My Favorite Pooch

This is Owney.  He was a traveling dog just like me.  I love his story......he wandered into.........well, just read on.

Owney's Story

 Wow!  What an adventurous dog!  He's my inspiration.  Click to enlarge.

Ben and Me

What in the world is Ben Franklin, one of my favorite Founding Fathers, doing in the Postal Museum?
Read on and find out.........he was a great inventor, and I mean GREAT!

Read On.........

I am so intrigued by Ben Franklin.  His dad couldn't afford to send him to school as he got older, so Ben and his brothers and sisters would sit around the dinner table in Boston. They would listen to his dad and his dad's friends talk to get their education.  I love that idea!

There is Something about a Terrier

What do you think?  Do Owney and I look a little bit alike?  I know our spirits are the same and we love to travel looking for adventure.  Make sure in your travels, when you are in Washington, D.C.,  you stop and see all the enriching, educational exhibits at the U.S. Postal Museum.  You can buy the latest cool stamps there, too.  Who knows, you may even start a stamp collection!  You might become a philatelist!

Aliens Invading?

It looks like I'm under the ocean and stingrays are swimming above me, don't you think?  Well, actually, I stopped in to see my Senator at his office in Washington, D.C.  So many of the government buildings in this city have great art.  This sculptor is Alexander Calder.  I liked it!  I like abstract art.  Learn more about this artist at:  www.alexandercalder.com

Come Visit your Elected Official

Should you want to meet your Senator and have a chat, just call his or her office and make an appointment, or drop in.  You can always leave a note with the Legislative Aide.  That's what I did.

Pretty Fancy

This is just one of the many ornate doors leading into the Senate Office Building.  Washington is full of incredible architecture-----brass doors, marble buildings and steps----and expert craftsmanship.  Make sure you put it on your list of great places to explore.  One of the added bonuses-----almost everything is free to visit----the museums, especially.  And, there are scores of them!

All Aboard!

I'm in the heart of Washington, D.C., and staring across the street at Union Station------this is where all the trains arrive and it also has a Metro, the underground rail, for the city.  It's also were Union troops were "put up" during the Civil War.  Now, that's pretty old.  I love this city because it gives me a chance to step back in time and imagine the early scenes from America's history.

A Closer Look

Yep, I'm under the Star-Spangled Banner standing at the entrance to Union Station.  Did you know that the thirteen stripes on the American flag represent the 13 original colonies?  When you venture to the Nation's Capital, make sure you schedule a train ride.  It's always one the highlights of my trip here.

What's really interesting is that so many Europeans ride the rail because that's the way they get around in their homeland.  You'll make new friends from around the world when you step into a passenger car,  play cards in the lounge car, or have a meal in the dining car.

Surf's Up-----Contest's On

Yep, Sunset Beach, the surf mecca of the world-----my neighborhood.  I'm on Mom's cruiser on the Ke Ala Pupukea Bike Path that runs 3 1/2 miles along the beach roads.  The HIC (Hawaiian Island Creations) Pro is the first contest of the season.  It's Autumn and the surf is comin' up, so is the wind.  Did you notice the roof tarps blowing?

Aloha to our Visitors

Danielle is from California.  She came to see the HIC Pro Surfing Contest with her boyfriend and celebrate his 50th birthday.  They are both learning to surf and took lessons in Haleiwa while they were here.  Thousands of tourists travel to the North Shore to watch the best riders in the world surf the best waves in the world.

Who's Winning?

Mahina, one of Mom's former third graders, obliged me and stood by the tally sheets and schedule of heats.  Sunny Garcia won the contest.  He's an older surfer from Hawaii who won the same event 20 years ago!  Bravo, Sunny!

Better Read the Fine Print

Yes, if you are competing in the HIC Pro, it's important to be very clear about the rules.  Look at the last one------Yikes!   A $1,000 fine-----that's serious!  (Remember, if you click on the photo, it enlarges.)

Getting Ready for Action

Kalani Brown, a former student at Sunset Beach Elementary and now a North Shore Lifeguard, was staking the signs for visitors to make them aware of the conditions.  The ocean can be very dangerous in the Fall and Winter when the big waves are up.  The lifeguards on the North Shore are dedicated and take their job very seriously.  Learn more about them at their website:  www.northshorelifeguards.com

They are having a benefit on December 7th at Waimea Valley, 6:30 to 10:30.  Please come!

England? France? Where in the World?

