George Washington-Here We Come!

We left DC and headed for Mt. Vernon and the home of George and Martha Washington. It is a typical home/estate of the time with a spectacular view of the Potomac River. Washington thought this river would be the main waterway highway in the area. Wonder what he would think of our freeways?! The home hosted many events and meetings where important people like Jefferson, Adams, Hancock and many more came to have a meal and discuss issues of the colonies. His actual chair is on display where he made so many important decisions as the first President.

There is also a wonderful museum on the property that really gives a better idea of life during his time as well as the lives of Washington and his family. Very educational and well done. Wouldn't you love to have this view to sit and stare at every afternoon and evening!

The Eternal Flame and Unknown Soldier Monument

Where were you when JFK was assassinated? I think we all remember what we were doing that afternoon. Never did I think I would be able to see the eternal flame that was lit in our President's honor. Well, today I saw it and while very simple and unremarkable, it was quite moving and beautiful. Along side it were simple markers identifying where he was buried along with Jackie O beside him, and two children of theirs. I don't remember them having two other children who died. Patrick died at birth or soon after and there was a stillborn child (whose grave there, but is left unnamed).

Just down the hill are two simple crosses each with a marble marker for JFK's brothers, Robert and Edward. When the remains of JFK Jr. were found, they were cremated and scattered at sea.

This is an amazing place to visit. It is nothing like the Riverside National Cemetery where mom and dad are buried. It made me proud to have a parent who served in the Navy and how the service has made arrangements for both my parents to be buried together.

We also went to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and happened to get there at the time when they were changing the guard. The tomb itself is quite large and overlooks much of DC.

From that location you could also view many white grave markers that we see so often in National Cemeteries. It was very hushed there although we saw no current funeral taking place.

The Red-Eye

There is no question in my mind why they call airline flights that leave at 10:30 p.m. and arrive at some early hour the next day "The Red-Eye." Not only do your eyes kill you, but your whole body feels thrashed. We boarded a nice airbus headed for Charlotte, NC at 10:10 last night and arrived at 6:30 NC time...or really 3:30 according to my internal clock today. So, not only do you not sleep well (if at all), but they get you up in the middle of the night and shoo you off the plane!

We got off the plane into the terminal, eat an airport breakfast, and get on another flight that will take us to Baltimore. Still no sleep...

We are at an old historic hotel called The Melrose. At some point I will try to insert pictures. Dan and I just crashed after grabbing a quick bite for lunch. We really wanted to walk around the city, but sleep was just unavoidable. We will be ready to go bright and early tomorrow morning (7 a.m.). Gosh, that reminds me of my teaching days!

The Hat

Yes, the "hat" was bought at Nordstrom's at a cost no person should pay for a hat, but dang, it is so cute! So why by a 50 SPF sun hat - cute or otherwise? Well, the curse of white skin is upon me. A week ago I had 5 pre-cancer spots burned from the back of my hand, one early cancer spot from a finger and another from my lip. Lastly, the dermatologist biopsied a spot from my cheek. The news is all good in that the suspected squamis cells on my cheek were not cancerous after all. My hand looks like %^&*, but will heal. The bottom line is-sunscreen and a hat at all times. It seems as if I just went through this a few months ago, but this time was the worst.

And of course this is just before the wedding and our vacation. So, I bought a hat. I look awful in hats-especially ball caps. So of course, where do I find a hat that looks okay? An expensive store! I will not reveal the outrageous price tag, but I AM trying to rationalize it as a medical expense in my head on my head. LOL. My sister, Beth, called me and asks if I wanted to borrow her $20 SPF 50 hat? What a twit!!

So we are leaving for the historic sites of America on Tuesday and I will take the hat. I had better not forget it somewhere or have it blown off the ship as we sail up to Canada. The picture was taken at La Jolla Shores at a wedding for one of Dan's employees. Doesn't he dress up nicely?? :)

Shower Time!

Yes, it is shower time- not bath time-but wedding shower time. We had a super-great time at Heidi's Bridal Shower. Invited were many of her girlfriends, her mom and other family relatives, and my family with 2 of my neighbors, Christa and Vanessa. I think there were about 20 of us in all.

Even Heidi's dad got in the action as he came and did some video work during the party along with helping haul stuff to and from the cars. The event was held at a condo complex clubhouse and was really nice. The day was sunny and

could not have been more perfect.

Yes, we played silly games- I won none, of course. Mostly

we ate and watched Heidi open gifts. And like an amazing young woman,

the thank you notes were received within a week

of the shower. I love this gal!!

She got lots of things from her registry including a huge Kitchen Aid mixer that will last her a lifetime. He mom is a quilter and made her a beautiful blanket. It is really a piece of art. She got the usual kitchen stuff and a nice cake server for the wedding cake and wedding toasting flutes by Vera Wang. I know she loved it all and has proudly displayed it in their tiny apartment just waiting to use it!

