These are pictures from Skyline Drive and we also drove just a short distance on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This is me on the Appalachian trail. That is about as far as I could get. Maine seemed a really long way away.

The views from the ridges were incredible. This was our last day and night in Virginia. The next day we started the long trail back to Texas. We got home Sat. evening and unloaded a few things and then parked our butts in our recliners and were glad to not be moving anymore. Great trip and one we won't forget soon and a great visit with the kids (that was the best part). See you next time.

The following pics are from our jount to PA, ML, WV and back to VA. We went to Gettysburg and did an auto tour of the battlefields and then drove to WV to Harpers Ferry (the picture with the church). This is where the Shannadoah and Potomac rivers meet. The picture with Abe is at Gettysburg. Then of course there are more trees. I do love the colors of the trees.

Here is the confluence of the two rivers from the top of Jefferson's rock. One river comes in from the left and you can't really see it in this shot.

Here is Abe and us. Didn't know we were so tight did ya?

This is Larry and Clare. Clare is Cody and Lisa's cat and she weighs 14 lbs. She was only able to sit there because she is Lisa's pet. No other cat would have lasted that long. The next day we drove the skyline drive. Pics to follow.

Fall leaves

I only took one picture today and it was of the outside of the Holocost Museum. No pictures allowed inside, but I wouldn't have wanted to take any anyways. So instead I thought I would brighten up the blog with fall leaves. The colors are just unbelievable. Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I have enjoyed looking at them here.

We are at Cody and Lisa's tonight and not sure yet what we are going to do tomorrow. On Thursday we want to slowly start heading south. We want to drive the Skyline Drive and then some of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And then of course the long, long, long, long drive home. Did I mention long? I don't think there will be any fall foliage up in the higher elevations, but maybe looking down into the valleys there may still be some color. We will see.

Having one-on-one time with the kids has been great. I feel we get to know them a little better this way and they are doing great here (much better than Larry and I would). I am thinking that we will be glad to be home with no one within a mile of us. There are way too many people here and they are all crowded into too small a space and all wanting to get to the same place at the same time. It is just crazy. Again, no one pays any attention to the speed limit signs, rain or no rain. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that it rained today and I guess that is why there were so many people at the Museum today. There was so much to see there and read that it would have taken us two or three days to go through it all. It was sad enough as it was, not sure that I could have handled reading everything.

Anyway, happy trails for tomorrow and no looking at something so tragic.

Mount Vernon and Pentagon Memorial

There are two blogs posted today so that I could get Mount Vernon and the Pentagon Memorial in along with our visit to Washington....so don't stop with this one.

Below is the view from the back of Mount Vernon. Talk about a prime piece of property. The next picture is of the front of the house. The inside was beautiful. The ceilings were very intricate (no pictures allowed) and so was the furniture. Can't even imagine living the way these people did (of course they did have to use an outhouse so maybe it wasn't so great).

The next pictures are of the Pentagon Memorial. It is kind of strange and I don't really understand the purpose of the benches with a little reflecting pool under it. They are all aimed in the same direction, even though some face one way and others the other way, which is the direction that the plane came from and they are put into rows according to the year they were born. The years went all the way from 1930 to 1998.

In the background (the three prongs pointing up) is the Airforce Memorial.

Keep reading. The next blog takes us to Arlington Cemetery and Washington D.C.

Arlington Cemetery,Washington D.C.

Okay, so Larry and I road the Metro today to Arlington Cemetary and Washington D.C. That was a whole new experiece for us. We have never been on a public train like this before. It was really strange, but no one made eye contact and no one talked. I guess no one wanted to be disturbed. Oh well. Drew and Marissa gave very good instructions and we had no problems finding the stops we needed.

