DC at Night

We took a night tour of DC many, many years ago. It was really pretty to see all the buildings and monuments in a different light. We usually try to take our guests on a night excursion for the same reason. Last night we were coming home from a Chinese dinner in McLean and took our usual route back over Memorial Bridge. The bridge is being repaired and the lane closures will last for three years! But the Lincoln Memorial looked lovely as we turned the corner. Then I remembered we had not seen the lighted Capitol Christmas tree this year so we took a detour to see it before we headed home. It looked very nice! And to round out the tour we drove by the rest of our neighborhood favorites - Supreme Court, Library of Congress Jefferson and Madison Buildings, and the east front of the Capitol Building. I still can’t believe I worked at the Library for ten years. My husband always tells me he would have a hard time leaving DC. I don’t think we will be going anywhere soon. 

Memorial Bridge:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsD1ARrj4yi/

GW Parkway Snow and Scenes

Having lived in the Midwest for thirty years, we are used to seeing snow and feeling the icy wrath of old man winter. We didn't think it could feel like that here in DC. But here we are in a deep freeze that will last a couple of weeks. But we still need to do grocery shopping after getting a bite to eat at our favorite place in McLean. And the way to get there is the GW Parkway that passes by a very scenic view along the Potomac River. With a light dusting of snow it is slippery - just like anywhere else. And you will usually find someone who spins off the road not because of the ice, but more than likely a cell phone was involved. And so it was.... we passed by the Washington monument, then memorial bridge with the Lincoln memorial and kennedy center in the background, the spin out with a frustrated driver, the foot path bridge to Roosevelt island, and the Georgetown university spires. Of course the geese are flocking about to the greener spaces. On the way home we ran in to about ten police cars and a water rescue vehicle by the tidal basin. Hopefully it won't be a big deal, but it makes you wonder how people feel going in to the new year. We are thankful for what we have, and even more thankful we don't live in the Midwest at this time of year. 

A Rainy Day in DC

We have had such a long stretch of beautifully warm weather that yesterday seemed like an out of body experience! The overcast and very rainy skies made the city look so very different than the last many days. On our way home yesterday we drove our usual route from brunch in McLean. It was pouring sheets of rain all along the GW parkway. Then when we finally turned on to Memorial Bridge, the poor visitors were getting drenched. Some obviously were more prepared than others. I was used to constant sunny skies in Florida, and hated the very cold and dreary weather in the Midwest. That was one of the best reasons to leave the cold and ice. At least here we tend to see all four seasons. But with every passing year, the heat and sun, without ever seeing snow again sounds better and better. As for the rain? It is necessary, but I'd rather look at it from my living room window. 

A Drive Along the Icy Potomac River

For the first time in about three weeks we are feeling next to normal. Both my husband and I had this horrible respiratory virus since before the holidays. The sun is out after several ugly cold, snowy, and windy days. It doesn't matter how cold it is outside - to me - as long as the sun is out. It's just so much more cheerful! On top of that, our niece in Denmark just sent word and a photo that she had her first baby boy; our friend traveling in Burma updated us with her current status; and our friend in England called. It's feeling more like being in the land of the living. We haven't ventured out past the city limits of late, so we took a ride to Great Falls for lunch. Along the GW Parkway, the icy and reflective Potomac River was in full view. There is always something magical about this path. In the distance one sees the major landmarks that remind anyone where they are. The snow almost looks like sand on the beaches in Florida. But the clothes being worn obviously aren't Floridian. The sky is blue, and all is right with the world. Sometimes it takes being sick and stuck in the house several days to appreciate who we know, what we have, and what is around us. It's a good feeling. 

The Not So Golden Arches

All around Washington are bridges that have a similar style. It is probably not that much different in other places, but I don't remember seeing these arches in Milwaukee. As usual we went for breakfast at our favorite place in McLean - McLean Family Restaurant. The drive there takes us along the George Washington Parkway. At any time of year it is a beautiful path, and more particularly at this time of year when the leaves shine against the bright blue sky backdrop. Passing through Arlington, Georgetown, Spout Run on the way over and then back through Independence Avenue on the way home, one passes under several arched bridges. I wanted to take an even further ride out towards Mount Vernon where there are more of these architectural gems along the way,  it we opted rather to get home and take a brisk walk around the Captiol Building. As for those other Golden Arches, I like those just as much. And when people say they prefer not to go to Macs, I don't believe a word of it. 

A Lazy Friday Afternoon Down Independence Avenue

My husband was reading an article somewhere about a guy who lives in DC and can't understand the need to travel - particularly If you live in a city like this. DC has everything, so there was no need to look any further. With that in mind, I thought about it as we were coming home along the George Washington Parkway and crossing over Memorial Bridge by Arlington Cemetery. Our usual route is down Independence Avenue. Looking out on the Potomac was a tourist boat streaming down the river. The Washington Monument stands out against the crisp blue sky with all the earthquake damage scaffolding removed. I'm always looking for a wedding party at the WWI Memorial, and sure enough there was an event taking place there. The ever changing floral Library was just planted for the summer season. The newest addition to the grand Smithsonian Museums is making progress up on Constitution - four stories above ground are now visible. The 1879 National Museum restoration project is now complete, but unfortunately there is nothing going on inside. Imagine what did go on in 1879! The familiar street vendors are lined up all along the Avenue, and the hop on and hop off tour buses are everywhere. Since we moved here a lot of this feels all too familiar, and even annoying depending on the time of the year. But you really have to agree somewhat with what the man was saying about not needing to travel. All this activity and known national landmarks were seen on just one street in the city. Who needs a suitcase? Just step outside. 

An Eerie Capitol City - Marble, Fog, and Rain

As pretty as the Washington is in Spring, it takes on an even more interesting, or should I say, eerie feel when it is raining and foggy. Along with the rain and the fog comes a very sparse visiting population compared to the hoards that descend upon the town during cherry blossom time.  I have captured these same views so many times before, during every season. But there is something about living in this town that is still captivating. Along the GW Parkway were low hanging clouds and ice covering the Potomac River. The tops of the monuments were hidden in the mist, and everything is grey against the white marble facades. The raindrops on the car widow make the scenes even more intriguing. Even though it is a memorable ride, I am happy to get back inside the house, and appreciate why our friends in London travel so much. Even though the weather remains rather consistent throughout the year there, it's more like this. I definitely would go out of my mind if I had to live in a place like this all year round. But once in awhile it's worth taking about. 

DC Snow and Ice Can't Compare to Milwaukee

It felt like I was back in Milwaukee this morning. We dared to go out in the 26 degree temperature for lunch, but needed to first scrape the windshield. We no longer have the luxury of a garage, but knew which cars did due to the lack of snow and ice on them. The sunshine made it all the more tolerable. So we took our usual route along the George Washington Memorial Parkway to McLean. It was quite pretty. On our return, we drove through the Mall which had some traffic, but not much.  The yellow pansies in our little garden were poking through the melting snow, but the little tree in the corner did not have the benefit of the warmth of the fading sun. Isn't it always funny how the blue sky appears following a "storm" and the contrast is undeniable. I'm just so thrilled I didn't have to go to work today. I've realized that if you don't need to be anywhere it hardly matters what the weather is like. I'm still happy we moved away from the cold and ice of Milwaukee. The line is drawn when it gets to -40 with wind chill. Now that is plain ridiculous!