Tragedy on Metro

Last Saturday, on the Fourth of July, a 24 year old killed was knifed to death on a red line train headed to Noma, five blocks from where we lived. And a place we passed by, enroute to Harris Teeter, moments before the crime.

There were a handful of others on the train, who witnessed the attack, which seemingly occurred in about a three minute time span. Some contend they should have stopped this crazed 18 year old, brandishing a knife and high on some synthetic drug. Uncontrollable and menacing, and likely bigger.

I think those on the train were judged harshly. There was a woman in her 50s, with her father in his 70s, and I cannot believe either could have stopped this kid and likely would have been hurt had they forcibly tried to intervene.

I am not there to judge. I would have been scared senseless. I wold have hoped I could have called 911 or tried to stop this kid who repeatedly, brutally, relentlessly stabbed this kid to death, who probably was the youngest and most vital person on the train.

I think anyone could have related to this, and anyone is saddened by this. I still am thinking about it, five days later. And you wonder: what would you have done? And if it was you, attacked like this, would you have surrendered? Could your life have been saved? 

Fourth of July

We had a fun 4th of July, complete with barbeque, friends, fireworks, and World Cup. And new babies!

Menu:

Snack: Grilled Gulf shrimp marinated with pesto dipping sauce (since I needed to use up that basil asap)

Bruschetta: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/bruschetta-recipe.html

Chicken sausage skewers: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-sausage-skewers-recipe.html

Burgers

Guacamole

Mango Salsa

Peach and raspberry Cobbler: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peach-and-raspberry-cobbler-recipe.html

 

Dessert was absolutely delicious and which I am not sad at all that I have to eat almost entirely by myself.

The bonus fireworks in the alley keep outdoing the previous year's performance. I just love the 4th.

DC Derecho

Everyone in DC is now familiar with the term "derecho" after this past weekend's destructive storms that left hundreds of thousands of homes without power. In triple digit heat, that is not fun (see Pepco on Twitter).

The month started memorably, and family will be here soon. There's the 4th of July this week. Then possibly Miami and Philly. Then Texas. Then Uganda. Then ordinary time? Well, a visit to Cincinnati. And I will have a chance to congratulate my brother & Megan in person. Baby. Wow.

We went to the DC United game this weekend.  It was nice to have some time on our own. And then we spent time watching the pathetic 4-0 trouncing of Italy via Spain in the Euros finale before getting sucked into the Olympic trials. Those athletes are so amazing to me. Has it really been 4 years since the last one? Beijing?

Here is hoping for a a great July. At least my clean new contact lens are here and I can see!!!

Fourth of July and Detroit

We spent out first holiday at 625 last night, celebrating the Fourth of July with friends and fireworks and fajitas. The after-party was just as much fun as the party, with crazy fireworks going off in all directions for both the pre- and post-show, not to mention the drinks afterward. It was a good night, and I hope there are more to come.

The show was a bit reminiscent of Detroit and the fireworks at McGregor we always left town for. Ah, Detroit. Here's an interesting piece on youngsters moving back to the city.

12:34:56 on 7/8/09

Cool fact...in a minute, it will be 12:34:56 on 7/8/09. Cool, huh? Once in a century!

Been a busy house-guest filled week. Not sure what the plans are for tonight, but they do involve going out. I guess. We survived the Fourth of July and some major awkwardness with a poorly planned BBQ. I need to be more outspoken, not rude exactly, but more direct about what I want to do or don't want to do. My avoidance of conflict is not a quality trait at times. I will say the panoramic views of the city with the individual fireworks was absolutely amazing. Love Independence Day.

I am enjoying these things, though:

--the new blackberry and wordmole
--the Gomez CD, which I downloaded for an Amazon bargain!
--Beth's big salads
--Fitting in a few quality workouts
--The mild-ish summer we're enjoying. Liking the 80 degree days!!
--that coverage of the Michael Jackson passing is, no pun intended, going to be dying about it now that his memorial service occurred. His beautiful, loving, eloquent daughter Paris is quite the tribute to him and how he seemed to be a pretty good dad. Hopefully he will be allowed to rest in peace, despite the fact that the media is still prying in to all of his affairs.