Middleburg, VA May 25, 2008
Mary Anne took us out to visit her horse, Oakley. She is a real beauty with a shiny black coat and a white star on his head. He is about 12 years old and is training with Mary Anne to be a jumper.
We drove to Middleburg and Upperville, Virginia to the Hunt Country Stable Tour. What beautiful countryside, with rolling hills filled with grass and dense forest. The sky was filled with blue and temperature was perfect for Sunday afternoon outing.
We stopped off first at the Historic Goose Creek Bridge were they had just finished with a re-enactment of a Civil War Battle. It was a delight to mingle amongst the folks dressed in civil war costumes. One lady had a heavy cotton dress with buttons carved of wood, just like they would have had in the 1860’s. We crossed over the Goose Creek bridge which was built between 1801-1803 during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. It is one of the last original four arch stone bridges in Virginia. In the past a toll house stood to the east of the bridge with rates of 3 cents for a horse and up to 12 cents for a carriage.
During the Battle of Upperville fought on June 21, 2863 this bridge was a choke point bringing conflicting forces from the under Union General Alfred Pleasonton in direct battle with Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart. The Union army won that day forcing the Confederates to retire to high ground to the west.
Driving through country road, some paved, some not we went to the Trappe Hill Farm, home to Thoroughbred mares and foals, yearlings, race horses in training and hunters. Horse business is big in this area and the grounds are breathtaking. There was a bucket of carrots to feed the horses. I had to join in right along with the little kids holding out their hand with a carrot. The horses gladly obliged by using their lips to lap up the little carrot pieces.
A building next to the stable held a workshop of Jean Clagett artist sculpting horses, hunting dogs and of course the fox. It was interesting to see the process. The artist had used the bronze foundries in Loveland, which I had toured many years ago. On that tour I watched as the foundry was connecting all the bronze pieces of long horn steers. That sculpture was over ten feet high.
The setting for this farm was very tranquil next to a pond with yellow iris reflecting in the water and tall willow trees draping over the water’s edge.
Next stop was Rokeby, home of the famous Mellon homebred champion thoroughbreds. The grounds were immaculate and stables had glistening brass nameplates and hardware for each horse. There was also a dairy farm where they made the most delicious cheeses that we had the opportunity to taste. The brown swiss produce about 8 gallons of milk a day. There was a month old calf we were all petting who I understand drank about 1 ½ gallons of milk a day himself. The place was so over the top with manicured grassy fields on rolling countryside with tips of red barns, silos and house scattered through this ten thousand area spread.
This was a delightful end to our eastern journey.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Alexandria Virginia - May 24, 2008
Mary Anne, Stan's niece, picked us up from our hotel on Saturday to take us to the Virginia countryside. Mary Anne moved from Atlanta this year to be close to the vibrancy of the big city, history and multitude of cultural activities.
We rode along the Potomac through tree lined highways and rolling hills. The scenic outcroppings gave us a glimpse of deep hillsides overlooking the Potomac river below and Maryland on the other side. Mary Anne surprised us to Great Falls National Park on the way to her home. We climbed up rocks to experience the splendor and power of water rushing over the falls.
Mary Anne's dogs, Sinbad and Skyler, provided us with a friendly greeting. Her townhome in Herndon, Virginia, is traditional for the area, filled with contemporary elegance. From the spiral staircase to the antiques collected from her Grandmother, Alice (Stan's Mom) and other great finds over her lifetime, her design experience is evident throughout the home. Nearby shopping is within walking distance. Her horse Oakley is boarded just 20 minutes away in the countryside.
We took the rest of the afternoon and evening to stop off for a delicious lunch at the Internet Cafe in Herndon, then off to Alexandria.
Charming shops line King street to delight the varied interests of all. This weekend had the added spice of motorcycles, mostly Harleys, lined up along both sides of the street. On Sunday, "Rolling Thunder" would overtake Washington in a caravan from the Pentagon to the White House when over 500,000 motorcycles drive through town. This was to honor all fallen military over this Memorial weekend. You could just imagine the sound of that distinctive Harley Davidson engine as it roared. We got a glimmer of that sound as the cycle's deep purr echoed through the streets of Alexandria.
We stopped to talk to a few of the men, many of them had served in the military. One guy, Dan O'Connor, surprised us when we started talking about Harley's when he unzipped his left jean leg and showing us his prosthesis branded with the Harley Davidson emblem. We asked to take his photo and he obliged. I wanted to get the best picture with him facing the sun instead of in the shadows, so I asked him to turn around. What was I thinking? Dan was holding up his prosthesis that he had taken off for us to see. Now on one leg, in the middle of the sidewalk, I ask him to turn around. He did and we all smiled. This retired Marine had not lost his leg in the war, but in a car/motorcycle accident. He is on the Freedom Team running marathons and travels all over the country.
Street musicians played along the walkway down to the marina along the wide Potomac River. Jeff, a young seven year old trumpet player attracted crowds as he played familiar tunes. We saw the trumpet propped on a stand and were surprised when he walked over, picked it up and played away. What a talent for a youngster. According to his Mom he has been playing for three years.
Walking on cobblestoned side streets lined with inviting majestic doorways of row homes built centuries ago brought back memories of stories our friend Ruth told of Madeira Island off the coast of Portugal. She was born in Portugal and told of the hilly cobblestone streets she knew as a child when they visited the Madeira. Children would sit in baskets and slide down the well worn stones for a round of fun.
The shops along the main street were unique and a delight. One had antiques and mostly chandeliers. Another held paper from all over the world that would wrap a package to delight the grumpiest. A evening came, lights on the trees and shop doorways brighten up your spirits.
We took a quick trip downtown to see the monuments in the evening light. They were stately and spectacular. Jefferson and Washington monument were inspiring.
We rode along the Potomac through tree lined highways and rolling hills. The scenic outcroppings gave us a glimpse of deep hillsides overlooking the Potomac river below and Maryland on the other side. Mary Anne surprised us to Great Falls National Park on the way to her home. We climbed up rocks to experience the splendor and power of water rushing over the falls.
Mary Anne's dogs, Sinbad and Skyler, provided us with a friendly greeting. Her townhome in Herndon, Virginia, is traditional for the area, filled with contemporary elegance. From the spiral staircase to the antiques collected from her Grandmother, Alice (Stan's Mom) and other great finds over her lifetime, her design experience is evident throughout the home. Nearby shopping is within walking distance. Her horse Oakley is boarded just 20 minutes away in the countryside.
We took the rest of the afternoon and evening to stop off for a delicious lunch at the Internet Cafe in Herndon, then off to Alexandria.
Charming shops line King street to delight the varied interests of all. This weekend had the added spice of motorcycles, mostly Harleys, lined up along both sides of the street. On Sunday, "Rolling Thunder" would overtake Washington in a caravan from the Pentagon to the White House when over 500,000 motorcycles drive through town. This was to honor all fallen military over this Memorial weekend. You could just imagine the sound of that distinctive Harley Davidson engine as it roared. We got a glimmer of that sound as the cycle's deep purr echoed through the streets of Alexandria.
We stopped to talk to a few of the men, many of them had served in the military. One guy, Dan O'Connor, surprised us when we started talking about Harley's when he unzipped his left jean leg and showing us his prosthesis branded with the Harley Davidson emblem. We asked to take his photo and he obliged. I wanted to get the best picture with him facing the sun instead of in the shadows, so I asked him to turn around. What was I thinking? Dan was holding up his prosthesis that he had taken off for us to see. Now on one leg, in the middle of the sidewalk, I ask him to turn around. He did and we all smiled. This retired Marine had not lost his leg in the war, but in a car/motorcycle accident. He is on the Freedom Team running marathons and travels all over the country.
Street musicians played along the walkway down to the marina along the wide Potomac River. Jeff, a young seven year old trumpet player attracted crowds as he played familiar tunes. We saw the trumpet propped on a stand and were surprised when he walked over, picked it up and played away. What a talent for a youngster. According to his Mom he has been playing for three years.
