Neighborhood Iron Works and Charming Sights

Since we are STILL snowed in, and our car is far from free of getting out of a street parking space, our usual Saturday routine of brunch in McLean was impossible. But living in a walkable neighborhood with restaurants and shops within walking distance is a plus - even though we feel trapped here without getting in to our car and driving to the wide open spaces. So we walked down to Tortilla Coast for brunch and then took a short walk around the neighborhood before returning home. What stood out today were all the ironworks - the black gates and fences really were showcased against the now tiresome white - and dirty snow piles. They come in all shapes and sizes - rounded, pointy, intricate, simple, broken, well maintained. But I liked the cat in the window staring out at us and the outside, and all the birds devouring the feeder filled with delectable foodstuffs. Little round lights on a tiny tree were masquerading as snowballs behind it's iron entryway. It was bright and sunny and almost warm - but still not enough to melt that disgusting ice surrounding our car. I suppose blizzards and storms are good for the soul? I'll take the heat and the sun any day! 

The National Mall Turf Restoration Project

A few years ago, the east end of the mall was blocked off for turf restoration. The grass does look a lot better, and it supposedly is a more functional and efficient water drainage system. I remember having to walk around the enclosed area, because it was fenced off. This lasted for at least two years. Now the west end of the mall is having the same thing done - and this morning there was evidence that the project has already begun. It will stretch from seventh to fourteenth street...all the way to the Washington Monument, including the area with the iconic merry go round and Smithsonian Castle. Luckily we don't walk that far very often, and when we do we'll just have to take an alternate route. Now if anyone wants to hold an event on the mall, they need to also protect the already completed space with special mats so as not to mess up what had to have been a very expensive project. It seems wherever you turn there is some construction or repair work going on around us. As long as it doesn't interfere with our daily living it's not so bad. But sometimes it can get a bit noisy.