Celebrating the 4th

Last week, I celebrated my first Independence Day as a DC area resident.  We are lucky enough to have a friend in high places that invited us to watch the fireworks from his office.  An office that happens to have an amazing view, with or without fireworks.

Amazing, right?

Here's another view (sorry for the reflections, I hadn't turned off the light).  On the left is the Washington Monument with the Capitol behind it and on the right in the middle of all of those trees is the White House.  THE White House.  Sigh.  Our friends are awesome.

Also in his office building was the best portrait I have ever seen:

Yes, it is a judge.  Holding a cat.  For his official portrait.  That's not even the best part.  The best part is the plaque to identify the those depicted in the portrait:

{Oliver the Cat -not just a cat- 1989-2002}

This man is my new hero.  I hope that if I ever have a job important enough to require a portrait to be commissioned of me that I will also share it with a cat that is more than just a cat.  Aspirations.  I have them.

Back to the main act.  The fireworks.  We had a spectacular view.  Seriously, I can't thank our friend enough for inviting us to watch the show with him.

{The reddish spec in the middle of the picture is the flag that flies on the White House.}

And, the grand finale was amazing, albeit a little smokey.  

This looks like something from space to me.

All in all, it was a great holiday and the perfect way to spend my first Independence Day in our nation's capital and away from the traditions with friends and family back home.

How did you spend your 4th of July?

Welcome, friends!

Hi and welcome to my new blog, where I plan to share the comings and goings of my life.  Chances are, since you're reading this, you probably know a little bit about me, but the short story is:  I'm a newlywed living in DC after growing up in the Midwest.  I love black beans, wine, quotes on magnets, and anything green, just to name a few.  If you want to know more, you can read my "About the Jess" page.

My husband and me.  

Our wedding photos are the only nice photos of us we have, so you can probably expect to see them a lot around here.  You've been warned.

I can't promise that all my posts will be riveting, since my life in general is rarely so, but I can promise that they will be full of tv references and bad puns.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you stick around!