Capitol Hill Halloween Decorations

It was a beautiful crisp blue sky kind of day. So we drove in to DC for our morning walk to get a view of any Halloween decorations. We parked next to our old condo building on Capitol Hill and set off for a three mile walk. Rather than take the usual path toward the national mall we went in the opposite direction towards Eastern Market and surrounding area. The city was quiet as it has been for many of the last months. For the most part pumpkins were the most visible sign of anything Halloween. And they came in all sizes. I’m not sure how Santa Claus fits in to the scheme, but anything goes these days. There were a few mums, witches, skeletons, spiders, webs, graveyards and ghosts. One place had a ridiculous amount of junk hanging off the front yard fence that got the attention of a small tot. I am looking forward to driving through Alexandria next week and hopeful we will find an even better display of the holiday. It doesn’t take much these days to make a day exciting. 

DC Rowhouses - a lot of Red Brick

We live only nine miles away from DC since we moved to northern Virginia from Capitol Hill. We used to go back in to town to hear programs at the Library of Congress where I worked for ten years. We haven’t taken a ride in for quite some time. So yesterday we thought we would give it a try just to see the old neighborhood. Since everything is still pretty closed up, the traffic was lighter than usual but much heavier than a month ago. The only activity was road work and construction on the air and space museum. The new Eisenhower Memorial still stands behind a fenced off space because the dedication has been pushed back. One of the things I will always love about the city is the architecture and the rowhouses. There is just something stunning about them - from the outside. Living in one can be a bit more trying - the staircases are vertical on three floors, if you live in the center of the block you’ll need to walk around the entire neighborhood if something needs to get to the back yard, and most of the pipes are clay and prone to bursting. A lot of this we know from personal experience. For that reason we are happy we now live in an up to date space - but even brand new has its own set of issues. So, it was a treat to see the homes and the gardens once again. But nothing looks as good as I remember. 

A Very Sunny & Windy Day in the Neighborhood

When we drove home last night after dinner we made sure we found a parking spot far away from a tree. The winds were gusting to 45 mph. That also made morning walking a bit of a trick. But at least today the strange object we call the sun was out after hiding most of this year. So we took our chances and ventured out wearing our warmest jackets and lumberjack hats. The Midwest is faring far worse, which is one of the main reasons we left. Rather than go to the National Mall, we walked north and south adjacent to any barricade. So we strolled through the NE neighborhood past Union Station. We usually go that way during the summer months to stay under tree coverage to avoid the uniquely hot and humid environment. When it’s really bad we walk in the air conditioned Union Station. There is always something interesting about the architecture - and spring - that make the views interesting. Although now we are much less enamored by the typical Capitol Hill vibe. The congestion of the streets and the hazards that come with living in 1890’s buildings is taking a toll. So until we decide to do anything about it I will have a lot of photos to look at whenever I get nostalgic. I’m hoping it happens soon. 

Capitol Hill Rose Gardens

It started with the cherry blossoms, then the magnolias, then the azaleas, then the iris... and now the roses. The roses are making a statement in front of the rowhouses on Capitol Hill, usually set against the ironworks that are a hallmark of the neighborhood.  Red seems to be the predominant color, though there are shades from yellow to pink to apricot. We walked early enough yesterday morning to avoid the heat, and it was a bit cloudy with some welcome raindrops. Rather than walk the Mall, visit the traditional landmarks, and see the throngs of tourists, we took the back streets of our neighborhood. It is really so pretty this time of year. In Milwaukee we had several gardens on our one acre of land ... Here we have a small patio garden and are just as delighted with the smaller scale. But if one ever has the inkling to see more, you just need to step outside and walk about. If the neighborhood isn't enough, the US Botanical garden is just down the street and there are public parks every so many blocks. But for now, the rose gardens have captured everyone's attention... And the hydrangeas are the next big show.