It took a while to figure it out with the first cup of Chock Full O’ Nuts and the first couple Marlboro butts. For example, this morning featured both lights and sirens. Big Pink was constructed as a Landmark project back during the abrupt end of the Kennedy Administration. Then-Speaker of the House, Mr. Carl Albert, used to live here, eighth floor, three bedrooms facing east toward the Capitol. So it is possible he stored classified documents with his Corvette down in one of the prized underground slots for which the Association charges rent.

We were the first Condominium Building in these parts. In later years, the Culpeper Gardens Assisted Living buildings were thrown up to provide housing for those who needed help. It is used as a voting precinct, or used to be before Voting Day became whatever it is today- “Voting Season?” We used to laugh about it, at least until some us who had been around had to move across the street and into more helpful arms.

We were watching one of the daily events over there from our Balcony. They are entertaining, in a way. We often see the County vehicles arrive. Sometimes it is a modest arrival only identified by the motion of the vehicles. That could be prompted by ordinary events, like resupply of emergency supplies or other maintenance. Sometimes they arrive with a fusillade of noise and lights from the sirens that convey haste and flashing lights that shout danger. We presume that is the response required where speed is of the essence in removing one of the residents who might be saved.

Sometimes it is just a slow moving vehicle, indistinguishable from others except for the bright flashing lights. We took an internal poll, and decided that was just to keep people clear so they could haul a body away with dignity but with no urgency attached to the matter.

It was a popular bit of analysis on city living after some years on The Farm. In fact, it has become part of the greeting rituals we use at Big Pink. “Howdy! Lights on, siren or no siren?” Since there was noise and light this morning, we wish whoever was still struggling for life the best of luck.

Response to that is normally just a nod to show some activity and a smile, since we would be shouting if urgency had anything to do with things. But of course, living this close to the Potomac, there is normally a lot of shouting going on.
Particularly with a new Congress and a bunch of new emergencies. We could start yelling about it, but we will let that stuff stay on the eastern shore of the Potomac or across the street at Culpeper Gardens. From here on our Hill, we can see it in a more relaxed fashion like the Speaker used to see his Hill across the big river. Lights on. Plenty of sirens, which suggests something might be worth saving. We’ll see.

Copyright 2023 Vic Socotra
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