Walking on cobblestoned side streets lined with inviting majestic doorways of row homes built centuries ago brought back memories of stories our friend Ruth told of Madeira Island off the coast of Portugal. She was born in Portugal and told of the hilly cobblestone streets she knew as a child when they visited the Madeira. Children would sit in baskets and slide down the well worn stones for a round of fun.
The shops along the main street were unique and a delight. One had antiques and mostly chandeliers. Another held paper from all over the world that would wrap a package to delight the grumpiest. A evening came, lights on the trees and shop doorways brighten up your spirits.
We took a quick trip downtown to see the monuments in the evening light. They were stately and spectacular. Jefferson and Washington monument were inspiring.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Arlington National Cemetery - May 23, 2008
With one more day to tour the Washington DC area we selected Arlington National Cemetery. We took the hotel shuttle downtown and hopped on the Metro for a ride to the outskirts of town. It was a beautiful spring day with not a cloud in the sky. We wore our jackets from time to time, but mostly rolled them up on our backpack.
Our shuttle guide tipped us off to buy the tour bus ticket at Arlington to save on walking up and down the rolling hills of the cemetery. The tour bus senior price was only $6.25 each and worth the price. I always thought I was in pretty good shape until I took on this walking so far these last few days. My knees, feet and joints are really taking a beating. I'll need to figure out how to get back into shape when I return home next week.
Today flags were placed on foot in front of each grave to commemorate Memorial Day this weekend. This is the only time that anything is placed at the grave sites throughout the year.
We stopped to view and show our respects at John F Kennedy's graveside. It was touching to reflect on his tragic murder that Nov in 1963. Such a fitting place of rest on the crest of the hill over looking the capital with Washington's Monument towering skyward. His saying about "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" was engraved in granite.
A humble grave, marked only with a white wooden cross was his brother Bobby Kennedy who also gave his life when gun shot through the crowd stopped his life of service.
The sea of white gravestones lined up in precision for over 290,000 servicemen and their families rest on in Virginia just across the Potomac River for the hub of our nation.
We silently viewed the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldiers. The honor of the sentinel to dutifully keep vigil around the clock. The
There was a ceremony to place the wreath with a school group followed by "Taps". We saw a couple of the boys later in the day, dressed in boy scout uniform who had participated for their elementary school in Miami, Ohio. They were eleven. That ceremony will have an impact on their lives and civic and community involvement for years to come.
We saw the horses lined up ready to carry the coffin of a fallen soldier to their final resting place. Off in the background we could hear the 3 shots fired followed by the bugler blowing the long notes of "Taps" for another interment.
We took the short 15 minute walk along the highway with tall grasses blowing in the breeze just outside Arlington to Iwo Jima memorial. It is bigger than life as it sits on an open grassy knoll. The polished black granite base is over 10 foot high with inscriptions of all campaigns beginning with honors for marines from Revolutionary War through the Persian Gulf War. At the base of the sculpture are large jagged boulders that typify the rough terrain at the Iwo Jima summit. The marines' faces depict the strength and courage as they raise the flag symbolic of awaiting victory.
We walked across the freeway overpass to Roslyn and found the Manhattan Cafe right on the other side. There was a variety of delicious food to pick from. The rye bread on my sandwich was extra yummy. You know the kind of bread with density and texture that is much different from the mushy Wonder bread that collapse when you press on it. The setting was lovely. On a hilly outcropping surrounded by trees and a grassy knoll. There was a sculpture garden below the cafe filled with three, ten foot diameter spheres. These were complemented by two more large sphere in the median. It was charming and a relaxing place to stop.
We hopped back on the Metro. It mostly costs $1.35/ride. If you don't add enough money to the fare card, when you are ready to get out of the station and run your card through the gate, the gates wont open until you add more funds. It works pretty well. If there is an overage, just keep your card and add more funds the next time you ride.
We went downtown to go through the Smithsonian Air and Space museum. There are many museums off the national mall that extend for miles. They are all free, or should I say that tax liability you all paid on April 15Th, helped pay for Stan and my way in the museum and surrounding grounds.
Museums are crowded, filled with school children, tourists and more people than you could imagine. Little high pitched voices and pattering feet all dressed in t-shirts of the same bright color. We walked through some of the exhibits peering over youngster's heads. There are aircraft hanging from above added to the fun.
We finally had walked our legs off and opted to go back to the hotel to crash and nap.
It was a fun experience and a good time to go with pleasant weather and a near-by hotel. More restaurant offering would have been nice that didn't involve shuttles downtown and Metro rides back, but after all this in not my own neighborhood and a little inconvenience is well worth the experience.
Our shuttle guide tipped us off to buy the tour bus ticket at Arlington to save on walking up and down the rolling hills of the cemetery. The tour bus senior price was only $6.25 each and worth the price. I always thought I was in pretty good shape until I took on this walking so far these last few days. My knees, feet and joints are really taking a beating. I'll need to figure out how to get back into shape when I return home next week.
Today flags were placed on foot in front of each grave to commemorate Memorial Day this weekend. This is the only time that anything is placed at the grave sites throughout the year.
We stopped to view and show our respects at John F Kennedy's graveside. It was touching to reflect on his tragic murder that Nov in 1963. Such a fitting place of rest on the crest of the hill over looking the capital with Washington's Monument towering skyward. His saying about "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" was engraved in granite.
A humble grave, marked only with a white wooden cross was his brother Bobby Kennedy who also gave his life when gun shot through the crowd stopped his life of service.
The sea of white gravestones lined up in precision for over 290,000 servicemen and their families rest on in Virginia just across the Potomac River for the hub of our nation.
We silently viewed the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldiers. The honor of the sentinel to dutifully keep vigil around the clock. The
There was a ceremony to place the wreath with a school group followed by "Taps". We saw a couple of the boys later in the day, dressed in boy scout uniform who had participated for their elementary school in Miami, Ohio. They were eleven. That ceremony will have an impact on their lives and civic and community involvement for years to come.
We saw the horses lined up ready to carry the coffin of a fallen soldier to their final resting place. Off in the background we could hear the 3 shots fired followed by the bugler blowing the long notes of "Taps" for another interment.
We took the short 15 minute walk along the highway with tall grasses blowing in the breeze just outside Arlington to Iwo Jima memorial. It is bigger than life as it sits on an open grassy knoll. The polished black granite base is over 10 foot high with inscriptions of all campaigns beginning with honors for marines from Revolutionary War through the Persian Gulf War. At the base of the sculpture are large jagged boulders that typify the rough terrain at the Iwo Jima summit. The marines' faces depict the strength and courage as they raise the flag symbolic of awaiting victory.
We walked across the freeway overpass to Roslyn and found the Manhattan Cafe right on the other side. There was a variety of delicious food to pick from. The rye bread on my sandwich was extra yummy. You know the kind of bread with density and texture that is much different from the mushy Wonder bread that collapse when you press on it. The setting was lovely. On a hilly outcropping surrounded by trees and a grassy knoll. There was a sculpture garden below the cafe filled with three, ten foot diameter spheres. These were complemented by two more large sphere in the median. It was charming and a relaxing place to stop.
We hopped back on the Metro. It mostly costs $1.35/ride. If you don't add enough money to the fare card, when you are ready to get out of the station and run your card through the gate, the gates wont open until you add more funds. It works pretty well. If there is an overage, just keep your card and add more funds the next time you ride.
We went downtown to go through the Smithsonian Air and Space museum. There are many museums off the national mall that extend for miles. They are all free, or should I say that tax liability you all paid on April 15Th, helped pay for Stan and my way in the museum and surrounding grounds.
Museums are crowded, filled with school children, tourists and more people than you could imagine. Little high pitched voices and pattering feet all dressed in t-shirts of the same bright color. We walked through some of the exhibits peering over youngster's heads. There are aircraft hanging from above added to the fun.
We finally had walked our legs off and opted to go back to the hotel to crash and nap.
