Home from D.C.

Ford's TheaterPeterson's Home ( House where Lincoln died)

The Theater Box

The room where Lincoln died.

The room where we are now.

We are well on our way home. We started off the day with breakfast at the Inn. Twice baked potatoes with scrambled egg and toppings of green onion, tomatoes and beacon bits, fresh fruit and blue berry lemon scones. After that we devised a game plan for our last day in DC. We got on the metro down town only to find out that half way there it was going to stop short of our destination. We hopped off the bus and hoofed the remaining several blocks to Ford's Theater. We got there a little after 10am and thought we would have to wait for the next tour but we lucked out and was one of the last ones to get tickets. We walked in and entered the theater setting in the balcony. Directly to our right was the presidents box marked with a picture of President Washington to designate its intention. The tour told in great detail how Mr. Booth planned and undertook his criminal actions and why. After the tour we did a little souvenir shopping while waiting for the school kids at the Peterson's home to clear out. The Peterson's house was a small home and after entering the home it took only a dozen steps or so to find us in the room where our 16th president died. All items in the room are original except ironically the bed that Lincoln died in. Apparently it is on loan to a museum in Chicago, IL. After we finished our short walk through we made our way to the Metro stop and was on our way back to the car. We headed out of town heading North and following the GPS directions. The route took us into Maryland for a short time and then down through West Virginia. As the sun started to fade and we were all road weary we pulled into the Hampton Inn at Ashland, KY. We just have a few short hours until we will be home and I think we will all be happy to get there. We had a great vacation and have seen a lot but we are ready to be home.

Last Day D.C.

Today we slowed it down a bit. Just a bit. We started off checking into times for the Holocaust Museum and in waiting for our time we went over to the Smithsonian Institute American History Museum. It was very interesting and I enjoyed it very much. It seemed like everywhere we were today we were covered up with high school kids. Lets just say after listening to them for more than 5 minutes is too much. They dont pay those teachers enough. After the museum we went back to the Holocaust Museum for our scheduled time. Following this we went to The Old Post Office and up to the observation deck. Here is a few pictures from the day.

Abraham Lincolns Top Hat

Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis and Rocky II boxing gloves

Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers from the Wizard of Oz.

Kermit the Frog

Archie Bunker's furniture

A Ninja Turtle

C3PO

Benjamin Franklin Memorial

Please see next post for more somber pictures.

More D.C. Pictures

Here are a few of the more somber pictures of the visit.

The Holocaust Museum
I cant explain the feeling when you go through this museum but everyone should go through it at least once.
The uniform of a solder injured in Irag. His purple heart and the device that was used to help save his right arm is also in the display. The shirt is cut from right wrist up to the collar area by trauma shears.

Abraham Lincoln Death Mask

Twisted Steel Beams from WTC Sept 11th Terrorist Attacks

One of the drums played at JFK funeral procession.

D.C. Day 2 and 3.

Day 2 started out bright and early with breakfast at the Inn. We had breakfast burritos, fresh fruit and yogurt, various cereals and cinnamon bread. We left on the Metro bus which was an experience. I think I know how sardines feel in the can. We arrived at the Mall area and was standing near Washington Monument. We then visited the Smithsonian Castle. After just a few shots there we went on to Jefferson Memorial, George Mason Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, DC World War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Memorial, John Paul Jones Memorial. At this time we were getting a little hungry so we stopped into Spy City Cafe. When we resumed our sight seeing we started with The Treasury Dept., William Sherman Memorial, the White House, The Willard (most prestigious hotel in DC.)We then came upon Black Jack Pershings Memorial, Ronald Reagan Building, J. Edger Hoover Building (FBI). We then went down to Union Station and enjoyed a refreshing iced Latte and rested our werry feet. Before long we were back on the Trolly and heading toward Smithsonian Space and Aeronautics Museum. At this time we decided it was time to find another place to grab a bite to eat and celebrate Ragged's B-day. After walking what seemed like miles we settle on a place called Clyde's. When we left Ragged stopped in Red Velvet for a B-day cupcake. By this time my feet were screaming so we grabbed a cab and headed back to the Inn for a well deserved night of rest. This morning we were back at it again. We left a little later so the Metro wasn't as crowded as the day before. We then jumped on the Trolley and got off near the Treasury Dept , General Grant and the Calvary Memorial. We then headed to the Capitol Building and before long was standing in Emancipation Hall awaiting our tour. We toured around the Capitol and even got to go into the Senate session but only saw one Senator Evan Bye. We then got to see the old senate chambers and old supreme court chamber. We also saw the room of archways and pillars that hold up the massive dome and was to be the final resting place of George Washington, but his family objected. We took the tunnel to the Library of Congress and was astounded by the intricate detail of the decor. We looked over what is left of Thomas Jefferson Library that survived a fire and we walked by the Justice Dept Building and by the Meade Memorial. We walked pass the Canadian Embassy and on to the National Archives Museum were we saw the Bill of Rights, Magna Carta, Constitution of the United Sates and the Declaration of Independence. The evening was getting late and our bellies were empty so we went into McCormick and Schmick's for supper. We then got on the metro for the return ride back to the Inn. We have plans to see the Holocaust Museum, Fords Theater and anther Smithsonian Museum tomorrow. Good night everyone.

Here is a few pictures from our trip.

