Gershwin, Carole King, and a Bouquet

Carole King is the fifth recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. I had her Tapestry album in college - but now I have an even closer connection! Yesterday, the Library shut down the building to prepare for the Gershwin event last evening. I work in a Division with a department where staff of the Public Programs Services prepares for, attends, and manages special events. Today, on the desk of one of my colleagues, sits a beautiful bouquet of flowers that was at the event, brought over by one of the Public Program staff this morning. It may have been the same ones on Ms. King's table for all I know. It is a stretch, but interesting to think about a connection that germinates in flowers. Unfortunately, we don't get to attend these high visibility events, but it is not unusual to run in to folks that look more than just familiar. If all else fails you can just walk over to the Gershwin exhibit in the Jefferson Building and feel the history. It's more than I can say than when I worked at health care institutions for thirty years. I don't recall hearing or seeing anyone well known in the arts or otherwise. If those flowers could talk, what do you think they saw or heard last night? (The picture of the Gershwin information is from the Library's website.)

New Trees, Old Grass

About two weeks ago, several new trees were planted in an island that separates traffic coming from about five different directions in our neighborhood. It looks a bit crowded in the name of beautification. Aside from the many trees squeezed on to this small space, the grass has not been cut since before or after the trees were planted. End result: a very ugly corner. I can't say I'm surprised. DC must have a lot of money on its hands for these projects. The sad thing is we have to keep calling the city to remind them to cut the grass once in a while. Let's see how long it takes this time. The sad thing is I think we are the only ones who even notice.

Food Truck Heaven - Tasty, Zesty, Pars and Palace Kabob

The food trucks seem to have all but disappeared from the neighborhood as of late. Perhaps it's just the day of the week, or the season, or even the new regulations - whatever they may be. But they have found traction along the Mall close to the Sculpture Garden. Squeezed in between the flashy new trucks are the old beaten up white hot dog stands that have been around town for decades. Of note were four kabob trucks - Pars Kabob, Zesty Kabob, Kabob Palace, and Tasty Kabob. And they were all right next to each other. You can get just about anything from ice cream, yogurt, Greek.... It is very colorful, especially with the Capitol as a backdrop. We still haven't tried any of them yet. But after a really awful dinner in Alexandria last evening, I'm beginning to wonder.

US Botanical Garden Bugfest

Perhaps it is a tribute to the cicadas or just to bugs and winged creatures in general. The US Botanical Garden has a variety of sculptures located around the grounds. Everything is just so lush and green right now, and the creatures really stand out in all the different surroundings - from the wall on the exterior to the wisteria walkway. Each season brings with it interesting interpretations of garden subject matter. I have not seen any cicadas yet, but have heard they are out and about in Virginia. Expecting rain all weekend, we didn't think we'd be able to get a walk in this afternoon. So we were pleasantly surprised that we could, and found such a delightful new "attraction" for us and all the visitors to the city. A gentlemen stopped us to chat along the way, asking if we lived here in DC. He wanted to know what we liked most about being here. Obviously, this is one of the reasons - free entertainment right in our backyard.

PetSmart and Moby Dick

Every once in awhile I like to switch out the plants in Moby Dick's aquarium. This little Betta fish loves to sit on the greenery, and they enhance the overall appearance. Because the fish bowl sits in the corner of the room which gets a lot of summer sun, the heat causes more than the usual amount of algae. So to keep things looking even better, the bowl needs to be cleaned at least once a week. This bowl does not have a pump either, so it's even more important to keep things orderly. I think it was actually easier to take care of our large borzoi, Tatiana! It is always quite the production and takes a certain amount of discipline. But, Moby is always appreciative in that he is very curious and explores the new stuff. And, he is exceptionally social and always tries to get my attention. You would never think a fish could have a personality, but this one does. He doesn't pay any attention to my husband. Of course I know it all has to do with who feeds him. In the end, if you like animals, or fish, you like to keep them at their best. That's the least you can do for them, whether it's a big dog or a tiny fish - they depend on you. Ever read The Little Prince?

Prince, Princess, and Graduation

We decided to take an alternate route home from lunch this afternoon near the National Cathedral on Wisconsin Avenue and headed towards Georgetown. On the street was the usual heavy traffic, both vehicle and pedestrian alike. I particularly liked observing the the pre-school group right under the Prince and Princess sign... Hmmmmm. Then we passed by George Washington Hospital to GW University and came upon the remnants of a graduation ceremony letting out. The new graduates were crossing the streets, carrying flowers, and having photos taken with and by their adoring families and friends. It makes you wonder what will become of those who actually graduated today as well as what does the future hold for all those little munchkins who are just starting their journey. It is a month and season for major life events. Time to celebrate the accomplishments.

Justice Clarence Thomas

My husband continues walking every morning after he drops me off at the Library. He continues on to the Capitol grounds, along the Mall, then returns back by the Senate side and ends it up by the back of the Supreme Court on Second Street towards home. Today he saw Kathleen Sebelius and Senator Kelly Ayotte. Earlier in the week he watched a movie set for Captain America that was being filmed around DC. But he said the most common figure he sees is Justice Clarence Thomas on his way to the Supreme Court who walks with the same young man by his side. For someone who is known for being quiet, my husband tells me the Justice is very animated all along the walk, and the young man says nothing. I always ask him if he gets a photo of any of this, and he surprised me with these. Thanks for contributing to my blog posts!