A Pre-Quarantine Trip

We had a trip planned to Washington, DC, for the middle of march.  Even with talk of the corona virus starting to pick up, and things starting to shut down, we decided to keep our plans and head there.  And I'm so glad that we did.  While parts of it did have a certain apocalyptic feel to it, it was really the last semblance of normalcy for us.

We had the opportunity to stay at the Conrad Hotel, and let me just tell you, it was amazing.  The Conrad is a 5 star hotel in the heart of downtown DC.  We were able to stay on the Sakura Club floor, with access to the Sakura Club and it was the most luxurious, stunning, and amazing experience.

The hotel itself is exquisite and the service that we received was top-notch.  From the food to the staff, to the fact that they turn down your bed at night and bring you ice, it was a truly amazing trip.  Here are a few pictures of our stay.

A room in the Sakura Club

Japanese Cherry Blossom - or Sakura

They turned down the bed and left water and a glass

Things Making Me Smile

April seemed like the longest month ever. I used to think that January dragged on.  Man, it has nothing on April.  And yes, I know that today is already May 2nd, I got sidetracked and am just now writing this post.

For as long as April was, there were some things that made me smile.  Here's just a few . . .

1. A long drive with my husband in honor of my birthday.
We were supposed to go to Cleveland and go shopping, but with everything closed we just took a drive.  It may not have been what we originally planned, but it was such a relaxing, low key day.  And we ended it with Thai takeout :)

2. Hanging out on Zoom each Tuesday with the ladies from church.
Our twice a month Bible study at Panera has turned to a weekly meet-up on Zoom.  These have been some of the best moments of the month getting to hang out with these ladies and getting to know them more.

3. While spring is still self-isolating, the trees are starting to bloom

4. A new car
Granted, we had to drive to Ohio to get it, but I am now the proud lease holder of a Mazda 3

5. Carrot bread
The best thing ever :)

6. M&M Brownies
Need I say more?

6. A new Sunday morning routine of picking up breakfast and coffee from a local coffee shop before doing church online