The Kulman Adventures

The Tiffin Phaeton - 2007 -- FOR SALE

2011-11-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

The sofa on the left has been replaced with the desk below.

This picture shows the oven that has been removed - It now has shelves the same as the other woodwork.

This is the sofa that was replaced by the desk.

The washer/dryer is no longer there.

THE GATEWAY ARCH OF ST. LOUIS MISSOURI

2011-05-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Gateway Arch is the tallest national monument in the United States at 630 feet; it is the city's best known landmark and a popular tourist attraction.

The Tram to the top takes five people - knee to knee.

The view of St. Louis from the top of the Arch.

A boat on the Missippii River that the Arch overlooks.

Here are some facts about the Arch.

•Construction began February 12, 1963 and the last section of the Arch was put into place on October 28, 1965.

•The Arch is a structure known as a catenary curve, the shape a free-hanging chain takes when held at both ends, and considered the most structurally-sound arch shape. The span of the Arch legs at ground level is 630 feet, the same as its height.

•Each year, approximately a million visitors ride the trams to the top of the Arch. The trams have been in operation for over 30 years, traveling a total of 250,000 miles and carrying over 25 million passengers.

•The Arch weighs 17,246 tons. Nine hundred tons of stainless steel was used to build the Arch, more than any other project in history.

•The Arch was built at a cost of $13 million. The transportation system was built at a cost of $3,500,000.

•In order to ensure that the constructed legs would meet, the margin of error for failure was 1/64th of an inch. All survey work was done at night to eliminate distortion caused by the sun's rays. Since the Arch was constructed before the advent of computer technology, relatively crude instruments were used for these measurements.

•The Arch sways a maximum of 18" (9" each way) in a 150 mph wind. The usual sway is 1/2".

ST. LOUIS CAROUSEL

2011-05-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Built about 1920 by the Dentzel Company the St. Louis Carousel is housed in a building at Faust Park. It was a main feature of an amusement park until the park burned down in 1963. The carousel was saved and later purchased by Harold Ohlendorf who donated to St. Louis County.

Also, in Faust Park is the Sphia M. Sachs Butterfly House.

NASHVILLE TN to ST. LOUIS MO

2011-05-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Our strategy for going home was to go to Tennessee from North Caroline, the hit Highway 29 up through Kentucky, Illinois, Missour and into Iowa. Then in South Dakota turn west on I-90.

Nearly all the way through Kentucky we had rain. There was a lot of flooding around rivers and lakes clear up into Iowa.

There was a terrible one car accident on the way. It is hard to believe anyone survived.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

2011-05-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

There was an exhibit for Tammy Wynette. This is in commenoration of the sound track for Sleepless in Seatle in which Tammy Wynette sang.

One of Tammy Wynnette's dresses

Minnie Pearl

Brenda Lee

The Everly Brothers

Buck Owens' guitar he used on Hee Yaw.

There was a documentary on country stars in television and the movies. I guess I was far more country than I realized. I watched a lot of them.

Johnny Cash

Hank Williams awards

One of Carrie Underwoods' dresses.

Taylor Swift's dress.

DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE TN

2011-05-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

HELLO TENNESEE

2011-05-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

Knoxville's Sunsphere Tower Constructed for their 1982 World's Fair

CORALEE IS GETTING REAL SMALL

2011-05-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

And, that's the truth!!!

AVA GARDNER MUSEUM

2011-04-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Not far from us in Smithfield NC there is a museum for Ava Gardner. She was born in a town nearby and her grave is also in the area.

This is from her original screen test. Someone had seen her picture in her brother-in-laws photography shop window and recommended she take a screen test. Her southern drawl was so bad they told her not to talk on the screen test. She was signed to MGM based just on her beauty.

Ava's first marriage was to Mickey Rooney.

Her second marriage was to Artie Hall.

Even though her last marriage to Frank Sinatra only lasted a little over a year they remained friends.

A couple of costumes.

Ava reportedly had a 18 inch waist. This jacket really shows that.

A fan - Bert Pfeiffer was captivated with Ava in her 1948 movie One Touch of Venus.

He vowed to paint a picture of her every year which he did. There are 26 of his paintings in the museum.

THE WORSE TORNADO DAMAGE

2011-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

For many businesses the tornado was a disaster.

The biggest story in our area was about the area around Sanford NC.

It got hit really hard.

This used to be the Lowe's - The manager and employees got everyone to the back - they are credited to saving a hundred lives.

Pieces of Lowe's Building flew as far as a half mile away.

This man's face says it all -- taken just after the tornado hit!!!

AROUND RALEIGH NC

2011-04-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Raleigh's Capitol

The Governor's Manson

Some Beautiful Homes

More Tornado Pictures

2011-04-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Lance talked to a lady at the laundromat who showed him pictures of their flattened mobile home. They hid behind a huge tank while the tornado passed. There wasn't even time to jump in the car. She said two children are missing in her area. OMG!!!!

These pictures were taken just across I-95 from us. This is a snapped power line.

A fence in shambles.

A carport and gazebo gone.

Uprooted trees.

Power lines for miles down.

The KOA near us is still closed. The tornado ravaged the park and many RVs.

Roof crumpled.

Tornado Experience in Four Oaks NC

2011-04-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we spent 10-15 minutes in the men restroom of the Four Oaks NC police department while dime sized and a few golf ball sized hail plummeted us. Not our idea of a fun afternoon in our adventure of a lifetime.

About 30 minutes before our bathroom experience, the RV Park owner came to warn us to watch the weather. We turned on the local cable television and sure enough there was a long front the length of South Carolina, North Carolina and into Virginia that had purple (tornado potential) cells in it. I called 911 and asked where we could go since we were in a motorhome. They suggested the Four Oaks Fire Department or EMS building.

We started putting things away and brought in the motorhome slides just in case. I put our backup drive, our medications, my kindle -- who knows how long we would be holed up -- in my carrying case. We turned off all the electrical appliances and air conditioner. We were ready to leave if things got worse. They did....

Our first alert radio and been real active for the last few hours -- it was now about 4:20 pm. Then came the announcement that the following areas needed to take cover and Four Oaks was one of them. So off we went not real sure where the Fire Department was. However, Four Oaks is a real small town so we thought we could find it. We saw a police officer driving in the police car. We followed her into the parking lot and asked where could we go. She said, "Here". So we went in and she told us if the tornado hit we should head for the men's bathroom. In the meantime, we watched the police department television. They predicted the tornados would hit at 4:38 pm

Sure enough around 4:38, we looked out the front windows and it had started to hail. First it was dime sized, then it was a few almost golf ball size. Then a couple with a teenager came -- they lived in a mobile home and decided not to stay. The officer was standing at the back door and actually saw the tornado and said it was time to head for the men's restroom. Thank god we were in the restroom. I had to pee!!! Then the lights went out. Well, it did not hit us and it was over in a few moments. We were told by Police Officer Holly it had moved out.

