Lancaster, PA
Hello,
You might think I have lost it listing a capitol tour and yet we are in Lancaster. We have traveled here to visit friends, Leroy’s internship supervisor and his wife. That goes back a long ways. We met them 35 or 36 years ago and have not seen them for four year, but it has been 20 years since we have been here.
We went on a capitol tour last Thursday. It was great as we had a personal guide who is on the capitol staff. Sometimes it does make a difference who you know. With Staff clearance I did not have to throw away my metal water bottle as she was allowed to carry it for me. We were cleared to see the excellent informational movie at the first available moment instead of the afternoon as I heard others speak of. We went up the back elevator and ended up in the speaker’s office area where we could view her press conference room. I was impressed that the room was small, but apparently they can squeeze a number of press people in there. After that it was on to the room where joint meetings of congress are held. It was the main floor for us instead of up in the balcony. She showed us where she sits. The head of the pages met with us for a while and in that conversation she suggested that we might like to see the chapel which is not open to the public. Because she has worked there for 20 years she knows a number of people who waved her on through after introductions. Instead of the hour tour we were there for three hours with some of that time spent visiting on the veranda overlooking the city. We have been blessed.
Lunch in the cafeteria was a little out of control. Everything looked good so I went overboard on salad paid for by the ounce. Learned again weights are deceiving.
Tomorrow I will talk about the pins of Madeleine Albright.
Paula
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
In the Neighborhood
Washington DC
Hello,
Leroy and I walked to the library, a grocery store, and a health food store. Now we have reading material that can keep us entertained and some more vegetables.
We braved the heat the next morning to walk to the Rock Creek Church National cemetery. It was disappointing that the office was closed so we could not learn if there was some information about the place. Washington, Grant, and several others are engraved on pillars, but no indication that they are buried there. This computer is moving slowly so I do not want to take the time to look up anything extra.
At any rate we wandered around and looked at dates. There were some old graves in this place. It was also interesting to note the country of origin.
On the way back to the house we stopped at the Old Soldiers home where Lincoln’s cottage, or summer home, is located. We decided not to spend the money to tour it, but went to the free museum instead. It was quite interesting and informative.
Something I learned is: Lincoln was not advocating for social equality of the races, but only economic or work related equality. He felt that there should not be slaves and that all people should be able to work for their own gain.
I will have to say this was a nice place for a summer home as there were freshening breezes on the top of the hill. As have been all of the people who answer our questions, the staff there was very courteous and helpful. This is a helpful, friendly city. People sitting on their porches greeted us as we went past. Happened almost more than in the small towns, maybe because people in the towns seem to be hiding in air conditioned buildings so they do not see us.
Paula
Hello,
Leroy and I walked to the library, a grocery store, and a health food store. Now we have reading material that can keep us entertained and some more vegetables.
We braved the heat the next morning to walk to the Rock Creek Church National cemetery. It was disappointing that the office was closed so we could not learn if there was some information about the place. Washington, Grant, and several others are engraved on pillars, but no indication that they are buried there. This computer is moving slowly so I do not want to take the time to look up anything extra.
At any rate we wandered around and looked at dates. There were some old graves in this place. It was also interesting to note the country of origin.
On the way back to the house we stopped at the Old Soldiers home where Lincoln’s cottage, or summer home, is located. We decided not to spend the money to tour it, but went to the free museum instead. It was quite interesting and informative.
Something I learned is: Lincoln was not advocating for social equality of the races, but only economic or work related equality. He felt that there should not be slaves and that all people should be able to work for their own gain.
I will have to say this was a nice place for a summer home as there were freshening breezes on the top of the hill. As have been all of the people who answer our questions, the staff there was very courteous and helpful. This is a helpful, friendly city. People sitting on their porches greeted us as we went past. Happened almost more than in the small towns, maybe because people in the towns seem to be hiding in air conditioned buildings so they do not see us.
Paula
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Harper's Ferry
Hello,
I am a little late writing, but on July 5th we visited Harper’s Ferry. It was quite beautiful in the Shenandoah River valley.
