Get Out! Celebrate Holi in Many Colors on Friday, March 13 starting at 5:45pm at Union Market

by Peggy Robin

Celebrate the Colors of Holi at Union Market on Friday, March 13! 

In partnership with RASA, Buffalo & Bergen and Chai Pani, Union Market District invites you to the fourth annual vibrant celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors. Get ready for an evening filled with authentic Indian flavors, great music, dancing, cocktails and lively festivities—including the joyful tradition of color throwing and other fun surprises.

Learn more about Holi in the FAQ below.

Suggested attire: Not your nicest whites, but the colored powder is washable and non-toxic. 
Location: The Plaza, 1325 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002 (Just past Union Market) 

FREE!

SCHEDULE:
5:45 PM: Suggested arrival. Guests will receive a satchel of colored powder and a T-shirt upon arrival (while supplies last).
6 PM: Time to throw the colors!
6:15-8 PM: Catch a live DJ set by Elite Entertainment + live dhol by Dholi Ram. Plus RASA, Chai Pani, Malai Ice Cream, Karravaan, Buffalo & Bergen, Doosra and Keya’s Snacks and will have food + drinks available for purchase.

Union Market will be open for food, drinks and shopping!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS [edited by CP Moderator for space - see complete list of FAQs at https://unionmarketdc.com/event/holi-in-the-district/]

📍Where exactly is the event?
Holi will be held in The Plaza behind Union Market at 1325 5th St NE. Enter from either side, 5th or 6th Street NE. Look for Holi at Union Market District signage and check-in stations.

🎟 Do I need a ticket?
This is a free event; no tickets are needed to enjoy the festivities. This event will be first-come, first-served. Colors and T-shirts are available while supplies last, so please arrive early.

☔ What happens if it rains?
A few sprinkles can’t keep us down. Unless the weather presents a danger, the event will happen rain or shine.

🐶 Is this event pet-friendly?
We expect large crowds and highly recommend leaving your pets at home for their safety and comfort.

💃 What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can dance and jump in that you don’t mind getting colorful! The color is non-toxic and washable but don’t wear your finest ‘fit! We will be giving out white Holi in the District T-shirts and color packets on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that you will not be able to choose your color packets.

What else should I know for the event?
Arrive early! Vendors will have food and drinks available for purchase (while supplies last). Still hungry? Please visit The Market or make a reservation at our other Union Market District restaurants! For more info, see our Eat & Drink page.

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The "Get Out!" event of the week is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Thursdays. 

Still Life with Robin: Eavesdropping in Cleveland Park

 by Peggy Robin

I'm sure you all know Joe Himali of Best Address Real Estate. Every week he posts a message on the Listserv with a trifecta of information: 

1. His weekly real estate offerings

2. A list of his lively and informative walking tours

3. His Instagram reels on history, architecture, local lore, quirky factoids and curiosities. 

Today, my column is about one of his Instagram reels, which combines a bit of all of the above. It's about the origins (history) of the word "eavesdropping" (quirky factoid), including an architectural tour of some of the eaves of Cleveland Park...starting with the ones overhanging my house (pictured below).

This reel is definitely worth 64 seconds of your time!

[Video will play at link: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DFyViHjyKAH/]

One factoid of my own: Joe HImali is the Cleveland Park Listserv's first-ever sponsor -- the quickest to sign up back in 2000 when we first decided to seek sponsorship from our neighborhood business owners, service providers, and professionals, to help us maintain our daily online publication. -- which is why Joe is always listed first in our monthly column of Thank-yous to Our Sponsors and Friends (See Message  #234262   ) . 

Want more of these little online gems? Go to Joe's latest ad on the Listserv at Message #234462 and scroll down to the Instagram section - or follow Joe on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/bestaddress/

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Still Life with Robin is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Saturdays.

Get Out! Saturday, March 7 is the first of THREE big St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

 by Peggy Robin

 

I had to do a double-take (or triple-take?) when I started looking over the events to post to be considered for the "Get Out!" column's event of the week: It seems this year the organizers of St Patrick's Day events have managed to do the holiday in triplicate. By that I mean that the snake-conquering saint is being feted THREE TIMES -- with events on THIS Saturday, March 7, and again on NEXT Saturday, March 14, and of course, on the ACTUAL ST PATRICK'S DAY, March 17.