We just have a few minor dents in the car and if anything dented on the motorhome it did not show and who cares if the roof got dented. They figure we had 62 tornados in North Carolina. There were nine that hit down alone in our area. It did hit a KOA RV park about 6-7 miles from us and decimated a bunch of RVs. So, going cheaper was a good thing!!!! Whew!!! That is as close as I ever want to be to a tornado.

A sign that was demolished.

Trees, houses, businesses and electrical lines all affected.

This house had lost some of its roof. A Lowe's in Raleigh was totally smashed and the hero manager saved 100 people by having them all go back to the back of the store. Way to go!!!

Two hours later you would never know the havoc that had just happened...except

maybe that the electricity was out for 12 hours.

Old Barns and Homes of Johnston Country

2011-04-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

We have heard parts of North Carolina are depressed. We sure did see a lot of

old barns and homes out in the countryside. I love them -- they are so full of character.

FOUR OAKS NC - DOGWOOD HEAVEN

2011-04-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Four Oaks is about 30 minutes south of Raleigh, NC

The dogwoods here a plentiful -- some may even be wild.

The even have Dogwood Festivals here.

MYRTLE BEACH AT SUNSET

2011-03-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

OUR CRAFT CLASS

2011-03-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

1This is my craft class at our goodbye party. It was so much fun. This group of women were

fun to be with -- we laughed nd laughed.

It says, "We can't function without our glasses - especially if they are empty!!!"

SIGHTS AROUND MYRTLE BEACH

2011-03-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

If you ever wonder where stupid comes from -- we found it!!!

Sweet grass baskets are very popular here.

A cow at a chicken restaurant -- Hum!!!

BIG THINGS IN MYRTLE BEACH SC

2011-03-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

SPRING -- YEAH

2011-02-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

Of course, with the blooms comes pollen. We were not sure if our car was silver or yellow for awhile.

Coralee's Crafty

2011-02-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

When you stay at a big RV resort you have all kinds of activities. Here at Willow Treee RV Park we have crafts, games, dancing, and more. There is even a lake you can take a paddle boat on.

This is my first project -- can you believe it is a recipe box? Yes, the lid (roof) comes off. It was so much fun to make and the women are fun to be with -- we talk and laugh a lot.

An Update About Coralee

2011-02-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report I have now let go of 74 pounds -- about half way there!!! I found this old picture taken at my highest weight. I am delighted at the change in my life because of it. I feel so much better, am taking much less medications and Lance says he likes hugging the thinner me!!

SENOR FROGS -- A GREAT FUN RESTAURANT

2011-01-31T19:11:00.000-08:00

A real fun restaurant with great food!!!

Winter Weather in Myrtle Beach SC

2011-01-05T23:55:00.000-08:00

Another winter where we have come south for warm weather to find snow and ice. We have learned about using propane (our heat pump does not work under 40 degrees) and keeping the water system from freezing. More than we ever wanted to know. Here are some pictures showing how the rain froze on our motorhome and car leaving a thin layer of ice on them both.

Festival of Lights - Charleston SC

2010-12-31T22:31:00.000-08:00

2We rang out the old year with a wonderful adventure. We took the three mile drive around the Festival of Lights. It is in one of Charleston's Parks sponsored by local businesses. They say there are two million lights. I believe it. I have never seen anything like it. Magnificent.

There were themes like the sea, toyland, candyland, nursery rhymes, America the Beautiful, religion, farming, Noah's ark, Charleston landmarks, dinosaurs, space, a sea monster in the lake and Santa on a motorcycle. There was even a golfer hitting a golf ball to a green!!!!

Fort Sumter SC - Where the Civil War Started

2010-12-30T23:19:00.000-08:00

Patriots Point Park in Charleston is filled with all kinds of historical information. The USS Yorktown is here and with 250,000 square feet to explore you can be busy for days. We took this boat to Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter guards the Charleston SC harbor. It is famous in US history as the place where the Civil War started.

My favorite story is about Major Robert Anderson and General P. G. T. Beauregard. Before the Civil War they were good friends. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina susceded from the Union. P. G. T. Beauregard became the first prominent general for the Confederacy.

Major Robert Anderson remained loyal to the Union. He was the commanding officer at Fort Sumter when the first shot from the Confederacy that started the Civil War on April 12, 1861started a 34 hour battle. Outnumbered and outgunned Anderson surrendered. Because of their friendship General Beauregard negotiated an "evacuation" where Anderson and his men were allowed to take their arms and board Union ships in full honors. Many people dispute the use of the word surrender.

Major Robert Anderson

P. G. T. Beauregard

Fort Moultrie SC

2010-12-20T12:37:00.000-08:00

The first fort on Sullivan's Island was still incomplete when Commodore Sir Peter Parker and nine warships attacked it on June 28, 1776. After a nine-hour battle, the ships were forced to retire. Charleston was saved from British occupation, and the fort was named in honor of its commander, Colonel. William Moultrie. In 1780 the British finally captured Charleston, abandoning it only on the advent of peace.

In 1973 Fort Moultrie was use as one of the first of a system of coastal fortifications. Neglect, a hurricane and fire over the years caused Fort Moultrie to be reconstructed three times.
In December 1860 South Carolina seceded from the Union, and the Federal garrison abandoned Fort Moultrie for the stronger Sumter. The Civil war left Fort Moultire was buried under sand used to fortify its walls.

Fort Moultrie was modernized in the 1870s, employing concepts developed during the war. Huge new cannon were installed, and magazines and bombproofs were built of thick concrete, then buried under tons of earth to absorb the explosion of heavy shells. In 1885, President Grover Cleveland appointed Secretary of War William C. Endicott to head a board to review the coastal defenses in light of newly developing weapons technology. The system that emerged, named for Endicott, again modernized the nation’s fortifications. New batteries of concrete and steel were constructed in Fort Moultrie. Larger weapons were emplaced elsewhere on Sullivan's Island, and the old fort became just a small part of the Fort Moultrie Military Reservation that covered much of the island.
(Excerpted from the National Park Dept. website)

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston SC

2010-12-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

What more can I say. It is one amazing bridge!!!

