Bonnie Benedict

Joined August 2015 Message

Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day3
Do Over
March 13, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Thanks to COVID-19, we get to have a vacation do over. Seems as of tomorrow, Washington D.C. is shutting down most everything. Our Air B&B owners are going to let us take our unused days and move them to later this year when all of this will be but a distant memory.

Southwest Airlines, who touts that they NEVER have a change fee neglect to point out that you still have to pay the difference between the flight you purchased months ago, and a flight you’re wanting to take tomorrow. BIG difference. Ka-CHING!

At least we’re healthy and will be home to the cats sooner than they expected. Plus, in Nicoll fashion, we saved PLENTY to do upon our return.

To be continued ......Read more
Laurie Towle
"Making lemonade out of lemons" (a Bonnie motto) and "saving something for next time" (a Nicoll tradition). Safe travels. xxoo
3/14/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
Thanks. Just wish we hadn’t taken such up a hit on the airfare.
3/14/20Reply
Geezers in Paradise
Sheesh. You did so much in the days you were there!
3/14/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
If you remember your address would love to do a drive by on our do over trip. So many memories from my visits there with you.
3/14/20Reply
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Mar 13, 2020, 8:37pm · ⛅ 18 °C · Altitude: 9 m · 38°48'10" N 77°2'26" W
United States Alexandria Waterfront Park

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Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day3
Magnolia on King
March 13, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
After happy hour on our rooftop deck, time for dinner.
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Laurie Towle
Oh my gosh. I had something like the bacon dates at a wedding reception. To DIE for.
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
You’re right about that.
3/13/20Reply
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Mar 13, 2020, 6:46pm · ⛅ 21 °C · Altitude: 16 m · 38°48'18" N 77°2'50" W
United States Alexandria Alexandria Historic District
Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day3
National Gallery of Art
March 13, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Last time I was here was right after my college art history class. Just as exciting to see so many masters first hand including the only DaVinci currently in America. Also,a current exhibit was Degas at the Opera.

Channeling mom today.Read more
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Laurie Towle
Channeling Mom!! So many beautiful pieces of art. I remember the portrait of George Washington, his wife, his dog, and his black servant.
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
There were several paintings of George Washington. One of the family, but can’t remember the dog.
3/13/20Reply
Laurie Towle
Perhaps my memory failed me. I was quite impressed that the servant was included.
3/14/20Reply
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Mar 13, 2020, 2:00pm · ⛅ 22 °C · Altitude: 20 m · 38°53'29" N 77°1'12" W
United States Washington, D.C. Judiciary Square Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station (historical)
Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day3
Jackson 20
March 13, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Breakfast before heading to the Smithsonian. We were hungry so forgot to take photos. :-(

Creative Take on Comforting Southern Dishes with Locally Sourced Ingredients in Alexandria. Sophisticated Flavors Inspired by Chef McCall's Focus on Locally Sourced Ingredients.Read more
Laurie Towle
Very quaint!!
3/13/20Reply
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Mar 13, 2020, 10:34am · ⛅ 16 °C · Altitude: 15 m · 38°48'17" N 77°2'40" W
United States Alexandria
Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day2
Landini Brothers
March 12, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
After a quick happy hour at Virtue Grain and Feed, we headed to an Italian restaurant recommended by our Air B&B, the Landini Brothers. Delicious food. Grilled romaine salads to start. Brian had a fresh caught local rock fish with fingerling potatoes and broccolini. I had braised short rid on a vegetable risotto with broccolini. Yum. Brian was so hungry he neglected to get a photo of my short rib. Trust me, it was delicious.