Here is one of many pictures of Arlington Cemetery. This was a very humbling experience to know that so many people have died to keep us free. As they say "freedom is not free" and this really brings it home.
Next stop was the Mall in Washington D.C. We walked from the Metro stop to the Capital around the mall to the Washington Monument, past the World War II Memorial, up to the Lincoln Memorial and over to the Korean Memorial and back to the Metro stop. Needless to say Larry and my legs were sooooooooooooooo tired by the end of that, but it certainly was interesting.

The buildings were so beautiful and it really is a shame that they don't build them like that anymore.

As you can tell there were a few people visiting, but not nearly as many as there would be in the busy summer time.

What a very inspiring place to be. I just wish there was a little more common sense like ole Abe here had back in the day.

Ok, first of all Virginia......very, very, very long drive. Went through some pretty areas and the trees are beautiful. My pictures really do not do them justice. At first you couldn't see much from the interstate and then the countryside started to open up and there was farm land and cows. We did see some deer and some coyotes eating the leftovers of some critter, not pretty but I was surprised at how they were there in the daytime and didn't really seem real concerned about the cars coming by. Now as for the pictures you will have to look at them backwards because I forgot to put the newer ones first and the older ones last. (Will try to do better next time.) That is how good I am at this. Anyway, so far the trip has been really different than our usual trips. I USED to think that Texans ignored speed limit signs, but these people have this down to a fine science. EVERYBODY speeds including the cops. It is just incredible. Larry and I took turns driving and you just finally hit the cruise and kept up with the traffic and if the speed limit changed.....so what.

Saturday morning Marissa and Drew left for a craft show and we were in charge of Reagan until Cody and Lisa showed up to go to Mount Vernon. Larry and I were hungry and Reagan told us she knew where a Starbucks and a McDonalds were, but I told her he couldn't eat that and started talking about I-Hop and she said she knew where an I-Hop was. We were a little doubtful, but figured what the heck and put her in the car seat and told her to tell us where to go. She sat back there and would say "you need to go that way" and I would turn around and look which way she was pointing and tell Larry which way to turn. After a few turns and a few "keep following the highway" she said to turn and I looked back and told Larry right and then she said that way and it was left and we missed it because we were in the wrong lane and had to turn around and by golly there was an I-Hop. We were so amazed and just laughed and laughed that we took directions from a 5-year-old and actually made it to our destination. WOW.

After that Cody and Lisa and Reagan were in charge of us and we went to Mount Vernon (which Reagan repeatedly reminded us she had seen before). The setting for George Washington's home is just incredible overlooking the Potomac river. The first picture is of Reagan standing in front of a replica of the house that opens up to show rooms that are furnished. It was really neat and Reagan, Lisa and I put in an order with Larry and Drew for one for each of us.







This is Reagan in front of their house. The houses are attached, but you couldn't hear anything from next door. The house is really cute and they have it fixed up nice. It is three stories and Larry and I are in the bottom floor. You can see our window at ground level in the picture. The middle level was the living area and the top story was the bedrooms. I felt like we were in the Cosby show because that is how I remember those houses being.

Just a shot of Reagan before she gave us all the good directions.

Here are some of the shots of the trees. I hope to post a few more that look a little better. These were taken as "drive by shootings" and considering that we were traveling 70 miles an hour they turned out pretty good.

Anyway, today (Sunday) we got a private tour of the Pentagon. How neat is that? We got to see where Marissa works which entails going through a metal detector and a vault. That was pretty cool. I couldn't take any pictures from the outside or the inside without getting shot so I behaved myself and kept my camera in Marissa's purse. We also went to the Pentagon Memorial from the terrorist attack in 2001 and I will post some pics later of that, but it was very moving and very sad at the same time. Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

That is all for now. Larry and I will be on our own tomorrow so we will be taking the Metro into Washington to tour the National Mall and see what we can see there. You all may never see us again (we won't have Reagan to show us the way).

Virginia Here We Come..ready or not.

