Back East... They call it Potomac Fever. Why else would anybody live there except to feel part of the power structure or isolation that is rampant within and near the beltway. Everyone is or was government employed. Once you pass through that system the isolation from the rest of the nation is so complete you must reside near your brethren. Sad but very real state of mind. But the history of years past and the founding of the nation makes up for the climate of helplessness. I can enjoy but for a few days, at best, New York in September and Washington in the spring but quickly we pine for the West's wide open spaces, dry climate and snow capped peaks.
We arrived in Dulles to a humid evening. After being picked up by my sister-in-law and depositied at the Hilton Ballston, early next morning while EJ went to see her MUM, I took the metro to the National Gallery to see the Degas and Rodin sculpture. The National Gallery of Art is my favorite Washington place and the French impressionist at the top of the list. After a decompressing day down town, it was time to visit the Gleeson clan for a family gathering. I drove done to Woodbridge in what came to be a noisy auto, a Mercedes E class. The nose level was unbelievable and the ergonomics worthy of a tractor. No wonder Chrysler and Mercedes split the sheets. I've been a fan of Mercedes all my life until now and owned Sb, SEL 4.5 , SEL 6.3 and several motorbikes but this car was the most uncomfortable machine I've ever drove. If you can not trust Mercedes who can you trust.We decided to visit Fort Meyer and the grave site of grandfather at Arlington. How ironic he is buried next to the Pentagon which he did not enjoy working within.
The Hilton was my sanctuary any got an great night sleep before the journey down to the Beach house. I parked the Benz outside the Hotel hoping someone would steal it so we could get grandmother a comfortable ride. But next morning no such luck and we were off by 9:00
We arrived at the beach house 5 hours later and the house was at 94 and the air conditioner not working. We had to try and sleep with wet towels over our face. I wanted to leave and get back home but thinking about the fishing and the friends I knew and seeing Ellen smiling made the crowds and heat worthwhile
