The Ulysses S Grant Memorial Restoration Project

In front of the Capitol Building sits a large bronze statue of Ulysses S Grant. It was dedicated in 1922 and - like most things in this town - is in need of repair and restoration. I've taken a lot of photos of this huge monument over the years in all seasons, rain and shine. The birds love to sit at the highest point on the General's hat with a great view of the Mall forward and the Capitol Building behind. Apparently the bronze is falling apart and pieces of things are actually missing - like a sword! It's a good thing that the repair work is being done, but the scaffolding and tarp that covers the statue really hides what is behind it. That, along with the Capitol dome being covered for repairs as well makes for a very ugly sight. I feel bad for all the visitors who come to see the city only to find one of the most prominent buildings under cover. It doesn't make for very good photos. I'm not sure how long this work is going to take, but I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end. Now, can we do something about the horrible streets around here? 

What I Notice on the Mall and Capitol Hill

Yesterday we took a ride down M Street SE. Today, before the snow flies, we decided to take a typical walk to the Mall from our house. The landscape changes with the seasons. The sun was trying to come out, and it was close to 50. But there is usually not a lot of activity before noon. We always pass by the duck pond at the American Indian Museum and stop at the Smithsonian Castle gardens. The Washington Monument is a typical landmark in just about any photo, but looked really pretty behind the African American Museum of Art. A unique fur tree stands in front of the castle, and the massive mall improvement project is well underway. The familiar sound of any merry go round was heard loud and clear - but there were no takers. The large orange steel beam, also known as art, reminds me of the same structure in downtown Milwaukee on the lakefront. There are a lot of empty benches along the path on the way back towards the Capitol. At the US Botanical Garden the little babbling brook is well hidden; the gargoyles stare down at us from atop the Palladian windows, and the collard greens are ready to be picked! The Bartholdi Fountain spot is a great place to sit and put your feet up for awhile. As we approach our house, the barriers to the Capitol become more obvious and directions to the freeway near the House Office Buildings garage exits pop out against the notable red brick rowhouse backdrop. What one doesn't usually see is the train track that runs behind that notable rowhouse, and the sidewalks that can attack you if you don't keep your eyes on the ground. It's a lot different from Milwaukee and a lot warmer too. Can we skip the snow please?