Friday, January 16, 2009

The Big Chill



A cold wind blew through DC yesterday, ripping the gray film off the sky and bringing in a deep cold. It was a meteorological unveiling, that wind. It was so dry and so cold, it left a metallic taste in my mouth.

I tried to get all the way to the Lincoln Memorial to check out the energy, but I was blocked every step of the way - by endless rows of porta potties, security fences and Brother Wind's sharp blade. Finally, at the WWII Memorial, I gave up. There will be plenty of time to feel the energy after the inauguration. Go with the flow, Reya, go with the flow.

This morning there is a great feeling of expectancy in the super cold air, like that second right before the gunshot that starts a race, or more aptly, like that moment at a concert when the conductor holds his baton high in the air. The orchestra settles down, the audience settles down and silence fills the hall.

And then ...

23 comments:

tut-tut said...

Tuesday can't come soon enough!

1 degree F here this a.m. All around schools are closed, because many children don't have the proper outerwear for such a temperature.

Celestite said...

I LOVE that first picture.
I would guess that the energy is positively crackling.

Greg said...

Love that shot of the tree against the monument. I hate winter in general, but I love those spindly trees against the incredibly blue D.C. winter sky....

Joanne said...

And then ... the moment we've been waiting for. Am so enjoying your insights into this quiet pause before the festivities.

Lynne said...

It is cold, isn't it? I blogged about the cold today too. It was 0.7 F when I got up. brrrrr!

Is that ice? Looks like an ice skating rink. I've heard the snow word being used for the big day ... hope it doesn't spoil the party.

Reya Mellicker said...

Yep, Lynn, the reflecting pool is frozen solid. A few more days of this and the Potomac itself will freeze. It was too choppy in the wind yesterday to freeze.

Today it's about 10 F. (-12 C.) BRRR!

There's no snow in the forecast for Tuesday. It should be a "normal" winter day, 34 F. (0 C.)

Snow would be lovely, if you ask me. Snow the day after the inauguration, to seal the deal with crystal beauty, would be perfection. But those weather gods know their own minds. It's none of my business.

Cheryl Cato said...

Great analogy & photos. Thanks so much for sharing with those of us who watch & wait from afar!

Peggy said...

DC looks like it's holding its breath... as though it's in a state of suspended animation waiting, waiting. How thrilling to have a front row seat! Stay warm.

Susan English Mason said...

Great description of what an event of this magnitude has on a city. It brings back memories of last year in Phoenix during Superbowl week. I am counting on you to make me feel like I am in D.C. for the inauguration with great pics and commentary.

Hammer said...

The way I see it, those of us lucky enough to live here can quite happily stand aside while thousands of folks flood our city for their political pilgrimage. They get one day to walk around and take in all the history and energy, and we get the other 1,460. (Or, with a bit of luck, the other 2,921.) And while they're watching the rest of it on TV, we get to nonchalantly walk past the White House any old day of the week, gesture over to the big porch and say, "Yeah, that's our guy."

Not a bad tradeoff if you ask me.

crone51 said...

I am so excited. This blog is just a great way to build my own energy for the trip there!

Ronda Laveen said...

Yep, go with the flow. Don't go against nauture. She always wins. The pic of the Washington Monument looks like a giant street sign pointing the way to the universe. I don't know why I never noticed before that if you cut the top of it off and set it on the ground, it would be a pyramid. It looks so cold! I almost feel guilty for being able to open the windows this January morning while I do yoga.

Anonymous said...

i was down on the mall last night and this morning..it is feeling sooooo great...you can feel the energy.... even though you cnat feel your face/hands/or feet!! xoxo

Squirrel said...

here's hoping mother nature relents and warms you up a bit.

goatman said...

And then and then . . . . Very cold here (-5°F) but I think we warmed the air a little for you as it passed over. What a treat for you to have permanent lodgings in DC and be able to attend the ceremonies.
Let us hope that Bush and his people back out of Government slowly and carefully so as not to break anything else!!

Maria said...

Love the contrast of the tree against the monument, love how you show the beauty in trees even in winter. Just saw a clip on MSN page of Anthony Bourdain in Washington, he's at Busboys and Poets (hope I got that right). Looks like an interesting hang out.

UN JOUR DANS VOTRE VIE said...

the pool is frozen.......wouldn't it be nice to dance on it and see how hard or mushy it could get..weeee....

Reya Mellicker said...

Busboys and Poets is definitely a fun hang-out.

I just received a phone call informing me that I have two tickets to the inauguration. Wow! Going to go pick them up in a minute.

Guess I will be in the thick of it after all.

Susan said...

Your photos give me a glimpse of sunshine. Below zero in frozen Michigan, and snow drizzling day after day... Though today I did actually see real sun.

Anonymous said...

Wow Reya, congratulations on your tickets. You really are in the midst of it all. How exciting!!

mia said...

You bring me there, I love it. We are still debating. Found a hotel room within walking distance. How bad do you think it will be in terms of the crowds and getting thru the metro? May I link you blog to mine? Yours is amazing!

Ronda Laveen said...

Maybe somehow you will run into Crone51 @ ceremony. Congrats on tickets.

Reya Mellicker said...

Ronda - Stranger things have happened.

I am very excited.