Special Request

We've had a special request for pictures from our trip a year and a half ago to New York City to see the Gates in Central Park. So... here they are:











If you want to see more, and we have plenty, you'll have to come visit.

F Words

FREEDOM: noun; [free-duhm]; the feeling of euphoria that follows a government decision to end your six-week-long, late-night servitude; a concept contingent upon the whim and circumstance of an unstable situation. "Andy's newfound FREEDOM will hopefully not be shortlived."





FLOWER: noun; [flo'er]; a pretty object that adds that special something to a room, particularly a dining room; something given in celebration of a big event -- for example, a new job. "I'd like to thank my parents for the lovely FLOWERS. They look great in our dining room."



FELINE: noun ['fe,lin]; a four legged fur-ball of the cat variety, often found disobeying orders/requests; a creature who enjoys dining on everything but its own food. "Nala is a silly FELINE. This is the umpteenth time we've told her to stop nibbling the flowers and get down off the table."

Working Stiff

Well, it has finally happened. As of this afternoon, I am the newest member of the Art Department staff at Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine. That means I help with designing the layout of the magazine, picking colors and fonts, what pictures should go where and how to crop them, etc. Sounds like fun doesn't it? I certainly think so. It really is a great magazine; just ask Andy, he's been getting it for about six months now. I start in about a week. I'll be sure to let you all know how things go.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

This past weekend was GORGEOUS here in DC. 80 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, and NO humidity! The powers that be gave Andy the night off on Saturday, so we seized the opportunity and invited friends over for a barbeque.



We had a great time, and everyone enjoyed the back patio.



Some of us clearly enjoyed it more than others...

Victory...

... over the massive pile of clothes consuming our master bedroom. For those of you who don't know the tale: Andy and I moved in without bedroom furniture and suffered the consequences. (I thought I had a lot of clothes. Andy claims that his significant proportion of clothes in the pile is directly related to his size, but I don't buy it.) In any case, we finally got a few dressers at Ikea about a month ago, and we finally put those dressers together this week while Andy had some time off. Out with the culchy mess (look Mom, I'm using your word!) and in with the organization. Huray!

Switched at Birth?

You have to admit, there is an uncanny resemblance. Both looked pretty annoyed. Maybe Nala is miffed because of Andy's nutty work schedule. Or maybe she's just PO'd because we still refuse to turn on the faucet for her when she begs.





Yep. I think that explains it.

What time is it when an elephant sits on your watch?

Time for a new watch!



Good thing Andy got me this pretty new one. Take it from me, the picture doesn't do it justice. After a few years without a good watch, I sure do appreciate the thoughtful gift.

P.S. - Andy also got a nice new watch recently. Mine is way cooler.

P.P.S. Yes, I will admit that Katie's watch is "way cooler," but I got mine first.

Window with a View

Pretty blooming tree.



Kitty in a basket.


I rest my case.

Hanging Out

While I have no idea what Nala is waiting for in this picture, I do know that she illustrates the mood at the HoP of late. Let's hope that the wait is over soon, kitty cat.

Secret Agent Man

Beware of the man who wears dark sunglasses at night..



Why is Andy leaving the house in a suit and sunglasses under the cloak of darkness? Well, I can put it to you this way... the recent trouble in the Middle East is keeping him up nights. Quite literally. Any more detail and we'd have to converse in code: Doog kool ti sekam Ydna tsael ta tub, boj hguot a si dlrow eht gnivas. If you can decipher that code, you qualify for Top Secret Clearance.*

* Top Secret Clearance only valid within the limits of the HoP.

Miss Wolovnick Comes to Washington

This past weekend my best friend from college came to stay with us at the HoP. We had a grand time visiting the museums, seeing the sites, dodging the traffic and trying not to melt in the heat.



Diana and I in front of the East Building of the National Gallery. Don't let the amorphic hunk of metal fool you, there are lots of pretty pictures inside.



Here we are resting in a gazebo on the Potomac waterfront in Old Town. The humidity that evening was up around 256% -- a meteorological impossibility everywhere else in the world, but definitely and sadly possible in the swamp that we now call the DC metro area.



Boy, oh, boy. He sure does look good standing in front of that ATM. I think he should stand there more often.



We'd like to thank our personal photographer, Diana Wolovnick, for the candid shots. We love her for many reasons, this being only one of them.

Thanks for coming to visit, Diana!

"The House of Payne is a fine establishment, equipped with air conditioning to stave off the heat, a fine movie selection for personal entertainment, and a beautifully decorated guest bedroom complete with entertainment center and friendly cat."
- Diana F. Q. Wolovnick

Bonding

As you can see Nala knows that she out-ranks the computer


...and is spoiled.

Dogs Have Masters, Cats Have Servants

I realize that you've been at work all day and I've been sleeping, but what are you waiting for? Get up off the couch and make me a sandwich.

The House of Payne Bed and Breakfast

The House of Payne Bed and Breakfast*

Amenities include:
- 2 blocks to King St, Old Town bars, restaurants and shops
- 8 minute walk to Metro
- furry, affectionate cat with all rooms
- landscaped grounds
- off-street parking for your convenience**
- fully stocked wine cabinet

Book early for best availability!
* breakfast not guaranteed
** parking restricted to Red Sox fans only


Guest Room

Residents of the House of Payne

Andy goes to Mecca... aka the new Apple Store at Pentagon City.


Katie enjoying The Gates in Central Park (it's some artsy thing).


Nala - she's still getting used to the novelty of having two floors to call her own.

Then and Now

So... Andy and I finally gave in to the blogging craze. We've had such a fun/interesting/eventful time moving into and setting up our new rental house in Alexandria, we figured why not share our experiences?

For this first post, we figured some before and after pictures would be appropriate:


Before. It's tough to tell from this picture, but the dirt was full of broken glass and other assorted "treasures".


After. We think it's an improvement, especially since nothing has been done to the outside in about 20 years. We would also like to thank our personal landscaping consultants (Mom and Mom).