The Capitol Dome From Two Sides

Last Friday we walked over to the Capitol grounds because it was such a beautiful evening. During the summer months there are always military band concerts on the steps. It's a free event and tourists and locals gather alike to listen to the music and take in the sights. On the way over, it's close to sunset and the Capitol grounds take on a splendid scene. During the evening I took several photos of the same view, without thinking much of it. When I got home something stuck out in the photos, and I started to play with my Instagram layout app. Taking two similar photos at different settings and times of the day, I placed them half and half next to each other, flipped one to mirror the same side, resized them to match, and created a different view altogether. They both show the Capitol dome in somewhat of a unique presentation. It also highlights the notion that you can do just about anything with the right amount of imagination using the applications that are now readily available. This sort of thing would have taken quite some time to complete on a desktop using Picture It all those years ago. Using my ipad and the Instagram app was a snap. It's really just another form of art. I just wish I had more time in the day to experiment with it. 

A Walk Around The Capitol Building Dome Restoration

It's been going on for awhile and will be going on for a long while to come. The Capitol dome is being restored because it has a lot of cracks and damage since it was placed on the building during he Civil War. The signs around the building tell the story and it is also on the website. Yesterday we took a short walk around it - our typical destination on a Saturday afternoon as long a it isn't raining or otherwise lousy walking weather. Progress has been made, and it is interesting to watch the tiny workmen perched up on the structure doing whatever they need to do. The view from the top must be stupendous. Our daughter in law had a chance to climb there and took a great photo of their house and ours. In fact, I know a lot of people at work who could also take us on a tour of the dome, but obviously none are being given during the renovation. It is supposed to be completed in time for the next inauguration. I always think about what has gone on in that place and who passed through its doors since it was built. Quite amazing really - and it's only two blocks from where we live. 

The Library of Congress Jefferson Building Arch Repair

It's one thing to see the beautiful main reading room of the Library of Congress Jefferson Building as the tourists do, but quite another to see it from almost the dome perspective during the arch renovation. Last week when I went to see the Magna Carta Exhibit, I stopped in the main reading room. It is splendid in every regard. It reminded me of a special behind the scenes tour we took about six years ago. As an employee, sometimes we are invited to unusual and interesting side adventures. I'm not sure how this one came about, but we ended up with hard hats and climbing scaffolding that took us to the archways that are located above the statues close to the dome. I don't think I have ever seen a bigger tarp than the one that was draped on one of the sections to contain whatever was going on behind it. Up by the stained glass windows were mentions of all the states. There we stood next to the statues four stories above the main floor. Luckily, I don't have a fear of heights, but when look at the photos, it is amazing I didn't think twice about climbing that high. I have a piece of brick from the Jefferson Building that was cut away for the Capitol Visitor Center Tunnel that connects the Library to the Capitol underground. And as the Capitol Visitor Center was being made, we took two tours long before it ever opened.  I worked on a lot of renovations while in health care in Milwaukee, including designing and constructing nursing stations and ICU's. That was interesting too. But these kinds of explorations are one of a kind opportunities.