52Frames Red Photo Challenge

Since gas supplies were at a premium last week we decided to stay close to the neighborhood. So that meant I needed to capture images for the weekly 52Frames photo challenge somewhere close by. I needed something “red.” The first opportunity was my husband returning home from the dentist after a tooth implant. He looked great against the red sidewalk in a shot I took from above on our balcony. The begonias in the window baskets also looked nice. Then we took a morning walk through the park and found some graffiti, a large earring, some really interesting bits of red on the wooden benches, fire hydrant, car light, and some grass clippings on a painted ladybug on a “sculpture” in front of the local library. What was interesting was a photo of my camera roll that showed all of these pictures together. That way I wouldn’t have to make a decision, but probably wouldn’t meet the “rules” of submitting only one photo. Then we were able to find gasoline later in the week so we filled the tank and took a ride to Old Town Alexandria. There were some wonderful very old crooked red doors and shutters, fire hoses, and bricks. We also just bought some flat bread from the Persian bakery that had a great red wrapping. When it got time to finally post my favorite photo before the deadline last night, I decided on the ladybug with the purple background and snippets of cut grass. I liked the contrasting colors and the sun hit the scene just right. My husband preferred the old red doors. The wooden benches also looked artistic and the fire engine red hoses looked like snake skin. My husband and I have not once agreed on which image to use. I keep thinking it should be more than just a photograph and lean to the artistic side. I also post the photos on Instagram to see which one gets the most attention. It seems that no matter how I approach it I rarely get any comments. I suppose the idea is to be occupied with the pursuit of the challenge. But once in a while it’s nice to get a little attention! 

Christmas Tree Disposal

For most people the Christmas tree ends up on the sidewalk shortly after the holiday ends. In the Midwest I always started decorating the day after Thanksgiving. Rather than have one large tree, we had several small trees in different rooms. Then I would cut down branches from the back yard and stuff them in to pots both inside and outside of the house. All the outdoor window boxes were equally festooned. But all the holiday decor was removed no later than New Years Day. But there are people who prefer to keep the holiday spirit going long after December 25. There must be something about the end of January that brings them to their senses. So we saw many Christmas trees out on the sidewalks this week. Some of them were almost bare! All the greens have long gone. But there were two trees that were not only on the sidewalk waiting for trash collection, they were IN the sidewalk. Along Massachusetts Avenue near Union Station it looked like the trees were being used as barricades from falling in to a hole in the sidewalk. One of them still had what you could call decorations. It was very peculiar but not totally unexpected. People do odd things around here. We just weren’t expecting this. They will probably still be there next week. 

Capitol Building Olmsted Terrace Restoration

Most views if the Capitol Building are quite majestic in all seasons and times of the day. But as with any old building, repairs and restoration work are required. Our condo is an 1890's building that has its own share of issues compared to the 1950's Cape Cod home we lived in in Milwaukee. The Washington Monument just completed repair work created from the earthquake. The scaffolding finally came down couple months ago and it looks brilliant once again. This stone restoration on the Olmsted Terrace is slated to last until November. So far it is not so disruptive to the passers-by. But there are also plans the fix the dome. It too will be encased in scaffolding for a long time. That work hasn't started yet and I'm not sure when it will. The barrier walls have been erected on the northwest side. So now is the time to enjoy the beauty of the historical building before it's too late. There is always something broken around here and you can't help but notice. 

 

Abracadabra, Eureka, Poof!

It all started several weeks ago when someone moved and left their historic Capitol Hill couch behind, polluting the sidewalk. So, the clock started ticking to see how long it would take to get it out of here. It went through several renditions. Starting out, it was dry with a cover to hide all the stains. Then it rained, and someone added one shoe and a sock. Then someone must have wanted the cover and left it exposed. Then someone added what looked to be shelves from an oven on to it. Shortly after that, someone took those oven shelves...maybe there was some fine copper to be had. Finally today, the sidewalk was back to it's main function in life. People could now walk by the blue garbage containers, but they no longer had a seat to enjoy the view. I'm not sure who picked that couch up, nor do I know who called to have it picked up. I'm just glad it is gone. All I know is that I didn't do it this time, and it took about a month. That's better than average - and would never have happened in our neighborhood in Milwaukee. You might find a couch ON a front porch somewhere - but it was certainly intended to be there for real comfort. But that is another story indeed.

Capitol Hill Historic Couch Part 2

After someone moves, the sidewalks always become populated with junk. I'm not sure why anyone thinks someone would actually want this stuff. This couch was left on the sidewalk over a week ago. I've been waiting to see how long it takes to get removed. There are records to be broken. Since it's been there, someone has added to it not two, but one shoe- stuffed with one sock? And of course, it poured on the weekend, so the couch is now filled with water. But, not to worry.... the sign says it is free for the taking. Wonder why it is still there? I hate to say it, but in our good old Midwestern neighborhood, this just didn't happen.

