Hot Town, summer in the city

(with apologies to 'Lovin Spoonful'!)

After getting sunburn while at sea the previous weekend it was clear that the warmer weather had arrived, but this week summer arrived with a vengeance. The local news station says that the 'official' definition of a heat wave is 3 days above 90 degrees. Well after two heat waves in a week its been rather sticky, especially as the humidity is increasing and the 'real feel' temperatures reach up to 100 degrees. Of course it can be very pleasant at first, and in small doses.

Driving into DC this morning, a vista known for its clear skies and attractive skyline, the effects of warm stagnant air were only too apparent with a yucky hazy air blurring the horizon. On the back on all this heat, we get the occasional spectacular thunderstorm and hopefully those forecast for tonight will help clear the air.

On one of the cooler evening last week, we spent the evening with the Alexandria Pipe and Drum Corps, with whom John, Chrystal's cube-mate from work, plays (first knees on the right in the picture). It was a fine evening in front on Alexandria City Hall , bedecked with a huge Stars & Stripes for Flag Day.
After we shared a drink in the local Irish pub, Pat Troy's (a sponsor of the Corps) --and another performance by the lads and lassies (acoustics not working quite as well in side and the twirling drumsticks all but lethal weapons in an enclosed and low ceiling space!), a fine evening was had by all.



By the way, thanks for all the Father's Day and Birthday wishes, rumour has it that I am being whisked off to a secret location for the weekend - watch this space :)