It's our second Christmas as a married couple. And I think I've outdone myself this year - although Mark is sure to prove me wrong. I put a lot of thought into my gift giving this year.
My parents are coming out to Oklahoma from California. I can't believe it. Finally. They know Brianna pretty well, but they don't know Stephen and Shyanne at all. So to see them have fun together will be amazing to watch. Plus, Rachael's parents and my parents will finally meet. I think they'll get along splendidly. Time will tell..
What was I talking about before I digressed?? Oh yes: gift giving! We got each of the kids 3 gifts, plus I got to buy them gifts from my parents (so they don't have to ship). We picked names for the adults. I got my brother, Mark drew my dad, and my gramp drew Mark's name. So I got to buy gifts for Mark (from me and Gramp), my dad, and the kids. Plus, I got to nudge my mom on what to get for my gramp. I'm just really hoping everyone likes what they get, and that they realize this year is so special. It's special because it will be the first time that we will all be together as a family. Mom and Dad, their kids, and now their families. I'm relishing seeing my folks again. My dad and I usually do the Charger games during the season, but since I'm not there, I don't watch much football. So being able to just sit next to him and watch it on TV will have to be enough! Mom and I sit and talk and talk and talk ; then laugh and laugh and laugh - on the phone just isn't the same.
Christmas is supposed to be about being with family. Aunt Isy wrote in her Christmas letter this year that the best we can give others is the gift of our time. I read about my high school friend who battled cancer, and I realize that time is a gift. I exchange emails with new people I met after a mutual friend's suicide and I realize that time is a gift. But mostly, I think about my grandma, who passed away three years ago Thanksgiving. I think how much she would love to give her time with her great-grand babies; and I know time is a gift.
Since I've been attending church at Frisco, I've noticed little changes in myself. I've noticed that God sometimes asks me to do things. Not in the creepy "the voices told me to" kind of way. In the, "maybe I should send my brother a text right now so he knows that I'm thinking of him" kind of way. Used to be, I ignored those thoughts, and went about my way. Pastor Sandi's message one Sunday of "Don't ask me to do something God has called on you to do", just really hit home with me. So, I send my brother those messages. I tell my dad I love him every time I talk to him. And I call my Uncle Billy, just to ask him to help me with my new boots. I'm sure I could figure out the boots, but how cool that I get to hear about how to do it from my Uncle. I was just really compelled to do that.
Christmas is also a time to count your blessings. We should really do it all through the year, but Christmas is that magical time when I stop and really take inventory of all the things I have in my life. I have a wonderful husband, who takes good care of me. Our relationship isn't perfect, but I know that I can depend on him, and I love him so much. I have a fantastic family, an aunt who has opened her home and heart for me. I've got friends who take the time to keep in touch, even if I am living so far from them. I have my Libby kitty, who follows me all over the house. I have a great job, that pays me well, and keeps me busy. It's not my life's ambition, but I work with some truly fantastic individuals. And in all that, I try to keep love in my heart, and a smile on my face. Because when your life is as full as mine, you may not always get what you want (and ask Mark, I do still throw tantrums), but you certainly get what you need, and what God knows you should have.
So Merry Christmas, everyone. May your new year be merry, bright, and full of happiness!!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Finding Closure
In the midst of the past few days, I've been struggling to find closure with my friend, Joe's suicide. I've shared emails with his sister and his friends. I've shared with my aunt, my pastor, and a couple close friends. I think that while I talked and shared, what I was really searching for was an answer to the very basic question: WHY??
Joe's co-worker, Kari, and I have been exchanging emails quite a bit. I received an email from a friend of Joe's who wasn't on that fateful email notification. In all of it, I learned tidbits of information that I didn't know about Joe. I didn't know that Dickens, his beloved cat, died of heatstroke, after Joe attempted to cure him with home remedies. I didn't know that the same vet told him that he'd killed his own cat. I didn't know that while taking the train one day, he'd been assaulted. That he was beaten up badly. I didn't know that he'd been laid off from St. Baldricks, and that he'd found new work, but he didn't like it at all. I didn't know that he served several years in the Irish military. These and various other facts; all things I didn't know.
So why did Joe put my name on that email? Why did God fate me to cross paths with this person? I believe that people are put into you life for a reason, so what was his reasoning in crossing our lives?