It was a fun experience and a good time to go with pleasant weather and a near-by hotel. More restaurant offering would have been nice that didn't involve shuttles downtown and Metro rides back, but after all this in not my own neighborhood and a little inconvenience is well worth the experience.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Washington DC Capitol - May 22, 2008
Today we visited the nations Capitol in Washington DC. The hotel shuttle dropped us off about 8:30 in the line that gave out tickets starting at 9 am. Our ticket was for the 10 tour. We rested on a park bench to watch the people and eat granola bars and M&Ms as no food or drink is allowed once you go through security.
The lawn in front of the Capitol is being set up for the Memorial weekend concerts and folklife festival. It will be crowded and we are happy our visit will be over by that time when we visit Stan's niece, Mary Anne in Herndon Virginia.
Time for our tour. We walk up the steep hill to the security screening. People who didn't read through the instructions toss food and water, including plastic empty bottles into the trash bin near-by. They take you through in groups of 15 or so and provide headsets so you can hear the guide.
There are many groups going through at the same time. We saw the grand rotunda in all it's splendor. The guide explained the history of the dome with all the statistics of weight, size, who had painted the ceiling and how and the stories behind the marble and bronze sculptures.
The next room was more of the same except the dome was smaller and trim on the ceilings was real gold. There was a spot on the floor where you could hear someone whisper across the room.
I remember that place where it was shown to me over 40 years ago when I went with my junior high school class in about 1962. That was just after Ike was President and Nixon was his VP. JFK has just been elected. I remember going through the White House then and picking up some brochure about Jackie and seeing her signature with such a flare with the big J swooping down below the next line. After some practice I picked that same method for may signature that trails on still today. Teenages we were so silly in how we make decisions and defining moments that change our lives.
Back to the whisper heard clearly across the domed room. In '62 the room was filled with only our group and we could hear the whisper clearly. Today in 2008 the room was crowded with other tourists and school groups and we couldn't hear the whisper due to other noise.
As we were leaving, Senator Kerry walked through the crowd. He is tall and distinguished. I was surprised to see him pass through. Outside the capital you could sort the groups of people. Tourists, school groups and suits. The men and women in suits were immaculately dressed in black or navy with white starched shirts and ties. You knew they were up to serious business.
We heard that the best lunches, when restaurants are not available is in the cafeterias of the government buildings. So we when into the House of Representatives office to find out. More security and a great cafeteria lunch for under $10 for us both.
The lawn in front of the Capitol is being set up for the Memorial weekend concerts and folklife festival. It will be crowded and we are happy our visit will be over by that time when we visit Stan's niece, Mary Anne in Herndon Virginia.
Time for our tour. We walk up the steep hill to the security screening. People who didn't read through the instructions toss food and water, including plastic empty bottles into the trash bin near-by. They take you through in groups of 15 or so and provide headsets so you can hear the guide.
There are many groups going through at the same time. We saw the grand rotunda in all it's splendor. The guide explained the history of the dome with all the statistics of weight, size, who had painted the ceiling and how and the stories behind the marble and bronze sculptures.
The next room was more of the same except the dome was smaller and trim on the ceilings was real gold. There was a spot on the floor where you could hear someone whisper across the room.
I remember that place where it was shown to me over 40 years ago when I went with my junior high school class in about 1962. That was just after Ike was President and Nixon was his VP. JFK has just been elected. I remember going through the White House then and picking up some brochure about Jackie and seeing her signature with such a flare with the big J swooping down below the next line. After some practice I picked that same method for may signature that trails on still today. Teenages we were so silly in how we make decisions and defining moments that change our lives.
Back to the whisper heard clearly across the domed room. In '62 the room was filled with only our group and we could hear the whisper clearly. Today in 2008 the room was crowded with other tourists and school groups and we couldn't hear the whisper due to other noise.
As we were leaving, Senator Kerry walked through the crowd. He is tall and distinguished. I was surprised to see him pass through. Outside the capital you could sort the groups of people. Tourists, school groups and suits. The men and women in suits were immaculately dressed in black or navy with white starched shirts and ties. You knew they were up to serious business.
We heard that the best lunches, when restaurants are not available is in the cafeterias of the government buildings. So we when into the House of Representatives office to find out. More security and a great cafeteria lunch for under $10 for us both.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Washington Monument - May 21, 2008
We popped onto the 8 am shuttle to downtown DC. We had a vague plan of what wanted to do in the 3 days in the downtown area. Memorials we the treat for today. We got of at Washington Memorial. As we were walking some other visitors gave us a tip and pointed where to start first to wait in line at the base of the memorial for tickets to the inside of the memorial. They also pointed out that was one of the key places for restrooms, another important fact.
Time slots were quickly gobbled up for the day. We picked up 11 am which left us plenty of time to see the other memorials in the area. On a map everything looks close together, within walking distance. It is in reality, but the distances are greater than it appears. The area is beautiful, well kept and inspiring. It was partly cloudy and sometimes warm, but mostly the jacket stay on.
We strolled over to the new World War II memorial first. This was very tastefully done with a walkway with bronze relief panels on either side telling the story of the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns. On the Pacific side the panels started with 12/7/1941 with families crowded in their living rooms around tall radios listening to the news of the war. The Atlantic side told of the Germans and the devastation Hitler had caused. Both side reflected the nations effort from the farmers who kept field full of grains to women who expended their motherhood responsibilities to work in factories supporting the war effort. Stan's mom Alice worked in the American Chickle Co, your know the company that makes Chicklet gum. The factory had stopped their normal operations to pack sea rations for soldiers.
We strolled along the reflecting pool toward the Lincoln Memorial and watched families of geese and ducks teaching their little ones to swim. We took the path to the Vietnam Memorial first. I was stunned at the impact all the walls of names had on Stan and myself. This memorial really does capture the essence of the lives that were lost right to mind to the present. The wall is so shiny it can't help but catch your own reflection as you walk through the panels. This was a long war from 1959 through 1975.
Bunches of school children filled the areas not really connecting to the moment or the reality of what those names were about. A docent was expressing his frustration with the young visitors to their supervisor because of the poor supervision by one of their chaperons. Rowdy kids didn't seem to know the intent of the wall.
Then a quick stops to view Lincoln seated in his marble chair in stately elegance. More youngster's learning history. One teacher lined his students on the steps and they were called on to recite prepared information about Lincoln and other historical fact. Other school groups sat in circles off to the side as teachers explained historical information.
As we were coming off the stairs a couple of larger helicopters circled overhead. We wondered who might be on board. The power ot the office of the President came to mind and the impact one person has on decisions made while in office.
Next to Lincoln was the Korean War Memorial. Large scale soldiers were depicted on patrol through the fields. One saying on the wall summed it up for all wars.
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
We walked along the reflecting pool back to the Washington Monument. There are benches along the way to stop and rest a bit. The marble benches surrounding the monument fill up quickly as park rangers walk along and tell us the rules. No gum chewing, sharp objects, and the like. We are taken in groups of about 10-15 through security and then to ride the elevator up 500 feet to the top. This obelisk is a marvel. There is lots of history about how it was built as well as stunning views of the city on all four side. You could walk down the 800 or so steps on special tours. We enjoyed the elevator. It slowed down along the way to view the 195 memorial stones that were gifts from each stand and other countries and cities. This provided more insight into Washington's key place in history.
There are not many obvious places to eat around the national center. We stopped at one place for a non-discript hot dog and veggie pita. Then on to the White House.
You can tour the White House is you set up security clearance well in advance. We took a few pictures through the fence and then walked across the street to the White House Visitor's Center. More security. Stan's pocket knife was held while we were inside, then returned on our departure. We watched a short movie about some of the key points of the White House, the decorations, galas, china selection and oval office. There were photo displays that overlaid many presidents and their families. It was well done and interesting.
The maps are easy to follow and we walked to the Metro (subway). Our legs, knees and feet really had a work out. We stopped at a Caribou coffee shop just outside the Metro to catch up on relaxation. Down the escalators to the Metro. It was a delight, clean, crisp with easy to follow directions. For $1.35 - $1.65 each we easily came back to our hotel.