One of the best parts of the day was a tribute to Danny Boy. I kid you not, her bridesmaids

wrote up this little poem in honor of Danny the wiener dog, added pictures to it and framed it. Then they made sugar cookies in the shape of dogs, bones, dog houses and paws. They went with little clear cellophane bags so we had actual "doggie bags" to take home. It was so very cute :). The cookies were good too! Did you know that they even had engagement pictures taken with Danny in them!

It was nice to have the family and friends come out and support her big day. I think Jay said we have about 50 some days left till the big event and we can't wait!

Wandering through the Jewish Quarter

WOW is all I can say. This was such a change from the historical and spiritual pilgrimage we had spent the last 9 days on. We were about to mingle with the people as they shopped for the week. Now I am assuming there were grocery stores, but I never saw any other than what we saw at the Kibbutz. This place was wall to wall people, and you were bombarded with noise that was a cacophony of unfamiliar sounds and amazing colors. People were going about their daily lives; many pulling small collapsible carts behind them loaded with fresh meats, produce, bread, and desserts. I have never been to a place like this in my life! This is not like our USA farmer's market-well at least those found on the west coast.

When we arrived, Ido told us we had 2 1/2 hours on our own to shop, eat lunch, and take in the sites. And that is just what we did. Everyone was hungry, so we all scattered in hopes of finding the perfect lunch. Now Dan and I were smart...we asked Ido what he recommended

and since it was a cold day, he said he was off to get some stew. We of course joined him and what a great move that was! It was our favorite meal of the entire trip!! We went to this little tent building at the end of one of the rows of vendors and sat down for soup/stew.

I had a chicken and bean stew and as I recall, Dan had some sort of a beef dish. It was served with warm pita bread and of course hummus. I am telling you, it was amazing!

After lunch Dan and I left to explore the food stalls. Meats were hung from poles, stacked on crushed ice, or in cooler bins, but all of it was out in the open and unpackaged. So different than here. You and I would never consider buying meat this way!

The produce and dried fruits were displayed in layers and bowls. I have never seen such beautiful produce. And don't get me started on the pastries and bread. Oh, to die for! This was a great way to end our day.

From here we head back toward Joppa and then to Tel Aviv and the airport. Our plane left in the evening, but as expected, leaving the country was time-consuming as officials checked our documents and luggage. It is not easy getting a group of 19 onto a plane. Keep in mind, except for 4 kids in their 20's and one 34 year old, Dan and I were the youngest of the group! And there were a lot of women on the trip and you know what happens every time we see a restroom sign! The Israeli security is very thorough, but we made it with time to spare.

God surely blessed this trip. With all that we read in the papers today about Israel, we are so glad we went when we did and had faith that what was unfolding in Egypt at that time would not effect our trip. Our lives are forever changed and our faith is forever strengthened. If you ever get the chance to head toward Israel, please go. There just aren't words to describe how deeply being there affects you.

Feeding the Less Fortunate

On our last day we were able to spend three hours in the morning serving the less fortunate by working in a soup kitchen. Our task was to prepare the oranges. Easy and simple huh? NO!

All 19 of us put on aprons and gloves and were give a dull paring knife and a makeshift cutting board. By that I mean, a cutting board that was really the back side of a plastic storage container lid! We had to peel the oranges leaving as much pith on as possible so the guests could take advantage of the vitamins. After peeling hundreds (yes, hundreds-that is no typo) of oranges we began to chop them into squares. For many of the people who would attend for lunch this would be their only meal of the day.

We worked in rows of tables in a small room that served as an eating hall, cook prep area, and in the afternoon a sewing classroom. We found several small sewing needs on the floor. After all the or

anges were done, we wiped down the tables, shoved them aside and

literally hosed down the floor and then dried it. We reset the tables with chairs and it was ready to serve the first wave of guest. Meanwhile, in another area, the actual kitchen was bustling with other volunteers and paid workers in preparing the rest of the meal. If I recall they had a bean/protein dish, rice, vegetable soup, fruit salad and a bread. People could eat there or bring a small container from home and have it filled up and take it with them. No money is exchanged. Some of us filled trays to be served while others passed out food or served tables. I was a food tray preparer.

One of the facts we learned is that in the poorest sections of Israel, many of the folks were immigrants from Russia and elsewhere when no other country wanted them after the war. These people have limited Hebrew or English, and limited or no skills that could be used for a job. Many are quite old now, but we served many younger people as well. Statistically speaking, the poverty level in Israel is greater than that of Mexico! That is a fact that is very hard to comprehend. Living as close to the border as we do, it is hard to think about areas that suffer even greater poverty.

It was a blessing to have this opportunity and a wonderful way to spend our last day. But as our guide, Ido, would tell us daily, "Folks, you ain't seen nothing yet!" And he was right. We were off to spend our last afternoon milling about in the Jewish and Muslin Quarters of Jerusalem. So hold on, you are in for some amazing photos.