I don't have any answers. And even though I scour the notes sent to me from his friends and acquaintences, the reality is, I may never know. Maybe that is the most frustrating part - not knowing. I hadn't spoken to Joe in quite some time, and in fact didn't know a lot about what was going on with him. Perhaps I should have called more often, or perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. Today, in this moment, all I can do is pray for healing for his family. And today, I can tell you a really funny story about my friend, Joe Kelly from Ireland. Today, I will choose to stop being angry with him, and I will be at peace that the hurt he was feeling is over, and mostly, I will thank God that he brought him into my life.
Joe's co-worker, Kari, and I have been exchanging emails quite a bit. I received an email from a friend of Joe's who wasn't on that fateful email notification. In all of it, I learned tidbits of information that I didn't know about Joe. I didn't know that Dickens, his beloved cat, died of heatstroke, after Joe attempted to cure him with home remedies. I didn't know that the same vet told him that he'd killed his own cat. I didn't know that while taking the train one day, he'd been assaulted. That he was beaten up badly. I didn't know that he'd been laid off from St. Baldricks, and that he'd found new work, but he didn't like it at all. I didn't know that he served several years in the Irish military. These and various other facts; all things I didn't know.
So why did Joe put my name on that email? Why did God fate me to cross paths with this person? I believe that people are put into you life for a reason, so what was his reasoning in crossing our lives?
I don't have any answers. And even though I scour the notes sent to me from his friends and acquaintences, the reality is, I may never know. Maybe that is the most frustrating part - not knowing. I hadn't spoken to Joe in quite some time, and in fact didn't know a lot about what was going on with him. Perhaps I should have called more often, or perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. Today, in this moment, all I can do is pray for healing for his family. And today, I can tell you a really funny story about my friend, Joe Kelly from Ireland. Today, I will choose to stop being angry with him, and I will be at peace that the hurt he was feeling is over, and mostly, I will thank God that he brought him into my life.
Friday, November 13, 2009
My friend, Joe
This week has just been the pits, really.
Back before I met Mark, I was involved with an organization called the Long Beach Jay Cees. I was elected to the board to do community type events. Early on, I had a run in with the president, and needless to say, my efforts with the Jay Cees ended with her ultimatum to me: my way or the highway. Not one to bow down to someone I don't agree with, I took the highway. While on board, I met an Irishman named Joe Kelly. He was here from Ireland, had been married to an American, but their marriage ended up in a nasty divorce. He was working with the Long Beach Symphony, and had managed to get us in to see a couple shows. When I parted the Jay Cees, Joe parted as well. Turns out he didn't take kindly to bullies either, and voila, a friendship was formed. Joe needed a volunteer, and I needed a new cause. So I started volunteering with the symphony. I would arrive before the show started, sit at a table, and do whatever it was that Joe needed me to do. Usually, I answered questions, passed out pamphlets, or gave directions. Joe would go off, doing whatever it was that he did, visiting with patrons, and making sure all was well. Every once in a while, he would come over and whisper to me about such and such patron who was a big wig in the community. Or we'd gawk at the outrageous outfits. But we certainly had a good time. I think I was with them for about 2 years while Joe was there.
Then Joe was fired.
I was horrified. I couldn't believe that they could treat him so horribly. I got an email with the horrible news, and I put Mark to work. One of his friends is an employment lawyer, and I was on a mission to right Joe's wrong. The person who did this - and I do remember who he is - was going rue the day he'd messed with my friend Joe, who worked so hard for so very little. And he was fired for no reason other than he'd asked for a raise. Joe decided he didn't want to pursue the legal path, but it didn't stop me. I didn't go back to volunteer with them. I did go back to Crescendo (their big fundraiser) a few times while Joe also volunteered. But I didn't go to performances, nor did I volunteer for the aforementioned person who fired Joe. Jerk.
So, Joe and I didn't get to see one another for some time after that. We'd talk sometimes, or we'd email. We connected on myspace. I'd get the occasional joke, or I'd forward one off.
On Monday morning, I sat at my desk, and opened up my email. Never in my wildest imagination would I have guessed what was waiting for me. Never could I have guessed what I was preparing to read. Nothing prepared me for it.
It was just before 9 am. I opened my email, and deleted one facebook message. The next email, I opened, was from my friend, Joe Kelly. And this is how it started, "Dear Friends, By the time you are reading this, I will have left this earth, and hopefully my soul will have passed to a better place."
At first, I thought it was some kind of joke, or maybe one of those inspirational emails. But the flags were waving and the buzzing was going in my head.
Joe was telling us, there were several on the email, that we were receiving this email because we somehow made a difference in his life. He goes on to try and explain why he has decided to take his own life. He talks about being broken, emotionally and spiritually. And my head, as I am reading, is just reeling. Because, this can't be real, and it can't be happening. My friend, Joe, the fun loving Irishman, who cracked me up with stories of his cat, Dickens, can NOT be telling me that he's going to kill himself. Right? I mean, that's not reality. Is it?
