I’m on cloud nine. Spent some quality time with my better half living the high life. We took an evening at the National Harbor and stayed at the Gaylord Hotel which is really nice. A couple of nice meals, lots of walks together and time to talk. Yes we did some shops also. But I also got to snap a few frames around town. I had the intention of doing much more, but I spent a good amount of time looking into her eyes, holding her hand, thanking her for marrying me, trying to make her laugh, telling her how beautiful she is and how lucky I am, was the best use of the time there could be. This is something I haven’t been consistent with over our almost 4 decades together. I might be making up for lost time. It’s a blessing to be aware of that and be able to do something to correct it.
Shadows, steps, seafood.
Photo by Mike Hartley
The staircases down to the main area between Waterfront St and National Plaza if my memory is correct.
More stairs, shadows, and artwork.
Photo by Mike Hartley
We blew into town on Friday. There is no good time to travel the Washington beltway, but our trip wasn’t as stressful as I thought it may be. Getting in and out of there is a breeze once you get to that point.
Blowing into town.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m no expert on good hotels or great ones. I’m not in that income bracket. But I will sing about this one. The staff treated us like royalty. The views and atrium were wonderful. The beautiful people coming in and out for events dressed to the 9’s. We love to people watch. The many people there for conferences or company meetings. But despite what appeared to be many people, the place always felt open and not crowded at all.
Gaylord National Resort/Hotel at National Harbor.
Photo by Mike Hartley
And if you turn around from this view and look out you see the below shot.
Just past sunset.
Photo by Mike Hartley
The town lights up in the evening fairly well. Not bad for a handheld 10-year-old digital camera.
Marina in foreground and Gaylord Hotel on the hill.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I saw a lot of construction started or breaking ground near this area so it looks like it’s on a path to become another massive center of entertainment and a destination in itself. You have the MGM Casino/Hotel/Concert venues. The water, the stores, the businesses, the food.
Looking out from National Harbor on a paddle-boat.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Wish I had time to sort and edit it all but reality is smacking me in the face this rainy Sunday and work is on the horizon. Actually yesterday afternoon was back to chores for a bit. And today is a continuation of that. So back to that taxi to the job and reality. It was nice to escape it for a bit.
Water Taxi
Photo by Mike Hartley
But it was nice to get that different perspective.
From the 18th floor.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts
Be at peace with yourself first. It gives you more energy for the rest of the world.
I read a ton but rarely a book.
Where would the world be without pizza?
