Capitol Christmas Tree

We have seen the Capitol Christmas tree every year for sixteen years. It was a lot easier when we lived on Capitol Hill. The first year or two we would actually go to the tree lighting ceremony - things people do when they first move to DC. We have spent a lot of time on the Capitol grounds - walking, concerts, ceremonies, funerals….we have also watched the tree get driven in on the large truck and then get hoisted with a crane before the decorating begins. Now that we live in northern Virginia we drive in every week for a morning walk. A few days back we visited the tree after first stopping by the trains at the US Botanic Garden and visiting the memorials and monuments made of plant material in the conservatory. Yesterday we drove in, parked in our old neighborhood, and walked by the Library of Congress - where I worked for ten years - and then over to the Capitol. This time there were some high school groups having a tour/lecture. They invariably look bored and uninspired. So we took in another view of the tree and walked over to it once again. It is from North Carolina. Unfortunately the west front of the Capitol has a lot of construction and scaffolding around it so that doesn’t do much for the background in the photos. We still need to drive by in the evening when the lights are on. We are fortunate to live close enough to still enjoy the treats of the season. Let’s hope it lasts for a long time to come.