It may be a bit before I post again to this blog. The week has been crazy as we gear up for our trip to New Orleans. But before we take to the air on Friday morning, we are taking in some basketball on Thursday night. In a stroke of luck, Ryan and I got tickets to round one, session two of the NCAA championship tournament. Friday morning may be just a bit more difficult, but the bloodshot eyes will be well worth it.

I look forward to sharing stories and photos when we return from our first trip back to N.O. since Katrina.

Though there is still a slight chill in the air, it is clear that spring it on its way. Geese are honking their way through the skies, returning home from their winter homes. Crocuses are bursting forth from beneath the lingering fallen leaves. Trees are budding. Birds are chirping. And finally, I can return home from work with time to enjoy an evening walk and catch the sunset.

Congratulations Dad! You are on your way to a pain-free life.

My dad successfully underwent hip-replacement surgery this morning. Everyone I talk to is shocked that he had to have such an operation. He's not very old, is he? He's not an over-weight guy, right?
No and no.

I guess all of the years of running up and down soccer fields, running around baseball diamonds, climbing up and down ladders, and hauling fire hose have caught up to him. Obviously he's not a guy who likes to sit still, so the six weeks on crutches will be the most difficult weeks for him.

Still, all of the woes of recovery will be worth it when he is able to sit in a movie theatre, drive his car, or simply have dinner without having to stand up every five minutes in search of a painless position.

It's true. We so rarely explore our own backyards. Instead, we travel to other cities, in other states or countries, to tour their museums, historic landmarks, and parks. I grew up in the first town established in the fifth of the original thirteen states. And while our history didn't completely elude me, I just learned more about Windsor, Connecticut on Wikipedia than I did while I lived there. (For my Connecticut readers, did you know that Oliver Ellsworth was the third Chief Justice of the United States? or that John Fitch was the inventor of the steamboat?)

Now that I live in the Nation's Capital and work for the Smithsonian Institution, my lack of experience in my own city is starting to embarrass me. Thus, I've made a list of places I'd like to visit before packing my bags and continuing on with my journey.

Museums
Yikes! Though employed by the Smithsonian for almost three years, I've yet to visit all of our museums. I must visit the:

National Museum of the American Indian
African Art Museum
Postal Museum and
Freer and Sackler Galleries (I've actually been to the Freer & Sackler, but I should return for a more thorough visit.)

Museums unaffiliated with the Smithsonian Institution

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Phillips Collection
Corcoran Gallery
The Building Museum and
National Museum of Health and Medicine (at Walter Reed Army Medical Center)

National Landmarks

The National Cathedral
The Library of Congress
The United States Capitol

Parks
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
The National Arboretum

I know, I know. It is despicable! Now do you see why I am embarrassed? I've got a lot of touring to do. Luckily, warm weather is right around the corner and I'll be inspired to explore.