Later we rode the shuttle back downtown for dinner. We had thought about the Mexican food restaurant, but stepping into to a roar of chatter from young professionals and a glimpse of the $25/plate entrees sent us out the door. We settled for Chinese food a couple of blocks away.
We rode the Metro back. It stopped at the Nationals Stadium, the new major league baseball team in Washington. Our hotel was a few blocks away. This neighborhood is emerging from decay into the next change. Boarded up gas stations, Wendys and other business sit next to high rise apartments being built on whole city blocks. A police officer on a bike waiting with his buddies at the 7-11, one of the only operating business, stopped to chat a bit. He wanted us to know the type of neighborhood we were in an to caution us. We had kind of figured that out, but good to know.
Time slots were quickly gobbled up for the day. We picked up 11 am which left us plenty of time to see the other memorials in the area. On a map everything looks close together, within walking distance. It is in reality, but the distances are greater than it appears. The area is beautiful, well kept and inspiring. It was partly cloudy and sometimes warm, but mostly the jacket stay on.
We strolled over to the new World War II memorial first. This was very tastefully done with a walkway with bronze relief panels on either side telling the story of the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns. On the Pacific side the panels started with 12/7/1941 with families crowded in their living rooms around tall radios listening to the news of the war. The Atlantic side told of the Germans and the devastation Hitler had caused. Both side reflected the nations effort from the farmers who kept field full of grains to women who expended their motherhood responsibilities to work in factories supporting the war effort. Stan's mom Alice worked in the American Chickle Co, your know the company that makes Chicklet gum. The factory had stopped their normal operations to pack sea rations for soldiers.
We strolled along the reflecting pool toward the Lincoln Memorial and watched families of geese and ducks teaching their little ones to swim. We took the path to the Vietnam Memorial first. I was stunned at the impact all the walls of names had on Stan and myself. This memorial really does capture the essence of the lives that were lost right to mind to the present. The wall is so shiny it can't help but catch your own reflection as you walk through the panels. This was a long war from 1959 through 1975.
Bunches of school children filled the areas not really connecting to the moment or the reality of what those names were about. A docent was expressing his frustration with the young visitors to their supervisor because of the poor supervision by one of their chaperons. Rowdy kids didn't seem to know the intent of the wall.
Then a quick stops to view Lincoln seated in his marble chair in stately elegance. More youngster's learning history. One teacher lined his students on the steps and they were called on to recite prepared information about Lincoln and other historical fact. Other school groups sat in circles off to the side as teachers explained historical information.
As we were coming off the stairs a couple of larger helicopters circled overhead. We wondered who might be on board. The power ot the office of the President came to mind and the impact one person has on decisions made while in office.
Next to Lincoln was the Korean War Memorial. Large scale soldiers were depicted on patrol through the fields. One saying on the wall summed it up for all wars.
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
We walked along the reflecting pool back to the Washington Monument. There are benches along the way to stop and rest a bit. The marble benches surrounding the monument fill up quickly as park rangers walk along and tell us the rules. No gum chewing, sharp objects, and the like. We are taken in groups of about 10-15 through security and then to ride the elevator up 500 feet to the top. This obelisk is a marvel. There is lots of history about how it was built as well as stunning views of the city on all four side. You could walk down the 800 or so steps on special tours. We enjoyed the elevator. It slowed down along the way to view the 195 memorial stones that were gifts from each stand and other countries and cities. This provided more insight into Washington's key place in history.
There are not many obvious places to eat around the national center. We stopped at one place for a non-discript hot dog and veggie pita. Then on to the White House.
You can tour the White House is you set up security clearance well in advance. We took a few pictures through the fence and then walked across the street to the White House Visitor's Center. More security. Stan's pocket knife was held while we were inside, then returned on our departure. We watched a short movie about some of the key points of the White House, the decorations, galas, china selection and oval office. There were photo displays that overlaid many presidents and their families. It was well done and interesting.
The maps are easy to follow and we walked to the Metro (subway). Our legs, knees and feet really had a work out. We stopped at a Caribou coffee shop just outside the Metro to catch up on relaxation. Down the escalators to the Metro. It was a delight, clean, crisp with easy to follow directions. For $1.35 - $1.65 each we easily came back to our hotel.
Later we rode the shuttle back downtown for dinner. We had thought about the Mexican food restaurant, but stepping into to a roar of chatter from young professionals and a glimpse of the $25/plate entrees sent us out the door. We settled for Chinese food a couple of blocks away.
We rode the Metro back. It stopped at the Nationals Stadium, the new major league baseball team in Washington. Our hotel was a few blocks away. This neighborhood is emerging from decay into the next change. Boarded up gas stations, Wendys and other business sit next to high rise apartments being built on whole city blocks. A police officer on a bike waiting with his buddies at the 7-11, one of the only operating business, stopped to chat a bit. He wanted us to know the type of neighborhood we were in an to caution us. We had kind of figured that out, but good to know.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Train ride to Washington DC - May 20, 2008
Stan and I put Jamela back on a plane to Denver while we journeyed on a train to from Boston to Washington DC. From the airport for a couple of dollars each, we caught the Silver Line - T (subway), which is really a bus. It took us right to the south train station. We had the "opportunity" to buy a ticket for a couple of hundred dollars each on the fast fast train (Acel?) or wait an hour and buy one for a hundred dollars that included our senior discount. The difference in time was about one hour. Well, we're on vacation, so an hour here and there isn't really missed. We opted to wait for the slower train.
While waiting and hour or so for the next train we were treated to a couple of violinist playing classical and popular music in the waiting area. The acoustics in this expansive station was amazing. I tried to encourage Stan to dance a waltz with me in the open area, but he declined. No courage in front of streams of commuting strangers. The musicians had no hat to drop in a dollar. Either these guys dressed in tuxedos just wanted to play at 7 am in the morning in the station for the love of it or there is a program for the arts in Boston that brought them there.
We boarded the train, heaved our luggage into the overhead rack and settled in for the 8 - 9 hour ride to Washington DC. The train was surprisingly clean, quite and roomy. We could really stop off and stroll through in all the major cities; Providence, New York, Trenton (well maybe not), Philadelphia, Baltimore and then Washington. We will need to plan that next time.
The time whizzed by for a few hours. There were people carrying on business as if they had no concern that others overheard their conversations. They settled in making a couple of seats their office with laptops, blue tooth ear pieces and blackberries. They plugged into the power strip just below their window. I overheard talk of "need to take a deeper dive into the data" and plans for meetings and dinners with key people; verifying positions with this guy or that. I thought I was still at work. Work speak becomes the jargon of the day.
It seems that this is the new industry for America - services. We sped through city after city of decayed old factories with windows broken out and empty parking lots taken over by grasses and weeds. Not a pretty picture. I wondered what those factories could have been; machine shops, textiles. Sweat shops of the past, long moved to other lucky countries. Now the sweat shops have moved to people's laps as they type, type, type away answering emails the second they arrive, reviewing masses of information, editing here and there just to get the words just right. Receiving calls quick as a flash through ear pieces that require no holding of the phone receiver as they confirm receipt of emails so instant responses are discussed. They multitask over to the black berry to text another message in parallel to someone on a conference call just so extra details and strategies are known for bigger impact.
The progress of the train slowed down as we started picking up more passengers from non-scheduled stops. It seems one of the more expensive quick trains had a broke down so those folks were on the slow train with us. I would be a little concerned had I purchased the high price ticket and then had to jump on a train with the slow pokes.
I finished my book in the dimly lite train. It is called Tenor in Love about some of the key women in Enrico Caruso's life. I started it on my daily half-hour bus ride to work and continued while waiting on stand-by at the airport. Reading is fun when the book is interesting and you can read a lot of pages at a time to fill in the story.
