Monuments Seem So Much Bigger

We always like to go in to town at least once a week for a morning walk, but also to try and get photos for the weekly challenge. So last week we parked by the Tidal Basin - a favorite place because no one else seems to know about it - and we walked to Constitution Gardens. The gardens are also our favorite because no one seems to know about that either. After strolling around a while we walked back to the car, but first wanted to head to the Washington Monument. For whatever reason, all of the monuments in the distance looked so much larger than usual. Perhaps it was the season, the bright cloudless sky, the overall lighting, or who knows what. But when we were standing by the Washington Monument the Capitol Building on the other side of the National Mall was so much more in focus, and just seemed larger than usual. Then walking along independence Avenue the Jefferson Memorial appeared to look even larger. The most surprising landmark that seemed like it is always hiding was the White House, which could easily be seen as we were walking back to the car from the Tidal Basin. I simply didn’t recall it being so visible from that vantage point. Anyway, it was a beautiful bright day - perfect for a morning walk. It’s funny how the same old places look different every time we visit. 

US Botanic Gardens Plant Monuments

We moved to Capitol Hill sixteen years ago. Ever since we have always visited the US Botanic Garden at this time of year - and many times during the year as well. The first time was with our grandson when he was about 3-4 after attending the Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Since we moved to northern Virginia almost four years ago, we still drive in to town to see the gardens especially at this time of year. Obviously the Christmas trains are the big draw. This year again they are located on the outside of the building. But another treat is to stroll through the indoor gardens and take in all of the holiday splendor. We weren’t able to do that the last two years due to the pandemic. Everything was closed. There are once again monuments and buildings that are made out of plant material scattered throughout. They are very recognizable and nicely made to the finest detail. The photos don’t do them justice. We passed by the Washington Monument, the US Botanic Garden conservatory, the Capitol, the National Gallery of Art, Union Station, Supreme Court, Bartholdi Fountain, MLK Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, USGrant Statue, Smithsonian African American Museum. I have a feeling we might have missed one or two. A couple of school groups were listening to stories about pine cones and such while another was sketching exotic plants for some high school class. There is always something to see at the gardens. It is one of our favorite places. 

Feeling Like A Tourist in DC

It was such a beautiful bright and sunny day with blue skies all around. So we decided to take a ride to Alexandria for lunch and then stop by Capitol Hill to drop off a medical records release form at our doctor office. We moved to northern Virginia nine months ago and are in the process of switching over to doctors with offices closer to our house. While in town, we took a ride past our old house, the neighborhood, and then down Independence Avenue. We felt like tourists - especially since I was taking photos of things that I already have millions of pictures of having lived on Capitol Hill for thirteen years. But it felt different now because we no longer have our parking permit and need to abide by the parking signs more than ever. Everything looks a bit different from our new vantage point - the colorful rowhouses, the Library of Congress (where I worked for ten years), the Capitol, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Museums, Hirshhorn, Washington Monument, White House, Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center, Watergate complex. Whenever we drive in to town my husband gets nostalgic; I get reminded of the inconveniences of living in DC - like street parking - and that I worked most of the time we lived there. It was a great experience, but it was time to go. We know the city is there - just ten miles away - whenever we get the bug to see it. I have a feeling it won’t be that frequent after a while. 

US Botanic Garden Plant Monuments

Yes, we saw the trains that circled around all the Botanic gardens in the US. The wall poinsettia display was extraordinary. The stickwork sculpture and Christmas ornaments both inside and outside the building were lovely. But the centerpiece of the US Botanic garden is the main attraction in the entrance and foyer - all the monuments and memorials made out of plant based materials. We have been coming to the US Botanic garden long before we moved to Capitol Hill thirteen years ago. And since we moved to northern Virginia this year, we are just ten miles from the city and like to come in and visit whenever we feel like it. So we did that just a few weeks ago - just to experience the Christmas decorations at the garden and the Capitol grounds. On the west end of the building was a huge tree with trains and Capitol Hill below it and a rendering of Biltmore Castle. There is something magical about this place any time of year, but particularly at Christmas. So for as long as we can we will probably continue to make the trek every year. It’s well worth the visit. 

A Foggy and Rainy Capital City

As is our typical routine on Saturday, we go to McLean Family Restaurant for brunch followed by grocery shopping. Today we took a side trip to Yaz in Vienna to pick up some of my husband’s favorite treats - a couple of jars of pickled vegetables and sour cherry preserves. And yes, a couple of cookies. But before getting to either place we drove along the GW Parkway in the fog. It was almost impossible to see the Washington Monument along with the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, Roosevelt Island Bridge, and the Georgetown spires all along the Potomac River. The geese are still hanging around, almost looking to attack the innocent passerby. We had two record setting delightful days this week only to be faced now with several drizzly, unpleasant, foggy to come. I suppose it could be much worse this time of year. But I would take sunshine any time.