Archive for the 'Just For Fun' Category

East Bethesda Morning Exercise

said on September 16th, 2010 filed under: Bethesda, Just For Fun

I’m one of those on again, off again kind of exercisers. The type that gets side-railed at the simplest excuse – though it’s usually vacations that do me in. Anyway, I’m happy to say that I’m back at it. I’ve recently re-joined Fitness Corps, a group that meets in my neighborhood of East Bethesda (and others) for early morning workouts. The good thing about getting it over with in the a.m., according to my wise friend Jen, is because it’s like money in the bank. It allows you to get on with the rest of your day without having to make excuses. It’s the only way that works for me.

Getting back into exercise is no joy, though the group up at Lynbrook Park makes the transition pretty easy. Some of them have been coming to the class for over Read the rest of this entry »

posted by Marcie Sandalow 2 Comments »

Bethesda Circulator…

said on September 12th, 2010 filed under: Bethesda, Just For Fun

Bethesda Circulator Map

One of the great things about living in East Bethesda is the ease with which one can get into town without a car. Most homes within East Bethesda are within a 10 minute walk to one part or another of downtown Bethesda. That said, walking from one side of town to the other can take some time. That’s where the Bethesda Circulator (formerly known as the Bethesda Trolley) comes in handy. Not only does it allow you to leave your car at home and avoid those expensive parking tickets, but it’s FREE! I like free stuff.

The Circulator operates Monday – Saturday.

Monday – Thursday it runs from 7am – 11pm
Friday it operates from 7am – midnight
Saturday it operates from 10am – midnight
Sunday- no service

The Circulator runs about every 10 minutes.

Some sights to see along the way:

Jerry’s Music
Veteran’s Park
Black’s Bar & Kitchen, The Mussel Bar, Barnes & Noble, Five Guys
Pirjo, The Apple Store, Lebanese Taverna, Bethesda Library, Sandy Nails

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asdf jkl;

said on September 5th, 2010 filed under: History, Just For Fun

Typing Class- BCC H.S. circa 1935 *Courtesy of Library of Congress

I took my first typing class in 7th grade at Washburn Junior High in Winnetka, IL. This was in the mid 70’s. My teacher was Mrs. Harris, possibly the oldest teacher in the history of teaching. She made my grandmother look young. As you can imagine, she was all business, and really not much fun at all.

I learned to type on a manual typewriter. I don’t think they were as old as the ones pictured, but I had to swing an arm (nope, not my own) to change lines, change ribbons once the lettering became faint, and use white-out papers for any mistakes. We’re talking ancient. By the time I got to college I had an electric typewriter with a built-in “error” tape… now that was progress! And when I got out of college, PC’s were just making their debut.

Her first lesson, as I recall, involved learning how to care for a typewriter. Type too fast and you would jam the keys. Or, break the typewriter. You didn’t want to break a typewriter in Mrs. Harris’ class, trust me. Next came finger placement, and all of the endless “asdf jkl;” tutorials. I was quite the obedient little student. My friend Mary Alice, who was only there at her mother’s insistence, was not so enamored of typing. Mrs. Harris sniffed that one out immediately. We all emerged knowing how to type, willingly or not.

My kids grew up on keyboards and computers. They’ve been typing for years now. Not exactly via the qwerty method, but pretty close. It’ll be really interesting to see what their kids face.

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Bistro La Zeez

said on September 3rd, 2010 filed under: Bethesda, Just For Fun

Bistro La Zeez

In these trying times when so many restaurants are closing, it’s almost a relief to discover a new place in downtown Bethesda. Bistro La Zeez, a Mediterranean grill opened about a month ago at 8009 Norfolk Avenue, and it’s a great find! Granted, I’ve only eaten one meal in the place, but the restaurant itself was lovely- with about 10 tables (I’m guessing at this) inside, and another 6 outside.

My friend and I met the very gregarious owner, Reda Asaad, who explained how he used his special sauce to coat some pita-like discs, and then grilled them. They were delicious. We were impressed.

