Kay Bailey Hutchison, Republican and Texan, who spent nearly 20 years in the US Senate, is our NATO representative. She was the first female Senator elected to represent Texas. The Washington Post hosted Ambassador Hutchison, for an interview with columnist David Ignatius. The former senator discussed the future of the transatlantic alliance that Donald Trump once called “obsolete” — a position that he has since reversed; she talked about mounting threats from Russia and other countries against Western allies. She addressed her top priorities in the areas of military cooperation, intelligence-gathering and combating terrorism. Bill and I were for fortunate enough to be present for this interview.
A friend who once lived here and is still in the area, suggested we attend a performance of The Capitol Steps. So thankful for her suggestion because we’d never heard of this American political satire group. They began in 1981 at a Christmas party in the office of former Senator Charles Percy. Like most things in Congress, they never knew when to stop. They have released over 40 albums that are primarily song parodies and have appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show, 20/20, Entertainment Tonight, Nightline, and dozens of times on NPR’s “All Things Considered”. They’ve performed for 5 US Presidents—6 if you include Hillary.
Each performance consists of 1 pianist and 5 performers frantically changing wigs and costumes. Many of the actors have worked on Capitol Hill for both Republicans and Democrats. The current cast has at one time or another infested the offices of 11 US Senators and 7 members of the House of Representatives.
This troupe books shows all over the country but has become a favorite on the DC social circuit. Its political satire brings riotous laughter, rave reviews, guffaws and bipartisan grins all around.
When we arrived here 31 July, major construction projects were underway with crews working shifts around the clock to meet the deadline of 12 October’s Grand Opening of the District Wharf. The 4 day opening was certainly a “grand” event attracting hordes of people interested in the new development of up-scale shops, restaurants, apartments, and condos. This southwest area of DC used to be an area to which you dare not come out of fear for your life but now it is a happening quadrant of the city.
We toured one of the apartment complexes and marveled at the views from their 6th floor terrace although the top floor was the 12th.
Looking south toward Capitol Yacht Club and Gangplank Marina
A pool that looks as if you could swim right off the edge.
The view to the north and in the direction of the iconic seafood market
An assortment of interesting characters were present for the festivities
Each night in the huge rock fire pit, marshmallows, a roasting stick, graham crackers, and chocolate were made available to everyone.
A concert during the Asian Culture Awareness Festival. This musician is describing and explaining a 2 string Chinese violin that she demonstrated.
The Asian ensemble performs for us
Another delightful concert in the American Art Museum by a Chinese pianist,
Ukraine violinist, and British cellist
We visited the National Archives to hear director Ken Burns and see clips and comments from his documentary on Vietnam, now known as the American War. Cokie Roberts moderated the discussion with Ken and Lynn Novick about their PBS documentary series, The Vietnam War, the war that took our sunshine away. The two of them spent 10 years creating this 18 hour documentary still available for viewing.
Everything I do, everywhere I go, and everything I learn in this city just makes me more insatiable as I realize how little I know and how much there is to read and learn. Life’s just not long enough!
We’re on our way to another horizon-broadening experience in Alexandria so more later…as our days here dwindle to a precious few.
Bill and Laura
Washington, DC
