Washington DC Part Two

The United States Capitol is the most widely recognized symbol of democratic government in the world. It has housed the crooks, oh I mean Congress, since 1800.  Just checking if you are really reading this...lol

On September 18, 1793 the cornerstone was laid by President Washington.  In 1800, when the government moved from temporary quarters in Philadelphia to Washington DC., the Capitol was an unfinished brick and sandstone building.

Me and the Capitol

Bronze Statue of Freedom on top of the Capitol

The Rotunda is the heart and center of the Capitol.

The Apotheosis of George Washington inside the dome ...1865

One of the four paintings, in the Rotunda, depicting the American Revolution.

The original plaster model of the Statue of Freedom

After the tour we decided to have lunch here in the Capitol.  The restaurant is huge and has about anything you would want.  The food was pretty good too! We both had sushi.



The Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, is right next door to the Capitol. You can walk through the tunnel from the Capitol to the Library.  Thomas Jefferson's personal collection of more than 6,000 volumes formed the basis of the national library.

The Thomas Jefferson Building, the centerpiece of the  three library buildings on Capitol Hill, opened in 1897. Its artistic decorations relate to Learning, Literature, Knowledge, Creativity and Intellectual Achievement. Throughout, you will see symbols: for example, Roman Goddess "Minerva" is the protector of civilization and the goddess of universal knowledge.

The Library was the first building in Washington DC to be constructed with electricity installed.It is the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.  The library contains 30 million books, 61 million manuscripts and extensive files of maps.

The most beautiful building in Washington DC, in my option. I know ...I know !

The only thing that would have made it better is if we had actually been allowed to go into the library!

Library of Congress

Amazing...reminded me of the fountain in Rome!

George Washington acquired Mount Vernon in 1754 and spent the next 45 years of his life expanding his home.

In 1799 Mt Vernon was a large plantation of 8000 acres and 316 slaves, as well as indentured and hired servants.  In his will, he freed all the slaves that he owned.

Most of the furnishings are original including the leather chair in the study he used as the first President of the United States.

George Washington died here at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799 and his will directed that he be buried on the estate. He selected a site for a new brick tomb...he, his wife, Martha and other family members are interred there.

The Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union has privately owned  the estate since 1858.

Mount Vernon

Andy's view sitting on the front porch over looking the Potomac River

George Washington Tomb

We had the chance to visit many, there are 18, of the Smithsonian Museums here in the Washington DC.  They are all free and easy to get to from the Subway.

We ran through them fairly quick..it could take you days just for one if you plan on reading and seeing every display.  We averaged 2 museums a day. A lot of the areas you aren't allowed to take pictures .

This was Andy's favorite

Andy here...one of my favorite things that we couldn't photograph was the actual flag that the Star Spangled Banner was written about....very moving.

How would you like to have this now...Apple Computer !  A cell phone can do more now !

First thing I would do as your President !

Of course no day is complete with out Andy having some "wine". 

She was happy to see Oregon was an important part of the history of wine

For some reason... first Fred Meyer on Sandy Blvd in Portland

Next museum was the National Museum of Natural History

Andy and her bones...she asked me to take this picture ! LOL

In the center of the Rotunda

Oldest known rock on earth

Stone from Mars !

Hope Diamond..Andy had to see this...Just looks like glass to me.

Next up is the National Air and Space Museum;

Toilet for space..have to strap yourself on !

We wanted to take a tour of the Pentagon but it is locked down tight... our military ID didn't do us any good here.  What kind of crap is this !  According to Chuck, I am still subjected to the UCMJ...  I HAVE MY RIGHTS THEN !!!  Think I will use the chain of command on this one....or the IG....maybe even a congressional...lol

However, we were able to walk around the Pentagon Memorial.  The memorial captures the moment in time at 9:37 am when 184 lives intertwined for eternity.  Each victim's age and location at the time of the attack have been permanently  inscribed into the Memorial by a unique placement and direction of each of the memorials units.

Each Memorial Unit is placed specifically positioned in the memorial to distinguish victims who were in the Pentagon from those who were on board American Airlines flight 77.

Bench Points in the direction of the attack...with name on each bench

Andy's comments-What a week!  We have seen and experienced so much with a week still to go!  The Smithsonian Museums are everything, and more, you have ever heard.  I believe, I have learned more in the last week than in the last 20 years of my life!  So much history, so many forms ! A museum literally for everyone.  I hope all of you who have not been to this city have an opportunity to do so.  This City has every aspect of what America is all about.