Sunday, March 8, 2009

Mall Reflections

I spent a lovely day Sunday out exploring our nation's capital with friends walking here and there and to and fro. Couldn't think of a better way to spend what seems like the first real day of Spring we've had.

I've always found one of the best parts of D.C. is showing it off to visitors, and while I wasn't in charge of this expedition, I was a willing follower. Also, I got to test out my spiffy new camera bag. Sadly, my old one, after more than two decades of faithful service, was on its last leg, and that one was artificial.

Anyway, taking advantage of the balmy weather our party of intrepid adventurers did a short loop of the Mall, from the World War II Memorial, down to Abe's house and back via the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This was, of course, before heading off to see another masterpiece, Carolina's mighty defeat of the minions of evil. (Not kidding about the evil part, they're even nicknamed the blue devils. Blue from another beatdown and from lack of sex. Especially the basketball team.)

The only thing missing to make the journey complete? Pink fanny packs. Then all of us would have looked like we were from out of town, rather than the one legitimate guest in our noble homeland. But I digress.

Imagine if you will, the excitement of a family from far, far away, scrimping and saving in these difficult times for the trip of – if not a lifetime then certainly of the their most recent memory. In their heads they have visions of our gleaming white capital, monuments glowing in the sun (OK, it was a bit overcast today, but that's not the point, I'm getting to it), and reflecting in placid pools of water.

Something like, say, this (taken on Veterans Day 2008):

Now, imagine how you, and more importantly, Daddy Jimmy, Mommy Sandi, Little Susie and Little Johnny in town for the weekend from some place that's not here, would feel looking out over this panorama* (taken March 8, 2008) of our fine city:


I'll bet, when they saw this mudpit on the Mall, Jimmy, Sandi, Susie and Johnny were crushed, just crushed at what they saw (and Little Johnny even cried a bit). Their faces must have looked a lot like Clark, Ellen, Audrey and Rusty's when they got to Walley World and Marty Moose told them America's favorite family fun park was closed for two weeks for cleaning and repairs.

Well, at least there's still a glimmer of a reflection for them to see before loading up in the Wagon Queen Family Truckster and heading back to wherever they came from.

*Yes, yes, I know they have to do maintenance on the Reflecting Pool every once in a while, and it's better to do it in March rather than, say, July or August, but it's still a bit of a drag.


8 comments:

lacochran said...

Ew. That is pretty sad. Unless people are up for mud wrestling. Now, *that* would make a memorable trip photo!

FoggyDew said...

la - Sad indeed, but probably necessary every couple of years. I don't think there's actually any circulation of water in the pool, so it probably needs a good cleaning every now and then. The mud wrestling could be fun. Especially if it were kind of a death match between sitting members of Congress.

JoLee said...

throw some jello or creamed corn in the middle, get some hot girls, and you've got yourself a party.

Does it count if my fanny pack is green instead of pink?

rachaelgking said...

It was sad, especially for the tourists... and we couldn't even sit on Lincoln's lap! Ridiculous!

FoggyDew said...

JoLee - I'm thinking they can add that to the program for the "Cherry" Blossom Fest. A green fanny pack would make you an eastern European tourist.

LiLu - Think of this moment this summer when the sidewalk on your way to work is blocked by 17 families from Wyoming pushing strollers. Then get back to me.

Titania said...

Wow, that is depressing...

Anonymous said...

Yikes! I am definitely not going to tour D.C. in March!:P
Plus, according to LiLu, its so windy right now that windows fall on top of you! LOL

FoggyDew said...

Titania - It was, a little. Just glad I live nearby and can come back and see it all full up again, instead of having traveled more than five miles to see it and be disappointed.

Hannah - A March tour of D.C. is a crapshoot any year weather-wise. But there are benefits re: LiLu, the wind and her wardrobe...