Stan started to read the Water for Elephants which is suppose to be good and interesting. He mostly lost interest and enjoyed watching the city and country side out the window. I gave him my knock off I Pod to listen to some tunes. When he cycled through the random music and came across a polka tune he whistled and tapped the beat on his tray table. Music does touch are heart.
He was on the edge of his seat as we passed from Connecticut into New York telling me about every bridge and building he knew as a young man living in the area. Rye Beach, New York was a place he had gone as a youngster on school outings. It was also the scene of that movie - Big - where Tom Hanks found the fortune teller.
As we crossed the Hellgate bridge over the East River Stan was enamored. The bridge really has a flare to its design. In Astoria he pointed out the swimming pool he would go to as a kid. The area was overgrown with trees now some 50 - 60 years later, but the pool was still there. Stan would hop on a bus with his buddies with his swim suit rolled up on a towel to have fun on a summer day. Can you imagine today kids would definitely need a backpack, water, cell phone, Ipod extra cash and of course an parental escort for a trip like that. Times have changed.
My memories of the corn fields in Colorado and Warroco swimming pool and roller rink in Island Grove Park don't hold a candle to Stan's experience with big city life.
As the train sped through New York, looking as the masses of houses with tiny tiny back yards crowding into neighbor's gave him confirmation of his decision as a young professional to move to the open spaces of Colorado. Glad he did too, or I never would have met him. No wonder we have such a big yard today.
We arrived at Washington DC about 5:30 or so for about a 9 hour trip. I would do it again. Glad that we packed a lunch and some snacks. They have things to buy, but they are limited. My brother Alan knows how to travel by train and he lines up his plans a head of time. I just jump on the train and off we go.
Union Station is a site to see. The architecture is amazing. It is so huge that a camera just can't capture that essence of the space. We caught a cab just outside the station and drove to our Hotel which was about a mile from all the sights. There is a subway and hotel provides drop off service to the major sights through out the day. I just picked a Best Western Capital Skyline though the Internet. It is handy, affordable and we were ready for a good nights sleep.
While waiting and hour or so for the next train we were treated to a couple of violinist playing classical and popular music in the waiting area. The acoustics in this expansive station was amazing. I tried to encourage Stan to dance a waltz with me in the open area, but he declined. No courage in front of streams of commuting strangers. The musicians had no hat to drop in a dollar. Either these guys dressed in tuxedos just wanted to play at 7 am in the morning in the station for the love of it or there is a program for the arts in Boston that brought them there.
We boarded the train, heaved our luggage into the overhead rack and settled in for the 8 - 9 hour ride to Washington DC. The train was surprisingly clean, quite and roomy. We could really stop off and stroll through in all the major cities; Providence, New York, Trenton (well maybe not), Philadelphia, Baltimore and then Washington. We will need to plan that next time.
The time whizzed by for a few hours. There were people carrying on business as if they had no concern that others overheard their conversations. They settled in making a couple of seats their office with laptops, blue tooth ear pieces and blackberries. They plugged into the power strip just below their window. I overheard talk of "need to take a deeper dive into the data" and plans for meetings and dinners with key people; verifying positions with this guy or that. I thought I was still at work. Work speak becomes the jargon of the day.
It seems that this is the new industry for America - services. We sped through city after city of decayed old factories with windows broken out and empty parking lots taken over by grasses and weeds. Not a pretty picture. I wondered what those factories could have been; machine shops, textiles. Sweat shops of the past, long moved to other lucky countries. Now the sweat shops have moved to people's laps as they type, type, type away answering emails the second they arrive, reviewing masses of information, editing here and there just to get the words just right. Receiving calls quick as a flash through ear pieces that require no holding of the phone receiver as they confirm receipt of emails so instant responses are discussed. They multitask over to the black berry to text another message in parallel to someone on a conference call just so extra details and strategies are known for bigger impact.
The progress of the train slowed down as we started picking up more passengers from non-scheduled stops. It seems one of the more expensive quick trains had a broke down so those folks were on the slow train with us. I would be a little concerned had I purchased the high price ticket and then had to jump on a train with the slow pokes.
I finished my book in the dimly lite train. It is called Tenor in Love about some of the key women in Enrico Caruso's life. I started it on my daily half-hour bus ride to work and continued while waiting on stand-by at the airport. Reading is fun when the book is interesting and you can read a lot of pages at a time to fill in the story.
Stan started to read the Water for Elephants which is suppose to be good and interesting. He mostly lost interest and enjoyed watching the city and country side out the window. I gave him my knock off I Pod to listen to some tunes. When he cycled through the random music and came across a polka tune he whistled and tapped the beat on his tray table. Music does touch are heart.
He was on the edge of his seat as we passed from Connecticut into New York telling me about every bridge and building he knew as a young man living in the area. Rye Beach, New York was a place he had gone as a youngster on school outings. It was also the scene of that movie - Big - where Tom Hanks found the fortune teller.
As we crossed the Hellgate bridge over the East River Stan was enamored. The bridge really has a flare to its design. In Astoria he pointed out the swimming pool he would go to as a kid. The area was overgrown with trees now some 50 - 60 years later, but the pool was still there. Stan would hop on a bus with his buddies with his swim suit rolled up on a towel to have fun on a summer day. Can you imagine today kids would definitely need a backpack, water, cell phone, Ipod extra cash and of course an parental escort for a trip like that. Times have changed.
My memories of the corn fields in Colorado and Warroco swimming pool and roller rink in Island Grove Park don't hold a candle to Stan's experience with big city life.
As the train sped through New York, looking as the masses of houses with tiny tiny back yards crowding into neighbor's gave him confirmation of his decision as a young professional to move to the open spaces of Colorado. Glad he did too, or I never would have met him. No wonder we have such a big yard today.
We arrived at Washington DC about 5:30 or so for about a 9 hour trip. I would do it again. Glad that we packed a lunch and some snacks. They have things to buy, but they are limited. My brother Alan knows how to travel by train and he lines up his plans a head of time. I just jump on the train and off we go.
Union Station is a site to see. The architecture is amazing. It is so huge that a camera just can't capture that essence of the space. We caught a cab just outside the station and drove to our Hotel which was about a mile from all the sights. There is a subway and hotel provides drop off service to the major sights through out the day. I just picked a Best Western Capital Skyline though the Internet. It is handy, affordable and we were ready for a good nights sleep.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Arboretum - Boston May 19, 2008
What a peaceful day walking through the almost deserted Arnold Arboretum in Boston. The place was a glow in Rhododendron in hues of pinks, peaches to brilliant raspberry red.
We walked through the trails up granite stairs to the hint of fragrance as soft as a petal. At the top of the stairs we caught a glimse of the tall lilacs in lavenders, white and deep plum. The clusters of flowers were so big they looked like grapes hanging from the branches. The scent was so inviting you just had to bury your nose in the lush blossoms. We happened across an old gent up the hill painting lilacs on canvas that looked were so real you could touch them. I remarked on the lovely fragrance and he only replied that all he smelled was terpintine.
Every tree was stately and tagged with the official species name as well as the common name. The bark on the cork tree drove deep into crevices. Vines clung to the tall oaks winding in beauty.
The dogwoods were in bloom in trees two stories tall. What beauty for the eye to behold.
We walked through the trails up granite stairs to the hint of fragrance as soft as a petal. At the top of the stairs we caught a glimse of the tall lilacs in lavenders, white and deep plum. The clusters of flowers were so big they looked like grapes hanging from the branches. The scent was so inviting you just had to bury your nose in the lush blossoms. We happened across an old gent up the hill painting lilacs on canvas that looked were so real you could touch them. I remarked on the lovely fragrance and he only replied that all he smelled was terpintine.
Every tree was stately and tagged with the official species name as well as the common name. The bark on the cork tree drove deep into crevices. Vines clung to the tall oaks winding in beauty.
The dogwoods were in bloom in trees two stories tall. What beauty for the eye to behold.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
John's Graduation May 18, 2008
Today is the day.
John Kropewnicki graduated with a Masters degree in Computer Science from Tuft's University.