The menu includes a lot of your typical Mediterranean dishes, including falafel, baba ghanouj, tabbouli (really tasty), chicken, lamb and beef dishes, salads and sandwiches. According to a sign in Read the rest of this entry »

posted by Marcie Sandalow 1 Comment »

BCC High School- Something’s Cooking

said on August 30th, 2010 filed under: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, History, Just For Fun

BCC H.S. Cooking Class, circa 1935. *Courtesy of the Library of Congress

This photo makes me smile. Who knew cooking was such serious business? What I’m really curious about is the round contraption on the right side of the photo. I’m guessing it’s a washing machine, but then, what’s it doing in a cooking class? Perhaps it was really a home-ec class? Remember those! I do. I’m dating myself.

Hey- today is the first day of class for BCC students. Go Barons!

Some good BCC trivia:

Motto: Learn, Think, Serve, Be Responsible

Established: 1926

Mascot: The Battlin’ Baron

School Colors: Blue and Gold

School Newspaper: The Tattler

Students: @ 1,800

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Save $$, Go green

said on August 28th, 2010 filed under: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Just For Fun

Did you know that a few environmentally friendly property improvements can save you money? Yup. Right here in Montgomery County, Maryland. Add a rain barrel, remove some paving, or put on a green roof, and homeowners can save up to $1,200. Organizations (including religious groups, private schools & businesses) are elegible for up to $5,000.

To take advantage of the various rebate programs (quick! before the money runs out), check out RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program for details.

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Got Weeds?

said on August 19th, 2010 filed under: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Just For Fun

bigstock_Old_Lawn_Mower_2282574 Hey, I just found out about this, and I think you might like it. Turns out that during gardening season (roughly April-October) you can bring plant samples, insects, your gardening puzzles and all sorts of questions to one of 10 locations below and get some answers for free:

Bethesda: Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Blvd., April – Sept., Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bethesda: FRESHFARM Market. Norfolk Ave., between Fairmont Ave.. & St. Elmo Ave., July – Oct., 3rd Sat. of each month, 10 a.m.-1p.m.
Chevy Chase: Audubon Naturalist Society, 8940 Jones Mill Rd., April – Sept., Sat., 10 a.m.-noon.
Derwood: Montgomery County Extension Office, 18410 Muncaster Rd., Mar – Nov., M-F, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gaithersburg: Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., May – Sept., Sat,.10 a.m.-1p.m.
Germantown: Germantown Library, 19840 Century Blvd., May – Sept., Wed., 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Read the rest of this entry »

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Nats clobber D-backs

said on August 15th, 2010 filed under: Just For Fun

Went to the Nationals game today. I don’t get to the games too often, but it’s always a good time. One thing that really makes it a fun ballpark is the food. A bunch of local outlets have stands: Ben’s Chili Bowl, Five-Guys, Gifford’s Ice Cream, and the no-name (rather, I don’t know it) Kosher Falafel place, right behind the escalator (which takes you to Five-Guys). Love those falafels. Another fun thing is the team mascot, Screech (as in screeching eagle- our Nat’l bird). He and the Geico frog were hanging out together during the 5th inning.

On our way back to to the parking lot, my eagle-eyed son noticed this praying mantis perched on an office building. Not too many trees around Nat’s Park. Not sure what he/she/(do they have a sex?) was doing there. Hoping to catch the game, no doubt.

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Ants, Ants Everywhere

said on August 8th, 2010 filed under: Just For Fun

I dont’ know exactly what is going on in the world, but apparently this is a big year for ants in the DC region. I’ve got ‘em. My friends have ‘em, too. And we all want them gone!

I’d rather not use sprays and/or poisons, so I did a little research on line and found some organic ways to deal with the critters. Suggestions for ant combat include:

Baby powder, preferably scented talcum. If you can find the entryway, sprinkle the powder on the ants, or around the source, and they should retreat. Additionally, some dust the honey jar or sugar bowl, and even sprinkle it around the cats’ dish. Hmm.
Vinegar. Fill a squirt bottle with cheap white vinegar and spray it wherever you see ants. Let it dry. Non-toxic.
Cinnamon. Put it in or at the site of the ant invasion.
Black pepper. Sprinkle where you see them congregating and watch them scatter. Safe to use in cabinets, windowsills, or near pets and kids.
Apple cider vinegar. Make a mixture of 50/50 water and vinegar and Read the rest of this entry »

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