 

Seems like those who view the holiday as the best excuse for a day-long pub crawl are in for three-times the fun!

 

For those looking for a nice, traditional St Patrick's Day Parade, with pipers, marching bands, step dancers and lots of... 

...and you can start with the big St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturuday in Old Town Alexandria

Here are the deets:

 

Old Town Alexandria's St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 7, 2026 starting at 12:15 PM

300 King Street

Website: https://visitalexandria.com/events/2026-st-patricks-day-parade/ 

Parade route: https://ballyshaners.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Parade-Route-for-Website.pdf 

Event description: The Ballyshaners 43rd Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 7th, 2026. Residents and tourists are encouraged to come early to enjoy the events at one of the DC area’s finest parades. This event is free and open to the public.

~~~~~

 

Ready for another, even BIGGER Irish festival? Go to:

IRLAND AT THE WHARF a week from tomorrow - on Saturday, March 14 from 1-7 PM.

 

Here's what you need to know before you go (from the FAQ at https://www.wharfdc.com/ireland/):

 

Do I need a ticket?
Ireland at The Wharf is free to attend; no tickets are needed. Drinks are available for purchase on District and Transit Pier and at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol. The VIP Irish Experience presented by Jameson is back! Ticket holders can taste Premium Irish Whiskeys, get backstage access, and more. Limited tickets are available here.

 

What activities are there at the event?
Listen to great live music, watch Six Nations rugby on a jumbotron screen, learn to play Gaelic Football with DC Gaels, watch local Irish dance troupes and of course, enjoy a pint or two.

 

Is this event family-friendly and pet-friendly?
Yes, children and pets are welcome throughout the festival area. Children may enjoy watching the musicians and Irish dancers, a kids coloring station, and more.

 

Are there any St. Patrick's Day food and drink specials?
Kirwan's on The Wharf serves authentic Irish food and drinks 365 days a year, and especially on St. Patrick's Day weekend. There will be a festival bar serving Guinness and a Fever-Tree Mocktail Bar on District Pier!

 

Will there be Irish music?

Of course! The festival's main stage on District Pier features three live local bands performing familiar Celtic, Irish, and Americana tunes that you can sing along and dance to including special headliners Chasing Abbey direct from Ireland. On Transit Pier watch Irish dancing and listen to local favorites Kentucky Avenue Trio. 

 

What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock. Check our garages' capacity before you arrive. Or plan to utilize one of the nearby off-site parking garages (view PDF map), including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza (420 10th St SW), L'Enfant East Parking Garage (840 D St SW), or the 1100 4th St SW Garage. You can also ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes to The Wharf, or ride to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.

 

~~~~~

Still wanting more of the holiday? Here are some places to celebrate with Irish food and drink -- and music! -- on the proper day itself, TUESDAY, MARCH 17th (results from Google AI):

 

Top St. Patrick's Day Pubs & Events in DC (March 17, 2026):

• The Dubliner (Capitol Hill): Renowned for its massive celebration, starting at 9 a.m. with live music from bands like Brian Gaffney.
• Duffy's Irish Pub (Dupont Circle): Opens at 12 p.m. with Irish dancers from the McGrath Morgan Academy and a focus on traditional tunes.
• Kelly's Irish Times (Capitol Hill): A popular, boisterous spot known for its extensive whiskey list and all-day atmosphere.
• Kirwan's on the Wharf (Southwest Waterfront): Offers a more modern, upscale, yet authentic Irish experience.
• Ireland's Four Courts (Arlington/DC Area): A major destination with live music and, in 2026, potentially celebrating their 30th anniversary.
• The Auld Shebeen (Fairfax): A popular spot often featuring Irish bands.
• Boundary Stone (Bloomingdale): Features authentic Irish pub fare like bangers and mash.
   

Specialty Food & Drink:

• Guinness: Look for special, early morning, or discounted pours at The Dubliner (51-cent Guinness before 10 AM) and Ireland's Four Courts.
• Traditional Irish Fare: Corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread will be featured at most, particularly The Dubliner.
• Festive Drinks: Dacha Shaw (green beer) and Dog Haus (Jameson shots, pickle backs) are also mentioned for the holiday. 

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The Get Out Event of the Week (and in this case, next week, too!) is usually posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and On All Life Is Local on Thursdays but today it was posted a day late....

