Every once in a while, we like to hop on the subway and train downtown into D.C. The weekends find the subway parking garages fairly empty, and the parking is still free.

We pay whatever the rate is for a ticket and catch the subway. The cars near the back are the most sought after ones. The subway has had several horrendous wrecks.

The National Art Gallery is a frequent destination for us. The admission is free. You can't beat that with a stick. You'd be surprised at how many art lovers there are. The queue is a long one.

You can putter through the air conditioned rooms, observe the masterpieces, and not worry about watching your back all the time. That comes later on the street with the panhandlers.

Now I can't paint a lick, mind you. Drawing stick people poses a challenge. I just go for the pictures. It's like being caught up in a good novel. You react to both on some deeper, profounder level. Today's collection on display was by Gaugin. His vibrant colors lways fascinate me. Good stuff.

Ed Lynskey
@edlynskey
Author of Lake Charles and Quiet Anchorage