Gardens, Seating Areas, Patterns and Neighborhood Walks

Rather than walk over to the Mall this morning we took another path towards Union Station and then in to the neighborhood. For whatever reason we are avoiding the marches that are scheduled today and tomorrow. We usually like to see what’s going on regardless of the agenda, but just not up to it during  these last several dreary winter days. I was more interested to see what the leftover snow was looking like now that it’s almost melted. Sometimes the most unusual patterns can emerge. There was a huge chunk of snow hanging precariously from the rooftop - just don’t walk out the front door at the wrong time. The red brick townhouses stand out - each a little different than the one next to it. The patio seating arrangements don’t look quite as inviting as during the summer months. The flowers really pop in front of a white background. Sidewalks have patterns along the grout lines and you can certainly see the paw prints of the four legged fury friends. Some very thoughtful person set up three birdhouses far enough away from a predator, but I think the squirrels can still find a way to disturb them. I suppose each season has its attraction. I really have to work at not only finding the unusual sights, but actually liking them. 

Library of Congress Gift Shop Items - a Futuristic Display?

During my afternoon stroll along the Madison Building corridors It is not unusual to come across new displays and events. I saw Danny Kaye's daughter by his exhibit, have run in to the Librarian of Congress, and seen lines waiting for annual flu shots. In the lobby are bunches of hydrangeas for the spring and Easter season and chrysanthemums in winter at Christmastime. There was a new display being erected last week. When I went to check it out, it was a display of items that are available in the gift shop. I was expecting something a little different, but it's probably not a bad idea since the gift shop is located in the Jefferson Building across the street. The one item that caught my attention was the birdhouse made with a book roof.  I know it is probably odd and unpopular to say, but I'm just not in to hard cover or paperback books anymore. My 90 year old mother buys her books and downloads them on her iPad. Our household has only a few books in the house - everything else is digital. We left a house full if books in Milwaukee when we moved. I'm glad we did. I suppose it is appropriate that they really do belong in display cases - because it just seems so old fashioned to me.