Sun Peeks Out in the Park

Whenever we can, we take our morning walk in the park across the street. By the time we get home it’s about two miles. But when it rains or is very cold and windy we’ll drive over to Tyson’s and walk in the mall. Lately the usual leafy path we take has been a bit muddy and wet, so we have been taking the paved route that takes us behind the community center. As is with winter, any sunshine is always appreciated. I need to have sunlight - it always improves my mood. I haven’t taken any photos in the park lately because it’s been chilly and dreary. So today when the sun was trying to shine, some things started to pop - enough to make me want to take a photo. The shriveled birch tree leaves looked interesting and the stream that we now know and love looked inviting with the walking bridge seen in the distance. The park bench and the muddy path were things we avoided. The ivy growing on the tree was showing signs of new life. No one could be found on the usually busy playground. A twig was caught in the fence, and the holly berries make a nice hedge. It’s a whole different vibe here in northern Virginia compared to living thirteen years on Capitol Hill. Sometimes we miss it, but less and less lately. 

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. 

There’s Something in the Sky!

I can’t remember the last time we had sunshine around here. Growing up in Florida the big ball was out almost year round. Then living in the Midwest was the exact opposite with winter taking up nine months of the year. So when we moved to DC I thought it would be a bit more of something in between. But this year was the all time rainfall record holder. So it was quite dreary - the worst year of all for clouds and wet sidewalks. It also puts a damper on our morning walks. Even though I have all the rain gear for foul weather I don’t like it. So this morning was such a treat! The sun was out in full and everything looked so much better. We took our usual route to the National Mall which is very quiet because of the government shutdown. About the only people you see nowadays are locals - joggers, walkers like us, and little of anything else. So when we walked through the US Botanical Garden - the gate was actually open - everything looked so nice including the few roses blooming that were left over from last season. The vegetable garden still had some life to it. There was a lone fall leaf flapping in the breeze. With the sunshine always comes the wind. We had our winter gear on and it was actually warm by the time we got home. Let’s hope we get a few days like this. I really forgot how it felt. 

Finally! A Beautiful Day in the Capitol Hill Neighborhood!

Finally! The sun is out and it is gorgeous outside! Who could resist taking a walk on the mall and the neighborhood on a day like this? It really lifts my spirits after the last round of clouds and rain and cold. Someone once told me that in DC it goes from winter to summer quickly, with about a week of spring in between. In the Midwest, it's winter almost all year. I don't know how we stood it! The flowers were gorgeous, and everything looked so fresh! We stopped at the sculpture garden restaurant for a light brunch, then walked home via Pennsylvania Avenue and the Capitol. The huge school crowds are still around, and with congress back in session our neighborhood is very busy. I rather prefer when they are out of town - it's just more peaceful. Getting closer to home, the rowhouse gardens are beginning to flourish and show their stuff. But I like our tiny patio garden the most. My husband just put the solar bird bath out, and our feathered friends just couldn't wait to get at it. I finally captured a cardinal not only picking up stuff for a nest, but stopping by for a sip at the fountain. There's no better time of year? Not having to work makes it all the more sweeter!