This is the original Smithsonian Museum on the Mall in Washington, D.C.  It's a very old four-story brick structure that presently houses the administrative offices of the Smithsonain Institution.  It used to be the only building with exhibits.  It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the Washington Monument at one end, to the Capitol at the other end.  Now there are many museums which line the Mall.  I do hope you will come explore this southern city some day soon--Spring and Fall are best.

First Stop----Press Tent

Yes, I am a reporter, even though I am a dog, so I needed to pick up my press pass and kit for the annual 4th of  July event on the Mall---the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.  Amy had it ready for me!

In Training

Tory, the blonde, and Rebecca were at the Folklife Festival as interns. They "work" for a public relations firm which was handling the communications and press.  They told me the best part of their job was being able to come to big events like this one.  I think I'd like that part too!  It looks pretty casual.

Art "ON" the Mall

This quilt is the longest piece of folkart in the world.  It's made of panels created by friends for friends.

Each square is 12 feet by 12 feet.  It will be on permanent display at the Smithsonian. Did you notice the two-wheelers by my ear?   I like seeing bicycles.  Those folks are shrinking their carbon footprint and making the world a cleaner planet.  Did you notice the Capitol in the background?

Santa in his Workshop?

No, that's not Santa, it's Ray Kinlock, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City.  He teaches textile design.  Today, he's on the Mall to restore some of the older panels on the quilt.

All the Way from South Africa

What's really wonderful about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is all the interesting people from around the world who have an opportunity to share their cultures.  This is Beauty and she loved me.  Look at that doll and little beaded bird; it takes a lot of time and training to become so artistic and skillful.  (Remember, click on the photograph to get a better look.)

Look Familiar

I felt like I was back in Hawaii and not in Washington, D.C.  Lehua and Pualani (in the hat) were dancing hula at the Folklife Festival.  It was part of sharing the culture of land grant universities in the United States.  They were representing the University of Hawaii.  As we were "talking story", I asked them what amazed them about the Nation's Capital and they both replied, "The architecture impressed us the most!"  I concur, there are so many beautiful buildings in this city.

Always Ready to Make New Friends

I heard a talk last spring by a man named the Dalai Lama.  He said it's important to, "Extend your hand first when meeting a stranger."  I think that's a pretty good idea.  It would make the world a much friendlier place.  These are some new friends I made in the giant air-conditioned "gift shop" tent at the Folklife Festival.  If you are ever in D.C. on the 4th of July, make sure you stop in.  Go early as it tends to get pretty hot as the day wears on!

Onward to the Nation's Capital

Yep, I'm heading to Washington, D.C.  Making sure I'm drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated because it lessens my jet lag.  Come on along...........

First Stop.....the Metro Office

I landed at Washington National.  This airport is just down the road from George Washington's home, Mt. Vernon, and across the Potomac River from D.C.  The subway, called the Metro, is right there and it's easy to make my way around the city and suburbs.   I made sure I bought the special Metro Pass that saved me money.  Unfortunately, the machine ate my first $20 bill and I'm having one heck of a time getting reimbursed (paid back).

The State Flower of _______________

Did you guess?  I'm in a bed of black-eyed susans, Maryland's state flower, in Kensington.  Just getting ready to see a vaudeville production by the British Players.  It was a tribute to Queen Elizabeth of England as it is her Diamond Jubilee.  She's been reigning for 60 years!  This troupe performs lots of skits and tell jokes and dances and made me laugh.

A Bevy of Beauties

These British Players, from left to right, Kim, Kathy, and Alicia were behind the theater taking photos of each other.  I saw my opportunity, just trotted right over, and introduced myself.  They loved me!  And were happy to let me be in one of their pictures.  Look at those fancy tap dancin' outfits!

Yummm. Yummm. Since 1939

Yes siree, homemade is the way to go.  Remember.....be frugal, eat just a little.
I'm at Seibel's, an old-fashioned restaurant right outside of D.C. in Burtonsville, Maryland.

Stop by and say hello to Lynn, and tell her Rex the Surf Dog sent you.  Check out their website and homemade ice cream at:  siebelsrestaurant.com

After a Long Day

Taking a bubble bath is right up my alley.  I think I must have a little French poodle in me.  I just fill up the tub, although this one is the size of a swimming pool, and relax.  I must confess, when I did fill up the tub later, I put in too much bubble bath and the bubbles were almost out in the hallway.  Yikes! Thanks to Auntie Chrissy for the loan of her jacuzzi.  On to more adventures tomorrow.

I'm a Green Dog!

Follow me to an environmentally-friendly small town festival..............it's Fairfax, California, just over the Golden Gate Bridge and up the road a few miles.

First Stop......Bargains!

