![](http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/images/2020/01/capitol_2020_64898.jpg)
As crazy as it sounds, this is my 15th year of taking photos of Bismarck-Mandan, and actually of my photography hobby in general. It all started for this blog in January 2006, with a shot of the capitol windows lit to ring in the new year. Thousands of posts later, I’m still ticking. I have kids now, so the frequency has dipped quite a bit, but that’s life.
I almost didn’t head out this morning. My wife woke me up to ask if I was going to take a photo of the capitol windows. It hadn’t even occurred to me! I don’t know why. I’ve hit every other year, except once where I was recovering from surgery at Mayo Clinic. And this one is unique: the top and bottom rows contain the same numbers! This capitol didn’t exist in 1919, and I doubt any of us will be around in 2121, so this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Thanks to my sweetie, I was able to say I witnessed it.
![](http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/images/2020/01/capitol_2020_64910.jpg)
I’m pleased to say I’m still playing some different angles. After all this time, it’s easy to say one has exhausted a photo subject, but that would be lazy. I’m always looking for something a little different than what I’ve done in previous years.
![](http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/images/2020/01/capitol_2020_64942-4.jpg)
I don’t think I’ve ever tried this from the steps of the State Library. The trees tried to obscure part of the 2020, but it peeked through enough.
![](http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/images/2020/01/capitol_2020_64917-21.jpg)
Ditto here, but I don’t care. By the way, it rained last night…this sidewalk was, like all of the city streets, and ice skating rink. Wheee!
![](http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/images/2020/01/capitol_2020_64930-2.jpg)
This statue was gifted to the state in 1910. Yes, for 110 years it’s been ours. I bet she never thought she’d see this day.
So, Happy New Year! I do actually have lots of fun photos to post here. Hopefully I’ll get around to sharing them soon.