Visitation (Part 1)

Having suffered through the part of the college application process that involved test-taking, essay writing, list making, and applying, we're now in the period of waiting and responding (which will then be followed by deciding and committing). So far, Owen has been admitted to three colleges (Goucher, St. Mary's and Washington College), deferred at two (Colorado College and University of Denver), and still awaiting responses for three (Grinnell, University of Maryland and William & Mary).

While we wait to hear from the rest of his options, we've started scheduling admitted student visits. Our inaugural one was Friday at Washington College, established in 1782 and named after the then General, who contributed 50 guineas to its founding, in order for Owen to interview for its Presidential Fellows Program.

The day started with the one and a half hour drive (over the Bay Bridge, mind you) to Chestertown, MD. After checking in at the Visitor's Center, we headed to the Gibson's Center for the Arts auditorium for an overview of the Presidential Fellows program. An hour later, the applicants were sent to mock classes (Owen attended, Brewing up Trouble: The History of Tea and the American Revolution) while the parents participated in a more direct question and answer period with college staff. Owen and I then met up in time for his interview for the program, followed by lunch in the Dining Hall.

After lunch, we had the option for a guided tour, but Owen wanted to explore more freely so we went off on our own. One of our first stops was at the library, where a helpful librarian (who clearly knew her audience) asked if we ever watched Doctor Who. Inspired by the series, Washington developed its own VARDIS (Virtual/Augmented Reality Digital Imaging Studio) where students can create virtual reality experiences. Two students happened to be working on some museum studies projects while we were there and gave a rather lengthy presentation about the technology and its application. Next we swung by Ideaworks, the lab which features a laser saw, multiple 3-D printers, and all the tools to build a battery powered boat for student-led projects.

After the library, we attempted to get into a few buildings unsuccessfully before heading back to the car – though we managed to time it perfectly to catch Washington's baseball team's warm-up. After taking the mandated pictures for Allen, Owen and I headed back over the Bay Bridge to DC. where Owen announced it wasn't his top choice, but that he liked it (though that was before he learned that the nearest climbing gym was in Delaware...).

(To see all the pictures, click here.)

Polarities

Since Allen hasn't managed to solve global warming yet, it was time once again for the Chesapeake Climate Action Networks annual Polar Bear Plunge. Owen, having braved last year's frigid conditions, decided not to participate this year. And since someone needs to take pictures and hold stuff on shore while our environmental heroes venture into the icy waters of the Atlantic (or rather its chilly tributary), only Allen and Noa represented for the Fawcett/Zimmermans.

They were joined by 20 or so other Quaking Quakers and dozens of other climate soldiers on a semi-balmy, overcast Saturday at the National Harbor (which didn't prevent Allen's toes from getting cold). After checking in, grabbing some snacks and listening to a few speeches, we marched with the others to the beach where the Plungers submerged themselves (or at least waded in) as us onlookers documented their efforts and cheered.

After drying off and a quick change of clothes, we started to head to the car to leave. But as we passed the Capital Wheel, we decided that since we didn't have any major plans for the rest of the day (Noa had already missed orchestra) a ferris wheel ride would looking out over the harbor would be the perfect ending for the morning's adventure.

(To see all of the Polar Pics, click here.)

Forty-Niner

To be honest, we haven't had a lot to really celebrate in a while. So while 49 isn't normally a go all out kind of birthday, the need for a celebration combined with both Allen's passage of youth and new job, coupled with his return following a dramatic and taxing business trip for said job, plus a really nice promotion (free gift certificate for Rose's Luxury with the purchase of a reservation) meant that Allen and I got to take in all four courses, four amuse bouches, and a bevy of drinks at Pineapple & Pearls while donning gold lamè pants (at least for me) and celebrating Allen.

While as parents we don't like to play favorites, as foodies, there were definitely some standouts: Beggar's Purses a la Quilted Giraffe had both an incredible presentation and tasted amazing (scallion pancakes with creme fresh, red onion and caviar); Marco's Gnocchi involves no eggs, but some amazing black truffles; the World Class Wagyu seemingly melted in your mouth; and the Taste the (Berry) Rainbow was just what a couple of kids from Iowa need to end a lovely evening (and the Tomorrow's Lunch wagyu cheeseburgers made for a couple of lovely lunch breaks for Allen).

It's not something we do very often, but if you have the means and opportunity, we highly recommend a night our at Pineapple & Pearls. It definitely made for a special 49th. Happy birthday, Allen Fawcett.

(To see all the courses, click here.)