic personal site of Lida Verner
Since it was seven years ago today that I took these pictures and compiled this video, I thought I would share the video again. That day was so full of hope and promise. Did it turn out exactly as I had envisioned? No. But so much good was accomplished and we have made such strides forward from where we were. I still have hope for the future.
It is spring in DC. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to go down and photography the cherry blossoms yet so I offer up an image from a prior year for your perusal.
I took Káva down to the Forward On Climate Change rally. Why they couldn't have scheduled it for say March or April is beyond me. DC is beautiful in the spring and would just serve to remind everyone what a precious resource we are destroying.
In any case, we drove down to the Washington Monument and found a wonderful handicap parking space right next to it. The rally was taking place on the other side of the monument so the placement was perfect. When we arrived, people of all sorts were beginning to stream in all bundled up and carrying signs There were young, old, kids, teenagers, dogs, and about every race you could imagine.
Unfortunately, I was distracted by a sign as I was parking my Prius and hit a curb (did I mention I had brand new tires?) and popped the right front tire. Great. I left Káva in the car, moved all the .... stuff from the back of my car, and pulled out the donut and jack. I then spent the next 10 minutes trying to get my fingers to work properly because it was so cold outside that they went on strike. A couple of very nice young men and girls stopped by and asked if they could help me. I gratefully accepted their help as I wasn't getting anywhere fast. I especially appreciated it when the young woman with them started jumping up and down on the crowbar trying to loosen the lug nuts. There was no way that I was going to attempt that particular maneuver. They changed the tire and proceeded on to the rally. I secretly very happy that I was driving a Prius rather than an SUV especially down to that particular rally.
I released Káva from the confines of the car (where she had been going nuts as she wanted to help) and we walked over to the rally which was rapidly filling up with people. Káva thought that this was heaven itself. So many people to lick and greet and so many dogs to play with!!! Apparently between 40,000 - 50,000 people showed up. There was just about every political belief there as well .... from Anarchists, to Socialists, to Republicans, to Democrats, to Green Partiers. Speeches and music were plentiful.
Washington, DC Traffic
Chances are, if you don't live in DC or near it you won't understand. BE GLAD... For those who plan to visit our area...
First, you must learn to call it by its rightful name. It is DC or 'the District' - only tourists call it Washington.
Next, if your road map of Montgomery County is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. It's obsolete. If in Loudoun or Fairfax County and your map is one day old, it's already obsolete.
There is no such thing as a dangerous high speed chase in D.C. It's just another chase, usually on the BW Parkway.
All directions start with 'The Beltway'... which has no beginning and no end - just one continuous loop that locals believe is somehow clarified by an inner' and 'outer' loop designation. This makes no sense to ANYONE outside the area.
The morning rush hour is from 5 to 11 AM. The evening rush hour is from 1 to 8 PM. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning, especially during the summer on Route 50 eastbound.
If there is a ball game at the Redskins stadium, there is no point driving anywhere near PG County. Tip: Never say PG County to anyone from Mitchellville, Upper Marlboro or Fort Washington (its Prince Georges County). They'll blow a vessel in their neck and go into a seizure.
If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended and shot at. If you run the red light, be sure to smile for the $100 'picture' you will receive courtesy of DMV. (However, if you don't go as soon as the light turns green, you will get cussed out in 382 languages.)
Rain causes an immediate 50 point drop of IQ in drivers. Snow causes a 100 point drop in IQ and a rush to the nearest Giant or Safeway for toilet paper and milk.
Construction on I-270 is a way of life and a permanent source of scorn and cynical entertainment. It's ironic that it's called an 'Interstate, ' but runs only from Bethesda to Frederick. (Unless you consider Montgomery County another state, which some do). Opening in the 60's, it has been torn up and under reconstruction ever since. Also, it has a 'Spur' section which is even more confusing.
All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, 'Oh, we're in Takoma Park'.
If someone actually has their turn signal on, they are by definition a tourist.
Car horns are actually 'Road Rage' indicators. Heed the warning.
All old ladies in Buicks have the right of way in the area of Leisure World.
Many roads mysteriously change their names as you cross intersections. Don't ask why, no one knows. (aka Cherry Hill to Randolph - my aunt swore Randolph Road could take you anywhere)
If asking directions in Arlington, Langley Park, Wheaton or Adams Morgan, Spanish helps. If in Annandale, Cambodian or Vietnamese will come in handy. If on Dupont Circle, Capital Hill or U Street, tolerance for same sex relationships helps.
If you stop to ask directions in Southeast... well, just don't.
A taxi ride across town will cost you $12.50. A taxi ride two blocks will cost you $16.75. (It's a zone thing, you wouldn't understand.)
Traveling south out of DC on Interstate 395/95 is the most dangerous, scariest thing you will ever do.
There is nothing more comforting then seven lanes of traffic cruising along at 85 mph, BUMPER TO BUMPER!!! (Truer words have never been written!)
The minimum acceptable speed on the Beltway is 85. Anything less is considered down right sissy.
The open lane for passing on all Maryland interstates is the far right lane because no self-respecting Marylander would ever be caught driving in the 'slow' lane. Unofficially, both shoulders are fair game also. The far left lanes on all Maryland interstates are official 'chat' lanes reserved for drivers who wish to talk on their cell phones. Note: All SUV's have priority clearance to use the far left at whatever speed the driver feels most comfortable multi-tasking in.
The Beltway is our daily version of a NASCAR reality show. Strap up and collect points as you go!
(I have no idea who wrote this, but it is pretty darn accurate)
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