Graduation was in the open grassy court yard surrounded by interesting collegiate buildings. The band played Pomp and Circumstance along with many other songs while the graduates marched in. Meridith Vieria was the commencement speaker. She said we don't know how we will get from A to B, but you always need to be ready to change your path when your gut feeling tells you to move on just as she did when she was quiting 60 minutes.
The ceremonies were followed by separate activities for the various disciplines. Engineering department had luncheon on the rolling back lawn. On the walk around campus before lunch, John took the opportunity to sit on the University President's lawn next to three foot tall tulips for a quick picture.
In early afternoon we went to the math and computer science presentation of the diplomas. It was intimate and enlightening to hear about the focus of studies for these young achievers. There were technical descriptions that I could only hope to understand from for the titles, let alone understand what the in depth studies were about.
We had a graduation party in John's driveway the evening before. Many of his friends from kick-ball, Rachel's co-workers and her family joined in the celebration.
What a happy day for us all.
John Kropewnicki graduated with a Masters degree in Computer Science from Tuft's University.
Graduation was in the open grassy court yard surrounded by interesting collegiate buildings. The band played Pomp and Circumstance along with many other songs while the graduates marched in. Meridith Vieria was the commencement speaker. She said we don't know how we will get from A to B, but you always need to be ready to change your path when your gut feeling tells you to move on just as she did when she was quiting 60 minutes.
The ceremonies were followed by separate activities for the various disciplines. Engineering department had luncheon on the rolling back lawn. On the walk around campus before lunch, John took the opportunity to sit on the University President's lawn next to three foot tall tulips for a quick picture.
In early afternoon we went to the math and computer science presentation of the diplomas. It was intimate and enlightening to hear about the focus of studies for these young achievers. There were technical descriptions that I could only hope to understand from for the titles, let alone understand what the in depth studies were about.
We had a graduation party in John's driveway the evening before. Many of his friends from kick-ball, Rachel's co-workers and her family joined in the celebration.
What a happy day for us all.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Somerville, MA - Walking the neighborhood
May 15, 2008
The three of us, Stan, Jamela and I, hurried to the airport for an early morning flight to Boston only to be stopped in our tracks by very pokey luggage check and hour wait in the security line. We scurried to the gate by the exact 8:30 take off time hoping the plane had been delayed, only to find the plane had long gone. Trudging to the customer service area to re-book another flight we found many of the same people who were caught a half hour or so in the maze of folks walking back and forth in the swirl security ropes. They too had missed their flights.
Oh well. The flights to Boston were booked solid for days. The only hope was for an opening in stand-by. We settled in to make various DIA gates our new living room where we could relax, read the paper or a book and watch people. The 10:30 plane filled and off we moved to another gate for the 12:15 flight.
We got to know the most interesting people who were also waiting. One young gal was wanting to get to Boston in the worse way so she could visit her family who she missed dearly in New Hamspire. Another had traveled a couple hours from the spring snow storm in the Colorado mountains only to miss her flight to Orlando. She was so looking forward to visiting her friends who had just moved to Jacksonville. A couple dressed in spike studded jackets and various facial piercings and ripped beige and black wide horizontal striped stockings missed their flight too. He carried a drum case, she a guitar or was that a cello. Maybe if things got really bad they could entertain us while we waited.
Back to the waiting area. At the 12:15 flight the announcement was made that this flight would be delayed for another two hours. It seems as the plane approached the gate, the walkway had kind of jammed into the plane and caused some type of damage that would take about 2 hours for the glue to dry. My, are they holding these planes together with glue now.
In about 15 minutes they found another plane, thank goodness. We all hurried to a different gate to watch as people boarded in masses. There were 10 stand-bys called and we were still waiting. We made plans about how we would do the logistics if one or two of us were called and the other had to wait in the stand-by lines again. After more waiting the attendant called for us and another guy to walk down the walk-way to the plane. Some how they didn't exactly have the correct count on board, I guess they ran out of fingers and toes so we had to wait right at the plane's door to see how many seats were available. There it was. He announced that there were three seats in various parts of the cabin and we could board. The other guy had to go wait for the next flight.
What a relief to sit down anywhere on a plane that was going to Boston. I forgot about my sandwich or a book to read that was packed in my carry-on as I had hurriedly tossed in the over compartment. It took us almost 6 hours of waiting to finally get a board. I bet that we will not be late again and will leave plenty of time for the security check in process.
John picked us up right away. We were so happy to see him.
He and Rachel have a little dog, Mulligan. The dog is a beagle type with soft flippy ears and a sweet disposition. Stan and I walked him around John's neighborhood the next morning while John tended to some business. The spring flowers were all abloom. The azalea in their bright pinks and rose were a blast of color.
That afternoon Jamela, Stan, John and I took a trip on the T (local subway) on the Green and Blue line to the Aquarium stop and jumped on a fairy to George's Island. Rachel was working on Friday. It was a brisk day. I wish I had left on my sweater with the wind breaker that I had wore while walking the dog in the morning as these Boston spring days can be deceiving. I can't say that I was shivering cold, but my hands were plenty chilly and a cup of tea and hot chocolate hit the spot. After a warm treat at Starbuck, which are on every street corner in Boston, we boarded the fairy. The sight of the city as we left the harbor was breath taking. We cozyied up inside for a brisk ride to one of the many islands in the harbor.
Georges Island is manned by more state park rangers than people on the fairy on this quiet cloud day. We opted to a self guided tour to mill around the place. This was Fort Warren, built in 1870 with rows of cannons perched at the top of the hills staged to protect Boston Harbor. The sleeping and cooking quarters were made of large blocks of granite. Inside were arched ceilings with bricks meticulously placed to lock in the arches. During the civil war this Fort was used for about 2,000 prisoners. It was interesting to walk up the curved staircases through darken encasement up to the grassy roofs where the cannons were kept. The grounds were beautiful with thick lush grass and stately old trees.
We went on the next fairy and hours or so later back to Boston and more hot chocolate. John seemed to know where we were going as we walked through the city streets. We wondered around for a while looking for a pizza place through short curving streets wide enough for one car. This was the North End, or so they say. We came out onto a two car street with shops all around. A few more blocks walk we found a place for pizza. It was about 3 in the afternoon and we were pretty cold and hungry. We ordered a large pizza to share. This area is known for the Italian food and great pastries. Wow. They are not kidding. It was the best pizza I've had. The crust was just perfect; thin enough to be crispy, with enough body to be extra delicious. The cheese was not the cardboard tasting Colorado stuff, but was yummy. They provided a dish of freshly grated Parmesan to top it off. To die for.
As we left the restaurant, I notice a bunch of people waiting in line at the bakery across the street. John said this area was known for great cannoles and marzipan (sugary almond paste). We waited in line a while, but decided to try the more touristy shop called Mike's Pastries. What a variety they had. Although we didn't buy any marzipan, it was eye candy with colors of the rainbow formed in delightful shapes.
We picked out a couple of canolies to share and some chocolate dipped crispy cookies. They wrapped them in a box and tied it with a string, just like you imagine from the old time bakeries. Off to ride the T again to our last stop where we can munch on our bakery buys. We used a Charlie Card to pay for the subway. You load the card with some money and then click each person through. This is named after the Charlie from that old Kingston Trio song - Will he ever return. You know the one about the Boston subway ride Charlie was taking?
John treated us to the famous Duck tour through the streets of Boston. The tour starts at the Museum of Science, which has many things to see while we waited for our tour. We enjoyed people coming and going up and down the staircase, as each step activated a different tone. As people used the staircase it sounded like a melody. The cannolis were delightful, by the way, filled with just the right texture of vanilla and chocolate cream. We watched people spin pennies around a funnel with the same concept as black holes. I used up all my pennies on Cannolies.
