greatbear | (no subject)

Today's trip to DC did not turn out quite as planned. While I knew this was Veteran's Day weekend, and that crowds in and around the Mall and the various memorials would be pretty big, I did not count on one thing.

The parade.

I thought the parade would have been held tomorrow. Instead, it was held today, and this caused traffic to be rerouted all around the areas we were interested in. Parking nearby was nonexistent, of course, but even being able to drop Jeff and crew off nearby was a no-go (this being necessary because of his mom's disability and unable to walk long distances). So, it was off to get some lunch. We had planned to eat at Annie's Paramount Steakhouse. Of course, parking in the area was a nightmare. What I thought was a good spot a couple blocks away was actually a no parking zone. So I let my passengers out to walk to Annie's. I scouted areas several blocks far and wide with no luck (typical). After frustration began settling in I drove up to the restaurant itself to tell everyone it's going to be a while longer, and wouldn't you know...

Rock Star Parking!
(or, better for the Gay D.C. area, "Doris Day Parking")

In all my years of eating at Annie's, I have never parked this close. Over lunch of open faced turkey sandwiches and Annie's signature "Bull In The Pan", we decided to try again another time, when Jeff's nephew can join us and there is less insanity around the memorials. We did some shopping after this and took it easy at home the rest of the day. Everyone needed it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh I love "Doris Day parking", I have blogged many a time finding just that from time to time and not just because it was close, but I could just swing the car/truck in like you see her do in say Pillow Talk where I live as parking can be such a bitch at times, especially after 8pm.

Yep, it's one of those 'little things' that really add to the day.

And that means if I have to back in or wiggle in, even if close, it doesn't really count. :-)

I took this picture on the way out. When I had originally parked, the car behind me was a lot closer. Apparently that one left and the one in it's place was not nearly so far forward. I like parallel parking on the left when I can do it as shown, I can squeeze to the curb with no retrying. I was about an inch away this time. The Strat aint hard to park, but it's tough to know where the ends are. :)

Oh I know about the Strat w/ Mom's but I drive a Ford Ranger w/ canopy now talk about parallel parking that thing, with a sometimes balky manual shifter too. :-P

Oh, you were lucky!
I am so tired of looking for parking when I go to Dupont Circle's area that now I prefer riding the metro. I know this was not an option for you and I am glad you made it!
I can't complain though. More than once, I managed to park just in front of Titan's Ramrod, at 14th Street, on a Friday night...

It was even more of a hassle those times that I drove the big pickup into DC. Finding a spot big enough was a hassle. I dont even want to attempt it with the new one. It's a lot easier with the Mini Cooper. With that, I can often use spaces no one else can. Those days that I know I will be facing hellish parking (pride, etc) I take the Metro as well. I dont mind the walking.

Is that a Plymouth Breeze? I have a Plymoth breeze that exact same color!

It's a Dodge Stratus, the same platform, just a different name stuck on it. Around here, it's referred to as "the Strat", the common knickname of a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar.

I was intrigued by your reference to Doris Day. I have written a novel that refers to her marginally, so I am fascinated to hear what the reference means ("Doris Day parking.")

Doris Day Parking became a saying that describes finding a parking spot right in front of a busy venue. The street can be teeming with cars, the sidewalks filled with people entering the place, and here comes Doris Day to park in the wide open spot, right at the front door. It seems to happen in so many of her movies. "Rock Star Parking" is similar, but came from the band having the prime spot next to the venue when coming and going.

Man, that restaurant looks really familiar. I've only been to DC once--that is, until I arrive on Friday night--and that was in 1999. But I think I went there then.

I don't think I'll get to do much in Dupont Circle on this trip, given that I'll be meeting up with straight travel companions once I get to DC.