We departed Akron on Monday, February 20. What a beautifully sunny day, but it didn't start that way! By the time we arrived in Charleston, WV the sunshine was brilliant, and the temperature must have been in the mid fifties – a welcome departure from the 32 degrees in Akron.

Entry into Charleston was an easy-off I-77, and because it was a holiday, Presidents' Day, parking was ample. The sun shining on the gold leaf of the capitol building was brilliant, and the setting of capital along the Kanawha River was picturesque even in the winter. How accessible this building is to its consituents!

Fifth graders were working as pages on their day off—what a great experience for them! Union workers were holding a meeting in the rotunda with whoops and yells; we thought a basketball game was being played. Different table displays lined the second-floor halls, and veterans were visible throughout the building.

Both the Senate and House were in session, and we walked into the viewing room without any interference. No security machines were mounted anywhere in the building. At the information desk, Randi couldn't stop talking about her state. She had volunteered at the Capitol for 20+ years and told how the 10-ft diameter chandelier was lowered into the lobby for cleaning periodically with every visitor watching the event—but not anymore. A professional team does it now and usually after hours.

The building reminded me of my elementary school with the wooden doors with glass inserts and writing inscribed on the glass. The marble interior was impressive and everywhere.

• Bonnie