Unfortunately, it was reality. It was cold reality. I had no idea what to do. After reading it, Mark came online, and I frantically IM'd him (praying that he wouldn't be too busy to respond). "Mark, Joe Kelly is going to kill himself - what do I do??". Mark told me to call the police and give them as much information as I could.
Now I was on a mission. "It's not too late", I told myself over and over, "he'll be fine, and we'll find him, and I'll fly home this weekend if I have to talk sense into him.. and he's just crying out for help.. we'll find him.. it's not too late".
This is the conversation I had with Officer Alvarez from the LAPD:
OA: Does Joseph have a middle name?
me: I don't think so, but I don't know.
OA: OK. What's his address?
me: I don't know - he used to live in San Pedro somewhere.
OA: Do you know where?
me: No, I've never been there.
OA: OK. What's his phone number?
me: I don't know.
OA: What's his birthday?
me: I don't know.
OA: What kind of car does he drive?
me: I don't know.
OA: Ma'am, you're not giving us a lot to go on, what do you know?
me: I know that my friend Joe sent me an email that he's going to kill himself, that's what I do know.
After several phone calls with Officer Alvarez at the LAPD, it was confirmed that Joe did, in fact, commit suicide. He did it at the Fort MacArthur Museum in San Pedro. He had been living in Pasadena.
In the midst of all this, I was at work. I had to get some projects done. But I just couldn't function. People would come over to talk to me, and I just couldn't process what they had said. My friend, Joe, was all alone, and he was dead, and I just couldn't process that. I couldn't wrap my brain around it. I re-read his email dozens of times. Others on the email train began writing back - had anyone heard anything, is it true, what's the status, etc. Then it turned to questions of a memorial and his family, and what will happen to his new kitty, Vibi (turns out Dickens must have passed, because he didn't have him anymore - another tidbit I didn't know).
Mostly, all the what-ifs come out. What if I had been a better friend to him? What if I called more often? What if I knew his birthday? What if .. What if.. What if.. Your head tells you, there is nothing that can be done. He was in such a place where this was his last resort, and he was going to do it no matter what, and no one could have stopped him.
But my heart tells a completely different story. How could I not know his birthday, or his phone number? What kind of friend doesn't know that basic information? My heart aches for this person that I thought I was friend to, but I really wasn't. No, maybe I didn't drive him to this, he obviously had a lot going on that I didn't know about. But I can't help but be tortured. Every night this week, I go to sleep, thinking about my friend Joe. I just don't understand the pain he was in. I can't fathom feeling that alone, or feeling the need to take myself out of this world. I just don't get that. And I'm angry with Joe for doing this. For sending me an email telling me he was leaving, and I don't get any say. I'm angry at myself for not making his friendship more of a priority.
And wouldn't you know it. I'm feeling sad on the drive home from work on Tuesday, and I've worked myself into a real tizzy, and guess who calls? My BFF, Barry. "Hey, haven't heard from you, and I just want to see how you're doing". I mean really - someone's hand was in that act of friendship. And so I unloaded on Barry - everything that happened, and how I was feeling, and what was going on. And Barry just listened. Because that's what Barry does. He just takes it all in, and once you're ready, he'll tell you what you need to hear. Maybe that's what Joe was trying to teach me - keep up with others.
Because you never know when they won't be there.
So now, I end with a pause to my friend, Joseph Martin Kelly. I stop and remember the hilarious light up antlers he wore at the holiday show every year. I remember having dinner with him at the Auld Dubliner. I remember the crazy stories he told, like when they were building up downtown Long Beach, and all the toilets were on balconies of the new high rise apartments. The stories of Dickens, who attacked Joe quite frequently, but picked the winners of the email drawings by sitting on the winning entry. I remember this man for the funny, interesting person that I shared talks with. And I thank God for blessing me with my short time with him.
Maybe now, Joe you will find peace. And now you know, you were never broken, and you never needed to be fixed.