Well we leave tomorrow morning for a different type of trip. We are driving to Virginia to see Marissa, Drew, Reagan, Cody and Lisa. We are going camperless (that is the really different part and I am pretty sure I am going to miss the potty) and staying with the kids. I am looking so forward to seeing them all. We are not too sure about all the traffic and all the people that will be there. We are used to going to out-of-the-way places where there is hardly anyone so we will see how this goes. I am hoping there will be a few fall leaves left to see as I have never seen the eastern half of the U.S. in the fall.

I know there are lots of things to see history wise and we will have to work out how much of it we can see with the time we have, but I also want to do the Skyline Drive and see some of the countryside.

Hope to post pictures as the week progresses so check in and see how we are doing.

Happy trails.

new dog

Just had to tell this little story. I was driving home and saw a skinny dog on the highway and I just can't stand it that people dump their animals so I stopped. Well the dog came right up to the car and put her paws inside and then she proceeded to climb in and climb behind me inbetween the seat and ME and just stayed there the whole way home. Everytime I looked back at her and told her "he is going to kill me" she would just wag her tail. Of course Larry just shook his head and said he had a bullet for it (he can't do it). Anyway, we have a "puppy" that is alread taller the the 13 year-old dog we have. She is black and short haired with floppy ears and is so friendly. Now we just have to keep Slick from figureing out how to get rid of her.

We left for a camping trip and wondered if she would still be there when we got home and so far so good. When I get it together enough I will put up some pictures.

Just some random pics. This is from a boat ride on Lake Buchanan last weekend. That is the Fall Creek falls and they really are pretty. It was a nice day for a ride out on the lake and Larry wants to use the boat at least a little bit.


This is the 1946 Chevy truck Larry is slowly fixing up. It was running so he took it out on the coastal field. Looks like a hot rod to me. I even got a ride in it.

Everyone I show this pic to just laughs and laughs. We were taking the kids on a jeep ride in the pasture when Ashlyn was saying that she could not believe her brother was letting her give him hugs. She would hug him and just be so excited. I had my camera and just sort of held it facing their direction and took the pic. It is so funny. She is just soooooooo happy and then there is our little Colten. LOL.

Enjoy.

Here are a few pics of the wedding. Sorry I can't download more at a time. (I am sure D'Lynn knows how.) These are a few of my favs.

Not much going on

Just wanted to let you all know I had not forgotten I have a blog. D'Lynn put up pictures of Dayle and Dee's shower and wedding so I didn't see the point of doing it again so check out her blog for those pics. Serena was called off shore again so she is working again after about a week off. She was even able to come and stay with Ashlyn a few days while John was away and Colten was at camp. I get to spend time with her tomorrow since I am coming into town to help decorate for Casey's grad party tomorrow evening.

We had a good last weekend at the lake with good friends and did a lot of relaxing and a little bit of drinking :) and some good eating. Can't beat that.

Nothing else planned for the time being. It is just too hot. So see you next time around.

Let's try this again

Okay, I think I can get some more pics on from the vacation (we shall see). We had a good time. The kids really enjoyed the trip. We didn't do some of the things I wanted to do because they wanted to go to the beach, go fishing and swim in the pool so since it was their vacation that is what we did. We even went to the movies. And we also went on a bay fishing trip for 4 hours and I DID NOT GET SICK!!!! And he even took us out of the bay and past the jetties where there were waves and I still didn't get sick. I was so happy. Not everyone on the boat was so lucky so I felt pretty good about myself. They caught enough fish that we could fry them right up and I told them that was the freshest meat they were going to have.....caught and fried within 2 hours. They were very yummy. Colten loved the fishing and Ashlyn loved the beach even though we had to tie her swimming suit together with twine when the catch in the back broke. Thank goodness for opie and his quick thinking. It was funny though because when she wanted to change I had to cut her out of it. You might be a redneck...... LOL.

more vacation

Dadgum computers

Okay, so I was going to post more pics from the vacation and of course somehow the computer screwed it up. Yes, I am sure it was the computer and not me :). So as soon as D'Lynn figures out what my computer did I will try to get them posted.