Black Jack Pershing Memorial

White House

William Sherman Memorial

Korean War Memorial

DC World War Memorial

John Paul Jones Memorial

WWII Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

Veitnam Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

FDR Memorial

George Mason Memorial

Smithsonian Castle

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Washington Monument

Supreme Court Building

General Grant Memorial

Capitol Building

Library of Congress

Washington D.C. Vacation 2009

Just a few of the over 290,000 tombstones.

John F. Kennedy and family grave site.
Memorial and grave site of the Challenger and Columbia crew.The mast of the US Maine.The tomb of the unknown solder.Iwo Jima Memorial.

We broke out of Asheville dark and early this morning and was on the road North. After a short stop at IHOP we continued on our way. The rain seemed to chase us the whole way on our 7 hour drive only for it to loose us in the last hundred miles or so and give us some partly cloudy with occasional sun. When we set the GPS we found our route to go near Arlington Cemetery so on our way into town we stopped in. After getting our ticket for the tour. Before long we were drive through what seemed like endless grave stones. The magnitude of this is only hinted in some of the pictures in which I tried in vain to convey. On the tour we first arrived at the grave of the Kennedy's. We then watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown solders which was very moving. We visited the mast and anchor of the US Maine. The grave site of the 2 space shuttle crews. And last but not least was the Lee Manor with garden in the back with an amazing view of some of the monuments in DC. We walked through the Cemetery and over to the Iwo Jima War Memorial. I had seen pictures of this memorial but in person the monument is larger than expected. It was amazing to be able to see it in person. After we returned to our car we navigated the crazy road to our B&B. All I can say about driving in DC is that if you try it you are crazy and thank the heavens Cynical was driving. I will post more as the week progresses. Good night.

Asheville, N.C. Vacation 2009

The fountain in front of the Inn.

Pretty much since we have been here we have been on the go. We arrived at the Inn around 6pm Friday and after we got somewhat settled in, we headed out to meet up with Ragged's brother "P". When we arrived at his home which is under major renovation we found "P" in the garden. The yard is pretty much one large garden spotted with planting areas if various fruit and vegetable plants. The home once small and cozy is in the process of expansion with a little one on the way. "P" was very gracious and presented us with a very Southern tradition/refreshment of sweet tea. Also along the stone steps and walkway up to the house was several yellow inverted and elongated triangles sticking up out of the earth like flowers spelling out the words "Happy Birthday" in celebration for one of our co-travellers Ragged. After the tour of the property and home we headed toward Rezaz. The food was very good and the presentation was amazing. Our waiter was very helpful with some of our selections. We started off with an appetizer of grilled flat bread with salami, asparagus and mozzarella cheese. The second of our appetizers was Reza Meza which was feta, warm pita and served with 3 spreads. One was a red bean humus, muhamara, babaganouj. This was followed by a grilled vegetable salad and my main course was Braised Beef Brisket with potatoes with herb, green beans and horseradish sauce. It was all very good and as the night went on I found my eyes getting very heavy. We thought about a stop at Chocolate Fetish to satisfy a late night sweet tooth but decided to go back to the Inn and call it a night. The jacuzzi tub was very relaxing and shortly after that I went right to sleep. The next morning we headed down to breakfast which started off with a cinnamon and brown sugar muffin followed by honey dew melon in a white wine reduction with raspberry sauce and fresh mint. The main course was asparagus and eggs florentine with fresh fruit. After breakfast we headed out to start our adventure at LEAF. We arrived on a bit of a soggy note but after a short wait in the car we were on the shuttle van and in route. When we arrived there was tents as afar as the eye could see. Hundreds of multi colored dome tents dotted the rolling hill side and what seemed like every inch of available ground. There were a lot of people mingling around and having a good time. All of the craft booths were very interesting and the people very courteous. The soggy ground didn't seem to be effecting anyones spirit. As the evening went on we heard live music , contra dancing and poet slam. We arrived back at the Inn around 10pm after a fruitless coffee house search as the jacuzzi tub was once again calling my name to wash off my souvenirs/badge of honor of mud speckles from my day at LEAF. Today we arrived at breakfast and to start off was a blueberry muffin. To follow,an apple baked with brown sugar and a raspberry sauce. The main course was pancakes with sweet and spicey beacon and fresh fruit. After breakfast we lounged around Cynical and Ragged's room and was getting ready to head out for the day. We drove to the Highland Park Inn at a resaurant called Seasons. We had Mother's Day reservations and arrived a little before 1pm. We were seated near a large stone fireplace which was not in use on such a nice day. The ladys of the group were presented carnations in honor of the holiday and the meal was buffet style. The food on the bar seemed to be overflowing in the manner they were presented. Various vegatables in bunches and soups started off the meal and then moved on to the main courses. Ham, turkey and chicken were all present along with various cheeses and other side type dishes. They had several desserts with 3 styles of cheese cake. I couldn't decide so I had the New York lime and dark chocolate and walnut. The food was very good and after we all had our fill we decided to walk the grounds to settle our food. The area surrounding the Inn was very neat. A lake ringed by several cabins, farm areas and greenhouses. After spending time down by the lake we decided it was time to go. On the way back to the Inn we stopped at a couple of antique shops. The Screen Door and Tobacco Barn had alot of neat items and almost too many to look over in one visit. Afterwards we returned to the Inn while our fellow travelers went on for a get together with some family.Tomorrow moring we will be in route for Washington DC and the second part of our adventures. Hope you are having a great day.