They live!!

Even though we didn't see the big pandas (or really, many animals at all), I'm very happy with what is likely our last trip to the National Zoo, because I got to see (the butt of) a red panda.  I hadn't known that they restocked after so negligently killing the last pair and so was thrilled, and was even more delighted to see their new, upgraded habitat. The cutest animal (the bear-cat-raccoon-fox-puppy) in the world lives, luxuriously, at my Zoo!!  That's all I need :)

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All is well! The makeover wasn't so drastic as we'd feared, and the changes are mostly to our tastes anyway. Our wedding locale and sacred memories remain intact, at least for now. As long as they are able to keep this or its former incarnation going, we'll be happy to come back and celebrate anniversaries with them!

(Also, saving $$ in fine dining means we should go more often!  Spend to save!  It's such a deal!  Right!!  Right??)

Landlords!

So, after much deliberation and conscious decision-making (largely consisting of an almost joke ad on Craig's List and being pleasantly surprised at the results), we are becoming slumlandlords! I like our would-be renters, but it is strange to think about someone else living in my house. We're learning all about local ordinances and permitting requirements, as well as Virginia landlord/tenant law and guidelines. Plus putting together a how-to-care-for-the-appliances handbook and best-of-the-neighborhood list of businesses. After that, we just have to pack up, move out, and cross our fingers and hope for appreciation.

Walkabout

Burke Lake is a big a** lake!  It's so suburban-peaceful (though actually full of weekend exercise warriors) that I have difficulty remembering that the hike around the damn thing stretches more than 4 miles.  Even though I love to hike by water, it is a significant disadvantage that I can't shorten the walk once I make the halfway point (i.e., the point at which I usually want to give in to my inner, whining, lazy, complaining self). On the other hand, it's probably a significant advantage as well. Harumph.

The fitness course is a little shorter (~3 miles roundtrip), but has the added benefit of exercises from the 80s (I always feel like I should be wearing legwarmers! And a one and a two...) and the accompanying snorting laughter in its favor.  No, I still can't do any pull-ups. We'll have to get back there at least once more for comparison before we leave.