Some Sights Around Charleston SC

2010-12-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

Charleston's home are beautiful and historical. The city fathers have shone foresight in providing regulations that perserve these wonderful homes. The one below is over 20,000 square feet in size. One of the largest in Charleston.

This area is called Rainbow Row.

Some of the old parts of Charleston have cobblestone roads. The cobblestones were brought over by the merchants coming to America. They would weigh their empty ships down with them. Charleston has regulations about these roads also. Heavy trucks cannot use them.

This is "The Old Powder House". It was built during the Civil War to protect the gun powder. The walls are five feet thick. It was believed not even the biggest canonball could penetrate it. It was never tested though.

Remember, the Gershwin opera Porgy & Bess. This alcove was the inspiration. There actually as a man that had no legs and wheeled around on a board with wheels. Gershwin was staying across the street when he wrote it.

This is the Citadel. Currently, it is an academy that has produced many leaders. Numerous alumni have served as flag officers in all branches of our uniformed military services. They have served as governors, United States Senators and Congressmen, distinguished jurists, ambassadors, presidents of universities and colleges, prominent theologians, engineers, doctors, lawyers, writers and business executives in many diverse fields of endeavor.

The history of the Citadel is fascinating. It has been a tobacco inspection site, a muster for militia units, a federal arsenal. It saw the Revolutionary War and the Civil War and more...

The Old Jail building served as the Charleston County Jail from its construction in 1802 until 1939. There are stories it is haunted. It is said this jail was a BAD place to go and actually deterred crime in Charleston.

Charleston's Beautiful Churches

2010-12-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

We finally found time to tour Charleston. We picked a bus tour out of the Charleston Visitor Center. Turns out we were the only ones on the 22 seat bus. Bubba -- our tour guide -- gave us a personal tour of Charleston asking us what we were interested in seeing. Of course, I said I loved the old churches. Bubba was a history buff and we had a great time listening to all the stories about Charleston. If you ever come to Charleston, we recommend looking up Bubba!!!!

A Little Trip to Edisto Island

2010-12-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

felt good to take a break. The manager of the course Lance was photographing let us stay in a condo overnight. It was a real nice break. Edisto Island is beautiful...water...marshes...bridges...boats...houses on stilts. Beautiful.

TROUBLE TROUBLE EVERYWHERE TROUBLE

2010-12-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

After over three years of fairly smooth riding in our adventures we hit the month from "hell"! Yes, it started with getting lost coming in.

Here is the list of some of the things that went wrong:

Refrigerator stopped cooling the DAY BEFORE Thanksgiving.
We learned more about dry ice than we ever wanted to know.

My insulin froze because of our learning curve about dry ice. Thank God for Walmart pharmacy where I can get refills anywhere!

I was told I needed to have a crown replaced that was put in less than a year ago -- with great frustration and suffering. UGH!!!

The second printer (replaced a new one that did not work) would not connect to our wireless equipment.

DirecTV box went out. New one does not work the same as the old one. The remote has to be aimed right at the box.

Our shower what-you-call-it o-ring failed and leaked water into our furnace and storage area.

It got so cold it froze our water hose -- God we lucked out that nothing broke.

On top of it all because of all the extra calling we went over our cell phone minutes.

Not to mention the fruit fly and stick bug infestation that we had before coming to Charleston.

Or, that we made the decision to come home in June...now I miss everyone so much!!!!

Got Lost Coming into Charleston SC

2010-11-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, GPS and directions from the RV park did not help -- when you ignore them. Several phone calls later and Lance turning the motorhome towing the car around twice in very small places we MADE it. Whew!!!

The signs say, "Not Really Actual Size!!" Hope not. I would be very afraid if the fish were that BIG!!!

This is one bridge we went over in our "lost" hour.

Along the coast the houses are prepared for anything --- floods, hurricanes.....

Saying Goodbye to Elizabeth City NC

2010-11-19T18:26:00.000-08:00

We are saying goodbye to Elizabeth City -- its water everywhere, the beautiful homes and buildings and summer. We enjoyed ourselves there.

Welcome to our Home

2010-11-18T16:17:00.000-08:00

El Patron

2010-11-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

Every once and awhile we run across a restaurant that has great food with good prices. In Elizabeth City the El Patron is one of those restaurants. They have a dip to go with your chips which has a milk?? base. It was excellent.

Albemarle Museum

2010-11-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

The Albemarle Museum is a beautifully put-together museum. Very well done.

WHITE LIGHTNIN'

This was a special exhibit of moonshine making in the prohibition time.

MARITIME ERA
Communities began to grow in this area. In 1729 the First Royal Colony was established. Because of the growing maritime activities pirates were prevelant -- including the famous Edward Teach -- known as blackbeard.

Farming and trade started with the American Indians. By the 1600s, the Algonquian Indians had established many communites in the region. They hunted game, grew corn, squash, beans and fished in the rivers, estuaries and sounds. This was the Daniel Jackson Jr. home. Besides farming he probably worked in carpentry and coopering. Coopering is the making of wood slats used for making barrels, tubs, casks and butter churns.

CANAL ERA
During this time the Dismal Swamp Canal was started in 1793 and built mostly by slaves it was first opened in 1805.

The smokehouse was essential in this era. This was the only way meats could be preserved.

THE RAILROAD ERA
During this era the timber and fish products were transported to markets.

U. S. COAST GUARD
The Elizabeth City Coast Guard Station was where we stayed this month. Their motto is "Semper Paratus" meaning always ready.

THE AUTOMOBILE ERA
Texaco was here even then.

During this time women had permanents using this contraption.

THE TOURISM ERA

Elizabeth City NC

2010-11-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth City is out of the way. You can get to the Outer Banks in 45 minutes where you can find Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hill and Nags Head. Around Elizabeth City you will find wonderful old churchs, homes and barns -- my favorite things to photograph. Here are a few.

A New Angel

2010-11-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest addition to my angel collection. I got it in Williamsburg VA. She has copper wings and hearts.

The Wright Brothers Were Here

2010-10-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

We went to the Outer Bank and saw some more Wright Brothers history. We discovered the Black Pelican restaurant where we had lunch was the same spot the Wright Brothers telegraphed the news of the first flight.

Elizabeth City Coast Guard Station

2010-10-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

We have the privilege and benefit to stay at military post RV parks. This is the first time we have stayed at a Coast Guard station. At Air Force Bases you hear fighters practicing. At Weapons Stations you hear boom boom boom!!! At a Coast Guard station you hear, yes, you guessed it -- helicopters!!

