Yesterday I lugged my cameras to the city and visited the cherry blossoms at the tidal basin before going into the office. It was cloudy (and had just rained) but they were still looking very photogenic.

This weekend it was ridiculously warm - in the 60s - and knowing that it wasn't likely to last (being that it's January), so we hopped in the car and took the back roads to Harper's Ferry.

We attempted to take some photos of the kids together, but that's easier said than done. We didn't get too much hiking in, we saw some trains, had lunch, climbed the hill up some steps to get a view of the river, walked down and over the bridge across to the Maryland side and attempted a little walk, but it just wasn't working (with the kids) so we went back across, had ice cream, walked a bit more and headed back home. 

Before we came home, we stopped off at a "nanobrewery" called Corcoran Brewing Co. that was about a mile and a half off the main road. Just hanging out next to some residences is this little place. There was quite a little crowd -- they are only open Saturdays -- there was a fundraiser happening for the Dropkick Murphy's charity. So there was lots of music and Irish dancing going on while we had our tastings. It was quite enjoyable.

(And a few days later, it snowed, of course)

We've had a ridiculous amount of rain. Ridiculous. 

Last night, I was sitting at a PTA meeting at school, which was of course running long, waiting for the conversation about where people should stand to pick up their children after school when my phone rang. I saw that it was Brendan but figured that he was just wondering why I wasn't home yet - 45 minutes after the meeting was supposed to be over. My phone wasn't catching much of a signal, so I let it go. And then I immediately got a text. So I walked out of the meeting to look at it.

Not exactly the best text to receive. As I walked outside, the rain was coming down seriously hard. Roads were flooding. Our street was full of water - it was almost over the curb. I came home to find our basement carpet soaking wet, all the electronics up off the floor (phew) and everything moved away from the exterior walls.

Poor Brendan was outside bailing out our one window well with a pink beach bucket. I took over and he went to the store fingers crossed that they'd still have something to help solve our problem. Water was just pouring in the window well from underground. It simply had no place else to go (we have gotten somewhere around 12-15 inches of rain the last 24 hours!). Thankfully, Bren was able to pick up a sump pump and get it working so we didn't have to bail all night. 

There's no school, and no daycare today. Hopefully there's very little in the way of rain.

In comparison to yesterday, today is incredibly uneventful.

As I'm sure everyone knows, we had a bit of an earthquake yesterday around these parts. I was actually in the middle of a conversation with Brendan when it hit (we were both at our offices). At first, I just assumed someone was moving furniture. I mean, who thinks earthquake? Especially here. I've certainly never felt one before. But once Bren said the word to me, it made more sense. 

Unlike others on my floor and in my building, I opted to stay inside until we were officially told (about 20 minutes later) to leave. My office is an interior one, with a support beam running down beside it. Plus, I was able to make a call or two from my office phone and didn't have to rely on the cell. 

Thankfully, Brendan was able to get a hold of our daycare provider and pick the kids up within the hour. On the other hand, I had to wait for my normal bus which ended up being about an hour late due to traffic. At least I had the good sense to go straight to the bus stop after being evacuated. I may have had to wait about two hours for a bus, but I was near the front of the line and managed to get a seat. I felt really bad for the folks who were later to the stop, or waiting down stream for it. There was simply no room. 

All in all, it was not the most unpleasant experience, and through it all, texts were going through to those I needed to get in contact with, and everyone waiting at the bus stop was cheerful enough. 

Of course, now that I know what an earthquake feels like, I never need to experience one again. Right?

"The grass had greened one morning when I blinked; I missed it again." -Annie Dillard

It seems like just yesterday we were trapped under mountains of snow. Next thing you know, the birds are chirping, I'm planting seeds in the garden and the forsythia is blossoming. Spring is a corner that you never know you've made it around until the curve is behind you.

Since today was sort of stinky, we will revisit yesterday -- a spectacular day.

There was "chalking"...

Digging...

Spinning...

Swinging...

And all around loveliness...

Yup, we got a boatload of snow. I've done more shoveling the past two days than I have done my entire life. And there's more snow coming. 

All our trees look like they are covered in marshmallow fluff. It's quite pretty.

Bridget's had a blast -- she did a little sledding later in the afternoon (photos of that later on in the week, perhaps).

I've tried to get a little inspired with my photos, but I haven't ventured too far. I'm afraid I'll bust my tail and break the dang thing.

There's more snow a'coming tomorrow, so I'll have some more opportunities.

This is what we woke up to this morning; it's still snowing. You can't see the truck tires anymore. It's got to be around two feet at least -- but that's nothing compared to the 30 inches my parents woke up to this morning. Jeepers!

I'm staying inside until tomorrow if I can help it. I don't see the point in digging before it's done snowing. We aren't going anywhere. From the sounds of it, we aren't going anywhere until Tuesday...

It's SNOWING!

And from the looks of it, it's going to be snowing for at least 24 hours. Oh, and we're here visiting Keith and Shade' for the weekend. Actually, the last time we had a big snowstorm, we were out of town. However, I was sure to pack extra clothes and we made certain we were here before the snow started coming down. Now all that's left to do is to sit back and enjoy it.

The part I love the best about the snow is the way that the cold smells and feels. That is, until I get snow in my gloves and/or shoes; then, I am done. Done. I have a feeling that Bridget will have a grand time outside with Brendan and Keith. I'll have a little fun, take some photos and then hang out with the baby and whoever else wants to be nice and cozy inside.

I'm pretty sure I'll be working remotely on Monday. =)