Still Life with Robin: One Last Look at Winter - NYC after the "Bomb Cyclone" Dumped 20" of Snow

by Peggy Robin

64°F! That was the high in Washington, DC today. Sometime next week we should see temperatures in the mid-seventies. What a relief!

 

Just a few days ago (Monday, February 23), we were under anywhere from two to four inches of snow (it varied a lot, even within DC), but at least we escaped the big the white-out that shut down all the other big cities along I-95 to our north. 

 

Friends and relations in New York City got a snow day, and a couple of them sent me the photos below. I thought I'd pass them along for one last look at the snowiest winter in almost 30 years. (The winter of 1995-1996 holds the record.)

Snow on the front walk

View from the living room window

Snow Cat & Friend

Tree in the park by the bridge

These four photos are among 17 new photos, all taken in Astoria, Queens, New York on the day after the "Bomb Cyclone Blizzard of '26." 

 

To see all 17 photos go to the PHOTOS section of the Cleveland Park Listserv and click on the album Snowfall, snow art, and winter scenes.

 

You can add your own photos, too. The instructions to upload photos are at the end of Message #230198   .

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Still Life with Robin is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Saturdays.

Still Life with Robin: Hurry Up, Spring!

 by Peggy Robin

By now you must have heard that chances are high that we'll get hit by the bigeast coast snowstorm that Capital Weather Gang says is coming --but they also say right now, it's hard to tell how much we'll get. Could be 1-4" (50%). Could be a bust at under an inch (25%). Or (gulp!) a boom at 4"-8" (25%). They'll be posting regular updates on Bluesky. To see their latest forecast map (if you can stand the suspense), go to  https://bsky.app/profile/capitalweather.bsky.social/post/3mff4reopn22m 

 

Whether it turns out to be a late February blizzard or a negligible dusting, or something in between, it's worth remembering that spring is just eight days away.

 

Are you confused? Doesn't spring start on the equinox? This year, that would be at 10:46 AM on Friday, March 20, 2026. Well, that's right -- but that one is called "Astronomical Spring." The far older, more traditional breakdown of the seasons, called the Meteorogogical Seasons, goes like this: 

 

Spring starts on March 1st

Summer comes in on June 1st

Auturm arrives on September 1st

Winter begins on December 1st. 

 

So simple! No partial months! And of course, you get the change of seasons three weeks ahead of that other, more awkward Astronomical Seasonal System (ASS).

 

The trouble with using equinoxes and solstices is that they move around a bit, varying by up to three days across the four-year leap year cycle. So the spring equinox could come as early as March 20 or as late March 23.

 

If you're interested in a more detailed explanation of the difference between Astronomical and Meteorolgical Seasons, go here: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/meteorological-versus-astronomical-seasons

 

Now let's back to what may befall us in the next day or two: If a shovel-worthy amount is dumped on us come Sunday/Monday, we must grit out teeth, get out the snow shovels once again, and keep dreaming of the coming of spring. 

 

I hope a few photos will help you make it through the next week:

 

Forsythia will spring forth! 

Daffodils and tulips will form a blanket of many colors!

Redbuds will be budding!

And of course there will be cherry blossoms!

Cherry trees in full bloom with National Cathedral in the distance
(photo credit: Thomas S. Mann)

p.s. Cherry blossoms are predicted to bloom later than usual this year. The official predictions aren't out yet but you can get email updates from the National Park Service's "Bloom Watch" by signing up at https://cherryblossomwatch.com/peak-bloom-forecast/. The Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 will run from March 20 to April 12, so mark your calendars! 

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Still Life with Robin is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Saturdays.

Get Out! See the YEAR OF THE HORSE Chinese New Year's Parade on Sunday, Feb 22!

 DC CHINATOWN CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE HORSE!

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, join the 2026 Annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade in Downtown DC’s Chinatown at 2:00 PM. Hosted and organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC (CCBA) in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA), Chinatown will burst into vibrant color as we celebrate the Year of the Horse — marking the year 4724 in the lunar calendar!

Enjoy an exciting lineup of cultural and community performances, capped off with a spectacular firecracker show during the grand finale on H Street. This is one of DC’s most beloved events, bringing together tradition, community, and energy.

Come early for a meal at one of Chinatown’s many local eateries, then grab a spot to catch the SAMs from the DowntownDC BID walk the parade and take in the full sweep of this colorful celebration!

