~pond with water spray at the National Gallery's Sculpture Garden~
some days it just doesn't pay to sit down at the sewing machine...today was one of those days. my plan to knock out the tea wallets was thwarted...sewing machine jamming - will do that if not properly threaded; didn't follow directions properly - lots of unsewing pursues... all sewers have tool called a seam ripper - I have several, some nearly as old as I (and I'll never tell)...that's the not-so good news.
the very best news: I met the Smithsonian staff person who found the opera information for me. I arrived about 10:20 a.m. and as soon as I asked for her and said my name, she stood up from her desk, envelope in hand and came out into the reception area to meet me. We had a lovely chat; she is a lovely, very authentic person. I am so glad our paths crossed.
...after picking up the information, I looked at an exhibit that features the works of amateur artists, all creative in their chosen medium, including quilting and gardening. this quilt was made by a Smithsonian volunteer; it's called "totally scraps" and is all hand quilted.
...thought about eating lunch at the National Gallery but decided to try the Pavillion Restaurant at the Sculpture Garden, instead; nice choice: a chicken salad sandwich with side salad and a carrot cake cupcake. Tasty and not too expensive---for restaurants on the Smithsonian Mall. Lots of people, bus loads of school classes. The last time I was at the Sculpture Garden was the day of the Women's March, exactly four months ago to the date: January 21. Tomorrow is another big gathering in support of Earth Day.
...home again about 3:30 pm; Norman was cooking steak for tonight's dinner. We caught up with each other's day and I, email too. About 5 PM, we had a big rain storm, complete with fist-sized hailstones...afterwards, I looked out the window and saw that my Iris were beginning to bloom! Oh happy day! And they were none the worse despite the storm.
all in all, I'd say, despite my opening salvo, this has been one successful happy day. I hope yours has been also.
Cheers~