Nation's Capitol-Spring Time

      So, we did the Washington scene, again.   This time the weather was much more user friendly: in the 70's, sunny, and the rain came and went w/o too much thunder.  Sunday night, lightning and thunder rippled across the Potomac River, shaking the White House, I'm sure.   President Obama did not hear any of it: he's in Asia, cementing a few agreements with Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines.   He'll be home soon to catch up on the situation in Ukraine.
     Spent time in Fredericksburg, that Virginia city on the Rappahannoch River, north of Richmond.  The town has the usual mix of old and new, with old town filled with antique shops, art stores, and even a number of book stores.  A nice mix.  The locals are putting the finishing touched on a new court house(high crimes in Tidewater country?) in a style fitting for the area.  While it seems expensive, the old court house was obviously dated and small.
     The Minister of Latin American Affairs was in town on Saturday night, the 26th of April, but his duties prevented our connection that night.   The next meeting will be in 2 weeks when the Mayor returns for GW graduation exercises on campus.
       This trip allowed us to catch a few cherry blossoms, those lingering flowers that survives a few snow falls of late.   Tourists on Spring Break were about, but school aged children, no so much.  WE visited the Museum of Natural History on the mall for the first time in 22 years.   It has changed some on the inside, with many more size appropriate displays(small) and better lighting throughout.  I always enjoy the Geology and Gems Exhibit on the 2nd floor.   The Hope Diamond is now on permanent display in a small island case that turns continually for all to see and marvel at.   Many pieces donated by diamond dealer Harry Winston are viewed in attractive settings.
     The samples of rocks and minerals are extraordinary in size and scope.   The gold nuggets are breathtaking.  The quartz crystals of immense size and quality are grouped with other minerals of equal dimensions.
more later.