About Washington's Tenleytown

On Monday, August 22nd, students will be returning to a renovated Wilson High School to begin their new academic year. And parents and students would be wise to check, not only the Board of Education's recommended list of school supplies, but also the schools policies on the use of electronic devises.

While you will find the old #2 pencils, ballpoint pens and 3-ring binders, the staples of some high school students, smart (or even stupid) phones and I-Pods are taboo.

Yes, Wilson High School is an "All Electronic-Free School".

Well, not entirely.

If your teen does bring a cell phone or listening devise, it has to stay in the locker for all but a couple of short periods during the day.

Digital cameras. laptops and I-Pads may be used with a teacher's permission, but only in classes where they serve an academic purpose. The idea is to discourage texting and other bad behavior we see in so many sit coms these days.

You can download the Electronic Device Policy, and it's a good idea for parents read it carefully before sending their child off to school!

Let's face it. Getting keys that work is sometimes kind of a pain. Unless, that is, you go to the Ace Hardware Store in Tenleytown.

We've all noticed the trend toward the huge hardware emporiums that cover acres, have lots of inventory, and few employees on the sales floor who know enough to really be helpful. And it never seems to fail. When I need keys for a new listing, I have to go back at least once to have them re-cut. Except the Ace key cutters so seem to know what they are doing.

Their keys fit. They always fit.

But they are great for more than just keys.

I went in to get some replacement covers for some ceiling lights, and at Ace they cost about two thirds of what Home Depot was selling them for. They had a woman working in the locks department who must have majored in Locksmithery in college. I mean, she really knew her stuff.

It's tucked away in the basement garage parking under Best Buy at the corner of Wisconsin and Albemarle. An entrance to the garage is just west of Wisconsin on River Road. There is free parking and free help. And great prices that I did not expect.

New Listing! Crestwood DC: 4235 Blagden Ave NW

Here is a link to the virtual tour. For complete listing information, just click on the MRIS number. And please drop by to see us this afternoon.

If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help. Call, email or text me at:

Housepat@mac.com

202-549-5167

Licensed in DC, Virginia and Maryland

Friday Fotos: What's The Well-Dressed Listing Key Chain Wearing?

The other day, I dropped by my local Ace Hardware Store in DC's Tenleytown to have keys made for a new listing. And what a surprise!

These were only a few choices among various designer keys, heralding the end of the boring key ring! Unfortunately, I didn't see these until after the key guy was cutting me a boring one. But next time! I really think that they need a hunky guy key to go along with this cutie!

If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help. Call, email or text me at:

Housepat@mac.com

202-549-5167

Licensed in DC, Virginia and Maryland

The first time I had dinner at the Cafe of India, it was because Le Chat Noir, my favorite little French place next door, was mobbed and had an hour wait for a table.

But wait! What this new guy on the block right next door?

So I wouldn't have the mussels in a creamy, garlicky buttery sauce, but the smells coming out of Cafe of India lured us inside. And what a treat!

Friday night, when I needed a cool local place to take blog buddy, Jeff Dowler, this is where we wound up.

We wound up ordering about six appetizers, including two of my favorites.

The first, crackling spinach, is a dish cooked quickly at high temperature to make it crispy, then it's tossed with dates. It's pretty amazing.

The second favorite was the Punjabi Tikki, spiced potatoes with mint and tamarind chutney. If I hadn't been with Jeff and trying to act like an adult, I'd have licked the plate clean! If Jeff hadn't been with me and trying to be an adult, I suspect he'd have done the same thing!

The big surprise was dessert - carrots! Yes, carrots like I've never tasted. Caramal Carrot Halwa to be exact. I was drawn to it originally because carrots have zero points on Weight Watchers. Unfortunately, the caramal did.

Cafe of India is located at 4909 Wisconsin Avenue NW in DC's Tenleytown. And it's a great choice even when Le Chat Noir has tables available!

If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help. Call, email or text me at:

Housepat@mac.com

202-549-5167

Licensed in DC, Virginia and Maryland