52 Frames Shoot From Below Weekly Photo Challenge

The subject this week for the 52Frames photo challenge was “shoot from below.” It was nice to be able to get out and about and see what might come up - since I didn’t have anything particular in mind. So we drove in to town twice last week. The first time we parked by the US Botanic Garden and walked about the. National Mall. The second time we parked at the Tidal Basin and walked to the White House. I was really disappointed with the gardens. It seems all the attention was paid at the portrait gallery where an orchid exhibit is taking place. But it doesn’t open until 11 AM, which is the time we want to come back home. Then we stopped by the Library of Congress Madison Building front entrance where I used to work. I didn’t like any of those photos either. But on the way there I took a quick shot of the Longworth office building and ended up using that photo this week. Two bluejays were added in to the composite and the building was more “high key.” By the Capitol my second choice was a lamp light that looked lovely in its simplicity. A crow was added to make it animated. Then we walked over to the National Gallery of Art for a few more options. I wasn’t impressed with any of the images taken near the White House, but it was a great day for a walk - the streets were deserted even though the roads to get there were ridiculously blocked up due to protestors holding up traffic. Some weeks I am really excited about my photo entry. This week was just “ok.”

A Sweet Sixteen Birthday

It’s been many years since my sixteenth birthday. I was reminded of it this week when my mom’s next door neighbors texted us to send a sweet sixteen video greeting for their twins - who happen to be turning sixteen this month. My mom passed away almost four years ago and would have been 101 years old this month. She and her neighbors became like family - and she eventually gave her house to them. She met them when the twins were just three years old when mom asked if their dad wouldn’t mind driving her places because she couldn’t drive anymore. And that was the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship. And to this day we stay in touch with the neighbors. So my husband and I found a happy birthday song and sang along with it for the girls. It also prompted me to find the photos of the sweet sixteen surprise birthday party that I had. And I was surprised! There was a large sheet cake on the dining room table and there we were - my best friend and her boyfriend, my boyfriend and me, and my brother and my classmate - his date. It feels like yesterday. I also remember sewing the outfit that I was wearing. I don’t remember all of the details of the party, but there were a few plates stacked on the table so at least that many people were there. Now the twins will be in that same dining room in that same house. They have a lifetime to look forward to. We were so happy to be asked and to share our happy birthday greetings with them!

Quiet DC Streets

When we lived on Capitol Hill we spent most of our walks on the Capitol side. And working to the Library of Congress was a very short two block commute. Now that we moved to northern Virginia we still enjoy taking morning walks near the National mall. One of our favorite and easy parking places is by the tidal basin. There, we usually walk along the basin, constitution gardens, or the Washington Monument. Lately we have been heading in the opposite direction toward the Smithsonian castle. Last week we thought it might be a good idea to walk towards the White House. The last time was at Christmas to see the national tree and whatever else was going on. That morning was distinctly odd. First of all it took forever to even get there. The traffic was backed up so much I wanted to turn around. But when we started our walk the streets were literally deserted. It was like a ghost town. Not even the WWII Memorial had any takers. The sidewalks near the White House were empty - and of course they were blocked off from foot traffic so we had to take the long way around. That’s always so annoying that you can’t walk where you want to. And of course the police never tell you why it’s closed off. I was also looking for photo options for the “shoot from below” subject this week. The skies were so blue, but I really didn’t find anything that interesting - except the large amount of smoke coming up from the manholes. The lack of pedestrians was astounding. In the end the walk was nice in spite of the traffic getting there. I don’t mind not having to deal with the crowds - but this was really strange. 

Yellow Bamboo

I don’t remember exactly when we got the bamboo plants. It was some time during the pandemic because we ordered them on line. They looked nice in the large vase on the sideboard in the dining room. I also added some sticks and a faux flower to jazz it up. At Christmas I always exchange the bamboo for greens, and the bamboo is moved to another location. About a month ago I noticed that two of the stems were starting to turn yellow. And then it got progressively worse - so much so that the stems could hardly stand upright. Some say the reason is dirty water or too much sun. I hadn’t changed anything from before and as far as I know these plants are basically indestructible. Perhaps the moving around caused the problem. But the yellow continued and it was not looking good. So yesterday the two shoots were extracted from the vase. I saved the leaves from the top and added them to the vase - just to see if anything happens. Then a few pothos type greens that I’ve been rooting were added for a trailing effect. They seem to survive well in just water and they also look nice in our wall vase. It’s a lot easier than switching out real flowers every week. So hopefully the fresh water and soon to be spring air will be all the bamboo needs. I guess we will find out in short order. 

Hirshhorn Simone Leigh Exhibit

We haven’t been to the Hirshhorn Art Museum for quite some time. So last week we took a ride in to town for a morning walk, parked at the Tidal Basin, and walked towards the Smithsonian Castle. After walking through the gardens that still have Christmas decorations in place, we noticed that the sculpture garden across the street was totally dug up and is being restored. Several of the outdoor sculptures have been moved to the Museum grounds. While inside we walked through the three levels to see what was new. And there was the Simone Leigh exhibit. It was actually quite interesting. What I liked most about it was the simplicity of the work and the way each piece was displayed - starting with the grass skirted item at the entrance. The lighting was really nice and the exhibit rooms were stark. It seemed like we were the only people there - and that made it even better. Some of the wall art was less liked - the bananas didn’t do much for me. But each room had a unique feel and style. We like being able to stop in whenever we like and have an opportunity to see the artwork. Another exhibit is being prepared so it will be fun to come back whenever it opens. When the sun comes out and spring is on the way there is never a better feeling. This was one of those days.