Washington DC - National Cathedral - Winter Wonderland

A few inches of wet snow is a magical sight! The whole world looks clean and fresh, with each detail highlighted by a bit of frosting.

The frosting was beginning to drip, but I couldn't resist a quick stop at the National Cathedral on my way to a Food for Life class this morning. I wish I'd had more than 10 minutes to soak it all in! Though I could have done without soaking in the globs of melting snow that were falling on me. :)

I also wish there were places to pull off the road on Rock Creek Parkway - I had a hard time driving and looking and kept seeing great material for pictures. Though in this case, I picture is only a small reflection of the glory of the real thing! So, the stream and the cemetery along Rock Creek Parkway will have to remain a beautiful picture only in my mind's eye.

But now, on to what I can share from the National Cathedral:

U.S. Botanic Garden - Christmas Trains

If you haven't been to the U.S. Botanic Garden this year to see the Christmas trains and fairy land, you really should go! Here's a picture, or 24, to give you a sampling of the magical land that was created by Paul Busse and his team in Kentucky. Can you pick out which ones recreate childrens stories?
In true botanical style, all the buildings - down to the tiniest details - are primarily natural materials like leaves, seeds, stems, moss, pods, gourds and much more. Such creativity and imagination to design and construct each piece is almost unbelievable.

















I love the book worm. And the caterpillar train is too cute!


All the monuments and landmark buildings of DC are on display in the main atrium.

And, a moose is on the loose in the National Garden! Does the day look as frigid in the picture as it was? This moose must have felt right at home.

Azaleas - National Arboretum, Washington DC

As the tulips are fading it's time for azaleas! One of the best kept secrets in DC is the hill of azaleas at the National Arboretum. Not only is it the highest point in DC, but covered in azaleas of all colors and sizes. Many of them are unique hybrids that you won't see anywhere else.

Tulips at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlingon VA

I love the vibrant color of tulips! There is so much more than the cherry blossoms to enjoy during spring in DC. These tulips are at the Netherlands Carillon near Iwo Jima.

Shelby and Parke

I so enjoyed working with Shelby and Parke to document a turning point in their lives together as they leave the Navy soon. The Navy has taken them from DC to Japan and back, and the Arlington Cemetery Amphitheater was a beautiful spot to commemorate their service and adventures.