Historic Capitol Hill Couch

It's been awhile since furniture has polluted the sidewalks of our historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. Usually it's filthy mattresses that populate the space. You can almost predict when it will happen. Spring cleaning is the typical high season, but whenever someone moves, it is a sure thing that something will end up on the sidewalk. It got so bad at one time that a sign was finally posted behind our building that it is private property. But signs don't mean a whole lot to many folks around here. Where we come from, folks generally take responsibility of disposing this junk either by taking it to the city dump - after first showing proof that you actually live there - or by leaving it on the front curb and calling the city for pick up. Calling the city is an option here too, but this approach rarely occurs. Let's see how long it takes for this item to get removed - it's been five days so far. Until that time comes, someone can take advantage of the great view, or help direct parking.

Something Stuffed Food Truck

A new entry in to the food truck craze is Something Stuffed. A purple truck was parked right in front of Subway and Bullfeathers and the Thai place along First Street. Right next to the truck was the shoeshine guy that sets up his shop every day in front of Bullfeathers. He always extends a warm greeting and has become somewhat of a fixture. Regardless of how long the customer line is anxiously waiting to be served, it always blocks the sidewalk and no one has the intention of moving out of your way, even though it is plain as day that someone is trying to pass by. This truck serves up local ingredients and the menu changes around depending on what is in season. Veggie and meat chili, dumplings filled with a variety of stuffings, and even apple pie can be had. As I get to go home for lunch every day, I never actually taste the options, but at least folks who work around here can. I just wish they would move out of the way once in a while.

Senators Enzi and Rockefeller

We live on a street where you are bound to run in to just about anyone.  Senator Enzi from Wyoming lives a few houses down. We met him when we first moved here at a birthday party for our grandson. The good Senator gave him a Sacajawea coin. If you believe in six degrees of separation, one of my high school friends is somehow connected to one of the Senator's kids. Her best friend is married to one of them or something like that. I saw Senator Enzi walking in front of the house on his way to an early evening event. As I was walking home for lunch today, there was a sign at the Truckers Association Building that there was a luncheon for Senator Rockefeller. I don't know him, but my grandson, who was about six years old at the time, met Senator Rockefeller at a hearing that he attended with a friend of his. This friend's father was being confirmed for a National Security position. When I walked back to work, the black SUV limo with West Virginia license plates was parked out in front of the building, ready to escort the Senator back to wherever he was headed after lunch. I don't recall running in to anyone like this in Milwaukee. And I know that when I was six years old, it was the furthest thing from my mind. I wonder if it will mean anything having had all this exposure to people we hear about and see on the news. I like to think of it as living history, and continue to get lessons on a daily basis.

Walk At Your Own Risk

The sidewalks in the neighborhood are quite uneven, although I do need to say there has been a serious upgrade all around since we moved, and in particular, this year. I always wear comfy shoes to and from work, and carry the office shoes with me. I also have a few pair stored away to match whatever I happen to be wearing that day. And a one inch heel is the max. I wasn't quick enough with my phone to catch a really short skirt that was blowing in the wind and really high platform heels on an attractive young girl on my way back to work from lunch. But when I was coming home after work, I was captivated by the grace and sheer height of the fashionable foot gear on an equally attractive young lady on her way out. I do remember wearing platform shoes in the 70's in college. I don't recall having a problem with them. I suppose it is just a sign of getting older, and maybe wiser (?) to steer clear of these potential leg breakers. I fell on my face once already without the benefit of fashion. And many others have suffered similar consequences that required surgical intervention. I can't help but be amazed, but can understand it simply must be age related. I think I'm past the trying to impress stage of my life, and kinda like it.

Capitol Hill Dental Group

I finally got around to making an appointment for a routine six month dental check. Based on our experience, it is better to be safer than sorry, so we make every effort to try to make these dates. The nicest thing about going to the dentist here is that the office is located about one block away on First Street - the same path I take to walk to work. In Milwaukee, it was a long ride, a one dentist operation, and took forever to have work done. Three hour sessions were not unusual. Here, right before Bullfeathers, you turn off towards the alley behind the homes and businesses, and take the stairs to the second floor. It's a nice little office with a father-daughter partnership, 4 dentists all together, and it has served us well since we moved. I fell on my face a while ago and thought I broke my front tooth as I landed on the very uneven red brick sidewalk right outside our house. They have state of the art equipment, and the dentists and staff are really great. I had jaw surgery over twenty five years ago so going to the dentist is taxing. They make it nice and easy...even had a crown done in one session. Today I got out with a clean slate. Let's keep it that way.

A Walk to Nationals Stadium

By the looks of it, there appeared to be more Atlanta Brave fans walking over to the Nationals Stadium for the baseball game this afternoon. The dark colored caps outweighed the bright red ones. Generally there are hordes of people trekking their way over from our neighborhood...so much so that we avoid moving the car during peak season. The stadium is only a few blocks away. Oftentimes we see our grandson and daughter in law, neighbors, and a host of others parading past the house. That is one of the reasons we like this location because there is always something in our view. Our house in Milwaukee was also located in such a way as to easily watch the passers by. But our house in Florida was on a very busy street. Not only was there pedestrian and automobile traffic, it was a good excuse my parents used not to have a dog for fear it would run out in to the street. But as a teenager learning to drive it was quite daunting. If you could successfully figure out how to back out of our driveway on that street, you could do it just about anywhere. We know people who make a fortune renting out an extra parking space if they have a driveway. Unfortunately for us, we don't have one anymore. But we can still enjoy the traffic that does pass by, and walk over ourselves if the mood strikes us.