Whether you’re a local DC resident or a visitor, this parade is an unforgettable way to start your year!

Details

• Cost: FREE
• Location: The parade starts on 6th and I (Eye) St NW and ends on 6th and H St NW. To see a route map, download the parade route PDF.
• Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown Station (Green/Yellow lines) via the H and 7th Street Exit.

In the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac are often described as being independent, enthusiastic, cheerful, and popular. They are known for their outgoing and dynamic personalities, making them good leaders and natural entrepreneurs. However, they can also be impulsive and sometimes resistant to authority. 

The Horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle that repeats every 12 years. People born in the year of the horse include: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014.

Parade Participants include the following:

DC Police Cruisers and Motorcycles 華府警車與摩托車隊

DC Police Honor Guard 華府警察儀仗隊

Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association 美京中華會館貴賓

Mayor Muriel Bowser & DC Council Members 市長Muriel Bowser 及華府議員

Kaohsiung Municipal Jianshan Primary School 高雄市桃源區建山國民小學

Chinese Senior Citizens Association 華人耆英會

Mayor’s Office on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs 華府市長辦公室幕僚及家屬

DC Councilmember (Ward4) Janeese Lewis George 華府第四區議員Janesse Lewis George

DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb  華府總檢察長Brian

DC Police Academy 華府警察學院

Downtown BID 華府市中心商業改善區組織

CYC Lion Dance Troupe 美京青年社獅隊

MGM Resorts International #1 美高梅國際渡假娛樂中心

Chinese Princesses & Horse Carriage 馬車與華埠小姐

12  Zodiac Animals 十二生肖

The Three Princes 電音三太子

Taipei Economic & Cultural Representative Office  駐美國文化經濟代表處

TECRO Chinese Language School (Drumline team) 駐美代表處中文學校鼓隊

TECRO Military Delegation 駐美代表處軍事代表團

Formosa Assoc of Student Cultural Ambassadors – DC 海外青年文化大使

Washington Metropolitan Association of Chinese Schools 華府中文學校聯誼會

Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIADC) 佛光山華府分會

Confucius Group (6) 祭孔小組

Wong’s People Lion Dance Troupe 黃氏舞獅隊

Taiwan Benevolent Association 台聯會

KMT Washington Chapter 國民黨美京分部

Global Federation of Chinese Businesswomen 世華工商婦女企管協會巴城分會

Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of North America 北美州台灣商會聯合總會

Chinese NESTA 華語師資協會

On Leong and Chinese Freemason Lion Dance Troupes 安良與洪門舞獅隊

On Leong Association 安良工商會

Chinese Freemason Association 美京洪門醒獅隊

Eng Family Association 伍胥山公所

Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe 彩雲舞獅隊

Shaolin Temple Kung Fu School 少林功夫學校

Hip Sing Association 美京協勝公會

Yee Fung Toy Lion Dance Troupe 余風采堂舞獅隊

Yee Fung Toy Association 余風采堂

MGM Resorts International #2 美高梅國際渡假娛樂中心

US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps 美國陸軍老衛兵橫笛與鼓隊

US Naval Sea Cadets 美國海軍海事學員隊

Young Marines 青年海軍陸戰隊

Moy Family Association 梅氏宗親會

American Legion 美國退伍軍人協會

US Chinese American Military Veterans 美國華裔美國軍人

Eastern High School Marching Band  東部高中樂隊

Smithsonian Institution 史密森尼學院

Northern Virginia Experimental Chinese School 北維州實驗中文學校

Tzu Chi Academy Chinese School 慈濟中文學校

CCACC Dragon Dance Troupe 美京華人活動中心舞龍隊

Excel Academy All Girls Charter School Drumline & Kramer Middle School Dancers 女子鼓樂隊

Yu Ying Public Charter School 育英學校

Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital 美國女童子軍

Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys & Seed Public Charter Drumline 男子學院鼓隊

DC Public Library Mobile Bike 華府公共圖書館

MGM Resorts International #3 美高梅國際渡假娛樂中心

Jow Ga Shaolin Lion Dance and Dragon Dance Troupe 周家舞龍舞獅隊

Friends of the National Asian-Pacific American Museum 國家亞太博物館之友

KQT DC (Korean Traditional Drums) 韓國傳統鼓隊

OCA of Washington, DC 美華協會華府分會

1882 Foundation – 1882 基金會

Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe 雄獅聯盟

DC Dragon Boat Club 華府龍舟會

Tinkus Bolivian Dance Team 波利維亞舞蹈團

Almas Shriners Clowns & Motorcade 聖地教徒小丑和汽車隊

Maryland State Firefighters Association 馬里蘭州消防員協會

DC Fire Engine and EMS Department 華府消防車與緊急救援隊

Still want more info? Go to:

https://dcparade.com/

and

https://www.downtowndc.org/events/dc-chinese-lunar-new-year-parade-2026/

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The "Get Out! event of the week is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Thursdays.

