We are home. It was a long long day, so I will keep this short and tell you more highlights as the next week progresses.

We saw SO much in our short time in D. C. All the memorials and many many monuments. Our nation's capital is inspiring in its beauty and richness of culture and history. It is also overwhelming with all the people and traffic that is constant.

We stayed at the Hampton in Alexandria VA and were very pleased with Lamer's choice of accomodations. We were within walking distance of two (we heard of another but never made it there)excellent restuarants. The Joe Theissman where we shared a quesidilla one night and ordered a whole dinner the next. I ordered crab cakes that night and they were delicious. Dick had a steak.

The last night in that area, we went to a Thai restuarant down the street that was also very good. Dick found out he likes rice noodles too. Somehow I am not surprised.

I think I have about 150 pictures. The digital is handy because one can take several shots of the same thing at different angles and try odd things if one wants. If they don't turn out - delete works just fine. I will have to wait until tomorrow to see them because after I reviewed 158 emails I am just too tired.

So - We are home safe and sound. We had a great time. I will tell you more tomorrow.

love

Mary

It was hot today, but the Celtic Faire was quite successful, at least we believe so.

We know that the Mass was VERY well attended and people were pleased with it. The band, the Cashel Dennehy Dancers were both hits. Everybody wants to see them again so we have already asked them for next year. The storyteller was well received, but I know now that I will rearrange the schedule and have her come on SOONER while more children are there and have her entertain everybody and then take the children for some games etc. Our Children Games chair let us down this year, there were no organized games for the kids and by the time Patti O'Clover got on most of them had been taken home.

The food was wonderful and we sold out most of it. There was a Nesco of meat left, but I am sure that was sent home with someone. We did not run out of corned beef this year and had less than a Nesco full of that which we sent home at a reduced price.

The bar is always successful.

SO!!! once we determine the financial results, we will know th total success. So far it is up there on 3 of the 4 criteria.

Then, when I got home, I had to sew the binding on the Waterwheel Spin quilt that I have asked my neighbor to take to the Quilt Show next Saturday. Nothing like finishing up at the last minute. Mary has two beautiful items she is entering this year, an Underground Railroad quilt and a really cute wall hanging called Mittens. It has MITTENS in big quilted letters and then four "mittens" hanging from it.


This will be my last post until next Saturday evening. We leave at 8:00AM for Washington DC. I hope you will miss me. I will miss posting. However, Dick and I are so excited about the trip. First times to special places are always SO exciting.

Have a great week. I will store up stories for you.

Love

Mary
We will know for sure once we determine how financially successful it was.