Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

Our first two weeks here were quite a whirlwind. After our arrival, we set up shop in Arlington and hit all of the essentials: the local farmer's market, Costco, IKEA, and Whole Foods. The movers arrived a day late and we camped out until they delivered our furniture and other possessions late Saturday afternoon.

Erik started at the NSF on Monday after our arrival and has been busy orienting himself. Lea and Carter have enjoyed several excursions to the American History Museum, Natural History Museum, and monuments. In addition to unpacking, we spent time enjoying old school entertainment as the Verizon strike prevented us from getting any Internet or television at home. It was nice to play games, read books, and see the sights. We are finally connected - an essential component of Lea's telecommute - and can begin posting here again.

On our first weekend following relocation, we visited the National Archives. Not only did we want to see the country's most important founding documents, but also the special exhibit: "What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?" We had heard quite a bit about this temporary display covering food policy and practices over the years and were eager to peruse the collection. Carter tolerated Lea and Erik's interest in the display, and even he enjoyed the brochure and letters extolling the nutritional and patriotic value of doughnuts. Unfortunately, the Archives forbids photography, so we can't show you the fabulous posters and objects on display. Following our foray to the archives, we took a spin around the Sculpture Garden until our reservation at the companion restaurant - America Eats! - was scheduled. We had a fantastic meal based on traditional American foods. Carter was especially excited to eat the precursor to mac and cheese - a pudding of cheese and vermicelli from 1802.

Our second week began with a bang - or a shake - with a temblor on Tuesday. Erik was on the 9th floor at the NSF when the ground started to undulate. He had never experienced anything quite like it. While west coast dwellers might scoff at a 5.8 magnitude quake, it shut down the NSF and pretty much everything else for the day.

Lea and Carter didn't feel the quake, but knew something was up when Erik called, and helicopters started to circle the Washington Monument. They were taking the day to visit several memorials around the National Mall, including the new Martin Luther King, Jr. site located by the FDR and Jefferson memorials. Their trek back to the apartment was slow and uncomfortable as all public transportation was crowded and metro trains were traveling at a measured pace while inspectors checked the tracks for any damage.

We thought the excitement was over. But, now we are battening the hatches for Hurricane Irene. Next come the locusts...

On the Move

A few months ago, Erik was offered the opportunity to serve as a Program Director in the Political Science Program at the National Science Foundation. The position involved a two-year leave from the University of Kansas and a commitment to move to Arlington, Virginia where the NSF is located. We were all excited about the chance for a new adventure. With support from her program at KU, Lea was able to arrange a telecommute. Although he would miss his friends and school in Lawrence, Carter was on board, excited about living near Washington, DC. We took a two-day cross-country trek, taking a couple of pictures along the route (above you see the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and below you see Seneca Rocks in West Virginia).



We will be updating you over the next couple of years on our adventures from our nation's capital!

Sad News

Our beloved family cat, Trygve, passed away today. She had been in various stages of renal failure for over a year. After our return from Europe she seemed especially ill, so we took her to the vet who gave us a grim prognosis. We will miss our little girl.

European Adventure, Part 9: A Final Day in Portugal

En route home, we scheduled a final day in Portugal. We took a short tram ride to Belem, a small town adjacent to Lisbon that is home to several landmarks. Our first stop was the 16th Century Belem Tower. The tower served as an important fortification to defend Lisbon and is near the place where many explorers launched their voyages to claim territory on behalf of the Portuguese crown. It is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Belem.

We had lunch overlooking the Monument to the Discoveries, honoring Portugal's role in European exploration of the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

The St. Jeronimos Monastery was our last stop of the trip. Dating from the late 1400s-early 1500s, the ornate facility was quiet and serene despite the presence of many tourists. Several photos follow.

The monastery also serves as the final resting place of the most famous Portuguese explorer - Vasco de Gama.

We were all tired and ready to come home by the end of this final journey. That sentiment is captured in Lea and Carter's expression below - they were happy to be done posing for Erik!

We feel fortunate to have enjoyed a great family trip to two grand cities.

European Adventure, Part 8: Au Revoir, Paris

We took a stroll along the Champs-Elysses on our final day in Paris, stopping for a view of the Arc de Triomphe. We adored Paris and plan to return someday!