My World of Wonders - aka The Wednesday Ws September 10, 2025

The new Mall side entrance to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum 

Where have I been this week?  Dyke Marsh, Huntley Meadows, the Farmers Market, Aldi, the gym, King Street, Homegoods for photo frames, a walk in Potomac Yards.  

Who have a talked with this week? Friday was our monthly LGBTQ neighborhood gathering, Larry and Giuseppe hosted, Ana and Susan were there, and Rafael. On Saturday I went to the monthly community coffee gathering in the community center, I talked with Ruth, Ana, Susan, Charlie and a few others.  A planning call last week with Erica, Jessica, Malya, and Charlie. 

What have I been up to in the kitchen? Burgers on Thursday, Pizza on Friday, grilled chicken sandwiches on Saturday, turkey tenderloins and roast veggies. 

What travel plans have I been working on? A flight from Milan to Vienna, hotel in Milan, for next spring. I still have a couple of hotels to book. 

What is coming up this week? A reset for the art gallery and showcase, the colonial market at Mt Vernon, and a gallery opening. I will be due for a library visit soon. 

What is the email quote of the week? 

Unfortunately, the air conditioning in the Fitness Center has decided to take a little summer vacation of its own. We’re currently waiting on the arrival of a new compressor.  For some of you, this may be the perfect excuse to skip the Fitness Center guilt-free (“Sorry, can’t work out, management said so”). For others who absolutely must get your workout in, think of the condo's newest amenity: a luxury sauna with gym equipment included.

What made me stop and think this week? I realized the artists paint brush I was using was one of the first one's I bought, over 50 years ago. Two thoughts, how can it be 50 years, and if you buy quality it lasts if you take care of it.

What have I been reading? The Importance of Being Educable, by Leslie Valiant a professor at Harvard.  Kind of deep and theoretical, and exploration of what it means to be able to learn. When I finish that I have a book by Gordon Ramsay about travel and food to read. 

Who have I traded messages with this week? Doc Spo, Mitchell and Sean. 

What is the colorful bug? A spotted lantern fly, a nasty invasive species, if you see one, crush it. I crushed about 50 of them on my Sunday afternoon walk.