Capitol Christmas Tree

We used to watch it as it rolled in on the big truck. But since we moved to northern Virginia from Capitol Hill several months ago, the Capitol Christmas tree arrived last week and we weren’t there to greet it. I remember the first year we moved to DC in 2006 we walked over after work to see the tree lighting ceremony with our grandson, and then checked out the botanical garden to watch the outdoor train display. But we still live close enough to drive in to the old neighborhood for a morning walk and made the tree our destination. It’s not really ready yet as the dedication ceremony is usually scheduled for early December, and the ornaments are not quite up. And this year the inauguration platform is being built behind it at the same time. Everything around the Capitol building is fenced off, but there was one gate left open so we could get in a bit closer - but hardly. The Capitol grounds grass never looked so good. The tree this year is from Colorado. The whole city is still weirdly quiet. There aren’t any visitors as everything is still closed down. When we continued our walk towards the mall we saw a falcon chewing on something, and the streets were empty. Heading back to the car was a difficult climb back up the hill - yes, there really is a hill! We will need to come back and visit in the evening y to  see the lit tree as well as the Eisenhower memorial that is supposed to have magnificent background lighting. We try to have a morning walk in town once a week. It’s a great change in scenery and we still feel connected to our old neighborhood.