We left Baltimore at 6:00 this morning and flew to Greenville-Spartanburg airport in South Carolina. Before today we'd never been to South Carolina, so we took some time to check out Spartanburg before heading north to our family reunion. I love the fact that my parents are so easygoing. They didn't even blink when I pointed to a sign that said 'Cowpens National Battlefield'. We just took a side trip of thirty-eight miles.
The battle at Cowpens was fought in 1781 with the American continentals and militia defeating the British. I admit I'm not a military historian. I have trouble visualizing battle formations and strategy, but I enjoy the stories. And the park ranger at Cowpens could tell a good story.
As we left the battlefield the sky opened up to a thunderstorm. We pulled off in Chesnee, SC and had ice cream at Strawberry Hill, USA on Route 11. Once the storm passed, we continued on to Asheville, North Carolina.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Washington DC: Day 3
Today was a short day in DC. The last ting we really needed to do before moving on was visit Arlington National Cemetery. Again, we took the metro. And then we opted for the NPS tour-mobile. The cemetery is so huge and it encompasses the entire history of our country.
Our first stop was at the Kennedy grave site. It's been built up some since my last visit, and I admit that it's a compelling place. But I don't think that my generation really feels toward it the way the previous generation does. People of my parents' generation know exactly what they were doing when they heard about JFK's assassination. For me, the monument to the Challenger crew, who died in 1986 has more meaning because that is one of the moments I remember. In fact, while standing before it I mentioned to this little boy that our entire school watched the shuttle launch, then explode on TV that day. His grandmother then told me that her students where at recess and didn't have to see that.
Of course when you're at Arlington you must see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. It's precise and very honor-bound. You can feel it emanating from those soldiers who take their duty so seriously. I can't imagine what a weight that must be, especially during a time like now when there are multiple burials every day. We didn't see a funeral in progress, but we did see two fully hitched caissons.
Our first stop was at the Kennedy grave site. It's been built up some since my last visit, and I admit that it's a compelling place. But I don't think that my generation really feels toward it the way the previous generation does. People of my parents' generation know exactly what they were doing when they heard about JFK's assassination. For me, the monument to the Challenger crew, who died in 1986 has more meaning because that is one of the moments I remember. In fact, while standing before it I mentioned to this little boy that our entire school watched the shuttle launch, then explode on TV that day. His grandmother then told me that her students where at recess and didn't have to see that.
Of course when you're at Arlington you must see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. It's precise and very honor-bound. You can feel it emanating from those soldiers who take their duty so seriously. I can't imagine what a weight that must be, especially during a time like now when there are multiple burials every day. We didn't see a funeral in progress, but we did see two fully hitched caissons.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Washington DC: Day 2
Up and attum again. Why is it that vacations are so jam packed that you're tired? And okay, I know the answer: You don't want to miss anything.
This morning we took the metro to the Smithsonian stop. Our goal was to get tickets for the Holocaust Museum. We lucked out and also got tickets for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It's nice that both are on the same block.
Our tickets for the Holocaust Museum left us a little time, so we walked down to the tidal basin and sat under the cherry trees, gazing across at the Jefferson Memorial. It was the one major memorial I didn't see in 1987, and I still haven't seen it. We just didn't have time to wander over today.
The Holocaust Museum is...intense, disturbing and powerful. The fact that humans can be so incredibly cruel to one another is beyond my sense of compassion. I guess my brain understands it, but my heart does not. This is one museum that I believe everyone needs to see for themselves.
After that, my day needed some brightening. Luckily one of my college friends, Tracy, lives in DC and she and her baby boy joined us for a few hours at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. It was great to see her, and meet the little guy. College is one of those places where you sort of recreate family in the people you live with. Tracy is one of those wonderful friends who became that "college family." I spent two Easters with her family in central Montana and they were so welcoming to the homesick teenager I was. I hate that we live on opposite sides of the country!
After Tracy headed home, the parents and I went to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Mom spent so many years counting money at the bank, we thought it would be fun to see it being printed. Did you know they print money 24/7, 365 days a year? And after the tour Dad struck up a conversation with a printer who showed us how the original 19th Century printing press they have on display works. It's a much more time consuming process than I ever thought about. It's very cool.
This morning we took the metro to the Smithsonian stop. Our goal was to get tickets for the Holocaust Museum. We lucked out and also got tickets for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It's nice that both are on the same block.
Our tickets for the Holocaust Museum left us a little time, so we walked down to the tidal basin and sat under the cherry trees, gazing across at the Jefferson Memorial. It was the one major memorial I didn't see in 1987, and I still haven't seen it. We just didn't have time to wander over today.
The Holocaust Museum is...intense, disturbing and powerful. The fact that humans can be so incredibly cruel to one another is beyond my sense of compassion. I guess my brain understands it, but my heart does not. This is one museum that I believe everyone needs to see for themselves.
