Theodore Roosevelt Island Statue and Fountain

Last week we took a ride to Theodore Roosevelt Island. We went there for a change of scenery, morning walk, and get away from crowded areas. Usually we walk in the park by our house for the shade, or in the neighborhood if it’s cool enough. And sometimes we drive in to DC and retrace our old steps on the national mall where we walked many times over the thirteen years we lived there. Luckily the parking lot was pretty empty, and when we crossed the bridge over the Potomac River, we headed down a less traveled path that took us under the route 50 bridge filled with graffiti. Then we backtracked and took the boardwalk through the marsh and finally ended up at the center of the island where the “memorial” stands. It is rather impressive. On the way to the sculpture is a beautiful fountain, pools, benches, bridges, and lined trees. It was quite serene and peaceful but also very hot and humid - like it’s been all summer. We are trying to make a habit of going to parks and such along the GW Parkway. It’s the only way we get to do something a little different since we hibernate otherwise. Luckily we have a few choices to pick from. 

James Garfield

Fifty years old is quite young, especially when I passed that mark twelve years ago. We were watching an American Experience the other day - saw one about the coal mines, and Bonnie & Clyde, and this recent one about James Garfield. I wanted to major in history before selecting nursing, so I find these programs interesting. And living in DC makes it very easy to stumble upon peculiar and real facts about all the people who walked the streets we now reside on. James Garfield was just fifty when he was assassinated. A very large memorial statue is situated right in front of the Capitol building near the US Botanic garden. We passed by him millions of times on our walks towards the national mall. But after watching the show, and learning more about this figure from Ohio, I couldn't help but take a closer look. To think someone can do so much in such a short period of time is impressive, regardless of your views on life. I wonder if any of his descendants come this way? In any event, it makes me wonder how every day counts, especially when I'm surrounded by such accomplishments.