On to the Duck tour. By six in the evening it was raining pretty hard. Of course, those unbrellas I brought along were still packed in the luggage next to the sweater laying on the bed. We climbed in these amphious vehicals toward the front that was covered kind of with a tarp with windows and snoggled together to keep warm. I could feel the heat on the floor, but was glad our seats were not in the back where they had army blankets on the seats to bundle up in as the area was more in the open. The tour guide was a kick and talked speedily the whole time with hardly a breath between sentences. You could see the buildings he was talking about through the drizzle. He went through places we have never gone before. As we passed through crowed streets people on the Duck chimed out Quack Quack as people on the street answered back Qwack Quack. There were no Qwack zone where you could only quack with our hands. It key was to alert one of the people walking to give you a hand quack back. We did and we all laughed hardily.
At the end of the tour we went into the Charles River for a big loop around. He asked if someone wanted to drive the Duck. John raised his hand, but then encouraged Stan to take the wheel. He did and felt like a star.
What a fun day.!.
The next day we cooked and prepared for John's graduation party. Luckily it was a beautiful warm spring day for an outdoor cook out. A couple hours before the party we all piled in the Jeep to take Mulligan, their Beagle to the dog park. This was in Middle Fells about 5 - 10 minutes away from their home. The place previously was full of quaries and known for lumbering. It was too rocky to farm and in early days no one wanted to live there. It was called Fells as many of the trees had fallen down. It is a gem in the middle of metro Boston crowded streets and multi-level homes with rolling meadows and a stream near-by for dogs to take a swim. This is a gorilla or casual dog park where friendly dogs run through the tall grasses in earnest finding pleasure in playful frolicking through the country side.
The three of us, Stan, Jamela and I, hurried to the airport for an early morning flight to Boston only to be stopped in our tracks by very pokey luggage check and hour wait in the security line. We scurried to the gate by the exact 8:30 take off time hoping the plane had been delayed, only to find the plane had long gone. Trudging to the customer service area to re-book another flight we found many of the same people who were caught a half hour or so in the maze of folks walking back and forth in the swirl security ropes. They too had missed their flights.
Oh well. The flights to Boston were booked solid for days. The only hope was for an opening in stand-by. We settled in to make various DIA gates our new living room where we could relax, read the paper or a book and watch people. The 10:30 plane filled and off we moved to another gate for the 12:15 flight.
We got to know the most interesting people who were also waiting. One young gal was wanting to get to Boston in the worse way so she could visit her family who she missed dearly in New Hamspire. Another had traveled a couple hours from the spring snow storm in the Colorado mountains only to miss her flight to Orlando. She was so looking forward to visiting her friends who had just moved to Jacksonville. A couple dressed in spike studded jackets and various facial piercings and ripped beige and black wide horizontal striped stockings missed their flight too. He carried a drum case, she a guitar or was that a cello. Maybe if things got really bad they could entertain us while we waited.
Back to the waiting area. At the 12:15 flight the announcement was made that this flight would be delayed for another two hours. It seems as the plane approached the gate, the walkway had kind of jammed into the plane and caused some type of damage that would take about 2 hours for the glue to dry. My, are they holding these planes together with glue now.
In about 15 minutes they found another plane, thank goodness. We all hurried to a different gate to watch as people boarded in masses. There were 10 stand-bys called and we were still waiting. We made plans about how we would do the logistics if one or two of us were called and the other had to wait in the stand-by lines again. After more waiting the attendant called for us and another guy to walk down the walk-way to the plane. Some how they didn't exactly have the correct count on board, I guess they ran out of fingers and toes so we had to wait right at the plane's door to see how many seats were available. There it was. He announced that there were three seats in various parts of the cabin and we could board. The other guy had to go wait for the next flight.
What a relief to sit down anywhere on a plane that was going to Boston. I forgot about my sandwich or a book to read that was packed in my carry-on as I had hurriedly tossed in the over compartment. It took us almost 6 hours of waiting to finally get a board. I bet that we will not be late again and will leave plenty of time for the security check in process.
John picked us up right away. We were so happy to see him.
He and Rachel have a little dog, Mulligan. The dog is a beagle type with soft flippy ears and a sweet disposition. Stan and I walked him around John's neighborhood the next morning while John tended to some business. The spring flowers were all abloom. The azalea in their bright pinks and rose were a blast of color.
That afternoon Jamela, Stan, John and I took a trip on the T (local subway) on the Green and Blue line to the Aquarium stop and jumped on a fairy to George's Island. Rachel was working on Friday. It was a brisk day. I wish I had left on my sweater with the wind breaker that I had wore while walking the dog in the morning as these Boston spring days can be deceiving. I can't say that I was shivering cold, but my hands were plenty chilly and a cup of tea and hot chocolate hit the spot. After a warm treat at Starbuck, which are on every street corner in Boston, we boarded the fairy. The sight of the city as we left the harbor was breath taking. We cozyied up inside for a brisk ride to one of the many islands in the harbor.
Georges Island is manned by more state park rangers than people on the fairy on this quiet cloud day. We opted to a self guided tour to mill around the place. This was Fort Warren, built in 1870 with rows of cannons perched at the top of the hills staged to protect Boston Harbor. The sleeping and cooking quarters were made of large blocks of granite. Inside were arched ceilings with bricks meticulously placed to lock in the arches. During the civil war this Fort was used for about 2,000 prisoners. It was interesting to walk up the curved staircases through darken encasement up to the grassy roofs where the cannons were kept. The grounds were beautiful with thick lush grass and stately old trees.
We went on the next fairy and hours or so later back to Boston and more hot chocolate. John seemed to know where we were going as we walked through the city streets. We wondered around for a while looking for a pizza place through short curving streets wide enough for one car. This was the North End, or so they say. We came out onto a two car street with shops all around. A few more blocks walk we found a place for pizza. It was about 3 in the afternoon and we were pretty cold and hungry. We ordered a large pizza to share. This area is known for the Italian food and great pastries. Wow. They are not kidding. It was the best pizza I've had. The crust was just perfect; thin enough to be crispy, with enough body to be extra delicious. The cheese was not the cardboard tasting Colorado stuff, but was yummy. They provided a dish of freshly grated Parmesan to top it off. To die for.
As we left the restaurant, I notice a bunch of people waiting in line at the bakery across the street. John said this area was known for great cannoles and marzipan (sugary almond paste). We waited in line a while, but decided to try the more touristy shop called Mike's Pastries. What a variety they had. Although we didn't buy any marzipan, it was eye candy with colors of the rainbow formed in delightful shapes.
We picked out a couple of canolies to share and some chocolate dipped crispy cookies. They wrapped them in a box and tied it with a string, just like you imagine from the old time bakeries. Off to ride the T again to our last stop where we can munch on our bakery buys. We used a Charlie Card to pay for the subway. You load the card with some money and then click each person through. This is named after the Charlie from that old Kingston Trio song - Will he ever return. You know the one about the Boston subway ride Charlie was taking?
John treated us to the famous Duck tour through the streets of Boston. The tour starts at the Museum of Science, which has many things to see while we waited for our tour. We enjoyed people coming and going up and down the staircase, as each step activated a different tone. As people used the staircase it sounded like a melody. The cannolis were delightful, by the way, filled with just the right texture of vanilla and chocolate cream. We watched people spin pennies around a funnel with the same concept as black holes. I used up all my pennies on Cannolies.
On to the Duck tour. By six in the evening it was raining pretty hard. Of course, those unbrellas I brought along were still packed in the luggage next to the sweater laying on the bed. We climbed in these amphious vehicals toward the front that was covered kind of with a tarp with windows and snoggled together to keep warm. I could feel the heat on the floor, but was glad our seats were not in the back where they had army blankets on the seats to bundle up in as the area was more in the open. The tour guide was a kick and talked speedily the whole time with hardly a breath between sentences. You could see the buildings he was talking about through the drizzle. He went through places we have never gone before. As we passed through crowed streets people on the Duck chimed out Quack Quack as people on the street answered back Qwack Quack. There were no Qwack zone where you could only quack with our hands. It key was to alert one of the people walking to give you a hand quack back. We did and we all laughed hardily.
