I was disappointed that the prolonged cold spell meant no cherry blossoms for me on this trip, but I did make five new discoveries on this latest sojourn here.
First, the Washington Monument has girdle. The monument is still closed for repair, but now the base of the exterior has supportive meshing holding in the monument's guts until it's back in shape. Sadly, I can relate to the need for midsection support as we age.
Second, one of the mall's attraction is the pithily named "Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence." Try saying that three times in one breath. It has been around since 1984, so I'm not sure how I missed this before.
Third, the Boy Scout Memorial, which opened in 1964, is now highly ironic. I have passed by this statue many times without giving it much thought. This time, however, I couldn't help but notice that the man is buck naked. Totally nude. His behind is entirely exposed and his front private parts are barely covered by piece of drapery blowing over, seemingly by accident. Art is art, and I get that. I certainly ain't no prude. But why does he have to be naked? And if there is no symbolic message, why isn't the woman naked? What was the artist implying by making the adult male the only nude character? This statue made me go "huh?" given the subsequent scandals that have besmirched this otherwise fine organization.
Fourth, George Washington apparently likes pie. At first, I thought a giant bird had blessed this bust from the air. Closer inspection revealed that that someone had decided to feed Mr. Washington's likeness with a pie. I can't imagine why anyone would do that, unless historically George was partial to pie. Perhaps it was apple pie, as in the saying "American as apple pie."
Fifth, there are creative places to hide escape tools. I hope I never need to escape from somewhere where this is necessary.
Did I mention that one of the reasons I like Washington, D.C. is because it brings out the juvenile in me, and in other people too I suppose?
How else to explain the workings of our Congress?