Franco and Noe Landini are the proud hosts of Landini Brothers restaurant. Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, and close to the Potomac River, Landini Brothers is a well-established landmark in Northern Virginia. It has been serving northern Italian food in the traditional Tuscan style since it opened in 1976. Franco's annual visits to his family and friends in Tuscany provide him with ample opportunity to learn about the latest advances in Tuscan cuisine—knowledge he brings home for the dining pleasure of restaurant guests. Come join us for brunch! Sunday at 11:30am to 3:00pm.Read more
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Laurie Towle
Great food, great atmosphere!
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
And we had a waiter named JT who totally reminded me of Dwayne Johnson.
3/13/20Reply
Laurie Towle
A BIG bonus.
3/14/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
😂
3/14/20Reply
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Mar 12, 2020, 6:30pm · ⛅ 14 °C · Altitude: 14 m · 38°48'16" N 77°2'28" W
United States Alexandria Waterfront Park
Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day2
The Supreme Court
March 12, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Last time I was visiting Heather and came here, the Supreme Court was getting ready to listen to a case about VCR tapes. Actors had their knickers in a twist about not being properly compensated. We just missed the last tour before the shutdown.Read more
Laurie Towle
I didn't ever get a tour of the Supreme Court. Sorry you missed it.
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
Something for next time. I’m sure things have changed a lot since 911.
3/13/20Reply
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Mar 12, 2020, 4:00pm · ⛅ 16 °C · Altitude: 42 m · 38°53'26" N 77°0'16" W
United States Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill The Contemplation of Justice Sculpture
Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day2
Library of Congress
March 12, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
We were able to avoid another security check by taking the tunnel underground from the Capitol to the Library of Congress. We got to see the books that Jefferson sold to them for $24,000. There were exhibits on suffragettes and Rosa Parks. We got to see one of the original Gutenberg bibles. Our last stop was a behind glass, balcony view of the libraries reading room. I understand you can apply for and get a library card which allows admittance. Perhaps next times.Read more
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Laurie Towle
How THRILLING!!!! I'm tingling all over. The ULTIMATE Library experience. But do they have a Starbucks inside like the Rhodes College Library?
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
Alas, they have much to learn from Rhodes College. Perhaps a call to the White House would be in order so you can set them straight.
3/13/20Reply
Laurie Towle
That's a whole lot of Books. Ahhhh. Wish I were there.
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
❤️
3/13/20Reply
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Mar 12, 2020, 3:00pm · ⛅ 16 °C · Altitude: 38 m · 38°53'12" N 77°0'16" W
United States Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill The Court of Neptune Fountain Sculpture
Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day2
U.S. Capitol
March 12, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
We were able to get into the last tour before everything shut down due to the Corona Virus. Great, free tour.
Laurie Towle
The Capitol is the most beautiful building. Great tour. Glad you made it. Cobb schools are closed starting Monday, indefinitely. Other counties have followed. We had tickets to a City Springs Theater performance that was cancelled. No church activities for at least 2 weeks.
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
Same for Gwinnett. Schools in Louisiana are closing for 3 weeks.
3/13/20Reply
Laurie Towle
Parents are scrambling for childcare and/or fretting about "home" schooling with online assignments.
3/14/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
I’m surprised I haven’t close daycare facilities. Parents to figure out what to do. Perhaps they can telecommute. Feel sorry for all the folks working in the government facilities here. They’re basically being put on a two week unpaid vacation.
3/14/20Reply
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Mar 12, 2020, 2:30pm · ⛅ 16 °C · Altitude: 46 m · 38°53'23" N 77°0'33" W
United States Washington, D.C. East End Capitol Hill
Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day2
U.S. Capitol Cafe
March 12, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
After a long walk, time for lunch. Surprisingly delicious food in the cafe located on the bottom floor of the Capitol. Like a food court, with fresh delicious food. We shared a roast turkey sandwich in cranberry walnut bread and senate bean soup. Yummy.Read more
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Laurie Towle
Turkey! How patriotic. Wasn't the turkey considered for the national bird?
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
Yes. Ben Franklin was the one who proposed it. Didn’t get any further than our dinner table though.
3/13/20Reply
Laurie Towle
What??? No dessert???
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
Too “full of beans”, literally.
3/13/20Reply
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Mar 12, 2020, 1:15pm · ⛅ 15 °C · Altitude: 26 m · 38°53'22" N 77°0'27" W
United States Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill Capitol Grounds
Bonnie Benedict Into the Swamp
Day2
Washington Monument
March 12, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Impressive as always.....
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Laurie Towle
Does this kissy picture have a hidden meaning? I THINK you know what I mean. Bet you got your steps climbing the monument.
3/13/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
You have to get tickets ahead of time to go to the top. Not sure they even let folks walk down anymore. We were cut from a stronger fabric I guess. Did we walk down when the family went there on vacation? I remember walking down at one point in my life. As to the hidden meaning, ill never tell.
3/13/20Reply
Laurie Towle
I don't remember taking the steps on the monument. When we were there with the boys it was closed for maintenance/improvements.
3/14/20Reply
Bonnie Benedict
Maybe I walked them myself or Heather went with me. I remember having a conversation at the time about Jack Lalane climbing up the monument steps on his hands. Did our family not take a DC vacation?
3/14/20Reply
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Mar 12, 2020, 1:00pm · ⛅ 15 °C · Altitude: 9 m · 38°53'22" N 77°2'7" W
United States Washington, D.C. Washington Washington Monument

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