Learning More!

Our trip got me interested in learning more about our history.
  I have recently enjoyed the following books:
George Washington, Spymaster
Some interesting tidbits and stories of the intrigue behind the war.

A chapter in this book got me interested in finding out more about Benedict Arnold, so I read this one.  

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: 

A True Story of Adventure, Heroism and Treachery

by Steve Sheinkin

I learned a lot about the personality of the man that would lead him to become a traitor.  He didn't think of himself that way.  In his mind he justified everything he did not just for his own good but for the good of the colonies.  He also had a large chip on his shoulder for not being recognized for his perceived accomplishments.

We were also able to visit Jamestown on our trip.

I thought it would be interesting to get beyond the myths and legends and learn more about this young girl.

The True Story of Pocahontas: The Other Side of the Story

by Dr. Linwood "Little Bear" Custalow and Angela L. Daniel "Silver Star"

My Washington Highlights!

1. Crepe myrtle in bloom everywhere!

 2. Statues!

 3. Buildings!

 (Speaking of buildings, it was pointed out to us that older buildings can no longer be torn down, so new, larger and more modern buildings are just attached and built behind the old buildings.  Look at these next two pix:  The entrance to the larger, modern building behind is through the older building in front!)

 4. Paintings!

I love walking through the National Gallery of Art.  

Here are some of my favorites from this visit:

The Garden at Eragny by Camille Pissaro (1898)

The Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botticelli (circa 1475)

Queen Henrietta Maria with Sir Jeffrey Hudson by Anthony Van Dyck (1633)

5. Monuments by Moonlight!

6. Cruise down the Potomac to Mount Vernon!

Great Men!

During our trip we learned more about three great men!

Ford's Theatre had been closed the last few times I was in Washington, so it was at the top of my list this time.  It is definitely worth a visit!

The Lincoln Memorial at night.

Another great thinker and great American is Thomas Jefferson!

Dan is having a little talk with him!

While in Williamsburg we especially enjoyed hearing this actor and scholar give a "lecture" on the Declaration of Independence as if he were Thomas Jefferson.  

We also heard another actor representing Patrick Henry.

Patrick Henry giving a famous speech in the House of Burgesses...

...which we were able to visit.

Henry was the first governor of Virginia where he lived in this home in Williamsburg.

Loved learning more about all three!

Always A Great Evening!

One of our favorite things to do in Washington is to see the Monuments at night! Everything is lit up and there are respectful crowds everywhere. It is an awe-inspiring! So we signed up for another "three hour tour."
Downtown and the White House are usually first...


It's still light as we approach the Jefferson Memorial...



The full moon is out when we leave...


We visited a new Memorial: Martin Luther King, Jr. This shows the full moon through the entrance called the Mountain of Despair...



...which leads to the Stone of Hope...


...and a statue of Martin Luther King...


...and two walls of quotes...


There is also the FDR Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and finally the Lincoln Memorial...



A final stop was the WWII Memorial which is a favorite...







4,000 stars each representing 100 Americans killed...


We saw an older gentleman and his family entering, so Dan went up to him and asked if he was a WWII veteran. He was, so he thanked him and shook his hand!
Love our nation's Capitol and all the good people who love our country!!

G. Washington!

I loved learning more about George Washington at Mount Vernon. As well as touring the amazing grounds (It has been said that "Mount Vernon is his autobiography"), I loved watching several video presentations about this great man!











(Our placemat at lunch!)


One of the presentations started with some descriptive words going across the screen. They were impressive to me so I took out a pen and wrote them down: Humane. Decisive. Loyal. Moral. Virtuous. Commanding. Patriotic. Just. Sincere. Compassionate.
I also love seeing the Washington Monument from many places in the area. What a great reminder of a great man!


I learned today that it is called the Washington MONUMENT because it was begun while Washington was still alive. Otherwise it would have been called the Washington MEMORIAL.

Are You In or Out?

He was here today...



...and I was here today! Of course, he was inside doing something important and I was outside with all the tourists sweltering in the DC humidity!

"...A Three Hour Tour!"

We finally went on our first cruise!


We went down the beautiful Potomac River. Lush scenery...


Interesting buildings--US Intelligence with no windows...


Naval Research Lab...


A salute to Alexandria...lots of memories for John and Sara...


Amazing homes on the waterfront...



Looking back towards DC and a lot of seagulls...


Our destination is in sight...love all the dramatic clouds...



Love this place and love this quote...
"I can truly say I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and the Representatives of every Power in Europe.". George Washington, 1790



The trip back...the rain didn't start until we were safe in our taxi...cruise on!