Vacation with Grandkids

Wow, what a long drive. It took 7 1/2 hours (that is with bathroom, fuel stops and a lunch break stop). And, of course it is muggy here along with the smell of the beach, but the beach is nice and the water is clear (unlike Port Aransas). Only went down to the beach to check it out and will hit it tomorrow. Colten did get some fishing in at our tank on Saturday while he was with us and got a ride in Opie's 1946 Chey which looks and sounds like a hotrod right now with no hood, fenders, or bed. He has had it 25 years and this is the first time it has been running. He is tickled and I am proud. I got a ride, too. It was great. Can't wait until it is finished. Here are a few pics. I did this on my own so I hope they show up.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038072&id=1107806373&l=160b208a11

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038072&id=1107806373&l=160b208a11

Here are some pictures of two of our trips. Not too many, but you don't want to see all the millions I took. It would take to long. Hope you can see them.

vacations

Well I have been trying to upload some pictures of the sandfest and Big Bend, but my computer says there is some type of internal error and won't let me. But, we did have a good time at both. The sandfest once again showed the great skills the sand sculpture artists have. It is amazing what they can do with sand, water and a little bit of water/glue. If I (and by I, I mean D'Lynn) can figure out what is the matter I will but some pictures up later.

Big Bend was great. We had the best weather and since we were dry camped that was good. We didn't need the air or the heat and it was pleasant sitting outside. We hiked as many hikes as we were able to and some hikes we would hike so far and if it got too bad we stopped and turned around. No point in hurting ourselves way out in the middle of nowhere. We saw lots of new birds and there was a coyote that visited the campsite each morning. There was even water in the park since they had just had some rain. The cactus were blooming like crazy and they even had some bluebonnets (they call them lupine) that are taller and thinner than our bluebonnets. The Davis Mountains are always nice and we spent a couple of nights there, but it was so cool that we needed jackets and there was a burn ban so no fire in our cool fireplace. Well I guess I will stop now until I can get some pics up. We will see how long that takes me.

Third blog

This is the house we toured. It was pretty nice in the inside, but I really liked the porches best.

We saw this building while we were driving. I thought it was broken, but it was built to look like it had fallen from the sky and landed upside down. If you look close you can see the light fixtures, windows, porch, and trees are upside down. That was certainly a surprise to see while driving down the street.

After the tour we went to the Cheesecake Factory (my first time) and this is what I ordered. It was a chicken dish of some kind and it was really good. I figured you all would be impressed that I ate something exotic. Isn't it pretty? Then Patty and I got one slice of cheesecake and took it home and had half last night and the other half tonight.

Here is the bald eagle we saw on the airboat ride. He was awesome.

We are playing cards now and having a drink and taking it easy. If it is not raining tomorrow Patty and I will go to Epcot Center and if it is raining then I am not sure what we will do, but I am sure we will find something to do.

Alligators and Flowers, cont.

We went to the Henry Leu Gardens and the azaleas were starting to bloom, but the camillas (is that right?) were blooming and they were just beautiful. Here are a few shots along with a working flower clock that was on the grounds. We also toured a historic home on the grounds that was very interesting.

We just got back from Cirque du Soleil and that was absolutely wonderful. There were four little girls that did an incredible job and there was so much going on on the stage that it was hard to follow it all. I would go again. Will send another blog with a pic of the eagle and a plate of food you all won't believe I ate.

Alligators and Flowers

I am not sure how this is going to work out, but I am going to do two blogs because I can only download so many images at a time (especially since I don't have D'Lynn helping me). These pictures are from Wed. morning when Patty and I went on an airboat ride through the swamps of Lake Kissammee (Margaret didn't go because she had already done one). We almost didn't get to go because of rain and they even called to tell us that it was pouring where we were going (one hour away), but we were so close that we decided to go on and at least look at the place and then it stopped raining and we were able to go after all. We took the 1 hour 30 minute ride and it was so neat. It was like riding through a pasture, but it was water in stead of a road. This is a pair of sand cranes (I think that is what he said). There were all kinds of birds and there was even an eagle nest with a pair of eagles. Maybe I can put a picture of them in the next one or so because they were really pretty.

