52Frames_rollcredits

It was so wonderful to finally get outside last week after being stuck inside due to snow, ice, and freezing rain. So we took a ride to Old Town Alexandria in search of images for the 52Frames photo challenge. Last week was “roll credits,” so that meant finding a scene for the last image of an imaginary movie as the credits roll. Since Old Town has been around since the 1750’s or so, there is always ample opportunity for interesting options. So we parked in the neighborhood and just started walking. From the cobblestone streets to the locks on the doors, to the reflections in the rain water and Potomac River, to the fence posts and garden sculptures, and the tiny alleyways between houses I couldn’t decide which photo I liked the most. So I posted a few on my Facebook Business page to see how many responses I would get. The cobblestone street was the clear winner. So I posted that image on the 52Frames website. But I also posted the photos on Instagram, and the lock on the door had the most activity. So rather than use my or my husband’s best judgement, I decided to go with the door and lock. I didn’t personally like that one, but everyone has a different perspective, and you could say it tells a story. So we’ll see if this image gets any attention. My photos are generally not as good as the real photographers out there, but it’s a great diversion to search and find something that might go along with a specific theme every week. For some reason I think I should stick with my gut. But that hasn’t worked out so well. 

Old Town Alexandria

When we first moved to DC thirteen years ago we would frequent Old Town Alexandria. It was just across the Potomac River from our home on Capitol Hill. Since we moved to northern Virginia ten months ago, we don’t go as often. But it’s close enough to visit whenever we want. So last Sunday we thought brunch in Alexandria would be a good idea to avoid super bowl crowds on Sunday evening. After that we took a ride on the GW Parkway to Mount Vernon - one of our favorite routes. On the way back home, we took a side trip through Old Town. It’s a very charming place but has the same old infrastructure and parking issues of DC. But I love the architecture and the ambiance of the place. The townhouses and rowhouses are reminiscent of days gone by. George Washington spent a lot of time here. There was a golden retriever tied up outside someone’s home taking a nap. The new building complexes going up along the Potomac River blend in with the traditional vibe. King Street looked the same - a “tourist trap” of sorts - but interesting to see. The “narrowest” home is a sight - it once was an alleyway but looks funny in between the two houses beside it. And of course the cobblestone streets look great, but not so good for your car. We stopped for gas on the way out and continued up the other direction on the GW parkway - a very familiar road. It doesn’t matter how often we travel along it - it’s always an interesting ride.