Snow in DC

After a very frigid morning walk in the neighborhood today, we decided a drive in to town was in order. We usually take a ride after we walk just to get out of the house. Since we had a huge storm on Monday and another snow event later in the week, we wanted to see how the city looked. It was a bright day so a lot of the snow had already melted. We took our usual route down the GW Parkway and exited at the Arlington memorial bridge. Then we drove over to the Lincoln memorial and down independence avenue.  Not much was really happening. We then passed by the Capitol, Supreme Court and into our old Capitol Hill neighborhood. All I can say is that I am glad that we now have a garage for the car. Parking on the street was a real pain. Then we made our way back to the mall past the national portrait gallery and the blue chicken. The natural history museum was by far and away the busiest place. There was a long line waiting to get in. I have to say it was one of the most mundane trips we took in to town. Maybe it’s because we didn’t get out of the car. This has been a very long and tedious week. Even the grocery stores are empty. Let’s hope it gets better soon. 

A Beautiful Drive in to DC

It’s been a long time since we have seen the city as vibrant as we remember it. So much so that we were even feeling a bit nostalgic. After living on Capitol Hill for thirteen years, we moved to northern Virginia. So we are still close enough to drive in to town whenever we feel like it. Unfortunately it hasn’t been the same since March for obvious reasons - no programs at the Library of Congress to go to followed by dinner at Hawk and Dove or any other indoor activities. Today after our morning walk in the neighborhood we drove in to check out the newly dedicated Eisenhower memorial on independence avenue across from the air and space museum, but also to witness the crowds by the Supreme Court after hearing the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Of course we passed by our old home and the familiar neighborhood. There’s a new playground by Eastern market that was filled with kids. Pretty much everyone was wearing masks as it is a requirement in town. The blue skies were so bright and sunny because of the unexpected lower temps. Every time we go in we have a discussion about living in the city. It was a great experience when I was working at the Library of Congress for ten years. But it was time to move on to a more comfortable environment - especially to a building that was much younger than the 1890’s and all its associated problems. We need to go back again in the very near future for a morning walk to the Eisenhower memorial. That is one thing I miss - just walking to all these places. But at least we can still drive in, park in our old stomping grounds, and pretend like we still live there. 

A Very Sad Drive in to DC

We try to take the car out at least once a week so the battery holds up. Last week it was time to finally get some gas. We brought disposable gloves for that purpose and put the charge card in a baggie to sanitize when we got home. We haven’t been to DC since March - for good reason. As we drove down the GW Parkway, it wasn’t that “quiet” though certainly nothing like it typically is in the mid afternoon. Once we hit the city the traffic was non existent. The streets were wide open. The only activity was construction and the occasional pedestrian standing in line for groceries or carrying groceries on the way home. The new Eisenhower monument on Pennsylvania Avenue was supposed to open - but hasn’t. It felt like the government shutdowns, except everyone was wearing a mask. I’m sure the dreariness has a lot to do with the mental affect this pandemic is having on me. Our old neighborhood looked worn down and overgrown with unkempt foliage. No one was out - but at least the sun was. I’m glad we moved from Capitol Hill to northern Virginia last year. At least our home is so much more cheerier. I’m not sure when we will take our next ride in to town. All I know is I was glad to leave it.