Perched on Pitt

According to the dictionary, a perch is a any place or object, as a sill, fence, branch, or twig, for a bird, animal, or person to alight or rest upon. I have found the perfect name for our new little rental in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Perch.

I spent the better part of this week at Perch with my canine duo, Harvey and Lion. You dog lovers will relate when I tell you that I was worried about them liking their new "digs". Dogs are such creatures of habits, as are certain humans (me) and I wanted to start a new set of routines so that they and I will start to feel at home. I have gotten so used to having them around me all day and soon I will be leaving them for the better part of each day and I don't want them to "freak out."

I dragged their crates with me in my trusty mini van so that they would have a safe place to hang out until I feel like they've settled in. Dog crates were a great invention - they also serve as end tables.

Which is a nice segue into a discussion of the interior design budget for Perch: $0.00. or close to it. I did purchase a mattress at Ikea and hope to see it delivered soon. But, for the most part, we are trying to furnish Perch on the cheap. Thanks to 30 years of collecting we nearly do have enough to furnish another home. I dragged an old kitchen table and chairs for a little reading/eating nook. The rug came from "The Dump". I had never set foot into that store because of the name - mostly it is large sofas and chairs with cup holders - not my style, however, there were a few good bargains on area rugs.

I adore all the bookcases but don't want to move books from Haven so my friends are on the look out for free books - I just want to fill the space to cozy it up. My friend Denise has already found four shelves worth at an estate sale - I can't wait to shelve them and then start reading them one by one. Any other donations gratefully accepted.

The shades are Redi-Shades, cut to fit and hanging by thumb tacks - the strip of adhesive didn't hold.

Back to the routine. Every morning the dogs and I get a good long walk. They like to go the same way every day. They lift their legs on the same blade of grass. If I try to go a different way, Harvey often sits down. Funny little creatures.

So the first morning we headed toward the river, and three blocks later this came into view: a dog park complete with a view of the Woodrow Wilson bridge. That white blob in the background is Lion retrieving his Frisbee. I didn't think to pack a hose - this could be a muddy disaster. Harvey is not to be trusted off lead so I walked him along the bank of the river so he could take in all of the good smells. He is a swimmer so I'm going to have to remember to bring a pile of towels up next time. He didn't go in - still a little too chilly I guess.

The view back towards town.

After about three thousand tosses of the Frisbee we continued our walk.Boys, we're not in Kansas anymore but I think we're gonna like it here.

Happy Monday what ever state you're in.