Albino Squirrel on the National Mall

It wasn’t unusual to catch the white albino squirrel running around on the National Mall. In fact he was always near the National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden. We lived on Capitol Hill for thirteen years and had plenty of opportunity. The squirrels are very tame in DC sand the tourists - and locals - love to take their photos. They approach just about anyone for a free hand out. So when we drove in to town last week for a morning walk and to look for photo options for my photo challenge, we parked in our old neighborhood. We then stopped at the US Botanic Garden, then headed past the newly reopened Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Gardens, then walled across to the other side of the mall on the way back to the Capitol. We saw a couple of people standing and taking photos at nothing - near the area where the squirrel is typically seen. And wouldn’t you know the albino squirrel was scurrying about. But this time we saw a second one. So we walked over to the action and there they were running back and forth until one of them climbed up the tree, plopped down on the branch like he was pooped and posed for photos. I’ve never gotten this close to the squirrel, nor have they ever stayed in one place long enough to get a decent shot. What was even more interesting was that when we lift that spot we ran in to a third albino squirrel. He ran straight up the tree before we got anywhere near. It’s always fun to see these creatures milling about. They are always entertaining and invariably catch the eye of whomever passes by. And now there are three! 

A Walk Along the Mall and the Hirschhorn, Smithsonian Garden

Last week we took the metro in to town for the first time since we moved to northern Virginia five months ago. The weather was good and the timing was right to check out an exhibit at the Freer/Sackler Gallery. So we exited at Capitol South in our old Capitol Hill neighborhood. Then we walked along the old familiar path past the US Botanical Garden, and then on to the National Mall. We passed by the American Indian Museum - the pond was covered with algae, the plants were overgrown and the pigeons were sitting atop the museum sign above the fountain. My old friends the squirrels were out and about - one was posing for us. There are more squirrels on the mall than our neighborhood. The Air and Space Museum was under renovation - half of the building has been exposed for this long haul project. The street out front was also being repaired. There is always construction or repair work going on here - it’s never ending. Then we passed through the Hirshhorn Garden where the succulents were on display. In front of the Smithsonian Castle was an interesting “underwater” scene in the fountain and the lovely flowers that surround the area were in full bloom. In one of the pools was a butterfly sculpture. This used to be our daily walk path. Now it’s every few months and seems so much more interesting. 

Birds, Buds and Squirrels

We haven’t walked for a few days for a variety of reasons - including frigid temps and wind chills. So we finally got out this morning. With the government now open again, the National Mall has come back the life. There were lines waiting to get in to the Air and Space Museum. It was obvious there were more than just the “locals” ambling about. But I always notice the other stuff - the flower gardens and the birds. There was a squirrel dangling upside down from the tiniest branch of the tallest tree by the Capitol. When we reached the Sackler Gallery gardens the buds of the flowering tree and tiny bulbs in the snow were showing signs of life. It’s amazing what a south exposure does. The butterfly bench at the Botanic Garden was accented by the surrounding snow that was speckled by critter footprints. A squawking bluejay was yelling at us as we passed underneath. By the time we reached the Capitol South Metro Station the sparrows were fluffed up sitting in a row thinking about their next move. It was a delightful walk. 

Spring or Fall and Halloween

It’s odd to see azaleas and iris in bloom in late October! It’s even more odd that most of the trees are still very green. We just planted some clover seeds in our patio garden and little clover are starting to pop up with the help of a sunny south exposure. So when we walked through the neighborhood this morning we were looking for signs and colors of the fall season. There was a lot more squirrel activity to be sure. They were all scurrying and rustling about everywhere, stuffing their faces. 

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The Halloween decorations are about to be celebrated even more tomorrow, and there are a lot of spider webs and skeletons. The skeleton tea party seemed like fun. The headless person in front of one house and another getting hunted down by rats were impressive. But sometimes the simple decor is the best - a few mums, pumpkins, scarecrows and gourds. Every once in a while a show of color became dramatic with leaves blowing in front of the bright sun shine. We stopped for breakfast at Ted’s Bulletin and then ventured back home. Having had some sort of virus these past several days makes being outside all that more appealing. I don’t think it matters what season it is. 

Horses, Squirrels, Birds and Fall on the National Mall

This is the first day we had to wear jackets and gloves for our morning walk. It was unusually quiet too. Sunday is always less busy in our neighborhood, but there was something in the air. A lot of the gardens by the Smithsonian buildings have been pulled up and are being replaced with seasonal plantings. I heard the cardinals in the Hirshhorn garden, and caught one standing on the wall. They are my favorite bird and I knew his partner was close by. Along the Mall were park police atop two imposing and beautiful horses. It’s been a while since we have seen those incredible animals. And of course the squirrels were scurrying everywhere. There was a chubby one munching on his latest find getting attention from all the passers by. These squirrels are constantly interacting with visitors and having their photos taken. Almost home we heard the blue jays squawking in the Botanic Garden, hiding in the leaves so I couldn’t quite get a clear shot. This summer was exceedingly hot, so this cool air was a shock to the system. One tends to walk a lot faster when the season turns to fall. But not so fast as to stop looking at all the lovely things around us. 

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From Summer to Fall Gardens & Flowers & Army Ten Miler

It’s overcast. And humid. Sounds like another day in the neighborhood. But something is changing. The gardens are beginning to look a little different and there are hints of autumn in the air. It’s still in the 70’s and will be in the 80’s this week. The Midwest is already looking cold - I remember it snowed on Halloween a few times when we lived there. That’s one of the reasons we moved out of the freezing temps  and snowy state to DC. So when we walked this morning towards the National Mall, the Army ten miler was all around clogging up Independence Avenue and beyond. When you live in a city like this these events can disrupt your life if you plan to drive - or walk - anywhere. But we found ourselves by the Smithsonian Castle and Hirshhorn gardens. They are simply lovely under the cloudy skies. All the berries are being eaten by the hungry birds, and the squirrels are scurrying about in search of winter treasure. The potted Paradise is still grand by the Sackler Museum. Even though the route we take is oftentimes the same, it is never monotonous. There is always something going on. 

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