At the end of the tour we went into the Charles River for a big loop around. He asked if someone wanted to drive the Duck. John raised his hand, but then encouraged Stan to take the wheel. He did and felt like a star.
What a fun day.!.
The next day we cooked and prepared for John's graduation party. Luckily it was a beautiful warm spring day for an outdoor cook out. A couple hours before the party we all piled in the Jeep to take Mulligan, their Beagle to the dog park. This was in Middle Fells about 5 - 10 minutes away from their home. The place previously was full of quaries and known for lumbering. It was too rocky to farm and in early days no one wanted to live there. It was called Fells as many of the trees had fallen down. It is a gem in the middle of metro Boston crowded streets and multi-level homes with rolling meadows and a stream near-by for dogs to take a swim. This is a gorilla or casual dog park where friendly dogs run through the tall grasses in earnest finding pleasure in playful frolicking through the country side.
Spring Party 5/4/08
Rudy drove carefully into our driveway with a smile beaming across his face and a twinkle in his eyes. His wife Lorraine sat elegantly beside him as he backed the car into our driveway. They were fifteen minutes early. What a delight to see them in a 1929 Ford Model A.
The car was restored to the nines with shinny black fenders and a smoky tan body. It gleamed in the spring time sunny day in May. Not a spec of dust would dare settle on this gem. We rushed to the rolled down car window to greet them and compliment Rudy on his pride and joy. Lorraine told me he restored it from the ground up from boxes of scrap. I heard Rudy tell Stand it was just like his first car that was also a ’29 Ford Model A.
The rest of the guests trickled in and stopped short to admire the car and its beauty. Cameras came out of pockets and pause to catch this moment in time.
The group chatted happily as they moved to the back yard for an afternoon picnic. It was such a peaceful quiet sunny day. Two days earlier large snow flakes had fallen most of the day with chilly breezes in unpredictable Colorado weather. But not today. It was delightful.
Most of the 25 to 30 people knew each other from our dance club. Stan and I had planned the picnic on a Sunday dance day. Women were in flowing dresses and men in crispy ironed shirts added to the festive mood. We had planned this event for a couple of weeks and had started the baking and cooking on Friday. There was tasty food galore, featuring chicken tortilla soup, cabbage burgers and a bowl full of potato salad using Stan’s mom Alice’s recipe. There was plenty of chips and guacamole seven layer dip along with veggies. For dessert I made my Mom’s favorite picnic dessert, German chocolate cake, a cherry and peach pie using some frozen peaches from last years bountiful crop. The crowd mingled drinking mostly wind and a few beers.
We had three picnic table and numerous chairs we had collected over the years that were ready for the guests. Two of the picnic tables had scene better days. Back on the late 70’s we had a similar gathering of relatives in our back yard when we first moved back to Denver in 1976. The yard filled with my parents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and their children from my Mom’s side of the family. My Dad had driven from Greeley to Lakewood in his pick-up with a picnic table. He hadn’t said he was even coming, but somehow knew I would need it. It sure helped provide more seating and table space.
That year we had moved our kitchen table and chair outside too. That old maple table with early American style chairs has long since been replaced as our kitchen table. However, unable to toss out usable things, the old kitchen table and chair have been neatly stored in our backyard shed just for these spring parties. People never seem to complain about the outdated style when they enjoy an afternoon in our yard.
The other redwood picnic table has a history of its own. It had belonged to Stan’s Dad, John, and was a discard from the New York Parks Service where John had spent his career. The table was designed so the benches were bolted to the table’s frame. Alice and her second husband Mitch, had delivered the word and hardwood on a drive they made in the 70’s from Florida to Denver. That is a long way to haul wood. How could we ever part with that table. That year Stan sanded down each piece of wood and put the table back together. It was our key backyard dinning place for years. It weathered away as did my Dad’s table over the years. One year I added a coat of redwood stain to both to perk them up.
By the late 80’s John, our son, had bought himself a home in Longmont. Time to fix up the park service table again. Apart it came, sanding began to each board. The wood was so dense and soon was smooth as a baby’s skin. When they were finished the table moved to John’s backyard. By the mid 90’s John’s company sold out to Brook’s automation and moved the company to Boston. Back came the park service table to our yard. It was put off to the back of the yard with Dad’s table and all the other accumulated piles of wood, compost pile and the like.
But on this party day in 2008 all the table came out to the middle of the yard. No time this year to stain and sand, so Stan using his creativity came up with the idea to cover the seats to smooth rough spots for people to sit in their dancing clothes. Both old tables got the bright red covers from a role of fabric that had been stored at the apartment.
Everyone smiled and had a great day.
The car was restored to the nines with shinny black fenders and a smoky tan body. It gleamed in the spring time sunny day in May. Not a spec of dust would dare settle on this gem. We rushed to the rolled down car window to greet them and compliment Rudy on his pride and joy. Lorraine told me he restored it from the ground up from boxes of scrap. I heard Rudy tell Stand it was just like his first car that was also a ’29 Ford Model A.
The rest of the guests trickled in and stopped short to admire the car and its beauty. Cameras came out of pockets and pause to catch this moment in time.
The group chatted happily as they moved to the back yard for an afternoon picnic. It was such a peaceful quiet sunny day. Two days earlier large snow flakes had fallen most of the day with chilly breezes in unpredictable Colorado weather. But not today. It was delightful.
Most of the 25 to 30 people knew each other from our dance club. Stan and I had planned the picnic on a Sunday dance day. Women were in flowing dresses and men in crispy ironed shirts added to the festive mood. We had planned this event for a couple of weeks and had started the baking and cooking on Friday. There was tasty food galore, featuring chicken tortilla soup, cabbage burgers and a bowl full of potato salad using Stan’s mom Alice’s recipe. There was plenty of chips and guacamole seven layer dip along with veggies. For dessert I made my Mom’s favorite picnic dessert, German chocolate cake, a cherry and peach pie using some frozen peaches from last years bountiful crop. The crowd mingled drinking mostly wind and a few beers.
We had three picnic table and numerous chairs we had collected over the years that were ready for the guests. Two of the picnic tables had scene better days. Back on the late 70’s we had a similar gathering of relatives in our back yard when we first moved back to Denver in 1976. The yard filled with my parents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and their children from my Mom’s side of the family. My Dad had driven from Greeley to Lakewood in his pick-up with a picnic table. He hadn’t said he was even coming, but somehow knew I would need it. It sure helped provide more seating and table space.
That year we had moved our kitchen table and chair outside too. That old maple table with early American style chairs has long since been replaced as our kitchen table. However, unable to toss out usable things, the old kitchen table and chair have been neatly stored in our backyard shed just for these spring parties. People never seem to complain about the outdated style when they enjoy an afternoon in our yard.
The other redwood picnic table has a history of its own. It had belonged to Stan’s Dad, John, and was a discard from the New York Parks Service where John had spent his career. The table was designed so the benches were bolted to the table’s frame. Alice and her second husband Mitch, had delivered the word and hardwood on a drive they made in the 70’s from Florida to Denver. That is a long way to haul wood. How could we ever part with that table. That year Stan sanded down each piece of wood and put the table back together. It was our key backyard dinning place for years. It weathered away as did my Dad’s table over the years. One year I added a coat of redwood stain to both to perk them up.
By the late 80’s John, our son, had bought himself a home in Longmont. Time to fix up the park service table again. Apart it came, sanding began to each board. The wood was so dense and soon was smooth as a baby’s skin. When they were finished the table moved to John’s backyard. By the mid 90’s John’s company sold out to Brook’s automation and moved the company to Boston. Back came the park service table to our yard. It was put off to the back of the yard with Dad’s table and all the other accumulated piles of wood, compost pile and the like.
But on this party day in 2008 all the table came out to the middle of the yard. No time this year to stain and sand, so Stan using his creativity came up with the idea to cover the seats to smooth rough spots for people to sit in their dancing clothes. Both old tables got the bright red covers from a role of fabric that had been stored at the apartment.
Everyone smiled and had a great day.
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