Speaking of helicopters, today I was swimming at the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers Pool and at the other end there were Helicopter Rescue Swimmer students working out...they were grabbing hold of each other like a panicked victim and the rescuer had to pull his victim under and pull him around so they could both "survive". Fascinating.

And everywhere you look there is lots of WATER!!!!

I did not expect to find cotton fields here let alone harvest time. Pretty cool to see!

Yorktown Virginia - Where the British Surrendered during the Revolutionary War

2010-10-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

General George Washington and Admiral Francois De Grasse Commander of the French Fleet - at the site of their joint victory over Cornwallis which led to the end of the American Revolution

This church was established in 1634 and the Church was built in 1697.

This is the Alliance which gives tours around the bay.

You will find the Mariner's Museum. In front of museum is a model of the British Ship the Betsy -- When the British lost the war they sunk in the the Yorktown harbor to prevent the American from using it.

Yorktown Victory Center and Battleground

2010-10-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

This is the cave Cornwallis hide for three nights after the British lost the battle at Yorktown.

This statue is the Goddess Nike of Samothrace which is the most famous "Winged Victory" to survive from the ancient world. Nike has been used by both the ancient and modern worlds to symbolize significant military victories, such as the decisive American victory over the British at Yorktown in 1781.

Yorktown Encampment

2010-10-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

At the Yorktown Victory Center is a reproduction of the Yorktown Encampment that the Americans stayed in during the fighting with the British.

This is the cooking area. Each tent -- which held six men -- choose someone to cook for the whole group.

Many shoulders would bring their families who would do washing and other chores.

This is the weapons area.

Yorktown Naval Weapons Station

2010-10-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Between Williamsburg and Yorktown this missle cruiser docked. If you look real close on the bottom picture, you will see an orange flag. That means they are loading munitions.

Jamestown Virginia Settlement

2010-10-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

On May 14th 1967 a group of 104 colonists disembarked from the three samll sailing ships to establish the first permanent English Settlement in North American. This settlement, called Jamestown, is where the United State of America really began. The motivation to come to America was to obtain goods for trade and find a trade route.

The Jamestown Settle Visitor's Center is a beautiful complex with movies and galleries filled with artifacts and lots of information about the settlement

In the settlement is an Indian village like the one encountered by early settlers.

The first settlers came over in three small sailboats - The Elizabeth, the Susan Constant and the Discovery. These ships have been recreated as part of the Visitor's Center.

The fort that the Jamestown settlers lived in. The near by tribes of Indians were friendly at first but then disputes broke out. At one point there was a ten year war with the Indians. Here is a gardener in the traditional dress of the time and one of her gardens - tobacco.

Washington Girls

2010-10-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

My Friend and Cousin, Lynda put this in her Facebook. I loved it because I know a bunch of Washington girls who are true Washington girls. I miss them all.

IF YOU'RE A TRUE WASHINGTON GIRL

Tough girls come from New York. Sweet girls, they're from Alabama and Georgia, but us WASHINGTON girls, we have fire and ice in our blood…. we can ride motorcycles and horses, be a lady, throw a left hook, go drinking, hunting, fishing and camping with the boys, all the while…. making iced tea and blackberry pie. If we have an opinion, …….you're gonna hear it!

When You are Near a Weapons Station

2010-10-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

We have stayed at many Air Force Air Base RV parks. We actually love the sound of the jets practicing. It is quite a patriotic feeling.

This is the first time we are near a military weapons station. It is quite a different sound!!!!!

Well, maybe not quite that BIG!!!!

Richmond Virginia

2010-10-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

Richmond is another beautiful city. This is the Old City Hall.

The Richmond Capital building, statues and a Bell Tower on the capital grounds and...

...Main Street Station -- a really old and amazing building.

"Give me Liberty or Give Me Death" Yes, this is St. John's Church, a national historic landmark, which became famous as a living memorial to American liberty. It is during March 1775 that Patrick Henry said those famous words.

Edgar Alan Poe Museum

2010-10-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

As I was traveling around Richmond and saw the Edgar Alan Poe Museum. He lived nearby in the same neighborhood. This museum contains the largest collection of Poe's artifacts.

The Museum is "The Oldest House still standing in Richmond" They believe it was built around 1797.

Friends of Poe built this garden which was like the one Poe had at his home.

Dabbs House and the Fall of the Confederate Capital - Richmond Virginia

2010-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

I stopped at a Visitor's Center on the way to Virginia's capitol - Richmond. Turns out the Visitor's Center in the same building that General Robert E. Lee stayed in for 62 days when Richmond - the Confederate Capital fell.

When the Confederate government moved from Montgomery, Alabama to Richmond, Virginia, the quiet, prosperous Virginia state capital was transformed into a noisy, crowded metropolis that, as Furgurson notes, was capital, military headquarters, transportation hub, industrial heart, prison, and hospital center of the Confederacy. It was also a target for the Union army. In fact, the effort for both the Union and the Confederate armies during much of the Civil War in the east focused on capturing or threatening the enemy's capital city. Since the Union capital--Washington D.C.--and the Confederate capital--Richmond--were located a mere 100 miles apart, much of the fighting raged between these two cities. Washington was never seriously threatened by Southern forces, but Richmond experienced more than its share of alarms and battles.

By early spring 1865 the citizens of Richmond had become used to the threat of capture by the Federal army whose soldiers the Richmond newspapers described with great imagination as the vilest of humanity. Richmond had endured some frighteningly close chances, and its inhabitants had grown accustomed to the sound of artillery fire from just ten miles outside the city. Their faith in Robert E. Lee was so complete that they knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he would never allow Richmond to be taken.

But the time had come for General Lee to consider just such a necessity. He had been able to hold back the Union forces for almost 10 months at Petersburg until his depleted forces were worn out and his supplies dwindled to nothing. Finally, he came to believe that he could best serve the Confederate cause by abandoning its capital. Furgurson records that Lee asked Lt. Gen. John B. Gordon for his opinion as to the Confederate Army's next steps. Gordon advised that the Confederacy should seek peace terms. If the terms were not acceptable, Gordon argued, the army should leave Richmond and Petersburg and retreat south to join Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's army in the Carolinas where their combined forces could concentrate on defeating the Union army under General William T. Sherman.

From a "moral and political" viewpoint, Richmond's fall would be "a serious calamity," Lee...conceded, but once it happened, he could prolong the war for two more years on Virginia soil. Since the war began he had been forced to let the enemy make strategic plans for him, because he had to defend the capital, but "when Richmond falls I shall be able to make them for myself."
--Ashes of Glory

Lee had always felt constrained by the duty to defend the Confederate capital. But abandoning it, he knew he could move more freely. So when General Philip Sheridan's troops overran Confederate defenses at Five Forks on Saturday April 1, Lee made the decision to abandon the Petersburg defenses and, in doing so, to abandon Richmond.

