The Life and Times of Eleanor Leary

Super proud of our girl Eleanor and her 5th grade class! They performed in French at the French Embassy as part of Francophonie Cultural Festival's choir concert. #thisis10 (at La Maison Française) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp6YhJcteya/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Our 2023 Valentine’s Day collaboration was Tic Tac Toe-tally one of our best yet, which is good because I’m a little sad it will probably be our last since she’ll be in Middle School next year. AaIt’s been such a fun tradition that we both look forward to each year. It’s such a delight to see her giddiness at showering her pals with affection. #thisis10 (at Petworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/Con-kfENLM_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Crafts, face masks and PBS on tv—we take our Sunday evenings VERY SERIOUSLY. #thisis10 (at Petworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoTVa5AtPdv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

When Grandpa makes friends with the bartender you get the very best mock-tails that double as a snack. #thisis10 (at Liberté DC) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoOXpnRNL6g/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Eleanor upon learning we won’t subscribe to another television app was full of disgust and disappointment. However, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I secretly tickled that her request was for the PBS PASSPORT, so she can watching full seasons of her British dramas. I find those vastly more pleasurable to watch together than old episodes of Bunk’d and Jessie. #thisis10 (at Petworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CndhSxyNPdq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Eleanor learned how much muscle power it takes to press her own apple cider and how easily a solar oven can make s’mores. Such a fun activities thanks to @greenneighborsdc (at Petworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck4D9f5yrvJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s a Happy Birthday Halloween for Team Hall Leary! We were late in settling on a theme this year we came big once we did. Eleanor is a giant layered birthday cake. I am a piñata full of sweets. Brendan is one giant gift (to humanity he will chuckle with a side eye if asked) and our dear Betty is the birthday girl. (at Petworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkXEuSSjn5s/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Getting excited for Halloween!!! (at Petworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkPhz6runpv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sadly Betty and Eleanor (and her stylist support crew Jude and RJ) didn’t win any prizes in the Petworth Dog Show this year. But Betty & Eleanor were awarded Honorable Mention for their Tennis Ball/Tennis player outfit in the Costume competition. Unfortunately Betty’s double high fives and stylish walking vest did not place in either the Tricks or Best Dressed Style category. Regardless of the outcome, Eleanor had tremendous fun preparing Betty for the competition and participating. Thanks to the organizers for the fun opportunity everyone who came out and cheered for Team Betty @rtdasilva3 @trmarisa @stevebross @pose_ross (at Petworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiqH_83uFLg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sometimes Fridays are full of adventures. #thisis10 (at Brookeville Beer Farm) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiByKTWjtLa/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sure, your neighborhood may have tasty fried chicken, but do they also have delicious ice cream shaped like fried chicken? #thisis10 (at Honeymoon Chicken) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch_M4BljX4W/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Betty gives the best inspirational lunch note advice. Take it from her, eat all the people snacks—they are the best and don’t give up when things are hard—persistence is the key to victory! #thisis10 https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch_DEMbDt-m/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s official—she’s a 5th grader now! Here’s hoping this year is full of joyful opportunities to grow and to develop new skills—for her and all our friends starting back at school! #thisis10 #5thgrade (at John Eaton Elementary) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch2PGmUuBwl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Huzzah! The Hall Learys are finally testing Covid negative!!! Twelve days ago while we were in the Outer Banks, Brendan tested positive for Covid. He isolated in separate room in the beach house, but unsurprisingly the next day E and I tested positive too. Immediately after I tested positive we packed up and headed back to DC, so I could be closer to a hospital if Covid impacted my respiratory system. Thankfully—due to our being fully vaccinated and boosted—our experience with Covid was relatively mild. E’s symptoms were on par with a seasonal cold. B had headaches, body aches, congestion and fatigue for a couple of days and then felt fine. I took Paxlovid, and I experienced extensive headaches, a sore throat and fatigue. It was decidedly not great. Covid gets zero stars and I do not recommend. HOWEVER For years now I’ve lived with constant dread of contracting Covid and dying. It sounds super dramatic to say that, but it’s been the background soundtrack in my brain. I remember what acute respiratory distress feels like. I know the feeling of gulping for air and not getting enough to satisfy the need. I remember the agony of lying in an ICU hospital bed unable to speak while monitors alarmed and the nurses were too occupied to come check what was wrong. The media reports in the early days of Covid gave me a little bit of PTSD, which crystallized into this massive ball of Covid anxiety and fear. I do not for one second regret all the choices I made to avoid Covid. I would have been happy to have never ever had it. But now that I have come through the other side, I am more grateful than ever for science, medicine and vaccinations. Also, I know this is the first most people are hearing that we were sick. I opted not to tell people largely because I didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with more than recovery and entertaining a bored, housebound 10-year old. Anyway, we are THRILLED to finally test negative—just in time too since Eleanor starts 5th grade tomorrow!!! **B isn’t pictured because he tested negative yesterday. (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch0NdOBOCh4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Annual Anna and Eleanor summer adventure @sixthemusical was a hit! #thisis10 (at Broadway at The National) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgaW3CpO8l3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Back from a week at camp and checking out the major room refresh we did to her sunroom. She picked the lilac paint color aptly titled “sleepover” and requested the room have lots of tactile fabrics. We still have to hang things on the walls and add the reading swing she desperately wants, but this room is the closest to done in the new house. #thisis10 (at Petworth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgXXSQlOZXd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Dropped Eleanor her very first week of sleep away camp! She’s mostly excited and only a little nervous. Thankfully she’s got her bestie Jude as her bunk mate. I’m really looking forward to pick-up Friday and hearing all their stories. #thisis10 (at YMCA Camp Letts) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgIh3IXuIYF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=