After that, my day needed some brightening. Luckily one of my college friends, Tracy, lives in DC and she and her baby boy joined us for a few hours at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. It was great to see her, and meet the little guy. College is one of those places where you sort of recreate family in the people you live with. Tracy is one of those wonderful friends who became that "college family." I spent two Easters with her family in central Montana and they were so welcoming to the homesick teenager I was. I hate that we live on opposite sides of the country!
After Tracy headed home, the parents and I went to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Mom spent so many years counting money at the bank, we thought it would be fun to see it being printed. Did you know they print money 24/7, 365 days a year? And after the tour Dad struck up a conversation with a printer who showed us how the original 19th Century printing press they have on display works. It's a much more time consuming process than I ever thought about. It's very cool.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Washington D.C.: Day 1
This morning we headed into Washington DC. We parked the car at the University of Maryland metro stop and cruised into town the easy way. I knew that we did not want to tackle driving in the city.
A couple weeks ago I'd purchased hop on-hop off double-decker bus tickets. When I'd visited New York and London I found these busses to be an easy way to hit the tourist spots. It was a good choice for DC as well.
We caught the bus at Union Station and took it to Ford's Theater/Peterson House. When I visited DC in 1987, the theater was closed for a special performance. Guess what? Right now it's closed for renovations. So I still haven't seen where President Lincoln was shot. We did tour Peterson house, so the stop wasn't a complete bust.
Our next stop was the White House Visitor's Center. That's another big change since 1987. On that trip people lined up to get tickets to tour some of the rooms of the White House. Now you have to make do with a video tour. We walked over to see the mansion through the fence and had to work our way through a maze of barricades. What we could see of the house and grounds is still beautiful, but the extra distance, really saddens me.
For lunch we went to Georgetown. I really love the atmosphere. It's sort of the Anti-DC. We ate at Martin's Tavern. It was excellent and then we wandered down to the Old Stone House. It's the oldest home in the city, built in the 18th Century.
After lunch we hopped back on the bus and headed to the monuments. We started at the Lincoln Memorial and walked to the Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial (Today is Korean War Armistace Day), the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument.
A couple weeks ago I'd purchased hop on-hop off double-decker bus tickets. When I'd visited New York and London I found these busses to be an easy way to hit the tourist spots. It was a good choice for DC as well.
We caught the bus at Union Station and took it to Ford's Theater/Peterson House. When I visited DC in 1987, the theater was closed for a special performance. Guess what? Right now it's closed for renovations. So I still haven't seen where President Lincoln was shot. We did tour Peterson house, so the stop wasn't a complete bust.
Our next stop was the White House Visitor's Center. That's another big change since 1987. On that trip people lined up to get tickets to tour some of the rooms of the White House. Now you have to make do with a video tour. We walked over to see the mansion through the fence and had to work our way through a maze of barricades. What we could see of the house and grounds is still beautiful, but the extra distance, really saddens me.
For lunch we went to Georgetown. I really love the atmosphere. It's sort of the Anti-DC. We ate at Martin's Tavern. It was excellent and then we wandered down to the Old Stone House. It's the oldest home in the city, built in the 18th Century.
After lunch we hopped back on the bus and headed to the monuments. We started at the Lincoln Memorial and walked to the Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial (Today is Korean War Armistace Day), the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Baltimore & The Orioles
So we headed into Baltimore this morning. A few days ago Mom had the idea that we should go to an Orioles game at Camden Yard if we could get tickets. A little Internet manipulation and, voila!
So, we get into the city without any problems. I'm pretty impressed by that since, in my experience, eastern US freeways can be confusing and often tangled. But we hit a snag downtown. For some reason many of the streets were blocked for just a block or two. Turns out today is a big fireman's parade. We quickly found a place to park and chose a curb to sit on. I don't know how many vehicles we missed, but we say about 70--everything from modern working engines to a human pulled 1820's vintage fire wagon. It was pretty awesome.
After the parade we wandered the Inner Harbor. Even seeing it I have a hard time fathoming just how big the Chesapeake is. Someday I'd like to visit the bay's eastern shore.
Today's Oriole's game was an afternooner against the Angels. We were a little worried since the sky opened up and rained buckets with thunder and lightning about 45 minutes before the first pitch. But then things cleared up and it was game time. We had some excellent tickets. Camden Yards is a beautiful ballpark. And the Birds won, 5-2, breaking a fourteen Sunday game losing streak.
So, we get into the city without any problems. I'm pretty impressed by that since, in my experience, eastern US freeways can be confusing and often tangled. But we hit a snag downtown. For some reason many of the streets were blocked for just a block or two. Turns out today is a big fireman's parade. We quickly found a place to park and chose a curb to sit on. I don't know how many vehicles we missed, but we say about 70--everything from modern working engines to a human pulled 1820's vintage fire wagon. It was pretty awesome.
After the parade we wandered the Inner Harbor. Even seeing it I have a hard time fathoming just how big the Chesapeake is. Someday I'd like to visit the bay's eastern shore.
