Futures Exhibit at the Arts and Industries Building

Next to the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall is the Arts and Industries Building. It hadn’t been open for quite a while. It was undergoing major building renovation and is supposed to have even more done. It’s a distinguished looking building. Currently there is an exhibit called Futures on display now. So we decided to check it out after walking past the signs so many times. It sounded like an interesting subject and we really wanted to like it. For whatever reason it just fell flat. Perhaps it was the set up, or things got lost against the competing backdrop. The dome of the building was more interesting than the contents below it. There was quite a bit of foot traffic and some of the younger visitors seemed to enjoy the interactive elements. One of the weirder items was a tree that encased an eco minded root like casket below it - a different way to consider burials. We walked through the entire area and just didn’t get inspired about much. Perhaps we just expected more from the Smithsonian? Or perhaps these sorts of things just don’t have the lure they used to. I’m glad we stopped in - if not for the glass surrounding the front of the building. 

Fall Flowers and Personal Reminders on the National Mall

It's supposed to be in the seventies this time of year. But since it's been very dreary and rainy the last four days, a dry day is so appreciated! And as is our usual routine, we stepped out in the "blistery" and windy, overcast, fifties temperature and made our way to the National Mall. Things are a-changing! The bright and colorful flowers of the very hot summer are turning to the warm tones of a cooler autumn. And nowhere is it more obvious than in the gardens by the Hirshhorn Museum, Arts and Industries Building, and Smithsonian Castle. The yellows, oranges, and reds are everywhere. My parents used to visit us in Milwaukee every October. It was my dad's favorite time of year. Wherever we went, the mums and pumpkins were everywhere. And it was his birthday - so there was always a cake and celebration. Since he passed away in June, it's the little things that tug at your heart the most because they remind you of things you maybe didn't think about very much at the time, or didn't think about at all. So whenever I see the colors of autumn I will think about him, and his favorite season. 

Christmas Decorations Going Up Around the Mall

Monday morning walks are always different than on the weekend. Being the first work day after the Thanksgiving weekend, it was much less active than usual. The car and foot traffic on both the streets and sidewalks was quiet. But something also happens at only this time of year. The workmen and ladies are pulling out all the boxed up Christmas decorations, and transforming the usual Capitol city landmarks in to a winter wonderland. Passing by the American Indian Museum, about ten people were fitting a very tall tree in to position. Several boxes of ornaments rested nearby. By the newly renovated Arts and Industries building, the fountain had a step ladder next to it and garlands were being wrapped by the worker who was just on the other side of the ribbon. The Smithsonian Castle was being decked out with wreaths and swags. The Capitol Christmas tree arrived last week and has been getting dressed since then in preparation for the tree lighting ceremony tomorrow evening. In front of the US Botanical Garden, a mini truck and ladder helped set three trees in to the enormous plant stand. Large red balls and ornaments were being hung. And watching all of this action is a deer family hiding in plain sight. It's always a great walk around the mall, but it's just a little more magical this time of year.