I personally learned a lot about John Brown and his philosophies. The culture changed because of him. Whether he did the right thing at the right time is still a matter of opinion. The US armory and munitions factory were there which lured Brown to this site. So I learned some things about that too.
In the afternoon we toured an old church. It was a Catholic church. As we were leaving the guide asked if we were Catholic or Lutheran. Now our question is, “How did he narrow down the choices to those two?” Do we ooze Lutheran philosophy from our pores? We did ask some questions, but it is not clear how those might have tipped him off.
The heat was quite intense so we did cut our visit a bit short as we were wilting. Heat is quite pervasive here. I had no idea I could sweat so much. May be unladylike, but there is no stopping it.
One of the bonuses of this stop was that it is a national park so I was able to get my senior citizens pass. Leroy is just a young thing so he could not get it. I had been wanting that so now it is in hand or rather in my suitcase. The hard part might be having it with me when I want to use it. Because I walk so much I like to keep the load that I carry with me as trimmed down as possible.
Stephen and Sarah thought of going on this outing and I am happy that they did. It was great.
Paula
I am a little late writing, but on July 5th we visited Harper’s Ferry. It was quite beautiful in the Shenandoah River valley.
I personally learned a lot about John Brown and his philosophies. The culture changed because of him. Whether he did the right thing at the right time is still a matter of opinion. The US armory and munitions factory were there which lured Brown to this site. So I learned some things about that too.
In the afternoon we toured an old church. It was a Catholic church. As we were leaving the guide asked if we were Catholic or Lutheran. Now our question is, “How did he narrow down the choices to those two?” Do we ooze Lutheran philosophy from our pores? We did ask some questions, but it is not clear how those might have tipped him off.
The heat was quite intense so we did cut our visit a bit short as we were wilting. Heat is quite pervasive here. I had no idea I could sweat so much. May be unladylike, but there is no stopping it.
One of the bonuses of this stop was that it is a national park so I was able to get my senior citizens pass. Leroy is just a young thing so he could not get it. I had been wanting that so now it is in hand or rather in my suitcase. The hard part might be having it with me when I want to use it. Because I walk so much I like to keep the load that I carry with me as trimmed down as possible.
Stephen and Sarah thought of going on this outing and I am happy that they did. It was great.
Paula
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
In Washington, DC
Hello,
We had an uneventful trip as all planes were on time, smooth skies, and friendly people all around. The only thing that I can say is that on the metro young people did not offer us older folks a seat. This is not Slovakia where I kept thinking, “Do I look so old that I need a seat?” Here I was thinking “I look old enough for you to let me sit, especially with the bags I have.” Some people are never satisfied.
It was no problem to follow directions from the metro to their house since it is just a few blocks away. We arrived in time to have supper, or dinner depending on your orientation, and then head off for the capitol mall for the fireworks. We took lawn chairs, but I learned that they were for sitting in before the show started as we would stand during the display. That is a first in my life since I have either sat or even lain down. The point of departure for the fireworks was somewhere close to the Washington monument and we were closer to the capitol consequently the light was more visible if standing. Also there was not much sense of the noise because of the distance. Considering my hearing that is not a bad thing, but it took a little adjustment as the noise seems to be a part of the experience in my mind.
Leroy commented, “I really enjoyed being down there, seeing the people, and seeing the fireworks at the capitol of the country.” There certainly were a lot of people. Before the show started it was a constant hum of talk, but much of it was on phones. Most people had some type of electronic devise that was in use a good bit of the time.
We have seen fireworks in Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Utah, Minnesota, DC, and Slovakia. I would have to say that Slovakia gets top billing in my book. They had some interesting shows.
By the way, four adults and one child in a car seat do fit in a Prius, snug, but not crammed.
Paula
We had an uneventful trip as all planes were on time, smooth skies, and friendly people all around. The only thing that I can say is that on the metro young people did not offer us older folks a seat. This is not Slovakia where I kept thinking, “Do I look so old that I need a seat?” Here I was thinking “I look old enough for you to let me sit, especially with the bags I have.” Some people are never satisfied.
