The Fourth.

Or , "four score and seven years ago, our forefathers..."

There had been giggling over fb in weeks prior because the wheres & hows were waiting to be disclosed. Top Secret, even the morning of. 
  I'd been asked if I minded spending the day at a public celebration. I knew it wasn't likely to be in Richmond. I knew it involved an overnight stay. 
  As we turned onto I.95, I discovered we were headed North & not East (to the Beach). I wasn't sure how far North until we pulled off for the exit at Franconia-Springfield.
The Fourth in DC! Fun!

Still loving this sign at F-S.
Cute.

Onto the Metro, embarking at Farragut West. The Manly Man had me trailing after him & his suitcase through the streets of DC until we wound up here,

 at Hotel Lombardy

The rooms had their own 'front door' & a little hallway inside. Lots of oriental drapes & costume design-esque paintings on the walls. HL also boasts of fine European imported fabrics in their 'guest suites'.

The Three Most Memorable Things Of Our Time in DC:

1) The bed was king-size. Comfy. So wide that we couldn't hear each other talk at opposite sides (whilst there was also plenty space in which to retreat away from snoring. Heh. 

                      Sarah: "sounds like the perfect romantic getaway." Check.)

2) It was Hot. So Hot.

The hotel had been chosen as it was in walking distance of the National Mall, where we were due to spend the day. The parade had just finished as we set off allowing me to get a glimpse of some patriotic colours & costumes of the passing dancers. 

   Via Independence Avenue to join the crowds at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. A folk festival of sorts as it was more about community & diminishing crafts & trades. Folk to me reads English, Scottish, Irish & of music especially. This one was focused on Hungary: from roots to revival hence the awesome Puli.

Bulgaria however also got a look-in at the food stands,
along with India...

I had packed my Olympic scarf to wear but in the hurry to get going, had left it back at the hotel. Shade quickly became a feature of the day, after relentless queuing at the water fountain. I would've fitted right in though with the correct colours. Just like the Green of Shamrock the Block, America was saying hooray with the attire of the day like some kind of r,w&b flashmob. It interested me again how people made their wardrobes work: girls in blue denim shorts & red/white tops; t-shirts with the Stars & Stripes on a-plenty; entire families kitted out in Old Navy's 2013 t-shirts; a flag cloak here, an eagle t-shirt there... Impressive.

I decided my ice lolly could do the talking.

 It even had a Joke on the stick, just like old times!!

Sights of the festival seen, The Manly Man was keen to relocate over to the Lincoln Memorial & reflecting pool to claim ourselves a spot for the evening's fireworks. 

Shady tree located, room enough for us & (over the following hours into the evening), 100,000 people. I was glad we weren't on the Lincoln steps as pretty much packed out:

3) The fireworks were huge, spectacular. Probably the biggest display I've ever seen.

 Almost a little too flashy but then, this is the Capital so...   The fireworks which spelt out a U, misshapen S & finally, triangular A had the crowds on the steps cheering & chanting.
I giggled. But yes, they were spectacular to watch & our vantage point was nigh on perfect, beaten only by that of Honest Abe. He seems to always get the best seat every year, lucky devil. 

Back to the hotel, gladly avoiding the press of bodies headed towards the Metro station for a shower & then to the bar for a beer to cool off & wind down with. The next morning I insisted on taking the Metro from the other nearby station. 

Not one to miss a photo opportunity if it can be helped!

And back home in good time to dress that evening's show.

Whilst I was away....
 

1) Emily & Martha declared their independence & freedom from British rule 

by liberating my Tater Tots out of the freezer & onto their plates. 

(I did receive a replacement bag later on.)

2) Emily continued our fine work from Memorial Day
         with a r,w&b "poke" party cake. Nice!