As reported at http://www.civilwar.org/

NOAH JUST LEFT THE AREA

2010-09-30T10:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, it was wierd animals. Today it is the huge boat that came sailing by.

Yes, it has been raining here in Virginia. We hear some places have gotten 5 to 10 inches of rain. We are cozy in our warm, little motorhome. There are just a few puddles here and there - no flooding. There are some areas in peril thought. Our First Alert Radio has been talking to us frequently since yesterday at 4:00 am!!!!

Presidents Park

2010-09-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Just a few miles from where we are staying is the Presidents Park. It has huge busts of all the presidents. We did not go it because it was just too much money for what they had. We just learned it closed on September 30th. Maybe others felt the same way.

To All our Family & Friends Who Have Motorcycles

2010-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

When we were in Virginia Beach a few months ago, we noticed the Boneshakers Saloon. We saw several rallies where motorcycle riders gather filled the parking lot and down the road. We decided to have lunch there. It was GOOD!

The bottom sign says -

Maybe It's Not

Home Sweet Home

Adjust

Their logo

It is Official - We have Stink Bugs

2010-09-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had cockroaches, we have had ants, we have had mud daubers, we have had ladybugs, we have had flies, we have had frogs, spiders, grasshoppers and crickets. We even had a squirrel eat some of the wiring in our car. Now we have had stink bugs. They are not harmful to humans or to our motorhome. But, ugh, I am ready for them to go away!!! Back to Google and research how to control stink bugs. Saw four of them yesterday!!! The one thing I learned. They do not lay eggs in a house/RV. They lay them on leaves. Thank God!!! In spite of the fact they do make a stink I have not notice it. Thank God again!!!!

World's Largest RV Show

2010-09-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air and, yes, the leaves are turning. It was a beautiful day to take a trip to the RV show in Hersey Pennsylvania. I understand they serve chocolate beer in Hersey! Ugh!The interesting thing about the Pennsylvania Turnpike and other northeast turnpikes you pay a toll to get on and a toll to get off. So to give you gas and food along the way they have service centers. If you want to go to a favorite chain restaurant you may be out of luck unless you want to travel side highways. The good news, of course, is that it is straight through. No fuss, no muss unless there is an accident then turtle pace.

Along the turnpike most of what we saw were farms. In this part of the U. S. there are lots of stone barns and houses. Some of them are very old.

We arrived in Hersey and confirmed the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Association Show is the World's Largest RV show because, well, it took us about an hour to get from the freeway to the show. It is held in the Giant Center which is right next to Chocolate World.

This was just the main area in the middle of the center. There were also booths on both sides of the hallway around the entire third floor. Whew! And, I walked it!!! Also, there were new model RVs of all types and sizes covering the front parking lot. Unbelieveable.

We got to see Chuck Woodbury from Edmonds, Washington. He has the largest RV bookstore online and a great RVTravel e-newsletter. You can see more at RVTravel.com. We consider Chuck as the guy who was instrumental in getting us prepared and off to our endless vacation.

To All You Bowlers

2010-09-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Every once and awhile we will find something unusual in our travels. Like the tree filled with tennis shoes in Bend, Oregon or the stack of wheelbarrels higher than a house in Cle Elem, Washington. This house is about a mile or two away from us. It is surrounded by bowling balls, yes, bowling balls.

New York, New York

2010-09-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Besides Washington DC I have always wanted to see New York. We did not actually go into New York. We were in New Jersey looking across New York Bay. That is where we caught the ferry to Ellis Island and The Statute of Liberty. Next year we may be closer and have a little time to actually go into New York. But the view was thrilling just the same.

To get from the Philadelphia area we took the New Jersey Turnpike. It is a 12 lane freeway. It was really different. There were three northbound lanes for cars and three lanes for cars and trucks. Then there were three southbound lanes for care and three lanes for cars and trucks. It was really clever how you would get off or on the car lanes -- you would go over the truck lanes.Here is is my first sight of New York.

To catch a ferry to Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty on the New Jersey side you go to Liberty State Park. Tickets are bought at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. What a railroad station!!! Before you can get on the ferry you go through security that is more sensitive than airport security. My hairclip made the buzzer buzz.

This is the Goldman Sachs building. It is on the Jersey side of New York Bay. It is also the tallest building in New Jersey.

Of course, one has to find and point out the Empire State Building.

There she is -- New York, New York -- this is Manhattan.

One cannot go to New York without thinking about the World Trade Centers. They were located among the five taller buildings in this picture. This is Lower Manhattan.

The famous Brooklyn Bridge is in this picture. It is the bridge behind the bridge in front on the East River.

The New York Bay is always busy. There is a Coast Guard Boat.

I believe this is the famous Staten Ferry.

And, of courese New York Police boats.

Ellis Island

2010-09-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

You could spend days on Ellis Island especially if you wanted to research your geneology. It has all kinds of records available.

This is the American Flag of Faces. It is a new way to honor your family in America at historic Ellis Island. All Americans are eligible to post a photo on the Flag, whether it is a picture of your ancestors, your family today, even yourself. What is cool about this flag is it changes.

Lance remembered his grandfather came from Germany through Ellis Island. He though his name was George Kuhlmann. We found it on American Immigrant Wall of Honor.

The Memorial Wall holds 700,000 names of individual and families whose names were place there in tribute by their descendants and clelbrates their arrival in America regardless of when they came or through which port they entered.

Lady Liberty - Symbol of Freedom

2010-09-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, my God!!! What a sight. God Bless America starting running through my mind when I saw this. Magnificent!!! What more can I say!

INDEPENDENCE HALL

2010-09-13T20:36:00.001-07:00

Here is Lance stepping back in time...

Here is where it all happened. The Declaration of Indepedence was debated, written and signed here. The Articles of Confereration and the Constitution were debated, written and signed here. This is where we became the United States of America.

This painting is of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It includes all the men who signed it. There is one man in front of the table who has his back to us. It was because this painting was done much later and no portraits could be found of him. The artist wanted to be sure to include him because he was a signer so this is how he solved it (sorry I forget his name)

This is the original Declaration of Independence -- it is preserved in low light in the Gallery of Essentials in the Independence Hall complex. It was signed officially by the Continental Congress on 8/2/1776.

This is the Articles of Conferderation and Perpetual Union. On June 12, 1776, a day after appointing a commitee to prepare a draft the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress resolved to appoint a commite of thirtheen to prepare a draft of a constitution. They were approved after ratification by the States on November 15, 1777.

