Florinda was the first to fly into Washington, D.C., for her summer vacation, and Anna and I decided to meet her in Dupont Circle at Chipotle. Before we had lunch, we decided to take a walk and chat and she took a few shots of the historic buildings in Dupont. We were accosted several times by the Human Rights Campaign as one of their members was handing out stickers. When you walk by the same person more than once, you’d think they’d realize they already asked you and that when you said no thank you, you meant it.
It was funny to realize upon meeting Florinda that she got to Dupont Circle early, just like we did, and she’d already been to one of my favorite bookstores, Kramer’s, and bought a bunch of books. We did take her over to Books-a-Million , but we all refrained from buying any books.
Once inside Chipotle it was a quick ordering until Florinda wanted a veggie burrito bowl, and the poor man behind the counter had no idea why she didn’t 
want chicken. Once we sat down to eat we chatted about crazy office structures and books, naturally. And of course, I had to take a picture of the books we carried. I was reading Garth Stein’s Raven Stole the Moon, Anna was reading The Visibles by Sara Shepard, and Florinda was reading This Is Not the Story You Think It Is by Laura Munson.
Most recently, Alyce came into town with her husband, who was apparently an important part of ALA this year. Cecelia and Kristen met with Alyce before I could get to Matchbox DC in Chinatown with my husband. We had a table for 12, but alas due to some cancellations and one no-show, it ended up being only the six of us. I cannot tell you how wonderful the food and the service as at this pizzeria. I would definitely eat there again, and they were so gracious to do a Friday reservation even though that is not their normal protocol. Hubby and I ordered a Q Special, which was delicious, and even took a couple pieces home as leftovers. Alyce and her husband shared a veggie pizza, and we took their one leftover slice home too. Cecelia had her own anchovy pizza with some other stuff on it, but you know me and fish heads?! I didn’t look to closely at her pizza. Kristen got a crab cake sandwich that looked delicious.
We all chatted about our crazy blogging lives, with Kristen being the newbie to the blogging world, and our work lives. It was such a great atmosphere that even my hubby chatted, and he’s not a big conversationalist…he’s pretty shy around people he doesn’t know. He was gracious enough to take the picture of us (Me, Alyce, Terry, Cecelia, and Kristen) — going around the left side of the table around to the right front. You should check out all these gals’ blogs! Cecelia loves fantasy novels and more, while Kristen loves women’s fiction (even Nicholas Sparks — but we’ll forgive her for that one!)
And then came dessert, which basically meant that Alyce and myself were going to indulge in chocolate and Cecelia imbibed with a spiked and rich pecan pie. And for some reason, my husband thought gulping down the cinnamon shot was a good idea. Later on, Alyce, Terry, my hubby, and myself rode the metro together and got to see some interesting characters, including some girl with a red Chinese food container stuck on her head with her braids sticking out the sides. Not sure what was up with that, but unfortunately, she was in another car of the train so I couldn’t take a clear photo . . . they all came out blurry.
I hope everyone is having a great Sunday, but I’ll be off celebrating my husband’s birthday! Happy birthday honey!
Lucky you, getting to do these meet ups. They sound like such fun – I’m glad you had a great time. Thanks for sharing with us.
If I ever get to Canada, you can be sure you’ll have a get together to talk about! Maybe Charlee and Buddy could meet!
Serena…it was great to see the photos from your DC get together. Looked like a fun time for all.
It was so much fun. I love when bloggers come to town.
what a wonderful get-together! what’s better than friends, books, and food? glad you had an enjoyable time. i love visiting book stores in other areas!
I guess book bloggers have that in common…visiting book stores in other cities.
I had a great time with you and Florinda! I’m sorry I missed out on the meet-up with Alyce, but at least you had good food and good conversation so I know you didn’t miss me. LOL
You missed out on a great meetup…guess you’ll have to visit her in oregon!
That sounds like a wonderful time!!! I must try to make it down that way sometime!!! I’m thinking of going via Amtrak with my son next summer.
Amtrak is the best way to get to DC. Its relatively quick depending on your origin and comfy. And you get to read!
Lovely post! I had a wonderful time…but looking at that food is making me hungry again! Hope you had a good rest of the weekend.
My mouth was watering when I uploaded the photos for this post.
I loved reading this post! It sure sounds like y’all had a great time!
Thanks for stopping by to check out the post. It was so much fun.
Looks like you all had a fantastic time. And that food is making my mouth water!!
It made my mouth water…its too bad you can’t eat virtual food.
I had such a great time we will definitely have to repeat!!
I am all for it…even my shy husband had a good time.
I had the best time meeting you and Anna – hope we can do it again some time, and sorry I missed Alyce’s visit! Also, happy birthday to your husband :-).
Thanks for the birthday wishes. We’ll have to come to CA and visit you next time.
How much fun! I’ve only met one blogger IRL. You’d think, living in Orlando, that I would get the steady stream of people coming down here but not so far. I am hoping that during my next trip to Chicago I can meet up with a few. Love the look of those desserts! Yum.
I would have thought that you would have met a ton of bloggers by now living in Orlando! That’s crazy. I know Anna and her hubby have been to Disney and talk about planning another vacation there before The Girl gets to old for it…maybe we’ll all come down. Do tell about this trip to Chicago. I’ve always wanted to go there. I hope you eat some good food and have photos to share.
Getting together with other bloggers is so much fun! Unfortunately I don’t live anywhere that people flock too.
I’d happily take a vacation down south to visit, but alas the hubby doesn’t really get time off from the new job until the second year. So maybe next year.
Is there anything more fun than meeting book bloggers in person? Sounds like you all had a great time! Now I am hungry after reading that post, especially with the photos of the delicious desserts.
desserts are the best part of dinner, aren’t they? especially if its chocolate!
Sounds like you had a great time. I am most envious and wish that I could’ve been there. I need a trip to the US sooner rather than later 🙂
Anytime you are in the US, I’d be happy to meetup and say hello!
I’m so envious! Florinda got to meet you and Anna both. I know she must have had a blast with you two! 😀
One day we’ll have to make a trip out to see you. It would be great to meet you in person! Florinda was great fun.
What fun for you all! Thanks for sharing the pictures and gory details (or should I say gooey details)!
I always have to share the food don’t i?! Someday we’ll have to get together again!