Although the snowfall on Monday night was four inches and snowplows had cleared roads by early morning, nevertheless businesses and government offices kept their doors closed.

“Due to emergency weather conditions, schools and offices are closed today,” read one of the emergency messages I received on my phone.

I hurried to the Mall to take photos before the newly-released ranks of fun seekers (students and government workers) got there ahead of me and trampled the snow. Here is what I found: an obelisk, flags, a seagull (upper left corner), and snow.