And now, my birthday!

Of course, Matt never fails to make my birthday special. He took me for an early birthday dinner at DC's The Iron Gate, probably the most romantic setting in the city to have  meal. I enjoyed my lemon-dill salmon and chocolate mousse cake under a canopy of grape vines and lights that form the false ceiling. It feels so magical there.

(I love birthday coupons! And I can't believe how much the dog on the picture looks like my Gypsy.)

Unfortunately, I was a little under-the-weather on my actual day so Matt brought me beautiful flowers, cupcakes from Cake Love and some gifts. I spent most of the day lying in bed reading a Sookie Stackhouse novel... it was great!

(See!)

(Cupcakes from Cake Love — two lemon, two strawberry.)

(The Iron Gate sign.)

(The entrance to The Iron Gate.)

(Our birthday dinner table.)

(The false ceiling made of lights and grape vines. You can see some of the grapes hanging down.)

(My latest Sookie Stackhouse read.)

Rock Creek Park

It was such a beautiful weekend in Washington, DC. My husband, dog and I took advantage of it by going to Rock Creek Park for a hike. The temperature was perfect walking under the canopy of trees covering the trail that followed the edge of the creek. There were tons of beautiful moss covered rocks and trees. I find the sights, smalls and sounds of nature there so inspiring. I like to imagine Teddy Roosevelt riding his horse through the park and thinking of his conservation plans. Check out some of my pics from the hike.