Smithsonian American Indian Museum

We haven’t visited the Smithsonian American Indian Museum for many years. We have been there at least three times - with our friends from the Midwest, my cousin from New England, and on our own when we first moved to Capitol Hill. Now it’s been open for about twenty years and a renovation is taking place. So a lot of the museum was not available to see because of it when we went there yesterday. I was looking for some photo ops for my weekly photo challenge. We had already been to the botanic garden and were on our way back to the Smithsonian castle where we were parked. It was supposed to have been a very warm day, but it wasn’t. So we decided to stop in to get out of the cold until the sun came out and the temperature warmed up. One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is the architecture itself. It is nothing like any of the other buildings on the National mall. Inside is a huge dome with a skylight that lights up the large round surface below it - with rainbows hitting the white walls. I missed not seeing the textiles that I remember from previous visits. The head dresses, art, shirts, baskets and other items showcase a history that is unfortunately not well known to many. We have walked by this place so many times and stop by the pond out front and the fountains that are usually running most of the year. It’s in a perfect location across the street from the Capitol reflecting pond. I’m glad we stopped in. 

American Indians, Army Ten Miler, Smithsonian Castle and Gardens

Yesterday was the Million man march. Today was a Sunday late morning walk. One can hardly believe that the place was packed for the rally compared to the relative quiet of today. But that's how it is in this neighborhood. And even when it's relatively quiet, it really isn't. There is repair work going on at the American Indian Museum fountain that blocks our usual route. But right after we pass this place, the streets are blocked again, but this time it is for the army ten miler event that was taking place along Independence Avenue and beyond. We usually stay on the mall for this walk, but decided to see what was going on. We ran in to a water station filled with army "volunteers" who were supporting the race, and saw several participants being cheered on by a local high school band. Then we headed back towards the Smithsonian Castle. Fall is definitely in the air as seen by the sun peeking through the yellowing leaves on the trees above us. We stopped inside the castle for a minute and then headed back home. In Milwaukee, we used to take our big Borzoi Tatiana for walks in Grant Park along Lake Michigan. It was lovely there this time of year too. But then things change after October, and living further south is not a decision we will ever regret- for walks anyway.