Monday, October 31, 2016

Capitol Grounds Sunset

My husband prefers to walk in the morning. I, on the other hand, prefer to walk in late afternoon or early evening. He likes to hit the hay by midnight; I could easily stay up until 2 am. He likes to get up at six in the morning. I am hard pressed to get up before 9:30. In the summer I do get up before 8:30 because it is so horribly hot. But now that things are cooling off, I am back to my old pattern. The only day we don't do our morning walk is Saturday. We usually head out to McLean Family Restaurant for brunch, and then do grocery shopping. So it is on that day that I can sometimes persuade him to take a promenade later in the day. And so was the case this past weekend. Things just look so much prettier to me at that time of the day, and perfect for photos. So we wandered over to the Capitol and sat for awhile observing the scenery, and meandered around the west lawn where inaugural closures don't allow one to walk to the Capitol steps because of construction. It was simply marvelous. I just wish I felt that way in the morning!













Sunday, October 30, 2016

Marine Corps Marathon

It happens every year. But this October day was quite balmy at 63 degrees. The Marine Corps Marathon wraps itself around and through the city. My understanding is that it is one of the largest running events, has participants from all fifty states, and an additional fifty countries. We walked right in to it when we reached the Capitol, extending all the way down to the Washington monument, and across the other side of the mall passing by the museums and art galleries. But that was only a tiny section of the route, which is 26 miles. It sure passed the time away watching the variety of participants as well as spectators as we walked along with the runners around the mall. It's great to see so many "fit" people, but I just don't get running over walking. Regardless, it is a sight to see - probably even more so at the starting gate very early in the morning. I hope the enthusiasm of all the folks that gathered today continues throughout the year. That takes a lot of commitment.

















Saturday, October 29, 2016

It's Not Quite Fall in DC

Everyone runs to the tidal basin to see the cherry blossoms in spring. And I am waiting to take the same ride around the "pond" to see the colors of fall - but they aren't quite there yet. My husband is clearing up the summer clutter on our tiny patio garden. I try to keep something blooming all year round. The mums should show their faces in the next week or two. The very hot summer stifled the usually pretty matching tiny garden. The annuals never looked better now! When we walk around the neighborhood, things are beginning to change slowly. The Smithsonian gardeners are hanging massive mum baskets, and the golden color of autumn is shining through around Capitol building. It's been absolutely lovely these last couple of weeks. My parents always came to visit us in Wisconsin in October because it's the perfect time, but it didn't last very long. At least here we have four distinctly different seasons, and there is time to admire all of them in your back yard or the neighborhood.











Friday, October 28, 2016

Will and Jane at the Folger Shakespeare Library

I'm not that interested in Shakespeare - shock! But I really love Jane Austen. We visited her home in Chawton, the place she died, and her buriel spot in Winchester, England. And before the exhibit concludes at the end of next week, I wanted to see the collection of things Austen at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Of particular note is the shirt that Darcy wore in Pride and Prejudice - a popular culture item, which is what the exhibit is all about. It's called Will & Jane - Shakespeare, Austen and the Cult of Celebrity. It's just a couple blocks from where we live, so on the return trip from our daily walk on the mall we headed that way. It wasn't disappointing. We were going to wait for our out of town guests who are coming next week to visit, but couldn't depend on that. Also on display are some original scripts, games, and related nick nacks. We never cease to be amazed at all the interesting lectures, exhibits, galleries, and outside actitvies that surround us in our neighborhood. And as long as we are able to get out and about, we will make every effort to visit them.