Still Life with Robin: If DC had a tabloid

by Peggy Robin

While we've been bemoaning the destruction of our hometown paper [see the 15-message thread starting on Feb 4 with Message #233559, and then continuing for 28 more messages with a slight subject line change at Message #233662], others have been imagining a different reality... What if DC had a Daily News style tabloid?

Well, the "other" that I specifically have in mind is one Michael Schaffer, @michaelschaffer, who has been composing perfect front pages for the tabloid of our dreams.

I give you this quintet of examples of his work:

Find it at: https://x.com/michaelschaffer/status/2021564611024085434

https://x.com/michaelschaffer/status/2020127612018778542

https://x.com/michaelschaffer/status/2020127612018778542

https://x.com/michaelschaffer/status/2020305940210213058 

The above was just posted today: https://x.com/michaelschaffer/status/2022677320683655638

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Still Life with Robin is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Saturdays

Get Out! And celebrate Mardis Gras (Fat Tuesday) on Sunday on H Street!

by Peggy Robin

Mardis Gras on H Street!

Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Starting at 12:00 PM
Free and Family Friendly

Get ready for a full day of music, culture, movement, and community as H Street Main Street brings back the 2nd Annual Mardi Gras on H! From marching bands and drumlines to live music, dancing, theater, and kid-friendly activities, H Street will be alive with the spirit of Mardi Gras all afternoon and evening.

This neighborhood-wide celebration features multiple stages and venues along H Street NE, offering something for everyone — whether you want to dance in the street, enjoy live performances, or explore family activities and local arts programming. 

Main Stage

1207 H Street NE

• 12:00 PM – Eastern High School Blue & White Marching Machine
  
• 12:00 PM – DC Warriors Drumline
  12:15 PM – Drum-Off with Malik Stewart
• 12:30 PM – Line Dancing with Dancing Diva April
  2:00 PM – U.S. Army Blues Band
• 4:30 PM – Capitol Hillbillies
• 12:00–4:00 PM – Moon Bounce & Face Painting (Family Activities)
  

Atlas Performing Arts Center

1333 H Street NE

• 1:30 PM – Good Life Theater Puppet Show (Free)
• 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM – Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, Tickets must be purchased (Family-friendly matinee available, )
• 6:00 PM – Glade Dance Collective – Tickets must be purchased
  

More Music on H Street

Live performances continue throughout the corridor at participating venues:

• 3:00–4:00 PM – Line Dancing with Dancing Diva April at The AVEC (901 H St NE)
• 4:00–6:00 PM – Live Music at Henceforth (1335 H St NE)
• 4:00–7:00 PM – Johnny Graves & Piano at Gallery O (1354 H St NE)
  

Come Celebrate with Us

Mardi Gras on H Street is free, open to the public, and designed for all ages. Bring your beads, wear your colors, and enjoy a day filled with rhythm, joy, and neighborhood pride.

Let the good times roll on H Street!

Host: H Street Main Street

Website: https://hstreet.org/event/2nd-annual-mardi-gras-on-h-street/

Email: info@hstreetfestival.org

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The "Get Out!" event of the week is published on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Thursdays.

Still Life with Robin: Fun with Snowcrete!

by Peggy Robin

Last week the ice artists among us got the chance to show off their creativity and sense of play:

See snow scuptures, igloos, snowpersons, and more:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1199115835723962

Watch the whole reel!

Here's my favorite: The Snofa! (Category: Realistic Art)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1473119211481514&set=a.219521823507932

My vote for Best Scupture (Abstract Art)

Capital Weather Gang posted this quartet of good ones, which they described below:

Some LEGIT igloos and snowcrete sculptures from our very talented readers!

So many great examples to scroll through here.