It was felt that the Articles of Confederation lack the necessary provision for an effective government. There was no president or executive agencies or judiciary. There was no tax base. On September 17, 1787, the Constitution was signed and when ratified by nine of the thirteen states became effective March 4, 1789.

This is the silver ink stand made by Philip Syng which was used in

the signing of the Declaration of Indpendence.

This is the room the Continental Congress met. The chair is the original chair

that George Washington sat in.

THE LIBERTY BELL

2010-09-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

What a thrill to actually see what you have heard about since grade school. I ran across some interesting facts about the Liberty Bell:

The Liberty Bell weighs 2,080 pounds. The yoke weighs about 100 pounds. It is believed to be the original yoke. It is three feet tall and twelve feet around. It is composed from approximately 70% copper, 25% tin with traces of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold and sliver. It cost $225.50 in 1752. The strike note of the Bell is E-Flat.

As an April Fools; joke in 1996, Taco Bell ran a full-page advertisement in national newspaper claiming to have purchased the Liberty Bell. The stunt made national headlines.

The Bell has had three homes: Independence Hall (the Pennsylvania State House) from 1753 to 1976, the Liberty Bell Pavioion from 1976 to 2003 and the new Liberty Bell Center beginning on October 9, 2003.

More than a million people visit the Liberty Bell every year.

There she is - crack and all.

The story of the Liberty Bell --- It was first commissioned form the London firm of Lester and Pack in 1752 was incribed with part of a verse from Liviticus (25:10): "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." It cracked when first rung after arrival in Philadelphia and was twice recast by local workmen John Pass and John Stow.

Bells were rung to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. Most historians believe the Liberty Bell was one of the bells run. In the 1830s the bell was adopted as a symbol of ablitionist societies (those wanting freedome from slavery), who dubbed it the "Liberty Bell". It acquired its distinctive large crack sometime in the early 19th century - a widespread story claims it cracked while ringing after the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835.

A Little About New Jersey

2010-09-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, welcome to New Jersey -- and toll booths in every direction. It took us $30 to get our motorhome from Maryland to New Jersey and every time we go into Pennyslvania it is $4. Well, when in Rome do as the Roman's do, we just became a New Jersey EZ-Pass owner. Anytime we go through a toll booth we just scoot on through the EZ-Pass lane. Our pass is good in most states from Illinois to Maine and south to Virginia. Cool, huh!!! We pulled into our RV park and was greeted by the resident turkeys. They were fat and sassy. Wonder if they hide at Thanksgiving????

The park has a pond full of fish that as a resident you can fish -and some ducks too!. Every day the march across the street and go back to the pond for the night.

Where we are staying is only about 15 miles east of Philadephia Pennsylvania. This part of Jersey you will find a lot of farms and small towns. The are over 9,000 farms in the Garden State. You see some old barns too!

In the small towns you will find quaint little churches....

and houses made of stone....

or have a colonial flavor....

or, like this one, which says 1893 on it, some very old ones.

Many of the homes have multi-colored trim.

This man is painting his railing and talking on his cell phone -- at the same time!!!!

This used to be a church. It has the most unusual steeple I have ever seen - It is a metal grape leaves.

Every once and a while you find the ununusal house too -- actually it is billed as The Littlest Shop in the Village in Dennisville NJ.

Betsy Ross House

2010-08-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

The story of Betsy Ross life and the making of the first flag was very interesting. There is some evidence that Betsy Ross did make our nation's first flag though it cannot be totally proven.

Sworn affidavits by her grandson, William Canby, and a number of Betsy Ross's family say they heard the story from her own mouth. As they say on the Betsy Ross website, "So, historical fact or well-loved legend, the story of Betsy Ross is as American as apple pie."

Down the same street that the Betsy Ross House is located is one of Philadelphia's tallest skyscrapers. What a contrast!

Had to go to the Jersey Shore

2010-08-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Jersey Shore -- Cape May to be exact. My friend, Sally, and her husband, Bruce, gave me the tour. Now I can say I am a Jersey Shore girl!!!!

Got exciting too!!! While we were there the lifeguard blew his whistle and told everyone to come in. We thought it was a shark siting. Sally tells me anything you have ever heard about shark attacks are usually in New Jersey -- like even Jaws!!!!

8-28-10 - A Firefighters Procession on Highway 295

2010-08-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

A few tears for those who give their lives for us.

Philadelphia - The Beauty of the Old and New

2010-08-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

I was awe-struck when I saw Philadelphia. It has the most beautiful old buildings as well as new ones. It was truly amazing.

This is the Philadelphia Art Museum where you can see the statute from Rocky.

Atlantic City New Jersey

2010-08-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

If you have been to Las Vegas or Reno, Atlantic City might be a little bit of a let-down. Yes, it had some magnificent hotels. Yet, right in the middle of it was rundown homes. Not quite what one would expect for an gambling and entertainment city.

Old and run down among the new and rich.

Valley Forge - Pennsylvania

2010-08-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

The day we visited Valley Forge there had been a storm. Apparently, a tree had falled down so part of the road had been closed down. We think we got the essence of the what history has left for us to see at Valley Forge. One interesting fact was that Washington's army was the most integrated in any American war until Vietnam with 5,000 soliders of African decent. American Indians also fought with Washington.

Washington's Headquarters

Washington Memoial Chapel -- There is a beautiful tower next door but it was raining and I was sure I would melt if I got out of the car!!!
These are replicas of the cabins built to keep the soldiers warm during the winter of 1777-1778. There were no battles during that winter. On average 25% of the military was sick and many died.

A memorial dedicated - "To the Officers and Private Soliders of the Continental Army December 19, 1977 to June 19, 1978"

The repair area for canons.

A covered bridge - one of the first ones I have seen on the East Coast.

Washing DC Tidbits

2010-08-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

For me Washington DC was the highlight of our three years traveling in our motorhome. I wish now we had scheduled two or three months in the area. There is so much to see. Here are a few more of the places we saw in this wonderful city.

Capitol Hill

I wanted to take a tour of the White House. This is as close as I could get. Your request must be filed at least 30 days in advance. Darn. Well, will know next time.

The Supreme Court

Ford's Theater where Lincoln was assassinated.
The one thing I always notice is the architecture of the homes. In Washington DC there are a lot of row homes. The bottom picture was a very unusual type of row home.

The Smithsonian Castle

2010-08-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Smithsonian Museum is more than just one museum -- I counted 17. We chose four we want to see. One was the Castle. Turns out the Castle is not really a museum. It is just a information center. Plus it was one of the most beautiful buildings in a town of beautiful buildings.

