Will and I love it. It's nice to put on our puffy coats (which are usually scoffed at down here because it's just too warm to wear them) and boots and hike around. This is the first place I've ever lived where snow isn't a normal part of winter. It's amazing to see how freaked out Nashvillians get when snow hits the ground. In their defense, 'round these parts snow usually shows up with a friend- ice. And ice is not a welcome guest- more like a dangerous party crasher. The biggest problem is that the south just doesn't have the same resources to take care of ice and snow. Since snow rarely hits the area, there aren't a lot of plows, and that means that roads aren't plowed nearly often enough, if at all. Will drove into work at 5:30 this morning, and said he had a heck of a time. A drive (on a fairly busy road) that normally takes him 15 minutes, took 40 minutes (because it hadn't been touched by a plow yet)...and he has 4 wheel drive. He's not complaining though. Will's such a winter baby. I love watching his face literally light up with delight when he sees snow on the ground. It's his happy place.
I went walking around downtown this morning to capture some of "The Situation" on camera. It was so quiet out! No one driving on the streets, and very few people walking around. I ran into a few other picture takers, and we shared a few words about how great it is to see winter arrive. Ironically, I talked to 3 different people who were out walking around, and none of them were locals. We all lived up north before. I guess southerners just really don't like the snow! My favorite part of the walk? All the untouched snow. The best thing about snow is being the first one to step in it and mess it up. Love. it. Also, the snow here is unique because it formed a layer of ice on top of it, so you get an extra satisfying crunch every time you step down. Ahh, heaven.
It's been a cozy winter afternoon. I've showered for the day, but put my PJs back on, there's chili simmering in the crock pot for dinner tonight, my blog is (finally!) being updated, and Will is due home in about a 1/2 hour. Here are some pictures from my morning walk!
The Batman and the Ryman, all decked out in a dusting of white powder:
The Honky Tonks, looking very quiet (for once):
The little park right around the corner from our place:
Our local Vietnam Veterans Memorial (surrounded by pristine, untouched snow) (that scene quickly disappeared as soon as I took the photo):
Snow and ice- with their powers combined, they are able to cause a LOT of bruised tailbones the world over (luckily mine wasn't one of them...today):
Frozen over fountain:
The state capital:
Sledding on capital hill:
News helicopters capturing the sledders (because, Gasp! People were out and about enjoying the white stuff) (Also, what is my obsession with helicopters lately??):
Nashville: Country and Blues and monuments paying tribute to them:
And finally, what would a tour of scenic snow-covered Nashville be without a picture of a man and his guitar, walking down a winter street?:
Mr Lincoln:
This picture's like Where's Waldo, only with Presidential Helicopters. We saw several of them land at the White House one evening while we were walking back to the hotel. Also seen: snipers on top of the buildings surrounding the White House, should anyone try to take down the President as he de-helicoptered:
Oh yeah! The Friday we were there happened to be the Annual March for Life. There were literally thousands of people marching to the capital, protesting abortion.
At JFK's memorial gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery:
Iwo Jima Memorial:
Old Town Alexandria (and the site where we bought some delish salt water taffy):
The Willard! Very swanky looking hotel that bear's my boyfriend's name. I'm so proud
Dinner with Mike and Amy!
And finally, one final story that has nothing to do with the sights or majestic-ness that is DC. It's just a very funny story (to me and Will, anyway.) The hotel we were staying in had room service, and one of our favorite things to do when we stay in a hotel with room service is to order late night snacks. It's like a little treat, and something we look forward to doing when we are lucky enough to stay at a nice place. So on Thursday evening, after a long night of walking around the National Mall (in the freezing rain (as in, sleet, not as in it was cold outside and raining)) and stopping off in a...couple...bars to get out of the rain, we were pumped to order room service. It was close to 1:30 in the morning, and we were a tad on the tipsy side after our evening rounds at the bar, so to keep us awake, we were watching Mama Mia! Fast forward about 10 minutes. There is a knock on the door, and I get up to answer. The delivery guy asks if it's OK to come in and set up the table, and I say sure, why not. So delivery guy comes into the room, with his back turned to the TV, and I follow behind him. As he is setting things up, I ever so casually glance at the television, and to my HORROR, Mama Mia! is no longer on. It has been replaced by a full fledged pornographic movie. Oh. Dear. Lord. What is going on?!?! I looked quickly at Will, and asked, "what in God's name are you watching?" To which, he looks at me in utter confusion, and says "huh?" Upon which, the delivery guy looks at the TV and starting grinning like the Cheshire cat, but trying to hide it. My face turned brighter than a cherry tomato, and Will sat there, still laying on the bed, in shock, not sure what to do. The porn on TV was like a big elephant in the room. The 3 of us tried to continue on with our respective routines as though everything were normal, but we all knew. We all knew what was happening on TV whilst Will signed the bill, and I reached for a couple extra dollars for tip (because, hello! He just "caught" us watching porn!) It. was. mortifying. Turns out, Will was a bit embarrased to be seen watching Mama Mia! so as the delivery guy came into the room, he clicked the channel up button. Then the delivery guy was in front of the TV so he didn't realize the compromising channel it had fallen on. So needless to say, we were probably the butt of several jokes amongst the staff that night. And that will forever be a memory we think of when we recall our trip to DC. And now, you all will remember it, too. You're welcome for sharing.
In the words of Buddy the Elf: isn't it ginormous?! I stand at 5'8" and this bed dwarfs me. I need climbing gear just to hop into it at night. But I'm not complaining one bit. #1- because the bed is just plain awesome. #2- it is like a late night quad and thigh stretch when climbing under the covers and #3- it is so heavenly once you collapse into it that all the extra effort to climb into it is worth it.
