"Above all, have a good time!"

And have a good time we did, my mom and I on her surprise birthday trip to Washington, D.C. It all started with this movie, which led to this book, which ultimately brought us to our nation's capital for a Julia Child -themed day, (it is safe to assume that I am mildly obsessed with this fascinating woman!). And what better way to celebrate another fascinating woman's birthday?

Beginning at the National Museum of American History, we meandered through Julia's Cambridge kitchen, completely unchanged since it was last in her house.

I was in awe, not only because Julia is a major idol of mine, but also because of that cookware. There was some major kitchen envy going on!

A few things I love about Julia Child: 1) she loved food, and could recall every little detail about all of the special meals she ate; 2) she led a completely full, albeit, childless life; and 3) she admittedly didn't hit on her passion until she was thirty-two.

"I was practically in hysterics from the time we landed... I was a late bloomer who was still growing up. I didn't get started on life until I was about thirty-two, which was good because I was old enough to appreciate it. I had it all ahead of me."

Well, Julia, I can only hope I've got it all ahead of me, too!

Later on, it was off to Georgetown to get a glimpse of Julia and Paul Child's home. Yes, I walked down the same sidewalk that Julia must have walked down hundreds of times.

Then it was off to dinner, a French restaurant, no less. Had it been around when Julia lived in Georgetown, I am certain she and Paul would have eaten there.

I had the trout.

My mom had the duck. And we were both thrilled with our choices, and the day. It was so much fun to follow in Julia's footsteps, and try to be half as adventuresome as she was.

[happy birthday, mom!]