First things first. Thanks to our many many donors over the years, Team Tartan has raised $404,661.61 since 2012. We actually started sailing in 2009 on flying scots, but our major fundraising started only when we moved up to the big boats. We sail in honor of my mom and Ann Myers, both of who were blood cancer victims.
Here’s a breakdown of our fundraising through the years. We were the number one fundraiser in the DC Leukemia Cup every year we sailed (including this year). FWIW, the cup is yours again! For two years we were #2 in the entire country, and one year we were #3.
Special mention must be made of donor Phil Venables, who, though he did not participate in 2021, was our top fundraiser seven times running, donating a total of $247,000! Holy cow. Thanks Phil.
You can read about our various adventures on the water here:
Which brings us to 2021, our last year on the water. This year Team Tartan took the cup again, raising $38,600 (so far…feel free to donate here). We appreciate each and every one of the 110 donors who participated this year! Together we have made a real impact on blood cancer research.
Hiatus
We sailed Hiatus this year instead of Rebecca. And we were rusty. And perhaps out of practice. And Esther was on shore. But we did have the best snacks and the most chill crew! That’s it…snacks!
Oh yeah, and covid. We took quick covid tests before intersecting our pods on the boat. Cora is only three and not yet vaccinated. Are you? GET VACCINATED.
Eli (snack cup in hand)
Captain Chris
Romey
On the water (and very likely way behind). LOL.
Captain Esther stayed with Cora on land
The races went something like this. Last place and last place. It was a long day, but we had some fun.
During the 28th annual Oopstock, we spontaneously performed this version of Nanci Griffith’s song “Love at the Five and Dime” as a memorial. Nanci died the day before we performed this song.
Well, some things happened. My life situation was utterly rebooted. There was a pandemic. Two solstice parties went by in miniature. There was no blogging. That kind of thing.
But we remember how to get back on the horse! Yes we do. So get up there and ride.
Solstice Fire Summer 2021
One of the secret traditions of the summer solstice has always been the Lisa Messerhead inspired salmon feast (implemented by Aubrey). Of course that happened.
The salmon spread
Yum
But that was soon a memory, and the party began into the green and cicadas.
Soon the tables were full of great food, the keg was tapped, people played in the Shenandoah, and the party found itself in full swing.
Just like old times. Except everyone in attendance was vaccinated against Covid-19. The few friends who were not vaccinated were not allowed to come (though we still love them). At this point in the global pandemic if you’re in the United States and you’re not vaccinated you are a pox on the public. Don’t be an asshole. We’ll hold off on the usual herd of kids until they are no longer vectors, etc.
Anyway, the food was super delicious. And there was lots of it.
Home made by Ale and Eli
People gonna eat up
The imposter dog!
Yes, we’re having fun
Just before the lighting, Jackie, Eli, and Ale read some poetry focused on black identity in honor of Juneteenth.
Jackie reads a poem or two
And then it was time! The bonfire was lit!
2021 Summer Solstice Fire
Mr prepared guy serves as a fire mirror
Romey attends her first actual size solstice
The people
Of course there was music. It went on all night and even when the rain started in slow around 11:30. But then a DELUGE.
The progeny carried one of the tents over the music pod as we shifted inside. The last embers of the party extinguished around 4:30.
What a place to see one of my all time favorite contemporary music groups. Eighth Blackbird played the National Gallery 2.16.20, and the show was free. As always, the group featured brand new music from living composers, including: Nina Shekhar, Fjóla Evans, Andy Akiho, Holly Harrison, David Lang, Viet Cuong, Jonathan Bailey Holland, and Julius Eastman. This show included some ringers in for violin, flute, and clarinet.
Lisa Kaplan, fearless leader and director of eighth blackbird
My favorite set was the second, and my favorite piece was Viet Cuoug’s Electric Aroma (2017),
The most precious thing in the museum was Cora, of course.
Cora does contemporary
The setting (no pictures or recording during the show)
After the concert, there were a few minutes for art.
Then it was out and on the metro for cocktails and dinner at Baba.
After purchasing some items, many of which were plastic, we headed to the aquarium, driving like lost tourists.
The parking angel (really does something indescribably to the Audi)
The National Aquarium was mobbed on a Valentines Day night.
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And then it was back down to Old Town for a very late dinner indeed at the Majestic. Super fun at the bar (happy Catoctin Creek day!), and a delicious dinner.
A VERY VERY LARGE BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE. VERY LARGE.
The bar at the Majestic
Scallops. If you can’t watch them in an aquarium, by all means eat them.
Last word
I will dearly miss Proton Tuesdays (and Radioactive Valentines), but I hope they never happen again.
For the penultimate Proton Tuesday, we celebrated at the Columbia Room (which is turning 10 not too long from now). Craft cocktails are curative. There was also Manifesto before zapping.
Hirshhorn
The best museum hot chocolate evah
Manifesto
Entranced and entrancing
ZAP
Corduroy (on a whim)
The Columbia Room
Happy Birthday Columbia Room
Course one from the days of yore
Yay!
Popcorn with truffle
Chartreuse (green and definitely good for you)
scallop
The fog
You have no idea how good this duck BBQ is. OMG.
Happy Birthday!
Proton Tuesday Alive
Other Proton Tuesdays included: the Portrait Museum and Fiola Mare as well as the Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy, car buying, and Jojo Rabbit. Love you Spool.
There were three of them. The setting was intimate at Club Cafe. Negronis were available. Seating was not.
Ye olde van carpool crew
Krisin opened up with an interesting guitar song that involved intentionally bending chords on an acoustic. After that song, all bets were off WRT tuning. Who needs tuning for an intimate acoustic set? EVERYONE. EVERYONE MUST TUNE.
(please tune)
Grant-lee joined in and tuning became mandatory. This also allowed for some breathing. Grant-lee is charismatic and fun to watch but about as deep as a puddle.
Duo to go
Picture picture for Em
John Doe was fantastic. Thank the stars for a poet singer like him.
John Doe
Hells yes on a great Pittsburgh Sunday night. So good to see Alisa and Greg!!
