The Castle

In March 2007, Mom and Lyn came out to Virginia for a visit over Spring Break.  Spring was setting in and a beautifully clear day presented itself for a trip into DC.

Smithsonian Castle

On this trip, we decided to visit the Mall, arriving early in the morning before many of the buildings were open.  It was just the three of us.  We walked along the open space, admiring the historic buildings lining it as we waited for the Natural History Museum to open so we could view the Hope Diamond in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals.  

As we walked, Lyn would stop and snap a picture of buildings or trees she liked.  She was particularly taken with the Smithsonian Castle.  She took so long lining up her shot that decided to snap one of her without her knowledge.  

The morning was approaching the opening of the museum and we debated if we should continue on towards the Capitol Building or turn back to our final destination.  We were undecided.  Mom and I were joking about who had the best suggestion.  Something about the ground caught my eye and I yelled out "That settles it!  I win!"  On the ground, someone had drug their shoe through the dirt to spell out a name that just happened to be my nickname.  We all agreed that when the Universe puts an obvious sign at your feet, you win.  We turned back to the Natural History Museum, laughing and asking "What are the chances of that?"

Lyn was completely uninterested in the Hope Diamond or anything within the museum itself.  Her interest ended when we walked through its doors.  Regardless, we all had a good day.