Back before I met Mark, I was involved with an organization called the Long Beach Jay Cees. I was elected to the board to do community type events. Early on, I had a run in with the president, and needless to say, my efforts with the Jay Cees ended with her ultimatum to me: my way or the highway. Not one to bow down to someone I don't agree with, I took the highway. While on board, I met an Irishman named Joe Kelly. He was here from Ireland, had been married to an American, but their marriage ended up in a nasty divorce. He was working with the Long Beach Symphony, and had managed to get us in to see a couple shows. When I parted the Jay Cees, Joe parted as well. Turns out he didn't take kindly to bullies either, and voila, a friendship was formed. Joe needed a volunteer, and I needed a new cause. So I started volunteering with the symphony. I would arrive before the show started, sit at a table, and do whatever it was that Joe needed me to do. Usually, I answered questions, passed out pamphlets, or gave directions. Joe would go off, doing whatever it was that he did, visiting with patrons, and making sure all was well. Every once in a while, he would come over and whisper to me about such and such patron who was a big wig in the community. Or we'd gawk at the outrageous outfits. But we certainly had a good time. I think I was with them for about 2 years while Joe was there.
Then Joe was fired.
I was horrified. I couldn't believe that they could treat him so horribly. I got an email with the horrible news, and I put Mark to work. One of his friends is an employment lawyer, and I was on a mission to right Joe's wrong. The person who did this - and I do remember who he is - was going rue the day he'd messed with my friend Joe, who worked so hard for so very little. And he was fired for no reason other than he'd asked for a raise. Joe decided he didn't want to pursue the legal path, but it didn't stop me. I didn't go back to volunteer with them. I did go back to Crescendo (their big fundraiser) a few times while Joe also volunteered. But I didn't go to performances, nor did I volunteer for the aforementioned person who fired Joe. Jerk.
So, Joe and I didn't get to see one another for some time after that. We'd talk sometimes, or we'd email. We connected on myspace. I'd get the occasional joke, or I'd forward one off.
On Monday morning, I sat at my desk, and opened up my email. Never in my wildest imagination would I have guessed what was waiting for me. Never could I have guessed what I was preparing to read. Nothing prepared me for it.
It was just before 9 am. I opened my email, and deleted one facebook message. The next email, I opened, was from my friend, Joe Kelly. And this is how it started, "Dear Friends, By the time you are reading this, I will have left this earth, and hopefully my soul will have passed to a better place."
At first, I thought it was some kind of joke, or maybe one of those inspirational emails. But the flags were waving and the buzzing was going in my head.
Joe was telling us, there were several on the email, that we were receiving this email because we somehow made a difference in his life. He goes on to try and explain why he has decided to take his own life. He talks about being broken, emotionally and spiritually. And my head, as I am reading, is just reeling. Because, this can't be real, and it can't be happening. My friend, Joe, the fun loving Irishman, who cracked me up with stories of his cat, Dickens, can NOT be telling me that he's going to kill himself. Right? I mean, that's not reality. Is it?
Unfortunately, it was reality. It was cold reality. I had no idea what to do. After reading it, Mark came online, and I frantically IM'd him (praying that he wouldn't be too busy to respond). "Mark, Joe Kelly is going to kill himself - what do I do??". Mark told me to call the police and give them as much information as I could.
Now I was on a mission. "It's not too late", I told myself over and over, "he'll be fine, and we'll find him, and I'll fly home this weekend if I have to talk sense into him.. and he's just crying out for help.. we'll find him.. it's not too late".
This is the conversation I had with Officer Alvarez from the LAPD:
OA: Does Joseph have a middle name?
me: I don't think so, but I don't know.
OA: OK. What's his address?
me: I don't know - he used to live in San Pedro somewhere.
OA: Do you know where?
me: No, I've never been there.
OA: OK. What's his phone number?
me: I don't know.
OA: What's his birthday?
me: I don't know.
OA: What kind of car does he drive?
me: I don't know.
OA: Ma'am, you're not giving us a lot to go on, what do you know?
me: I know that my friend Joe sent me an email that he's going to kill himself, that's what I do know.
After several phone calls with Officer Alvarez at the LAPD, it was confirmed that Joe did, in fact, commit suicide. He did it at the Fort MacArthur Museum in San Pedro. He had been living in Pasadena.
In the midst of all this, I was at work. I had to get some projects done. But I just couldn't function. People would come over to talk to me, and I just couldn't process what they had said. My friend, Joe, was all alone, and he was dead, and I just couldn't process that. I couldn't wrap my brain around it. I re-read his email dozens of times. Others on the email train began writing back - had anyone heard anything, is it true, what's the status, etc. Then it turned to questions of a memorial and his family, and what will happen to his new kitty, Vibi (turns out Dickens must have passed, because he didn't have him anymore - another tidbit I didn't know).
Mostly, all the what-ifs come out. What if I had been a better friend to him? What if I called more often? What if I knew his birthday? What if .. What if.. What if.. Your head tells you, there is nothing that can be done. He was in such a place where this was his last resort, and he was going to do it no matter what, and no one could have stopped him.
