This should be about the museums, and believe me, they are awesome, but I’ve been a people-watcher from a way back. After Sweetie went back to the hotel, I had more freedom to wander down whatever photographic road I wanted to.

A tender touch.

Reading in the sun. As you can see, the morning rain and clouds were gone.

Middle-school kids at the National Sculpture Garden fountain.

Joggers at the Capitol Building Reflecting Pool. It was windy that afternoon, hence, not very reflective. They look like Marines to me.

Sometimes I don’t just watch people. I talk to them. The three dogs were a natural “in” for me. I couldn’t’ resist going up to them for a quick pet and in doing so I found out these fellows had just jumped in their car that morning for a spur-of-the-moment trip. They asked me where 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was.

“You mean, the White House?”  ( I loved that they asked for it by the address)

“Yes,” they replied.

“Well,” I said, “That street over there is Pennsylvania Avenue, so you can follow that. Or, just walk the Mall until you get to the Washington Monument and then hang a right.”

I’d taken this couple’s photo in front of the National Gallery and ran into them again at the Reflecting Pool. This time I took the opportunity.

One of these days, when I go to D.C. I will have a complete and unobstructed view of the capitol dome. The first time there was scaffolding around the dome, last spring it was bulldozers and heavy equipment, and this time there was this massive tent.  I was still able to get some good shots – I just had to get closer.

Boy at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial at the Capitol Building Reflecting Pool.

If one waits for a monument to be completely free of people, one will wait a long time. Solution: make them part of the photograph. I think people make these sorts of shots more interesting anyway. They often provide color and perspective, and as I said, I like to shoot people.

Freshman Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D), from Illinois’ 17th district, posing with a group of her constituents on the steps of the Capitol. (No, I didn’t know off-hand who she was, but I’m good at research. Google is my friend.)

Day 2 started with breakfast, and then on the National Air and Space Museum. This was Sweetie’s favorite stop.

It was also the museum of choice for families and school kids on class trips.  There is much to do and see there. The first floor has a hands-on exhibit that explains and demonstrates the physics of flight in a way that school kids can understand (and me too!). The museum is full of aeronautical history.  I find the place fascinating but when I have to dodge marauding bands of 12 and 13-year-olds I can get a bit cranky.  I don’t mean to. I do remember being that age, and I am sure I behaved in exactly the same manner. It’s what they do. It’s part of growing up. It’s all good.

Still they are interesting to watch. Especially from above. It helps to take a step back.

Looks like teacher is having to have a chat.

Family time.