One of the first sights I came across was this little dog in the lady's back pack. I saw the service dog notice, so was careful not to go too close but didn't see the smaller sign until I looked on the laptop later that night. It read...
"I am not here for your entertainment. I'm here to do my job." Well, I was a little entertained but I kept well back. Also I wasn't as close as it appears as I cropped my photos, but how cute is that to see a little dog in a backpack? At first you don't even see the 'service dog' sign, you just see the cute little dog. But it's important not to bother service dogs while they are obviously on duty.
The day before we went to the aquatic garden, we visited the Washington DC Collectible Fountain Pen Supershow, advertised as 'The Largest Pen Event in the World'. It was very big and took up a large part of the downstairs at the Marriott Hotel at Fairview Place.
A close up of the Samurai decoration on a desk of Japanese pens.
You may have guessed that this is not my normal place to go to. Gregg has always preferred writing with fountain pens and he has quite a collection, and enjoys adding to them occasionally. I took the opportunity for a few photos. Yes, even light fixtures...
and mustn't forget the aquarium in one of the sitting areas.
After Gregg had seen all he wanted to see, I spotted the garden and we had a quick look outside.
I was surprised this swallowtail stayed in one place long enough for me to take several photos.
These two are my favorites.
The large leaf plant is a "Red Flash" Caladium. Scientific name 'Caladium'. Common name, 'Angel Wings'.
I don't know the exact name of these pretty yellow daisies, some kind of sunflower?
Impatiens dressed in pretty pink.
Another pretty flower, a yellow lantana with its petals full of water droplets from the sprinkler system.
That's about it from our trip to the fountain pen show.
Your butterfly photos are spectacular and perfect. The Caladium is gorgeous!!! The dog is just adorable! A fountain pen show sounds kind of quirky and fun. An unusual adventure. I would have gone!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ginny, I'm glad you enjoyed my post. I have to be honest I probably wouldn't have thought of going but Gregg loves this sort of stuff, and I enjoy myself too.
DeleteAnother wonderful outing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDo you know what sort of service dog the backpack cutie was? I wonder what it can do from that vantage spot.
You are very welcome EC. Glad you enjoyed. I don't know what kind of service dog that little sweetie was, but we have a friend who has a PTSD dog.
DeleteI am pleased you showed the last picture of the little dog. I was beginning to worry, thinking it was stuck in one position. I am curious to know what service he was giving. I too like fountain pens although I have to say I didn't replace the one that gave up on me. I still have the bottle of ink, though!
ReplyDeleteI would have been the same but observing the little thing, he seemed to be able to move around quite comfortably.
DeleteI have never heard of a fountain pen show before! Love the flowers. Enjoy the weekend Diane
ReplyDeleteIt was a first for me too Diane. Happy you enjoyed the flowers. Enjoy the rest of your week :)
DeleteI very much enjoyed my trip to a pen party. have never heard of this, now I have. I had no idea people collect pens. the dog owner looks like military ad maybe he is an emotional support dog.. he is so cute. it is so hard to no talk to or pet the beautiful seeing eye dogs we see here every where we go... my favoirite pis after the dog of course are the fish photo. wow on those
ReplyDeleteGregg has collected pens for years and was happy to see this pen show. We hadn't seen one before either. I thought the same about the emotional support dog.
DeleteCute pup. You wonder what kind of service- perhaps as a calming animal for someone with anxiety?
ReplyDeleteCute yes and I thought the same thing.
DeleteLooks like you had fun, the photos are gorgeous! Wonder what was the service dog's job?
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine, quite a few of us think it was an emotional support dog.
DeleteHi Denise,
ReplyDeleteWhat a little beauty the service dog in the back pack, I would have just had to ask as to what it did.
Wonderful images of the Swallowtail, well done.
Also some beautiful flowers, my Dad was a member of the African Violet Society.
All the best, John
Hi John, I needed you there to ask then John :) Glad you enjoyed my flowers and butterfly pics.
DeleteWhile I no longer use fountain pens to write, i do enjoy writing and can recall using them years back. Filling the reservoir from an inkwell was quite a challenge. My late father always used a fountain pen and green ink when he wrote checks, so this brought back good memories. Glad you were able to combine two events in a single outing. The butterflies and flowers were lovely, Denise. Thanks also for your recent comments on posts about our (continuing) cross country road trip.
ReplyDeleteI remember the actual school pen I used to use where all you had in your desk was a slot for the ink well to fit, and then you would have to dip the nip into the ink well, with a piece of blotting paper to prevent drips. Nice memory of your Dad's green ink. I have enjoyed your travels Dorothy, and will be back to see more. Happy traveling!
DeleteGreat pics- however as ridgage as my KING is there is NO WAY he would hang on my back like that! Haha
ReplyDeleteHi Pam, I couldn't see my dog being that well behaved either back in the day. This little girl/guy must have been trained from a pup.
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