Capitol Christmas Tree

We have seen the Capitol Christmas tree every year for sixteen years. It was a lot easier when we lived on Capitol Hill. The first year or two we would actually go to the tree lighting ceremony - things people do when they first move to DC. We have spent a lot of time on the Capitol grounds - walking, concerts, ceremonies, funerals….we have also watched the tree get driven in on the large truck and then get hoisted with a crane before the decorating begins. Now that we live in northern Virginia we drive in every week for a morning walk. A few days back we visited the tree after first stopping by the trains at the US Botanic Garden and visiting the memorials and monuments made of plant material in the conservatory. Yesterday we drove in, parked in our old neighborhood, and walked by the Library of Congress - where I worked for ten years - and then over to the Capitol. This time there were some high school groups having a tour/lecture. They invariably look bored and uninspired. So we took in another view of the tree and walked over to it once again. It is from North Carolina. Unfortunately the west front of the Capitol has a lot of construction and scaffolding around it so that doesn’t do much for the background in the photos. We still need to drive by in the evening when the lights are on. We are fortunate to live close enough to still enjoy the treats of the season. Let’s hope it lasts for a long time to come. 

Taking Down Christmas Decorations

They have been up since the day after Thanksgiving. The greens we bought at American Plant were distributed among the large vase on the plant console table, the wall vase, and the balcony window boxes. Sprinkled in them were pine cones, berries, and sticks that I picked up in the street. And of course, a string of lights was added to make it more festive. We usually don’t put a lot of Christmas decorations up because we travel to central Virginia for the holiday. But for most people this year, plans changed. Once Christmas is over I am also over looking at the decorations. The greens were all dried out and we are always ready to move on. So yesterday I got out the box that all of the stuff is stored in and started the process of undoing what was done. The Christopher Radko ornaments that were hung on the large dining room mirror were the first to be placed back in their original box. It took a lot longer than I thought it would. Luckily we didn’t have a tree to deal with but we haven’t had one for ages. So another year has passed and it was very different than any year before it. The house looks more like itself and I kinda like it that way. 

Christopher Radko Ornaments

The colorful glass ornaments are the Christmas decorations I remember as a child along with the colorful lights. My dad and I would get the Christmas tree right around my birthday. None of those ornaments remain, except I still have the stocking my mom knit for me soon after I was born. It has my name and a Santa on it. It, along with my brother and sister’s stockings, were hung on the cardboard fireplace. It was all so believable. All these years later we have one box of Christopher Radko ornaments. When we moved to DC fourteen years ago we left behind just about everything, but I kept that box that we got in Chicago. The shiny vibrant colors and images are so captivating. The snowman is my favorite. Usually we aren’t home for the holiday, but I always put these ornaments up - just not in the usual way. This year they are hanging from the top of the dining room mirror at various levels, above the console plant stand that has a vase stuffed with greenery and branches, birds, icicles, Santa, berries and lights. The only other ornament is a glass partridge in a pear tree that I got for my husband when we first met. My stocking is in the foyer. All I can say is the theme should be “I’ll STAY Home for Christmas” this year. What a fitting song. 

Fairy Garden and other Lawn Ornaments

Every once in awhile we take a walk in the neighborhood away from our usual paths. Most recently, since it's been unusually hot for such a long stretch, we decided to stay in the shade away from the Mall as much as possible. Since I don't always get up early enough in the morning to avoid direct overhead sunlight, it's almost a necessity. It's always interesting to see what grabs my attention along the way. This time it was the garden ornaments that decorate the small patches of space in front of the Capitol Hill three story row houses. It started out with a tiny fairy at the base of a very large tree; three frogs enjoying each others company; a live squirrel nibbling on a nut; an Asian statue; a very large half penny; a modern art sculpture of sorts; a boot cleaner; a lion with an apple on his head; and a fake squirrel. I know I missed out on a lot more but it got too hot to notice. I much prefer walking in the dusk - it's just so much nicer - and calmer - to me. But my husband prefers the morning hours. That's never going to change and I'll never get used to it. So I try to notice, and enjoy the scenery. 

Old Fashioned Christmas Window Along Pennsylvania Avenue

No, it isn't Macy's, or downtown Chicago or New York, but it looks just as magnificent! Every year, the Coldwell Banker shop on Pennsylvania Avenue decorates four storefront windows full of Christmas scene delights. One has a big Christmas tree with snow falling on it; another has a village and a train circling around it; another has a larger complex of traditional Christmas activity. But the one we like the most is the Capitol Hill neighborhood. There are people skating, and walking near the Jefferson Memorial and the old Frager's Hardware store has a prominent spot. The Nationals Stadium is surrounded by other prominent neighborhood landmarks including Splash car wash. The National Capitol Bank of Washington and Mr. Henry's can't be missed. The Hill Center and the Folger Shakespeare Library are front and center. I love the huge colorful bright ornaments that hang from the top. No one passes by this place without stopping, and probably thinking the same things I am. It's a reminder of our Christmas past as children, and just shouldn't be forgotten. 

Pennsylvania Avenue on a Snowy Day

Yesterday we had a two hour snow delay and today we got a snow day! So I slept in a little longer. We decided it might be a good idea to stretch our legs and get a walk in, and breakfast at the Tune Inn on Pennsylvania Avenue. We called our friend to join us.  Along the way we heard the quiet of the snow falling, and saw the sights of the season. Someone in the neighborhood has taken responsibility for feeding all the sparrows, and they were deliriously feeding and waiting their turn to join in the feast. I am certain there must be a pecking order amidst the chaos. Once we hit the Avenue, the Coldwell Banker window was getting a lot of attention. The shop owners along the way each had their own take on their Christmas tree versions. But the best one was the real Macoy being carried by three energetic young ladies making their way from Eastern Market towards us. It was a classic Christmas scene. We met our friend at the half way point and headed for Tune Inn, where there was a fundraising going on for an injured firefighter and his family. The place was crowded and as loud as on a weekend, but all for a very worthy cause. And to think I would have missed it all if I had to go to work!