What is a trip to the East Coast without a stop in the nation’s capital? Cooky had never been to DC – and I was happy to oblige! All the years we lived over the river in Alexandria, DC was a home of sorts. Once a semester I took a mental health day off school to go museum hopping. (I was often planning a field trip, as well.) The Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art, the Mall… classic tourist destinations; we were determined to fit in as many as possible.

 National Museum of the American Indian – amidst the Neoclassical and marble… a stunning organic building evocative of other landscapes…

 The totem pole on the ground floor – this face was 6 ft? 8 ft? (Carved and painted cedar, Tlingit peoples, 2004)

"Raven steals the sun" Preston Singletary, Tlingit, 2003, glass.

Lunch? The Cascade Cafe at the National Galelry, of course! Only one of my favorite places. This shot – shows the waterfall wall and the skylights. Not mere skylights – they are IM Pei pyramids located in the courtyard above.

Highlights from our day:

Cooky communes with Calder…

 Agnolo Gaddi (painter) Italian,
Madonna Enthroned with Saints and Angels [right panel], 1380/1390
tempera on panel

 Paul Manship American,
Diana and a Hound, 1925, bronze

 Headed back to the Metro – we found a respite from the heat – the gardens at the Arts and Industries Building. This was the original Smithsonian building – late 1800’s. To me it will always be known as the "Castle".

Until next time, DC… we had a great day. Thanks!