The U.S. Capitol

It seems I can't walk past the U.S. Capitol without taking a picture of it.  I don't feel bad though, everyone else is doing the same thing.  

I was at the Capitol early the other day and it was freezing out.  This meant  I got to take all the pictures I wanted, with no pesky people in my shots!!!!!

If the Columns above look familiar, that's because they match those in the next three shots from my previous blog detailing the National Columns at the Arboretum.

The National Column blog is here:  http://tinyurl.com/b7y8nkl

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This and the next view were taken from the second floor of the  Library of Congress.  In the shot above, you can see the U.S. Capitol, the WWII Memorial, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian Castle.

Same shot as above, zoomed out.

Sights of Washington DC

Here's a few more in my ongoing documentation of the various sights of Washington D.C... 

View from the Old Post Office.

Inside the Capitol Rotunda.

Looking out of the Capitol toward the Senate side.

"Washington resigning his commission".  This is one of 8 large paintings by John Trumbull in the Capitol Rotunda. 

Ulysses Grant's statue in the Capitol Rotunda. 

"Apotheosis of Washington" in the Capitol Rotunda depicts George Washington rising to the heavens in glory.

Washington Monument in snow and fog.

Snow at the Capitol.

Enjoying the snow!

Some sidewalk artist doodled this on a construction site.

Smithsonian Castle.

Smithsonian Castle.

Old Post Office.

A family takes pictures on the National Mall.

Street musician.

Outside the Old Post Office.

Old Post Office.

Looking out from the Old Post Office.

Treasury and White House from the Old Post Office.

Old Post Office.

Veterans Day Run Along the Potomac

Runners prepare for the Veterans Day 10K.

We spent this morning running along the Tidal Basin and Potomac River in Washington, D.C.  It was a great chance to spend time with our nations soldiers in one of my favorite cities.

A solitary runner along the Tidal Basin.

No matter when you visit, the Tidal Basin always makes for a great photographic opportunity.

This was my view during the race!

A First Day of Fall Walk Around DC's Tidal Basin

These shots are from a walk around DC's Tidal Basin yesterday.  Even though it was officially the first day of fall, we couldn't have asked for better weather for an afternoon outside!

I took a picture of this tree full of cherry blossoms several months ago.  I hope to get it in the fall and with snow all around if possible too.

Even National Monuments aren't immune from "visitors"......

Helicopters frequently are seen flying overhead.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Sun shining on the Washington Monument as it dwarfs the Old Post Office (Soon to be the new Trump hotel in DC).

Jefferson Memorial from the Ohio Drive Bridge.

This guy was patiently fishing near the Ohio Drive Bridge.  More on him later......

I don't know much about the Ohio Drive Bridge, just that one end was built in 1908 and the other in 1909.  What I REALLY don't know is who the heck commissioned not one, but TWO of these scary busts!!!!!!  

Jefferson Memorial.

"What guys?  We don't see anything?"

"Oooohhhhh, that big tall pencil-looking thingy!" 

Back to this dude.  He finally got his fish, then took 10 minutes to eat it...

Supp?

This fellow let me get right up next to him for several shots!

I've been to the FDR Memorial before but this time I began to realize the scope of his influence on the country.  He was  actually elected to 4 terms, although he died during the 4th. 

There were several busses full of WWII vets visiting the area as part of the Honor Flight.  We've seen this  group before and they are impressive for what they do for our vets.

FDR quote, "I've seen war.  I hate war."

The Downtrodden.....

FDR

Now I know how to say this in brail.  Figured I'd take a picture since they call me Mr. Patience......

Sun rays over the Potomac to see us on our way home.