On Friday of last week we were able to meet with our Congressman Jeff Miller. I’ve met Jeff a few times before, but it was Karen’s first time.

As you can see, the weather was perfect and Jeff is just a great guy and genuinely likes people. He is always the same no matter what he’s involved with; he’s also a good listener!

I have no idea what I was talking with him about!

He finally saw his opening and got a word in edge-wise!

After meeting with Jeff on the Capitol steps, one of his congressional aides Casey gave us a personal tour of Congress. We got to see the original Supreme Court. The curator guide at the Supreme Court highly recommended it and she was right:

Notice how low the lighting is; this is as close to what it actually was in the 19th Century:

Here’s a close shot of the bench, with some of the original chairs left behind:

Here is an example of Congress, or at least a Congressman, being frugal. I don’t remember the Congressman’s name, but he saw this chandelier back in his district and bought for only $1500!

Here’s a shot of the famous rotunda where dignitaries are laid in state:

The rotunda canopy artwork is amazing; it is called “The Apotheosis of Washington”:

Karen and me in front of the protrait of my favorite president, George Washington:

Speaking of Washington, there is a life size bust of him and it stands at his actual height:

Inside the National Statuary Hall of the House of Representatives are a some unique plaques. This room is one of the most historic chambers in the Capitol where the House actually met for over 50 years. These plaques on the floor represent the approximate if not exact desk location of the nine US Representatives who also served as President. Here is Abraham Lincoln’s (how many of you knew he served in the US House of Representatives?):

Now John Quincy Adams’ desk location is unique for two reasons. First and well known is that he suffered a stroke at his desk, of which he later died. Adams is the only House member to serve after serving as President. One thing not known by most is that legend has it that he would lean over his desk as though sleeping only to eavesdrop on opposition congress members that always met at a certain spot on the old house floor. Casey went to that spot and spoke and we could hear him clear as day; it was almost haunting!

After our visit to Congress we made our way back to the Metro subway and retrieved our rental car from the Park and Ride lot and headed towards Baltimore, where we were supposed to watch an Orioles baseball game. More on that tomorrow!

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Politics