1st Stage theater: ETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY

 

I ushered at 1st Stage theater at Tysons Corner for BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY this Sunday afternoon. This was story of a retired NYC police officer holding on his rent-stabilized apartment while fighting a lawsuit against the NYPD, surrounded by a "chosen family".

A few interesting twists and turns. There was a closing party after this show.

14-mile REVERSE Bear Church Rock hike

 

I joined a meetup hike to do REVERSE Bear Church Rock for 14 miles with 3300 feet elevation gain. The weather was sunny and cool (perfect for hiking), while the trails were dry and the stream crossings were pretty manageable, although some sections with snow. What a nice hike!

Plus 6.7 miles weekday runs, I logged in 20.7 hike/run miles this week.

Synetic Theater: ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

 I drove 22 miles to Arlington to usher for Synetic Theater’s play ANTONY & CLEOPATRA. Surprisingly, the traffic was smooth on I66 going there and back. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy was wordless, movement-based, so confusing at times, yet the stage design, customes, and dance performances were flawless.

12-mile Dicky Ridge hike

 

I went hiking with two friends on the Dicky Ridge for 12 miles with 2200 feet elevation gain in a spring like weather. The visitor center is still under renovation. We had lunch outside of the visitor center. There were purple flowers blooming on our way down. We also stopped by the Apple House to have some food.

I have been worrying about the war in Iran for the whole day. Hope all will turn best for the Iranian people and the world.

I ran 3.25 miles after the hike. Plus my weekday run 4.5 miles, I logged in about 20 hike/run miles this week.

Year of the Horse hikers party

 

I attended the Year of the Horse hikers party at Front Royal, and enjoyed the wonderful food and conversation. To make the red envelops more exciting, I randomly inserted foreign currencies in some, including Cuban pesos with Che Guevara's face, and Japanes paper folded origami cranes and turtles symboling longivity.

In addtion, I gifted away my worldwide handcarfts and souvenir collocetions by letting each guest picking an item in sequence according to the number on the back of the guest's red envelop and preferences. The items had been laid in my closet for years and finally found better owners who enjoy them.

The collection worth over $1,000 include Vintage Sicilia Cotton Tea Towel & Wall Hang Map Landmark Tapestry form Italy, Vintage Mexico Mayan Aztec Brass And Enamel Wall Hanging Plate Mayan Calendar 11" Hanging brass wall plate décor, 13” Silver Metal Eiffel Tower Tealight Candle Holder Centerpiece Party Paris Décor, Japanese Sake Set (Shuki), silk scarves from museums and famous brands, a pair of handmade Trinket/Gift Box Persian Wooden Handcraft Inlaid form Iran, Vintage Japanese paper origami Kimono doll 13 inches, Wakasumi lacquer sauce bottle, Salzburg Cristal de Flandre 10.25 oz Crystal Whiskey Glass/Tumbler set of 4, Mikasa HOLIDAY ELEGANCE Fine Christmas tree tray, Vintage Mikasa Christmas Bowl, Vintage Gorham Crystal Angel Tea light holder set of 2, Vintage Cloisonne Ornate Chopstick Blue And White Floral Brass And Enamel, Cross Classic Century Medalist Chrome with 23KT Gold Ballpoint Pen (3302), Pilipino multi-color letter opener, a mousepad in Iran carpet design, Man and horse 26.5” x 22.5” original oil painting on canvas, Mayan Native oil painting on 11x8 inch Stretched Canvas, an Indian Banjara mirrorwork boho bag, a black should beg from Iceland, Japanese handkerchief, etc.

I ate too much food, for logging only 17.5 hike/run miles this week (8 miles hike on Monday + 9.5 miles run).

hike in Sky Meadows State Park

 

I hiked with friends in the Sky Meadows State Park in 30s (but felt colder due to humidity) over slushy snow for 8 miles with 1500 feet elevation gain. My hiking boots were soaked after first two hours. Good workout on Presidents’ Day.

I hiked in this park many times, but first time checked out the exhibits and gift shop.