Smithsonian Castle Gardens and Carousel

It seems like a million years ago but it was only two weeks. After several car trips over the last six months  to our old Capitol Hill neighborhood for a change of scenery, we actually got out of the car and followed in our old footsteps for a morning walk. That took us past the Library of Congress where I worked for ten years, the Capitol and reflecting pool, down the national Mall, to the sculpture garden, Smithsonian Castle gardens, Hirshhorn gardens, Independence Avenue and the new Eisenhower memorial not yet opened, the US Botanic garden and back to our old neighborhood where we had parked in front of our son’s old home. The city remained empty and we felt like the only two people walking about. Only recently the outdoor gardens have reopened. We always loved the smithsonian castle gardens. What was different now were the signs to socially distance and hand sanitizer at the entry gates. But it was devoid of visitors which in some ways was good. Across from the castle was the now silent carousel. It’s been in that spot forever, but no one was on it and I don’t think anything will change any time soon. Things just look a lot different now regardless of where you are. 

Inside the Smithsonian Castle

We walk by it a lot, and have been in it a few times. The last visit was walking home from viewing the cherry blossoms on the tidal basin. We stopped in for a soda and put our feet up! The Smithsonian castle is located on the center of the mall, surrounded by beautiful gardens. This time we went in to use the facilities - something that must happen quite often because the security guard just told us to turn right for the restrooms without us even asking! So while we were there, we decided to check the place out and see what was new or exciting. I don't remember the Gibson guitar or the transatlantic cable, but the stuffed animals looked familiar from their imposing presence above us. The pandacam was new and at this time mom panda was cuddling baby, with several folks looking on. The vaulted ceilings reminded me of the mosques in Iran towering overhead. It wasn't very busy or congested, and that's the way I like it. My husband, on the other hand, loves the crowds and the mess. In fact, he doesn't really care for the contents in any museum. He calls the national mall and Washington DC his museum, and the people in it are the contents of the very best museum. He's going to have a tough time leaving this neighborhood. But I know he won't miss the stuffed bear on display in this very old place.  

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. 

The Smithsonian Garden Party

As the seasons change so do the plants and flowers surrounding the Smithsonian Buildings on the National Mall. The newly renovated Arts and Industries Building has undergone a huge transformation. Not only the building itself was restored, but the gardens around it have been totally beautified. On the West side of the building an entire outdoor seating area was added. The newly potted plants and flowers have not yet been placed in their final spots, but it looks very inviting. Along the secret garden path is a wall of succulents featuring an array of colorful varieties. Interesting baskets hang from the trees in front of the castle. It reminds me of the Chicago Botanical Garden we visited several times - and each time creative ways to showcase vegetables and plants was not lost on any of us. I never get tired of looking at the exotic and ever changing scenes on the mall. This is only a small piece of it - and such a pleasant one. 

Mulch, Flower Beds, Crowds, and Signs of Spring

Finally a Monday without snow and ice and frigid temperatures. We could finally resume our morning walk on the Mall with either breakfast or lunch to follow at our favorite spot on Capitol Hill - Pete's Diner. You know the season is finally changing because allergies are back and buds are sprouting up all around. Mulch "fragrance" is also in the air as flower beds are prepped at all the Smithsonian sites. A huge truck that looks like a gasoline carrying vehicle complete with attached hose is spreading yards of mulch by the duck pond at the American Indian Museum. There's an empty nest by the botanical garden; and a robin is checking out a house by the art museum. The seagulls are sitting on the grass in front of the reflecting pond - one thinks he's a duck by the Grant statue. And of course the hoards of visitors are descending upon us in anticipation of cherry blossom time. Huge groups of teenagers wearing the same color shirt abound. It's spring time in DC, even though snow is expected on Friday. At least it's in the air and the best is yet to come.