Sandy is meeting people at the speaker-luncheons held by the International Neighbors Club and the Republican Spouses Club. She flew up one Sunday last September to play in a charity golf tournament to raise funds for the Capitol Historical Society. “It’s important to have a good networking system,” she says, because, “when you walk into a room, the congressional spouse immediately disappears.” She says she regretfully hasn’t had the time she wants yet to explore the city’s great neighborhoods and museums because she’s been focusing on refurbishing the house. But she loved a trip to the National Portrait Gallery and enjoys researching the history of her neighborhood at the Library of Congress, right around the corner from her new home.

With more than 700 House votes to sort through in just nine months in office, and a crowded social schedule as well, the two say they treasure quiet moments together. On a typical night this fall, they were planning to attend a dinner at the Chinese embassy. The previous night, they’d dined late at the home of a fellow congressman. After dinner, they decided to walk around Embassy Row under the light of a beautiful full moon, soaking in the historic atmosphere. “I thought, ‘We’ve got to do this more often,’” says Vern.

They often dine right around the corner at the Capitol Hill Club, a long-standing social club for Republicans, and they both work out at the Washington Sports Club gym up the block. They haven’t yet had dinner at the White House, but did attend a picnic there and a holiday reception last December for elected officials, and were looking forward to an upcoming tour of the West Wing.

Since he took office, some community leaders back in Sarasota have described Vern as gaining new humility. “It is a changing experience,” he admits. “We both grew up in working-class families, so it’s incredibly exciting, and a challenge, to have the opportunity to give back.” And it’s especially satisfying, he adds, to have Sandy at his side to share the experience and the excitement of creating a new home away from home.