musical play: A Civil War Christmas at 1st stage Tysons

I ushered a musical play: A Civil War Christmas at 1st stage Tysons tonight. The stories surrounding President Lincoln in White House and civil war battlegrounds in Northern Virginia were back in 1864, the coldest Christmas Eve in years. Not as huge cast as the Hamilton, yet not less moving. It was a strange day for me. I first tripped on a cement ground and fell on one knee in the afternoon, and then jammed one finger when trying to open a wine bottle in the theater.

~ 16-m after Thanksgiving hike

I hiked 15.9 miles (26 kms) with 3950 feet (1200 meters) elevation gain along Dickey Ridge to Compton Peak in 30f (-1c) with a meetup group today, to burn the calories from two Thanksgiving parties. I saw one black bear last Saturday, and one deer today. I felt terribly regret to leave my micro spikes in the car again, so as to borrow from kind Becky one micro spike to get via a narrow icy slippery section! Special thanks to Annette sharing delicious brownies. It was so cold that I took only several photos.

Thanksgiving dinner Chinese style with family friends

Thanksgiving dinner Chinese style with family friends

Nova Labs 20-Maker Thanksgiving 2.0 potluck

Nova Labs 20-Maker Thanksgiving 2.0 potluck

Cupcake Tricycle Cars

I volunteered tonight at NOVA Lab to cover the frame with fabrics (glue, cut, sew, etc.) and decorate the Cupcake Tricycle Cars for Reston Town Center Holiday parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving, to promote Nova Labs and Maker Faire NoVa.

12-m hike on snow

I had a cold yet cool sunny day hike with a Meetup group Along Little Devils Stairs-Piney Ridge on snow for 12 miles and 2700 feet elevation gain. There were two major stream crossings and my boots got wet at the 2nd one. It was tiring to walk on snow with my heaviest hiking boots (better stability and angle support). I bought up the issue about hiking with micro spikes, but left my in the car. I tested my new synthetic base layer made by 360 degree which worked well and priced economic. I enjoyed the banana bread by Wonda and the hot drinks by Karen to share after hike, but I will NOT hike Little Devils Stairs covered with snow again.

national Bison reception and hummus reception

I went into D.C. for the national Bison reception and hummus reception. I tasted Bison burgers, stews, and hotdogs, as well as 17 favors of hummus. The American bison also commonly known as the American buffalo is a North American species of bison that once roamed the grasslands of North America in vast herds. I tasted it first time in the Yellow Stone National Park lodge, and it is leaner/dryer than beef. Hummus is a dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It is popular in the Middle East and Mediterranean.