East Wing of the Capitol

Here, I went upstairs and widened the view, to show fewer details but more of big picture.

Corinthian Columns

On this first visit inside the Capitol, we will focus on the interior architecture.  On a later visit we can see some of the exhibitions and rooms. 

The Capitol was last completely renovated over a decade, from 1979 to 1989.  It still looks good.

I thought about straightening this photo, but I thought the slant gave some energy to a quiet picture.

Entering the Capitol

To go inside the Capitol, we have to open the doors.  Not too quickly, of course, because the heavy oak doors have stately doorknobs and escutcheons, and we want to linger for a moment to enjoy them.

Did you notice that the knob on the left isn't straight?  (They show the seal of the State of Connecticut.)

The Capitol's Dome

You have seen the Connecticut State Capitol from the outside many times before, like in this blog's banner photo and here and here and here.

It is time for me to go inside and show you some things.  But not before showing you the beautiful gold-leafed dome and the classical statues that ring it.

Golden Gate Bridge

Last October I was in San Francisco for ten days.  While there, we rented bicycles and took a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, returning by ferry.

I paused along the way to take some pictures -- surprise!!! -- but I haven't been able to find a good time to post this reflection.  So, today, here it is.

To see other photos of reflections, please visit James' blog, Weekend Reflections.

 

Mr. Twain Again

Samuel Clemens a/k/a Mark Twain was Hartford's most famous 19th century resident.  We feel his presence all around the city.  This statue by Kansas sculptor Jim Brothers is in front of the Hartford Public Library.

The library underwent a major expansion in the 1990s.  This sculpture was put in storage for safekeeping, and the library forgot to save a place for it in front of the building,.  When someone finally remembered the statue, it was placed around back, next to the trash cans.

Finally, in 2010 the library's director was able to make arrangements with a private donor to pay to relocate Mark Twain back to a place of honor in front of the library.