“One quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, ½ pint rye whiskey, ½ pint Jamaica rum, ¼ pint sherry—mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of 12 eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let set in cool place for several days. Taste frequently.”
So…here comes President’s Day and of course, my golden retriever research has taken me to a spot in history that celebrates not just #1…but the fact that George Washington loved dogs and horses.
Painting of George Washington on the back of Old Blueskin
His favorite horse was Nelson, a chestnut with a white blaze…a steady stead…unflappable during Revolutionary War gunfire. Then there was Old Blueskin who was a high-handed gray…oh you know Blueskin…you’ve seen very famous paintings of “The Father of Our Nation” on the back of the gray.
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
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.
It’s time for giving thanks…using a grateful heart…remembering the good…continuing to seek the kindhearted deeds.
So, I’m wanting to reach back into the rich history of our great American struggle and thank Dolley Madison, First Lady to our 4th President of the United States, James Madison.
During the War of 1812, the British invaded Washington DC and set fire to the White House and the Capitol. President Madison knew of this planned assault, leaving post-haste, to lead his troops…leaving Dolley to evacuate to safety. She refused to leave without the bold and standing portrait of George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart. She had the frame busted and broken in order to free the treasured piece of art, rolled the canvas up and at last fled for safety. Word has it that she left in such haste, that her dinner was still on the dining room table…the British rolled in… ate her food and then burnt down the house.
A heart-felt thanks to Mrs. Madison for preserving this masterpiece for us all. Go visit this Lansdowne painting that hangs majestically in the National Portrait Galley in Washington, DC. Be sure to give a golden thank you to Dolley while giving thanks that Great Britain and the United States are true allies and good friends.
