In The Clouds

     Even the blandest architecture in a city of government buildings takes on a new light at sunrise below a thick fog. This December morning in downtown Sacramento had a certain San Francisco quality about it.

State Capitol Christmas

California's historic Capitol Building is stunningly beautiful in its own right. This time of year a 55-foot majestic white Christmas fir adds still more elegance. Workers were adding final touches when this was taken while out walking. 

 Tree lighting ceremony On December 7 

(Photo Courtesy of The Sacramento Bee)

Design Trekker loves how these holiday trees light up our Capitols across the United States, including the big one in Washington, D.C. again this year. Check this Washington Post link for photos of the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., in recent years. (Especially beautiful: 2007 in a snowstorm). We'll be collecting some images from statehouses across the U.S. in coming days. The juxtaposition of classic columns and design with wreaths and trees really defines the word "stately."

Washington D.C. 

Courtesy wn.com

Mid-December Update: I walked to the Capitol on Friday, December 10, to take in the daily noontime p.m. holiday concerts in the Rotunda and took some updated photos from our California Capitol Christmas.

Columns and Wreaths on the Front Portico

View from inside The Capitol Building

Outside, looking West toward Capitol Mall

 Once more, toward the Capitol Building, with white picket fence
 (Note flags at half mast for newest soldier killed in Afghanistan)