Random Things in DC #7

Some more random things.

Today's Lesson:  When flying a kite, find a large open area and . . . . 

. . . avoid flying your kite near the evil kite-eating tree.

And now for something completely different.  Check out the license plate on the VW pictured below.

Springtime in D.C. #5

In addition to trees flowering everywhere in D.C., all sorts of flowers are likewise blooming.  Check it out.

Springtime in D.C. #4

D.C. is beautiful during Spring, with trees flowering everywhere.  Check it out.

Susan's brother Sid and sister-in-law Marcella in Georgetown

D.C. Bookstores

During Year 1 in NYC, we saw many celebrities in person--on Broadway stages, on live interview shows and even on the street.  Not once, but twice, we spotted actor Kevin Bacon on the street on the East Side.  He was easily recognized, even when wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.  

During Year 3, we have not seen many celebrities.  However, we recently visited a famous D.C. bookstore, Politics and Prose, to hear a famous person speak.  

The event was part of a book tour in support of the author's novel, Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff.  Below is synopsis of the novel.

    

After the lively interview and Q&A  session were finished, we received a signed copy of the book, pictured below.  Can you guess the author's name?  .

The author was Sean Penn.  

Laura Lippman, journalist and writer, interviews Sean Penn about his first novel.

Susan will let us know if she likes the book.

P.S.  Susan thinks Kevin Bacon is better looking than Sean Penn.

Strolling in D.C. #2

While strolling along the Potomac River in Georgetown, we came across a labyrinth.  Susan cannot pass a maze or labyrinth without attempting to navigate through it. 

According to Wikipedia:  In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by Daedalus for King Minos of Crete. Its function was to hold the Minotaur.

This particular labyrinth was accompanied by some by guidance on how to make the most of the experience. 

Below is a video of Susan enjoying her walk in the labyrinth.  It is included so you appreciate her technique.  

By the way, Susan successfully navigated the labyrinth and reached the center, without encountering the Minotaur.  Afterward, Susan was very centered.  (Actually, she rushed ahead without reading the instructions and was so focused on reaching the middle that she neglected to meditate.)

P.S.  What is the Minotaur?  It is a monster with a bull's head and human body.

Museums: National Museum of American History #1

One of the most popular Smithsonian museums is the National Museum of American History.  Whether you like history, the museum has something for everybody and is therefore worth visiting.

For example, if you like fashion AND the semi-royal position of First Ladies, then visiting The First Ladies exhibition is a must for you.  Susan loves fashion and Presidential history.  In fact, she would be a wonderful First Lady and an even better President.  So, a while back, we visited The First Ladies.

It's time for a pop quiz.  Guess which First Ladies wore the dresses below.

#1

#2

#3

Answers:

#1, Melania Trump

#2, Jackie Kennedy

#3:  Jackie Kennedy

If you answered all 3 correctly, then give yourself a pat on the back.  Well done.

Speaking of Susan being presidential, here is a photo Susan giving her 1961 inaugural address in the steps of the U.S. Capitol.  It was a moving speech.

Of course, some presidents don't play by the rules.  One example was the Nixon administration and some famous "break-ins". The museum has the filing cabinet from the office of Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist (pictured below).  Ellsberg was prosecuted for leaking the Pentagon Papers. Before the trial, the government sought to discredit Ellsberg by stealing confidential records from Ellsberg's psychiatrist.  When the judge learned learned of the prosecution's misconduct, the judge dismissed the case and Ellsberg went free. 

Other historical artifacts in the museum include a Winchester rifle and a 1948 Tucker automobile.

Thanks for visiting the American History museum with us.  

Museums: National Gallery of Art #7

The Smithsonian's National Gallery of Art is an amazing showcase for great art.  One of the best features of the West Building is the rotunda, which features a large fountain and statue.   

Depending on the season, the fountain is decorated with lovely flowers.

In the photo below, the fountain is adorned with all sorts of Spring flowers, plus a tall, lovely and rare Black-Jacketed Susan. 

In the next photo, you will see an abundance of azaleas.  

In case you were wondering, the bronze statue atop the fountain is Mercury, a replica of Giambologna's Flying Mercury in Florence.  Coincidentally, during Year 2 in Florence, we walked past Giambologna's former studio nearly everyday.  It's a small world.

P.S.  The original statue in Florence's Bargello museum appears below.  

Random Things in DC #6

It's time for some random things in D.C.

While visiting the bookstore/cafe Busboys and Poets, we ran into James Comey.  Check it out.

While strolling in Georgetown, we came across a Squirrel Crossing.

An interesting photo below.  Apparently, the D.C. government is experimenting with some new parking meters.