FDR Memorial and Fala

In an attempt to get a photo for the 52Frames photography challenge this week, we drove over to the tidal basin to one of my favorite places - the FDR Memorial. The location is simply lovely nestled in the forested area. It’s even more spectacular in cherry blossom time with the fountains running, but in winter they are not. We had the place completely to ourselves; however, the presence of helicopters and police was sort of unnerving. But I was on a mission to take a photo of Fala, the Scottish terrier standing beside the President for the “get low” challenge. Along the way we walked through the entire exhibit including Eleanor and the Great Depression line. In order to get the image from Fala’s perspective I needed to crawl in to the memorial and literally lie on my back. My husband was taking photos of me doing this all along the way. After all, the idea was to get down to the level of the dog and make Fala look as big as her owner. In the end I liked one photo more and my husband liked another one. I usually post the image he prefers, even if it’s against my “artistic” judgment. It was an interesting way to spend the morning - all for the sake of a photo challenge! 

Cherry Blossoms at the FDR Memorial - A Private Showing

With a guest from out of town, there is always something to do. But in the middle of cherry blossom season, it would be next to impossible to avoid the crowds at the tidal basin. But if the weather people predict torrential rain and ugly weather it seems everyone stayed home. And that's exactly what happened when we found a parking space with our name on it right across from the FDR Memorial. I really like this place because it is tucked away along the tidal basin. And what was most astonishing was that for a period of time, we were the ONLY people there. We have lived in DC over the last ten years and visited here many times before that, but NEVER was it this quiet by the beautiful cherry blossoms. So we enjoyed the fairyland in the just rained upon blossoms, and the feel was so different than on a brilliant sunny day. The backdrop of the FDR fountains and well known monuments was dreamy. As we were about to leave the crowds, school groups, and tourists started up again. What wonderful timing!