Statue of Freedom

Brodie sniffs out the bronze beauty atop the US Capitol

Published on by Lucas Pam5 Comments

I’m preparing for the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at the west front of the US Capitol on January 20, 2017. So steeped in tradition, the presidential inaugurations have deviated little in the two centuries since Washington’s inauguration. Think of it…from George to Donald and all the presidents in between.  Our great nation just keeps rolling on…nothing can stop her…nothing.

While preparing for the Inaugural …I’m discovering so much about this baroque city and its beauty.  My golden self enjoys the rich history of the District of Columbia…at every turn in this metropolis there is history hiding…symbolism abounds…take for instance the State of Freedom who sits atop of the Capitol dome.  She’s been there since 1863…many have little or no idea about her.

Capitol Dome topped by the Statue of Freedom
Capitol Dome topped by the Statue of Freedom

The Statue of Freedom took her high place while our country was in the midst of our Civil War……the War between the States.  She continues to symbolically protect our nation’s capitol.  She ignites the history buff in me and I’m so glad.

On your next visit be sure to send an air-kiss up to this bronze (I see her as golden…but that’s just my 4 paws position.) beauty in appreciation for what she represents and how she steadily stands guard over our special city for all people.

Just think for a moment about all she has viewed from on high.  Blows my golden mind.

Abstract human figures handing hands around the globe

Uncomplicated Thoughts: Two words

Published on by Lucas Pam8 Comments

Wants and needs

those in need understand the difference

 

Tit bird with spread wings plucking Rowanberries

Haiku: Lovers of ripe winter berries

Published on by Lucas Pam3 Comments
Cluster ofFirethorn Pyracantha
Cluster of Firethorn Pyracantha

Red of deeper red

Watchful birds make ready soon

for pluck and carry

Haiku poem by PamelaWLucas 12/1/16

Crowds gather for the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the White House Lawn

Brodie barks about a special tree that come every Christmas Season since 1923

Published on by Lucas Pam17 Comments

My golden dog sled is ready to take me to the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the South Lawn (the backyard) of the White House on Thursday, December 1.  But wait, how did this 94-year-old tradition get its start?

Pres. Calvin Coolidge lights the first outdoor Christmas Tree on the White House Lawn
In 1923, Pres. Calvin Coolidge lights the first outdoor Christmas Tree on the White House Lawn

When our 30th President, Calvin Coolidge, along with his family, celebrated their first Christmas in the White House…they decided to have a tree for all of the people.  So, on December 24, 1923, the first official National Outdoor Christmas Tree was lite.

This event has evolved into a huge televised celebration with entertainment and something for every peep that continues throughout the holiday season.  For instance, The National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 25, 2016, 4 p.m.

I’ll close with some words to the wise.  Trees inside can blow a dog’s mind… we become challenged to maintain our cool with the tree and decorations and all…so think about how to help us do the right thing...help us avoid watching the sad clean ups and pet shame…we want a happy and calm time.  I’m just saying…Here comes the season to be jolly (and wise about the four legs in your home.)

P.S.  For you cats out there…maybe this will help ya’ll stay off the tree and on the floor.  Good luck with that.

 

Candle with glowing flame

Uncomplicated Thoughts: Please wait Christmas

Published on by Lucas Pam14 Comments

Please wait Christmas
Marketing and Sales have taken you away from me
Delay the rush and wait for the magic of the moment

 

Gingerbread White House

Golden Brodie sniffs out the Gingerbread White House History

Published on by Lucas Pam8 Comments

There’s a dog bone cache of rich tidbits…history snippets… about the White House that is simply fascinating.  Take for instance, the baking & construction of the gingerbread White House…it’s been a long-standing tradition since the 1970’s…and through the years the house keeps increasing in square footage. Each year White House chef’s at Christmastime, prepare a ginger model of the “people’s house” for the touring public to see and do the ooh-awh moment.  It’s a grand tradition.

Now I would love to wrap my dog lips around a piece of that sweet creation, but dogs really have to be careful with the ginger intake. Dang, there are so many things from the peeps world that are limiting for dogs.  I’m requesting with a golden tone…some homemade dog biscuits please…and thank you.

So…going forward…light the golden flames of joy in your heart, make some cookies and remember:

“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. ”
― Washington Irving

 

Kitchen circa 1930's

Brodie learns about food rationing

Published on by Lucas Pam8 Comments

It’s Thanksgiving soon and we are all consumed with the associated thoughts of feasting, family and friendship.  How fortunate I feel.  My peeps will have one familial event recorded on their many cell phones, iPads, 35mm cameras and Skype. Then they’ll post the stuff on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so on.  The social aspects roll on.  That’s todays fun and entertainment.

I want to take you back to two periods in our USA history…a time when we were at war, WWI and WWII.  I bring this up because during those difficult years we as a nation buckled down.  Food was scarce.  Food went first to the troops.  People bought limited amounts of certain commodities through rationing…ration stamps. So my golden mind took me to those times, thinking about what Thanksgiving was all about then…

Rationing came into place by our government and families were strongly encouraged to eat simply…meatless meals…and forget about sugar.  What a prized commodity sugar became…and coffee…and flour…yes the very basics.  I’m thinking everyone worked together, helped out and got involved in the war effort…while missing their stuff.

I feel golden sure that on Thanksgiving Day folks were even more grateful for whatever they had as they struggled.  But then…the food was secondary for those who had loved ones serving in the war…those who had lost a loved one…and those who simply felt the unrest of not knowing what the future held.

Our country held together and came out on this side of freedom both times.  This Thanksgiving season I’m going to say a special thanks to those serving our nation and especially to those away from home …and a special moment for those who we have lost…we will remain forever a grateful nation.

So this Thanksgiving, my grateful heart will enjoy watching all of the cell phone action, getting my many pets and walks and giving out my goldeness.   Peace baby and paws Up!

P.S.  Dogs don’t do coffee but…How fortunate that you can have as many Starbuck’s with all of the sugar possible…all of the cream…whenever…