March came in like lion and went out like a panda!

One day we went on a family hike at Cranberry Lake.

On the drive back we were impressed to see the giant tents set up at the vaccination site in White Plains.

On St. Patrick’s Day I finally made the Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness cake I have been thinking about for a few months!  It came out looking like a pint of Guinness as intended, but the cake itself was kind of underwhelming.  Oh well, we still enjoyed it.

Another day we went on a hike at the Marshlands.

We had our first meal of the year out on the patio!

Also in March I took a last minute trip to Washington, D.C. for an urgent passport renewal!  My passport expired in January and I didn’t even notice.  I was very lucky to get an appointment (it was DC or Buffalo!) in time for our spring break trip.

I drove down on Sunday without stopping and stayed at the Park Hyatt in Foggy Bottom, across the street from the WWF building.

I didn’t see another guest during the short time I was at the hotel, but I did get a delicious takeout meal from the Blue Duck Tavern onsite.  Early the next morning I walked over to the passport office for my 8am appointment, and passed some pockets of very early cherry blossoms.

The appointment took about 2 hours and I walked out, passport in hand!  Then met up with Fran for a quick hello and bite to eat before driving back to NY under the 24 hour limit!  Phew.

Gram sent us a Bon Voyage / early birthday present for Andrew celebratory bottle of champagne and chocolate cupcakes, which we enjoyed that Wednesday.  Thanks, Gram!