Family, food and flutes in D.C.

Over the past several years we’ve visited the DC area due to either Tom’s business events or to see Ruth’s daughter Gudrun and Aunt Ruth (photo left), and took in many museums and monuments. This visit was mostly about family.

Spa Time. Gudrun took a day off to spend with her mom at Spa World located in Centreville, VA. Affordable and close they basked the day away in dry saunas, steam rooms, hydro jet pools, stretching, simply relaxing without interruptions: precious time, indeed! That evening was capped off by 6 of us having dinner together in Alexandria: Ruth, Tom, Gudrun, Malcolm (Gudrun’s boyfriend), Annmarie (Ruth’s ex-student and friend from Simi) plus Alexis (Gudrun’s childhood friend from Simi). Annmarie (everything she says is funny) kept us in stitches as did Alexis. Alexis delivered an hysterical monologue about her ongoing attempt to register at George Mason University where along with Moorpark High School in CA they have repeatedly lost, or misplaced or misinterpreted her transcripts, but led her to believe everything was in place, pulled the plug, and re-charged her application fees. We hope she gets accepted then finds time to go to Spa World.

Fish at Brasserie Beck

Dining at Brasserie Beck: Tom, Malcolm, friend Leonor, Gudrun, Ruth

DC Dining. Gudrun and Malcolm shared their favorite dining places in the DC area: Brasserie Beck (great tasting Belgian beer and Belgian food); Adega Wine Cellars and Café (well-priced good California wines, varietal menu) in Silver Springs, MD; and the very best, the Furgol residence where Malcolm’s parents hosted a fabulous salmon dinner. Conversation flowed easily as we parents got to know each other for the first time. No better way than over fine food and a delicious white wine.

Butterfly. Aunt Ruth deserves much more space than she’ll get here, but suffice it to know that she is the all time haute patron of DC culture. She treated us, plus Malcolm and Gudrun to an early supper at her place, then the India Festival display showcasing India arts, followed by the grand event, “Madame Butterfly” Opera, both at the Kennedy Center. “Butterfly” was exceptional! With a beautiful orchestra, compelling voices, and subtitles to guide us through a dramatic story, we were hooked!

Kennedy Center between acts of Madame Butterfly

American Art. Our other foray into high culture was the American Art Museum special exhibit: “To Make a World: George Ault in 1940’s America”. Simply click on his name to know why this show caught our eye.