The Capitol Reflecting Duck Pool

When we lived on Capitol Hill for thirteen years I always liked observing the ducks in all the pools and fountains. Today was a bit overcast and cool. So rather than walk in the park or our neighborhood today in northern Virginia, we drove down to our old neighborhood and walked our morning walk in our old footsteps. We parked in our Capitol Hill neighborhood and were careful not to park in a resident only space. We landed in front of our son’s rowhouse that still looks simply lovely. Then we headed out to the Capitol and the reflecting pond. Because there is hardly anyone out and about, the ducks hardly moved when they saw us coming. Usually they are interested in food and I don’t think they’ve been getting the attention that they are used to. They were lined up in larger numbers than I remember. The duck ramp was not being used but sits at the corner of the pool. Every so many bird a pigeon found itself in good company. Maybe it was the time of the day but I have a feeling all day feels like nap time these days. After several rides in to town over the last six months, this was the first walk we have had in a long time. It felt good, but nothing like it used to be. 

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The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

On the north side, it is dark and there is a waterfall and totem pole; on the south side it is bright and there are tepees and corn. Where else could this be but the American Indian Museum. We have been inside twice. Once when we first moved here, and a second time with my cousin and her husband. He happens to be a small part Choctaw. It is very interesting, and the food in the cafeteria is very American Indian. All the Smithsonian Museums are an experience. This weekend was a special exhibit about the Comanche Nation. Outside the building were free lessons in bow and arrow shooting. The target was posted on a few bales of hay. Yesterday as we passed by the duck pond, a huge hawk was pestering a group of feathered friends by swooping back and forth over their heads, creating a lot of commotion, and a lot of interest from the bystanders. The architectural style is very different from most of the landscape on the Mall. It represents the color and shapes of a place far removed from Washington DC. You can see the entire building from the US Botanic Garden just across the street. And all this is only a couple blocks from our house. One of the reasons we like where we live is because it feels very suburban - like Milwaukee, but within walking distance a whole world opens up. It's really quite amazing when you think about it. And apparently a lot of other people think about it too.