Where English Teachers go on Vacation

Today Aaron Reuben and I got out early and wandered around the Eastern Market in DC. It was my first time and I enjoyed the mix of farmer's stands, street food, bakery, crafters and flea market. Aaron and I found some old wooden movie chair seats from the early century that we really wanted to buy but since they cost more than ten bucks we had to pass. Soo sad. They looked kind of like this.

I've been in sore need of a wallet so I was elated when I came across a lady who makes vinyl wallets from thrift store paperbacks. MOST awesome idea ever. I perused her selection and was having trouble deciding when she told me I could bring her any book and she could transform it. I have a deep and abiding love for 60 and 70s paperback cover illustration so I am giddy thinking of which book to have on my person at all times. And now each of you knows what I want to get you for your birthday for the next year. 

After the market we walked to the Folger's Shakespeare Library. We arrived just in time to take the tour. Aaron and the dozen middle school english teachers on the tour with us loved it, I liked it and loved the old manuscript on display, Reuben was mildly impressed.  Aaron and I had fun picking out the friezes of our favorite play on the way out.

The Merchant of Venice - Aaron can't get enough of legal dramas

Hamlet - I read an essay once that said we are all either Hamlets or Quixotes. I am a Hamlet. Aaron is a Quixote. 
King Lear
A close up of Reuben's expression at the Shakespeare Library - thrilled. 

On our way to the metro we walked past the spitting turtle fountain in front of the library of congress and through the botanical garden. I liked looking at the plants almost as much as I like looking at all the European tourists. Not so many American tourists seem to find their way to the herbarium. I noticed the pawpaw tree has two pawpaws on it. They're getting bigger. Then we went home for lunch. It was a fun morning. 

This picture is from earlier this week when Reuben and I met Aaron at the botanical gardens after work. About ten seconds later Reuben got one of these yellow flowers in his mouth.