Petworth’s July 4th Fireworks – Does Yours?


Taxi loves the fireworks

Washington DC has a peculiar tradition of intense 4th of July fireworks. Now, I’m not talking about the national spectacle that you see on TV. That tourist-only event on the Mall is far removed from our lives in Petworth. I’m talking about the neighbourhood-based fireworks that put the Mall to shame.

From mid-afternoon on July 4th, to well past midnight, the city is besieged by amateur fireworks displays, each block showering the night sky with hundreds, if not thousands of dollars worth of fireworks. And as luck would have it, our neighbourhood congregates at the end of my block for fireworks central.

Read More

Minding the Future in Myrtle Beach


Al smiles on the beach

For six months, Amy and I have not left Hanalei’s side. For six months, we have traded off parenting roles, day and night. For six months, we showed our love though our presence. Yet this weekend, we have tossed all that aside.

For two blissful days, amy And I have abandoned our child. We’re in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a wedding, while Hanalei is back in Washington, DC. Yet do not fear for her, do not fret that she is truly left hone alone. She’s being watched closely and safely by Amy’s parents.

Read More

Running Past My First Father’s Day


Best use of a bike lane

Today is the first of what I hope to be many happy Father’s Days. And even though she is too young to tell me what she’d do for this special day, I knew what would make both of us happy: a long run through Petworth.

No, Hanalei isn’t running yet – she gets the easy ride in a baby jogger. Better yet, in the car seat, in the baby jogger, protected and after the first few blocks, asleep. Then its up to daddy to keep the speed, so she can have a cool breeze while she sleeps.

Read More

Putting Pride into Petworth Medians


Thanks for the attention!

This morning, my Councilmember Muriel Bowser took time out from her busy schedule to meet with community members around the construction of Petworth Medians so they can support trees and community-maintained plantings.

For those that are following along, New Hampshire Avenue is getting a nice brick & granite median from around Park Road all the way to Grant Circle. So far,construction is proceeding from Georgia to Grant Circle, but some in Petworth have an issue with the way it was proceeding. The medians were not being excavated to a depth that would support trees, per the original design, and plants and shrubbery, per community desires.

Read More

Help for My Green Thumb: Ladybugs!


Better than a bath inside

So a while back I decided we needed a garden in our back yard. The first year was very experimental – I even hired a gardener to help Amy and I understand the process. This year, I’m rocking!

I have two raised garden beds here and here that have exploded with greenery with an amazingly wet spring. I have lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and beets all reaching for the sky as they put down roots in the amazing Smartleaf compost.

Read More