They did one exhibit. It was former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Pin Collection. These pictures are just a very few.

There were pins with attitude!!!

There were hearts.

Apparently, Madeleine is a Star Trek fan -- these were pins from outer space.

There were musical pins.

And, wild animal pins.

Fruits and Veggies.

And leaves and mushrooms.

P. S. I discovered halfway through we discovered we were not supposed to photograph her pins. Oops!!!!

The Smithsonian - National Museum of American History

2010-08-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

The two most popular exhibits in the National Museum of American History are the Flag exhibit and the First Ladies Dress exhibit. In the flag exhibit is a national treasure - the actual flag that inspired Frances Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. In front of the exhibit is a huge two floor flag made in metallic gold and silver. Quite spectacular.

This was the huge flag that was raised at Baltimore's Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814, to celebrate an important victory over the British in the War of 1812. It is said the sight of those "broad strips and bright stars" inspired Francis Scott Key to write what would become the United States national anthem.

(Note: This flag is in a environmentally-sealed chamber and photographs are not allowed. This picture is from the Smithsonian website)

The First Ladies Dress exhibit was also fantastic. I can see why it is so popular.

Martha Washington's Dress

Mary Lincoln's Dress Maimi Eishenhouer's Dress Jackie Kennedy's Dress
Rosalynn Carter's Dress Michelle Obama's Dress

More of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

2010-08-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Smithsonian National Museum of American has a bit of our history from our wars and presidents to sports to entertainment to inventions and technology. You could spend days and days just in this museum alone.

Apolo Ohno's Speed Skates worn in the 2002 Olympics.

The American wars were represented from the Declaration of Independence

through World War II

and the War in Vietnam -- called the television war.

There was quite an extensive exhibit from the different US presidents from chairs to golf clubs to chess boards and, here, eggs from the traditional Easter Egg Hunts held on the front lawn of the White House.

In the entertainment history section is Carol Burnett's dress she used on a spoof about Gone with the Wind...

and, of course, Kermit the Frog.

Also in the museum was Julia Child's Kitchen

The Smithsonian American Natural History Museum

2010-08-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

We really enjoyed this Museum. It was chartered in 1869 and includes our nature history -- geology, archeology -- well, here is a list of some of their exhibits:

The Evolution Trail
Losing Paradise: Endangered Plants
Hall of Mammals
Human Origins
Dinosaurs/Hall of Paleobiology
FossiLab
Insect Zoo
Ocean Hall
Butterflies & Plants
Hall of Geology, Gems & Minerals
Osteology: Hall of Bones
and so much more.

In the geology area was an actual seismograph and a map giving earthquake information around the United States. Very interesting.

Our favorite part of the museum was the gem area. This is 242,323 carat quartz.

The Hope Diamond

Arkansas Quartz

Beryl

Elbaite

Last, but not least - GOLD!!

American Art Museum and Photography Gallery

2010-08-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

This museum is a few blocks up from the National Mall where most of the other Smithsonian Museums are located. It was filled with paintings, sculpture, craft, works on paper and pioneering collections.

It is right across from the Spy Museum. This double-decker bus is one of the many ways you can tour Washington DC. Everything you read about parking in Washington DC; however we always lucked out finding handicapped parking.

Among the art works found at the American Art Musesum are done by Georgia O'Keeffe, James Hamption, Thomas Hart Benton, Albert Bierstadt, John Singer Sargent, John LaFarge, Jenney Holzer, Beth Lipman, Larry Fuente. These collections are from colonial times, 19th and 20th century.

The one I found most fascinating was For SAAM which was 6,200 LED lights which brought words to a ceiling to floor sculpture that was programmed to swirl and travel around the body of the piece.

These are from the colonial collection:

Abraham Lincoln

Robert E. Lee

Ulysses S. Grant

Paintings from the 20th Century collections include people like Hiliary Clinton, music artists and just a little bit about every segment of our American history.

Here is a collection of license plates from every state in the United States.
There was a small exhibit for Elvis Presley called the Echoes of Elvis at the Museum

This is the original patent swinging machine designed by Isaac Singer.

There was also a special exhibit of original Norman Rockwell paintings from the collections of
George Lucas and Steven Spielburg. My sister, Teri, is a Norman Rockwell collector. I was excited to be able to take pictures of the original paintings -- until a guard tapped on my shoulder to tell me I could not take pictures. I couldn't even sneak pictures -- this exhibit had one or two guards in every room. It was a big collection.

TO THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE - HERSEY PENNSYLVANIA

2010-08-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

We decided that since it was still early and we were less than an hour away from Hersey, Pennsylvania we would go to the Hersey Chocolate factory. I did not expect a whole disneyland/dollywood attraction. We decided to go to Chocolate World. Yes, Hersey, Pennsylvania does smell like chocolate.

The Chocolate factory tour was not the real factory however it was very informative and entertaining. We got to ride too!!!

The Reese's race car was there also.

This is the World's Largest Chocolate Bar -- which might explain that young man's big smile!!!

Here is the Hersey Hotel. Apparently, when business was slow Mr. Hersey would have his employees work on it to keep them from being laid off. It is about ready to be re-rated as a five star resort.

Gettysburg - I Had No Idea

2010-08-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

I had no idea that the Battle of Gettysburg only lasted three days. There were 3,155 union soliders killed and 4,708 soldiers killed and wounded in that battle. More Americans were killed and wounded in the Civil War than in any other war at 625,000.

In World War I 416,800 American soldiers were killed. Did you know that between 60 and 70 million, yes million, people died in World War II.

Lance with his buddy, Abramham Lincoln

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

The battlefield was huge. I could not find an estimate of the total acreage. The goverment has purchased 2,772 acres and there is more.

The total number of monuments is debated. One source says there are 914 separate monuments, markers, or commemorative stones. This figure does not include the 428 flank markers; thus their current total is 1342. We took the auto tour. It was 24 miles long.

This is the monuments for the Pennsylvania soliders who were killed and

wounded during the battle.

This is the Virginia monument.

They start these soldiers young!!!!

There were real confederate and union soldiers here...well, maybe they were not real!!!

This sign reads, "No relic hunting."

Another part of the Gettysburg National Military Park is the National Cemetery.

It is here Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address. It was given at the dedication

of the Cemetery on November 19, 1863.

This is the Davis Wills House which was the home of a prominent attorney who oversaw the creation of the Soldier's National Cemetery. This is where Abraham Lincoln finished his address the night before the dedication.