Oh, joy, a flea market in the woods.  This once a year event brings townsfolk out in droves.  They have cleaned out their closests, basements, and attics and are passing on their treasures.  Mom bought a few things, of course,-----an ornate green Depression glass bowl for $6 and a double headed solid dragon-carved brass coat hook for $8.  Wow!  We know how to shop (and recycle)!

My Absolute Favorites

How cute are these little slippers!  They are made of boiled wool and handcrafted in South America. I imagined a tiny fairy was in the neighborhood, hiding behind a big tree, wishing and wishing for a pair of these sweet booties.  What do you think?

Come on Through the Woods

Well, as I left the Fairfax Festival Parade, and after I did a little bargain hunting in the woods at the flea market, I found myself in front of the old meeting hall.  It was the center of the environmental displays and activities.  The fellow on the hillside wasn't quite sure what to make of me!

The Lorax Knows

He's one smart cookie that fellow who speaks for the trees.  His words of wisdom were all over the inside of the meeting hall at the Fairfax Festival.

Right up My Alley

Yep, this is my kind of festival.  Reminds me of Jack Johnson's Kokua Fest which also strives for Zero Waste.

Bravo, Bravo to the organizers!

How Much Goes into the Landfill?

I played this little spinning game with Brianna.  What I learned is this...........45% of the waste that goes into holes in the earth, called landfills, is food!  Yikes, ever heard of vermicomposting.  Get yourself some worms, today!!  They'll eat all your compostable waste and you'll get a nutrient-rich, black soil amendment.  Google: Waikiki Worms for more info.

Need Seeds?

I loved talking gardening to Matthew Hoffman.  He had lots of seeds ready to sell to all the Festival goers.  Do you need some seeds?  Go to Matt's website and see what he has for you.  livingseedcompany.com     Do you know what kind of corn Matt has grown?  Indian corn is the answer.

Makin' New Friends

Thousands of visitors come to the Fairfax Festival from the Bay Area, remember San Francisco is just over the bridge.  And the residents of the town love this annual get together.  They make a day of it----music, food, education, fun and talking, talking, talking.  I was with lots of other child-friendly folks on the ball field doing a children's craft.  We created rubbings.  I loved conversing with all the locals.  I learned a lot.  Think I'll come back next year to this cool hippie town.

Again, the Lorax Speaks

I suggest you modify your diet and think about turning one of the days of the week, meatless.  Just look at these statistics!  Take good care of yourself and better care of the planet.  Skip meat on Mondays--that will be easy to remember.

Another Pet Friendly Town

There was a great big health food store in Fairfax, Good Earth Natural Foods, that had everything, and an incredible deli.  Wow!  And best of all was the water bucket just for me!

Bye, Bye

This is Patty.  She was the Fairfax resident who met me in Hawaii at another festival and invited me to come to her town's event.  I was part of the eco friendly group----the Green Dog!  Do your part to make the planet a better place:  turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth, plant a garden, turn off the lights when you leave a room, pick up litter, even though it's not yours.  I could go on and on and on..........you know what to do!

I Love a Parade!

Cassie's saddled up and ready to ride.  I'm in Fairfax, California, at the invitation of a couple of local folks who met me on the North Shore and thought I'd make a great addition to their annual summer festival.  This event started about 38 years ago and continues today.  Let's get moving.....

The Bubble Guy

That's Sterling.  He's been coming to this Festival for a few years and entertaing the crowds with his innovative blowing techniques---bubbles, bubbles, everywhere!  In his spare time, he's an attorney!  I gave him a hand helping him balance his bubble water cart as we walked down the street.  (You can hire him for parties and events if he's in your neighborhood.)

The Crowds were Waiting

I felt very special to be part of the Faixfax Festival.  My little paw got pretty tired waving to all the big and little kids, and blowing them kisses.

It was Pretty Wild!

These guys were playing mighty fine jazz as we were strolling down the main avenue in Fairfax.  What do you think of that green painted fellow and his companions?  I felt lucky to be following this musical float.

Let's Follow this Cart

I love antiques and collectibles (so does Mom).  Recycling at its best!  Sunny Day Salvage is a great little shop in the heart of Fairfax.  Like it on Facebook!  This is what they do:  At Sunny Day Salvage, we make, gather and sell lifestyle goods for the recycled home. We sew, paint, glue, collage, nail, screw, hammer, sand, stamp, pound and style, as the mood moves us.

Keep Inspiring

Yes, it's the young people who will continue to make changes for the betterment of the planet, including themselves.  I love this banner!  I LOVE THIS PARADE!