It was no problem to follow directions from the metro to their house since it is just a few blocks away. We arrived in time to have supper, or dinner depending on your orientation, and then head off for the capitol mall for the fireworks. We took lawn chairs, but I learned that they were for sitting in before the show started as we would stand during the display. That is a first in my life since I have either sat or even lain down. The point of departure for the fireworks was somewhere close to the Washington monument and we were closer to the capitol consequently the light was more visible if standing. Also there was not much sense of the noise because of the distance. Considering my hearing that is not a bad thing, but it took a little adjustment as the noise seems to be a part of the experience in my mind.
Leroy commented, “I really enjoyed being down there, seeing the people, and seeing the fireworks at the capitol of the country.” There certainly were a lot of people. Before the show started it was a constant hum of talk, but much of it was on phones. Most people had some type of electronic devise that was in use a good bit of the time.
We have seen fireworks in Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Utah, Minnesota, DC, and Slovakia. I would have to say that Slovakia gets top billing in my book. They had some interesting shows.
By the way, four adults and one child in a car seat do fit in a Prius, snug, but not crammed.
Paula
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Seasoned Travelers
New Brighton, MN
Hello,
The e tickets are printed, Leroy’s bag is packed, Paula’s is in progress, the last decisions are made, and we will leave tomorrow at noon.
I should say that Brian gave us a list of jobs with the stipulation that we did not have to do them. It has taken more than a week to get most of them done. I weeded one day, but there are still some that I have not even looked at. We relaxed one day and spent much time with granddaughters and children. What could be a better way to spend time?
We even watched one movie, Slumdog Millionaire. We both thought it was good, but quite serious, certainly no laughing matter.
I think before I left Chariton I was depressed, had no energy, just read books, and sighed. I am sorry to say that I did not do as much cleaning as I should have or as much organizing ahead of time. It is so hard to think of leaving friendly people, places, and energy. Course there are those regular routines that life falls into such as church and quilting. To think they can quilt without me. That is not true, they can quilt without me as I only have the skills of tying and cutting.
Now I am reading a book by Dave Barry and that is helping me to laugh. Course anyone under four is good for one laugh or more per day.
Paula
Hello,
The e tickets are printed, Leroy’s bag is packed, Paula’s is in progress, the last decisions are made, and we will leave tomorrow at noon.
I should say that Brian gave us a list of jobs with the stipulation that we did not have to do them. It has taken more than a week to get most of them done. I weeded one day, but there are still some that I have not even looked at. We relaxed one day and spent much time with granddaughters and children. What could be a better way to spend time?
We even watched one movie, Slumdog Millionaire. We both thought it was good, but quite serious, certainly no laughing matter.
I think before I left Chariton I was depressed, had no energy, just read books, and sighed. I am sorry to say that I did not do as much cleaning as I should have or as much organizing ahead of time. It is so hard to think of leaving friendly people, places, and energy. Course there are those regular routines that life falls into such as church and quilting. To think they can quilt without me. That is not true, they can quilt without me as I only have the skills of tying and cutting.
Now I am reading a book by Dave Barry and that is helping me to laugh. Course anyone under four is good for one laugh or more per day.
Paula
Friday, July 2, 2010
Clean windows
New Brighton, MN
Hello,
It has been requested that I use the address of our current stay/home in the top lines. You all will know where we are on any one day. We will be leaving here on Sunday for DC. Can you believe that until I was 18 years old I had never spent a week away from home on the dairy farm? What a different life! Now do I ever spend a week in the same house?
For devotions we read the verse about the son of man having no place to lay his head. Is that us too? We have a place, but we do not presume to know where that place will be for the rest of the year or even in a month or two. Everyday I can say thank you that I am cared for on this day.
Today Leroy and I washed windows on one level in this house. I love to see the clean view. These are not easy windows to wash, but we did it by using an extension ladder, hanging out an open window, and getting muscles to work. Mostly all the hard work was done by Leroy while Sophia and I monitored progress as we worked on the inside.
If you want to hire window washers we think our fee would be about two thousand dollars for the upper level of the house. Not cheap, but clean for a day, guaranteed.