Today's Oriole's game was an afternooner against the Angels. We were a little worried since the sky opened up and rained buckets with thunder and lightning about 45 minutes before the first pitch. But then things cleared up and it was game time. We had some excellent tickets. Camden Yards is a beautiful ballpark. And the Birds won, 5-2, breaking a fourteen Sunday game losing streak.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Trip
Here we are in Maryland. When we decided to come east for the Israel (yes, that's the family surname) National Family Reunion this year I thought it would be a good idea to visit Washington DC. After all, DC is much closer to North Carolina than it is to Oregon. And my parents had never been to the Capitol.We flew into Baltimore Washington International Airport tonight. And we're staying in Maryland for the next few days. It's going to be a busy trip. Keeping up with the blog is going to be tricky with our current Internet situation. I'm going to have to write and publish later.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Fort Vancouver & McLoughlin House
You know how people so seldom visit the sites close to home? Today I set out to partially remedy that. I drove north today and visited Fort Vancouver in Washington and then circled around to McLoughlin House in Oregon City. Both sites are part of the Fort Vancouver National Historical Site and they tell an important part of Oregon's history; the time when Britain claimed what is now Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, as well as all of Canada, placed it under control of the Hudson Bay Company with the goal of harvesting as many furs as possible.
British fashion dictated that the most fashionable, and richest, wear firs. Beavers were highly prized for making gentleman's' hats. Hats that cost more than the average working man could make in a single year! Dr. John McLoughlin began his career with HBC as a trapper. He worked his way up in the company and retired as the Chief Factor of the Fort Vancouver unit. As chief factor he was responsible for the well being of not only realizing a profit, but also the well-being of more than 2000 employees and their families spread across the Columbia District.
Dr. McLoughlin was very well known. The HBC had issued a directive that no trading with the Americans was to take place. McLoughlin disobeyed and carried non-repayable debt for many of the pioneers. I think the case could be made that without Dr. McLoughlin, Oregon might still be part of the British Commonwealth.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Crazy Days!
Okay. It's not really crazy. They just call it that. It's a Corvallis tradition. The second weekend of July is set aside for downtown sidewalk sales. And the name isn't really all that strange. McMinnville's sidewalk sale and summer festival is called Turkey Rama. I have no idea why. I've just always thought that was an odd name.
Anyway, I decided to take myself downtown this morning and wander the streets. I found a few things to purchase: a new pair of shoes, chocolate ganaches, really yummy smelling tea. But the best part was being out on a beautiful day with no real schedule or itinerary. In the few years since I've lived here, Corvallis has gained some new shops and restaurants. I followed my nose to this sandwich shop called "Baguette" and had a really excellent sandwich. I'm definitely going back there.
Anyway, I decided to take myself downtown this morning and wander the streets. I found a few things to purchase: a new pair of shoes, chocolate ganaches, really yummy smelling tea. But the best part was being out on a beautiful day with no real schedule or itinerary. In the few years since I've lived here, Corvallis has gained some new shops and restaurants. I followed my nose to this sandwich shop called "Baguette" and had a really excellent sandwich. I'm definitely going back there.
Raspberries!
Summer is hitting hard. Just a couple weeks ago we were picking strawberries. Yesterday, we picked raspberries, and made more jam. In fact I need to crush some berries for ice cream. Maybe next week. Raspberries are my second favorite berry.
In addition, the marionberries are beginning to ripen (these are my favorites!). Luckily we don't have far to go to pick those. I love summer!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Otter Beach
Sunburn. No matter how cautious I am when I slather on the sunblock, I forget to reapply and then...well, it's inevitable. Alyssa and I spent a few hours at the water park today. Otter Beach was added to the Aquatic Center several years ago, but I'd never been. But when entertaining a seven year old, think like a seven year old. And believe me, seven year old me would have loved an afternoon like today.
Blog Anniversary: First Year Reflection
It's kind of hard for me to believe that it's been a year since I began this blog. The whole thing kind of began on a whim. I initially thought that I would focus mostly on interesting places I've seen or want to see. I attempted to create a title that would reflect that. But in the last year this blog has taken on a life of it's own in some ways. I still do some really private journaling on paper. Some things are not meant for public consumption. And so this format has become the public partner of my thoughts and feelings.
Originally I thought I'd try to schedule my blogging. I try to write in my journals every night. That has varying degrees of success. I thought I'd try to do the same with the blog; write regularly, but not daily. That hasn't really happened. I noticed today that It's been almost two weeks since my last entry, and granted I was out of town without Internet access for several days. I've been home since the weekend and just didn't have anything I needed to say. And that's the bottom line. The blog lives, and in some ways, self-directs. I'm just the typist.
Originally I thought I'd try to schedule my blogging. I try to write in my journals every night. That has varying degrees of success. I thought I'd try to do the same with the blog; write regularly, but not daily. That hasn't really happened. I noticed today that It's been almost two weeks since my last entry, and granted I was out of town without Internet access for several days. I've been home since the weekend and just didn't have anything I needed to say. And that's the bottom line. The blog lives, and in some ways, self-directs. I'm just the typist.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