This is "Bubba" who is about 40 years old and really big. It is kind of hard to see him, but he did not move a muscle when we went by. He kind of acted like he didn't have anything to worry about (which he didn't since he is king of the swamp). He was about 17 to 18 feet long.

This one was not too happy with us as we disturbed him. He looks like he is glaring at us which he probably was.
This is the airboat we were on and it was so cool how it skimmed across the water, weeds, little bushes, waterpads and all.

I am going to see if I can either add to this one or do another one so if you see this one then the other one will come later and then you will understand the flower reference. We are leaving now to go get some food and go see La NouBa Cirque Du Soleil. That should be beautiful. I have heard a lot about them so I hope it is as good as they say. Later.

More Florida

Wow, we thought that going through the Kennedy Space Center (NASA) wouldn't take all that long and then we could spend the rest of the day at Cocoa Beach, but we were way off base. We got there in time to take the 10:00 shuttle bus and here we went. The bus tour was at least 3 hours long and took us to three different facilities. One was the Apollo program and then the space shuttle program and then the space station program. While we were driving on the bus we saw the shuttle that just had flown in the night before. Had we know that we could have watched for it, but it was very cloudy so I don't know if we could have seen it or not.



Since we couldn't see the shuttle come in we decided to see what it is like to be in the shuttle when it takes off. That happened in the building below. What a ride. You get shook up, pressed against the seat and the noise is incrediable. Thanks goodness they don't simulate the big ball of fire that the astronauts see when it does go up. I also got to see my first 3-D movie about the Apollo missions (I know, I need to get out more). I kept jumping when the stuff came at me.


We then drove to Cocoa Beach and walked along the beach for a little ways and checked out the Atlantic Ocean. It started to rain a little bit so we didn't stay long and then went to eat (since we hadn't eaten since breakfast we were starving).

We found this place on the end of a long pier so we had an ocean view and the food was great. I also got to see my first orange tree with oranges on it and Margaret took a few and we tried them when we got back to the resort and they were really good.

Man my hair got beach whipped. Sorry about how awful that looks. On Tuesday we are going to take a historic walking tour of Orlando and check out some gardens. Blog you later.

Flordia

We made it into Flordia in one piece and you would not believe what happened at the airport in San Antonio. We were getting some tea to drink before we boarded and I heard a familiar voice next to me and I looked at her and she looked at me and suddenly she said "Martha" and I said "Sandy" and there was Sandy Woods (used to be Sandy Meier, Lester Meier's exwife) and she is a flight attendant and she was going to be the flight attendant on the plane we were taking to Orlando. What a small world.

Here is the bed in the master bedroom at the resort. It has two bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen, washer and drier, three TV's and had just been refinished. Most of the appliances were new so that was nice.

This is the living and dining room and there is a pond outside the window with a fountain.

We went to downtown Disney Village on Sun. and this little girl along with lots of other little girls had been all fixed up as princesess and mermaids and whatever other Disney characters there are and we found out it ONLY costs $189.00 per little girl. What a money maker.

The sea monster below is made out of Legos so that is pretty cool.

We bought tickets for Cirque du soleil for Wed. evening so that will be interesting. We will also go to Epcot Center one of the days. Tomorrow (Monday) we will go to the Kennedy Space Center and maybe to Cocoa beach and then to Daytona beach on Tue. The weather had been great. In fact, Patty and I went swimming (in February mind you!!) in the resort pool, which is heated. It was really nice. They told us that we could see the fireworks at Disney World from the resort so we are going to make a drink and go out and watch.

Later.