OK QUICK -- WHAT IS THE CAPITOL OF PENNSYLVANIA

2010-08-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

If you said Pittsburg or Philadelphia you would be wrong, like me!!!! It is Harrisburg. The State Capitol building is a beauty, however, right now it is under rennovation. It is not the first one we have seen under rennovation.

The unusual bridges were something of note in Harrisburg. One of them across this river is for foot traffic only. That would be a LONG walk.

PENNSYLVANIA

2010-08-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

As we came into Pennsylvania from Maryland we noticed a change in the architecture. There was a simplicity about the barns especially. Their windows are different. Lance and I decided it was because Pennysylvania has a lot of Amish, Dutch and German influence. In Maryland it felt more stately -- the only word I can think of that describes it.

Arlington National Cemetery

2010-08-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some of those eligible for ground burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Any active duty member of the Armed Forces

Any veteran who is retired from active military service with the Armed Forces.

Any former member of the Armed Forces who has been awarded one of the following

decorations: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service
Medal, Silver Star or Purple Heart

The President of the United States or any former President of the United States.

    Any former member of the Armed Forces who served on active duty who held any of
       the following positions: An elective office of the U.S. Government, Office of the
       Chief Justice of the United States or of an Associate Justice of the Supreme
       Court of the United States.

Any former prisoner of war who, while a prisoner of war, served honorably in the active

military, naval, or air service who died on or after November 30, 1993.

The spouse, widow or widower, minor child, or permanently dependent child, and
certain unmarried adult children of any of the above eligible veterans.

The widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces who was lost or buried at
sea or officially determined to be missing in action.

(Not a complete list.)

It used to be that people could buy their own headstone so there are many graves that are different than the standard headstones. That practice has changed for asthetic and space reasons.

The Arlington National Cemetery has many sections and from what I have googled there are over 300,000 graves of military heros. Some of the sections at Arlington are:

Unknown Civil War Dead

Spanish-American War Memorial

Spanish-American War Nurses

Rough Riders Memorial

Confederal Monument

U.S.S. Marine Memorial

Tomb of the Unknown

Chaplains Monument

U. S. Coast Guard Memorial

Unknown Dead of 1812

Iran Rescue Mission Memorial

Beirut Barracks

Battle of the Bulge

Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial

The Presidents and Family

Military and Political Figures

The Supreme Court Members

Exploration and Space Members

Medical Figures

Science and Engineering Figures

Sports Figures

There is so much more information and history than I could put here. It is amazing. Go to their website to see more - http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/index.htm

This is the Women in Military Service for America Memorial

This is the Arlington National Cemetery Arboretum. A beautiful structure.

On the hill behind the Arboretum is the Tomb of the Unkown Solider.

HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.

We were in time to see the changing of the guard. Very moving.

When someone is buried at Artlington with a full military honors they receive a military band, a platoon honor guard with a horse drawn casket.

It was a very hot day when we toured Arlington so we did not get off to see JFK's grave or the Arlington House the original home of the owners whose plantation was bought because property taxes had not been paid) for $92.00.

Pentagon

2010-08-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

For some reason we got real nervous when we took an access road to the Pentagon. They were pretty clear you should not be there. Quick turn around -- I wonder if they were watching????

This is a picture of the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. I took it from their website. Guess I better watch out because they are also real clear about not taking photographs of the Pentagon -- then I took it from their website -- I am getting crazy in my old age.

This memorial is the Air Force Memorial. Very beautiful.

Iwo Jima Memorial

2010-08-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

I had no idea this memorial was so huge. It also had a beautiful view of the capitol building and the Washington Monument. It is awe inspiring.

Here is some information from the memorial website:

The Battle of Iwo Jima - On February 19, 1945 about 70,000 marines invaded the small Pacific Island of Iwo Jima which was under control of the Japanese army. The island was a strategic objective due to its airfield which was used for kamikaze attacks.

By capturing the island, the Allied Forces would not only prevent attacks from the island but it would also give them a base from where the Japanese mainland could be reached by B-29 Superfortresses.

Mount Suribachi - One of the first objectives in the attack was capturing Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island. On February 23, the mountain was almost secured. At around 10:30 am, a small American flag was raised atop the mountain. Later that day, a much larger flag was raised by five Marines and a Navy corpsman. The raising was witnessed by news photographer Joe Rosenthal whose pulitzer prize winning picture of the flag raising would become a symbol of the war in the Pacific. It was soon used by the American government to sell war bonds and to promote the war effort.

The Memorial - The picture inspired sculptor Felix de Weldon, who created a life size model of the photograph. Paid for by donations, it was later cast in bronze and in September 1954 it was brought to Washington, D.C as part of a memorial designed by Horace Peaslee.

At the 179th anniversary of the US Marine Corps on November 10, 1954, the memorial was dedicated by president Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The Iwo Jima Memorial is located near Arlington cemetery, across the Potomac river from Washington, D.C.

New Features on Our GPS

2010-08-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Our old TomTom passed away. May it rest in peace. It was a good friend who led us home many times when we were off somewhere exploring. In TomTom years it was probably around 90.

Just like all electronic devices, our new TomTom has some new features. One of them is a guide that tells you what lane you need to be in. Driving a motorhome on six lane highways with heavy traffic makes this feature a very welcomed one. Our particular TomTom also has traffic alerts -- we have to buy a device for it -- and I am looking forward to learning how that one works. Oh, what would we do without modern technology???

The little right arrows tell you which lanes to be in. Soooo, cool!!!!

Sometimes Beauty is Right in Front of You

2010-08-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Taken out of the front window of our motorhome at Fort Meyer, Maryland

A New Mandala

2010-07-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

My teacher, Judy Cellars out of The Villages in Florida, recommended Roger Howell (http://www.thecarvingcorner.net/) as someone who makes great basket bases. This is the first one I have done with one of them. They are equisite. My basket coiling is still a little crude, however, I learn something new each time.

Singing for World Peace

2010-07-31T04:08:00.000-07:00

This truly touched my heart. I sometimes get so wrapped up in my own blessed life I forget to remember there is a whole world out there!!!!

Introduction

One Love from Playing for Change

“Let’s get together and feel alright." While we were filming and recording some Tibetan musicians in Dharmsala India, we passed by a small record shop on the side of the road. The shop's display featured about 50 Tibetan CD covers with one prominently displayed Bob Marley album in the middle! In that moment we truly realized the global reach of this amazing musicians!

This Song Around the World is in dedication to the love inside each of us. We can achieve far more together as a human race than we ever could apart. One Love.