Thanks to these folks for sharing (in the order the photos appear):

1) Colored igloo in Silver Spring (the_meggolodon)

2) Ice nook in Annapolis (Tjeezey Mattizzle)

3) Polar bar guarding igloo (Enzoqueenie)

4) Sailboat sculptures (walter-in-falls-church)

https://x.com/capitalweather/status/2018139961413734471 

Posted by: Capital Weather Gang @capitalweather

You can add your own photos of winter scenes, ice sculptures, igloos, or snow art to the CP Listserv's Winter photo album 

Only eleven more months to go until we announce the Cleveland Park Listy award for Best Listserv photo! You could be a nominee....or even the winner of the GOLDEN LIKE!

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Still Life with Robin is published on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Saturdays.

Get Out! 2 Black History Month Events at Glen Echo Park on Saturday, February 7

by Peggy Robin

Black History Month at Glen Echo Park

Feb 7 2026

Glen Echo Park

7300 MacArthur Boulevard

Glen Echo Maryland 20812

Glen Echo Park Civil Rights and History Tour with National Park Service | Meet at the Dentzel carousel | February 7, 2026 at 10:00am

Who led the Civil Rights protests to desegregate Glen Echo Amusement Park in 1960? Which amusement park ride was a focal point of the protests? How did Glen Echo Park become part of the National Park System? Explore Glen Echo Park’s history on this 45-minute free walking tour and find out the answers to these questions and more! This 45-minute ranger-led tour starts at the Dentzel carousel at 10:00am. Free. No registration required.

Dentzel Carousel

FREE Film Screenings: Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round  | Ballroom Back Room | February 7, 2026 at 11:30am & 2:00pm

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents two free screenings of “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round” in the Ballroom Back Room at Glen Echo Park. RSVPs required. The film has a runtime of 90 minutes. Read the full synopsis at aintnoback.com 

RSVP is required.

 

Free

Glen Echo Park

7300 MacArthur Blvd.  

Glen Echo, MD 20812 

Phone: (301)634-2222

info@glenechopark.org

https://glenechopark.org/visit

Map Directions

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The "Get Out" event of the week is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local usually on Thursdays but occasionally on a Friday.

Still Life with Robin: The Day I Beat Snow-crete

 by Peggy Robin

I have always hated being cold. I was never one of those kids who liked to play in the snow. I never did the "snow dance" on the night before snow was in the forecast, hoping for a day off from school, so I could go sledding or to build a snowman. And of course, the very worst thing about snow -- the thing that nobody likes -- is that you have to shovel it.

So, a week ago when the Capital Weather Gang (my favorite part of the all-but-decimated Washington Post) started telling us all to prepare for a lot of the white stuff, I wasn't happy. But I decided to grit my teeth and do the right thing: I made a plan get that slippery white stuff off my front walk. I wasn't going to let the coming snow/ice storm defeat me.

So on the evening before it started coming down - Saturday night the 24th - I put down a sprinkling of Snow Melt on the walkway.

I woke up on Sunday morning to find just an inch or two had fallen overnight. It was soft and mushy from having fallen on top of the salt. It was still coming down lightly when I went out, all bundled up like the Michelin Tire man, to attack it with my ergonomic snow shovel. It took me less than ten minutes to clear a narrow path.

It snowed all day that Sunday. So every two hours I went out and shoveled away another inch or two of snow. It was never more than that in a two-hour period, so it was never that much time or effort to shovel it aside.

When evening came, I went out to do one last go-round with the shovel to leave the walkway clear. Then I sprinkled another round of Snow Melt on the bare fieldstone. And went to bed. 

That night, no snow fell -- only freezing rain (tiny ice pellets) fell from the sky, coating the snow everywhere with a shiny hard layer of ice, turning the snow into the rock-solid "snowcrete" that was the worst thing about this storm. But on my clear, Snow-Melt-prepped walkway, the ice that fell everywhere else was turned into a layer of thin, soft, broken-up bits of slush. So it still wasn't too hard to shovel it off the walk.

When I was done, I put my shovel down, looked at the result of my labors, and was pleased.

I have never been prouder of myself for a physical cleaning task well done. In fact, I've never had occasion to brag before this about anything it's been my job to clean. Tidying up, has never been one of my strengths (understatement of the year!).

This is what it looked like once the snow/ice was done:

However, I will be even happier if I never have to do that again!

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Still Life with Robin is published on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Saturdays.