Later Sophia went in her little pool. She had on her swimsuit, but it was a difficult task. The first time both straps ended on the left side. The second attempt ended in a crazy type of twist that did not bother her. The third try was perfect. And I thought I had spatial skills. Somehow the straps of a little girl swimsuit were beyond my ability.
Paula
Hello,
It has been requested that I use the address of our current stay/home in the top lines. You all will know where we are on any one day. We will be leaving here on Sunday for DC. Can you believe that until I was 18 years old I had never spent a week away from home on the dairy farm? What a different life! Now do I ever spend a week in the same house?
For devotions we read the verse about the son of man having no place to lay his head. Is that us too? We have a place, but we do not presume to know where that place will be for the rest of the year or even in a month or two. Everyday I can say thank you that I am cared for on this day.
Today Leroy and I washed windows on one level in this house. I love to see the clean view. These are not easy windows to wash, but we did it by using an extension ladder, hanging out an open window, and getting muscles to work. Mostly all the hard work was done by Leroy while Sophia and I monitored progress as we worked on the inside.
If you want to hire window washers we think our fee would be about two thousand dollars for the upper level of the house. Not cheap, but clean for a day, guaranteed.
Later Sophia went in her little pool. She had on her swimsuit, but it was a difficult task. The first time both straps ended on the left side. The second attempt ended in a crazy type of twist that did not bother her. The third try was perfect. And I thought I had spatial skills. Somehow the straps of a little girl swimsuit were beyond my ability.
Paula
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Moved butnot settled
Hello,
We almost feel settled until I have to look for some object in six places, one of which is a suitcase, because I can’t remember were it is. Or it might happen that we want to fill some form out on the Internet and the worst line is address? What address? Where? Homeless is not an easy place to be. It may sound carefree, but that is an illusion.
Peace and quiet comes much closer when you subtract three from eight. It is especially valid if two of the three are under 3.5 years and slightly ill, which translates as fussy. This afternoon, Leroy and I went to bed when Sophia did. Leroy for sure beat her to sleep and I think (know but don’t really want to confess such) I fell asleep first too.
This morning a call told Miriam that their plane was delayed forty minutes. After consulting with the airline a later flight was booked out of Dallas. Then a second airline call indicated the flight would be an additional 20 plus minutes late. At least the first extra hour was spent here rather than in a plane or the airport. Miriam and girls left for Salt Lake with a stroller, two car seats, one large, carefully weighed check-in bag, an adult back pack, and a child back pack. She was going to use a redcap at the airport, but something was wrong with the system. Leroy reported that he dropped her off and a guy there said the check-in desk was just inside the door and he helped her slip all of this stuff up to the desk.
On the local front the park has wonders to behold. An egret stuck its neck up above the bushes and flew a little so we could get a good look at it. Then there were the two rushing baby ducks walking on water as they were startled by our presence.
Paula
We almost feel settled until I have to look for some object in six places, one of which is a suitcase, because I can’t remember were it is. Or it might happen that we want to fill some form out on the Internet and the worst line is address? What address? Where? Homeless is not an easy place to be. It may sound carefree, but that is an illusion.
Peace and quiet comes much closer when you subtract three from eight. It is especially valid if two of the three are under 3.5 years and slightly ill, which translates as fussy. This afternoon, Leroy and I went to bed when Sophia did. Leroy for sure beat her to sleep and I think (know but don’t really want to confess such) I fell asleep first too.
This morning a call told Miriam that their plane was delayed forty minutes. After consulting with the airline a later flight was booked out of Dallas. Then a second airline call indicated the flight would be an additional 20 plus minutes late. At least the first extra hour was spent here rather than in a plane or the airport. Miriam and girls left for Salt Lake with a stroller, two car seats, one large, carefully weighed check-in bag, an adult back pack, and a child back pack. She was going to use a redcap at the airport, but something was wrong with the system. Leroy reported that he dropped her off and a guy there said the check-in desk was just inside the door and he helped her slip all of this stuff up to the desk.
On the local front the park has wonders to behold. An egret stuck its neck up above the bushes and flew a little so we could get a good look at it. Then there were the two rushing baby ducks walking on water as they were startled by our presence.
Paula
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