Washington DC, 8th Time

After this summer's long weekend in DC, decided to return in winter when it was less busy.  When I could wander the museums and look at the wonderful displays, artifacts, artwork and educational material without people constantly walking in front of me.

And I was wrong.  It was a mob scene.  Either way, still had a blast.

Friday, January 13th, 2023

Yet another stressful work day, to the airport to stress about Southwest flights, made it.

Saturday, January 14th, 2023 

Good morning from CityCenter DC.

To have breakfast at the always popular Tatte.

Lamb cooked in warm spices; sautéed with sweet potatoes, potatoes, pickled red cabbage and carrots; topped with green dressing and poached egg.

The tradition to walk by the Ronald Reagan Building.

Haven't been inside since 1999!

East side by the Kennedy Garden.

The theatre was put in by FDR in 1941.

This room was the laundry until 1902, then a gentleman's waiting room until 1935 when it was transformed into a Library that houses 2,700 books.

The Vermeil Room went from billiards to displaying vermeil (gilded silver).

The China Room has been showcasing that since 1917.

The famed East Room has been the setting for ceremonies, weddings, lying in state and press conferences.

They were rolling out the red carpet for me.

The Green Room.

The Blue Room is the oval shape that gives the backside of The White House its distinctive curve.

   

The Red Room has been that shade since 1845.

Theodore Roosevelt had the mantel include bison in the State Dining Room.

Knew right where he would be.

On the west side of the foyer is President W. Bush.

On the east side of the foyer is President H.W. Bush.

Time to get into the museums.

Hirshhorn 

The Museum of Modern Art 

Didn't get it. At all.

The National Air & Space Museum had been closed for renovations this summer.

 

It's a favorite.  Spent 4 hours in here.

 

Always love how folks used to dress. Now, augh.

An actual X-Wing fighter that fought against the Galactic Empire.

The real deal. New York to Paris in 33 1/2 hours. Have read a lot about Lindbergh's 1927 feat, his rocket to fame, the kidnapping and the public turning against him after his WWII views.

Y'all will remember doing the Wright sites in Ohio and Kitty Hawk a few times. This gallery has the original 1903 flyer.

What kid of the 1970s wasn't a fan of Evel?

  

Amazing. Neil Armstrong's moon walk suit.

And the capsule that brought them back.

Yet again to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. 

 

Passing through CityCenter DC.

   

Up to Mt. Vernon Square area.

   

To have dinner at Unconventional Diner.

   

MEATLOAF 

Sriracha Glaze | Mashed Potato | Morel Gravy

   

LOCAL CARROTS AU JUS 

Demi-Glace | Horseradish | Crème Fraîche

   

Sunday, January 15th, 2023

Good morning from downtown.

  

  

Traditional selfie.

 

Department of Commerce

Department of Treasury

Hadn't eaten at Old Ebbitt Grill in 23 years.

It has a long history of politicians and lobbyists.

Salmon Salad 

Cauliflower, radicchio, shaved Brussels sprouts, Lacinato kale, sunflower seeds, Pecorino Romano, lemon vinaigrette

LOVED these two paintings.

 

Back out in the cold.

Hadn't been in the White House Visitor Center in a while.

A main goal was to get more immersed in the National Gallery of Art.

Spent 4 hours in here including (2) one hour tours and using their app to listen and read about the artwork.

The Washington Family by Edward Savage 

The House of Representatives by Samuel Morse (before he was an inventor)

Always have to see Gilbert Stuart.

One of nineteen Leonardo da Vinci paintings and the only one in the western hemisphere.

Am going to come back.

A close up of Rembrandt's Self Portrait shows the chunky oil.

Pont Neuf Paris 

1872 

Auguste Renoir

Claude Monet

Vincent Van Gogh

Between renovations, the 2011 earthquake damage, not having time and no tickets available; haven't been up the Monument in a while. Was very excited.

 

East

   

North

   

West

   

South

Back at the Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery.

   

In the Presidential Portrait Gallery, read every single bio chronologically and snapped these of my favorite Presidents.

   

Y'all will remember when this was the patent office, you had to bring a working model and it was housed on this third floor.

   

 And this nearby mezzanine was were the paperwork was filed. Now it's paintings, sculptures, crafts, furniture and more.

   

Continued to review all 3 floors.

   

Back at Jose Andres' Zaytinya after an excellent meal this summer.

   

MUSHROOM KAPNISTÁ 

smoked mushrooms, dates, roasted walnuts, cumin, labneh

   

SEA SCALLOPS 

dill yogurt, apple, radish, sesame-rose spice

   

WALNUT DELIGHT 

walnut ice cream, yogurt mousse, honey gelée, orange-caramel sauce, caramelized pine nuts Absolutely worth repeating.

  

Monday, January, 16th, 2023

Good morning from the nation's Capitol fronted by U.S. Grant on horseback.

   

If you look closely, you can see the west side is under renovation.

   

Turn to take this in.

 

   

The east side getting bathed in the rising sun.

   

Capitol Hill for breakfast at Pete's Diner.

   

Few months ago did the one on one tour with Congressman Fitzgerald's office. Today was the public tour.

   

Before the tour, checked out the museum.

   

Supreme Court 1810-1860.

   

Hallway to Senate side.

   

Crypt underneath the rotunda. Remember when the museum was here.

    

The intricacy, grandeur, history, symbolism and artwork always puts you in awe.

 

Two great men.

   

Surrender of General Burgoyne 

Ulysses S. Grant 

Abraham Lincoln 

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis

   

Statuary Hall was the House of Representatives until 1857 when they needed more space.

   

   

   

   

Haven't been to the United States Botanic Garden in years.

   

Never been to National Museum of the American Indian.

   

Never been to National Museum of Asian Art.

   

Figure a few more trips are needed to continue to make a dent in Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

   

At least it wasn't as crowded.

   

The American Culture Exhibit has been redone. 

Wizard of Oz, 1939

   

Kermit, 1955

 

Captain America 

Winter Soldier

   

   

   

   

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Local favorite District Taco for....salad.

   

Repeated going to Dolcezza Gelato. 

Gingerbread Cake, Sweet Potato Pecan Praline and Crockneck Pumpkin

   

Going through Franklin Square on the way to the subway.

   

I will be back.