Can you imagine actually owning this thing. The Queen of England owns a painting of the wedding and one can see the crown in the painting, but Majorie Merriweather Post owns the Romanov Nuptial Crown. The catalogue says that “The crown is crudely made and has flaps at the bottom so it can be pinned on the hair.” Well, MMP knew her bling, so if she said it was crudely made – it was.
Indeed, I went to the Hillwood Mansion – Where Fabulous Lives – and I had a great time. I had been there before, but I never made a day of it. Started out when I arrived by making a reservation for lunch at 1230 in the Cafe. IN being the operative word – I knew that by then I would enjoy some serious air conditioning.
So, with lunch set – I wandered around the grounds for a couple of hours. I was inspecting the culinary herb gardens when the chef stepped out to cut his herbs for the day. We talk story – he is from France – and I come away with a fine bunch of herbs. I had a plastic bag in my purse and they made it home in good shape. I will have to do something to honor them. Maybe an olive oil infusion? That is tomorrow’s task.
I had great fun getting up close to the orchids in the greenhouse. The water lilies were blooming. Which reminds me – maybe I’ll make a trip to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The neighborhood is a little sketchy. Yes, Carlton, I know it is in Anacostia. But I haven’t heard of any old white women being killed in broad daylight in Anacostia in years. Of course, maybe most old white women aren’t dumb enough to go to Anacostia on the bus! Old age is no time to be cautious. Nobody gets out alive. Basketball size water lilies are worth the risk.
Returning to the day. I had a wonderful lunch. Nicoise salad with a huge chunk of salmon redolent with fresh herbs to die for. After a little rest – I went off to see the “History of Containers”. Yesterday I joked about the boxes that the Faberge eggs came in… Well, the egg boxes were a part of the exhibit. As was one of Mrs Post’s 64 steamer trunks. Louis Vuitton – of course.
For all of its over the topness – Hillwood museum is charmingly accessible. They tend to guard the artifacts with museum guards not off putting armored vitrines. That makes for a better visitor experience. Hulihe’e Palace should beef up their watchfulness.
More photos from today tomorrow.