Wolf Trap Summer concert & firework

 

The weather was perfect for Memorial Day weekend free concert by Marine Band at Wolf Trap National Park, including original works by American composer John Williams, highlights from the Emmy Award-winning 10-part television series Band of Brothers, etc. They also performed a special tribute to Ukraine with Modest Mussorgsky's monumental portrait of “The Great Gate of Kiev.”

The firework sync with 2022 summer performance music highlights started 9:45 pm was simply amazing. I saw many fireworks around the world under different settings, yet like this one best since Wolf Trap is well funded by private donations to apply the newest designs of firework for a solid time period. Most importantly, the firework sync with music showcasing the up-coming summer performances that are different each year. In addition, patrons can picnic with food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages on the lawn. My friend Cindy bought some oranges and crackers to share. Another unforgettable experience @ Wolf Trap.

Staunton River-Bear Church Rock - Camp Rapidan 18-mile hike

 I hiked this long version of Staunton River-Bear Church Rock - Camp Rapidan hike for 18 miles and 4100 feet elevation gain for the 1st time. The trails were a little muddy after heavy rain, and stream crossings were bearable. I did cut my thumb on a downhill sloop; however, it was very pleasant to hike in 60sf most of the time. Thanks to Wanda sharing homemade banana bread at the end of the hike. I ran 2 miles after the hike to finish my 20 hike/run miles weekend goal.

2022 DC Dragon Boat Festival

 

On Saturday, I went in DC to race for the Taiwanese Embassy in the DC Dragon Boat Festival in 90f (32c) hot day. I raced 200 meters twice and 500 meters three times on top of 3 miles round trip walks between Rosslyn Metro station and Thompson Boat Center. I had a lot of exercise, fun, and food (a lunch box, two bobble teas, a special soup 仙草芋圆冰，a lot of icy cold water). I brought some leftover home. I came home before the awards ceremony (at least two medals) to run, but only ran 5 miles in 87f (30.5c).

I started 6:20 am to run 12 miles on Sunday in 70f (21c), yet still cut grass in the yard under hot sun for 20 minutes. I thereby completed my weekend 20 hike/run miles goal. After the shower, I enjoyed a giant dumpling (粽子）I save from yesterday festival (to heavy as lunch for afternoon boat race) for brunch today which had two pieces of meats and mushrooms.

safety conference @ international country club

 I attended a safety conference @ international country club. Interesting information, happy hours, and souvenir (pepper spray).

Dragon boat racing practice & EU Open House

 

I went to DC Wharf to practice 1.5 hrs dragon boat racing for Taiwan Representative Office next Saturday. I then went to DuPont Circle for EU Open House and visited three Embassies: Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg. I waited 40 minutes to get in Ireland embassy to taste Irish cream and took home a block of cheese. I was so hungry that I ate half of the block while waiting to get in Luxembourg embassy. I made several new friends while walking in lines, and it was a dry and fun day. Although I missed a hiker cookout, some hikers put together a takeout bag to be my lovely weekend meals. What a weekend!

I ran 10 miles Saturday afternoon, and then another 10 miles Sunday morning, to complete my weekend 20 hike/run miles goal.

office reception for INTA annual meeting @ Old Ebbitt Grill

 I went in DC to attend my office reception for INTA annual meeting. Open bar, great food and conversation with my coworkers and guests visiting from around the world.

play “Bright Star” @ Reston Center Stage

 

I ushered for the play “Bright Star” @ Reston Center Stage. It was a touching story that brought me to tears. There were several receptions today in the Reston Community Center today. S baby shower reception was finishing up when the play finished and a kind lady shared one table flower arrangement for me to take home.