Fall Flowers and Personal Reminders on the National Mall

It's supposed to be in the seventies this time of year. But since it's been very dreary and rainy the last four days, a dry day is so appreciated! And as is our usual routine, we stepped out in the "blistery" and windy, overcast, fifties temperature and made our way to the National Mall. Things are a-changing! The bright and colorful flowers of the very hot summer are turning to the warm tones of a cooler autumn. And nowhere is it more obvious than in the gardens by the Hirshhorn Museum, Arts and Industries Building, and Smithsonian Castle. The yellows, oranges, and reds are everywhere. My parents used to visit us in Milwaukee every October. It was my dad's favorite time of year. Wherever we went, the mums and pumpkins were everywhere. And it was his birthday - so there was always a cake and celebration. Since he passed away in June, it's the little things that tug at your heart the most because they remind you of things you maybe didn't think about very much at the time, or didn't think about at all. So whenever I see the colors of autumn I will think about him, and his favorite season.