But my heart tells a completely different story. How could I not know his birthday, or his phone number? What kind of friend doesn't know that basic information? My heart aches for this person that I thought I was friend to, but I really wasn't. No, maybe I didn't drive him to this, he obviously had a lot going on that I didn't know about. But I can't help but be tortured. Every night this week, I go to sleep, thinking about my friend Joe. I just don't understand the pain he was in. I can't fathom feeling that alone, or feeling the need to take myself out of this world. I just don't get that. And I'm angry with Joe for doing this. For sending me an email telling me he was leaving, and I don't get any say. I'm angry at myself for not making his friendship more of a priority.
And wouldn't you know it. I'm feeling sad on the drive home from work on Tuesday, and I've worked myself into a real tizzy, and guess who calls? My BFF, Barry. "Hey, haven't heard from you, and I just want to see how you're doing". I mean really - someone's hand was in that act of friendship. And so I unloaded on Barry - everything that happened, and how I was feeling, and what was going on. And Barry just listened. Because that's what Barry does. He just takes it all in, and once you're ready, he'll tell you what you need to hear. Maybe that's what Joe was trying to teach me - keep up with others.
Because you never know when they won't be there.
So now, I end with a pause to my friend, Joseph Martin Kelly. I stop and remember the hilarious light up antlers he wore at the holiday show every year. I remember having dinner with him at the Auld Dubliner. I remember the crazy stories he told, like when they were building up downtown Long Beach, and all the toilets were on balconies of the new high rise apartments. The stories of Dickens, who attacked Joe quite frequently, but picked the winners of the email drawings by sitting on the winning entry. I remember this man for the funny, interesting person that I shared talks with. And I thank God for blessing me with my short time with him.
Maybe now, Joe you will find peace. And now you know, you were never broken, and you never needed to be fixed.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
DC: Day 5
Day 5 was super cold. Or to my SoCal blood it was freezing. I had on my coat, and a couple layers below it, plus my scarf. BRR!
We didn't get to see the monuments on our hop on/off tour the prior day, so we used our 2nd day pass to go see as many as we could. We stopped at the Jefferson Memorial, and spent our time leisurely checking him out. Did you know that he faces the White House? When FDR dedicated the Jefferson Memorial, he had the trees in front of the South Portico of the White House removed so that President Jefferson could see it. Kinda cool, huh?
From there, we walked over to the FDR Memorial. Really, the FDR memorial is a series of statues and waterfalls among granite. There are references to the Great Depression, to the war, and also a statue to Eleanor Roosevelt, the only first lady with a memorial.
From there, we hopped back on the trolley to head back to the Capitol building. We had a tour there, and we were really looking forward to it. I have to tell you that we were not disappointed. The Capitol is just massive, and yet beautiful. The House was in session, and I'm thinking that it was Nancy Pelosi's car that I saw parked out front surrounded by Secret Service. The tour started with a short video, about the history of the Capitol building itself (for instance, did you know that it was built during the civil war, when metal was at it's most valuable? Lincoln insisted that the Capitol continue being built as a visual reminder that the United States would once again be whole - interesting, huh?? OK, maybe it's just me.). From there we walked around to the Rotunda, where several presidents have laid in state. We went to the hall of presidents. Each state may have 2 statues in the Capitol at any time. Sometimes they switch them out, but they can only have 2 per state. California's statues were Junipero Serra, and Ronald Reagan. We also got to see where the Supreme Court used to preside. That room was rather dark, and it was about the same time that my camera batteries died. The architecture is truly amazing, and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the Capitol to take tour. It's free and it's worth it.
From there, we walked across the street to the Library of Congress. The architecture here is spectacular. We walked all around, to the different exhibits. We really didn't have the time to really read everything. There was a rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution on display. Plus, a whole exhibit on starting our country. It ended with an exhibit that looked like a mini library, within the Library of Congress. At one time, while Jefferson was president, the British attempted to burn down the Capitol where all the books at the time were held. Thomas Jefferson was appalled that all of that valuable information was destroyed, so he offered to sell Congress his books at whatever price they deemed acceptable. He had a huge collection varying from gardening and cooking, to philosophy and law. Every book was purchased, and became the start of the Library of Congress. Some volumes are missing, so the display shows which were in his actual library, and which have been replaced. It also shows which were in his library, but are not locatable, so they have place holders. It was really amazing.
We didn't stay long, though because we had plans to meet with Danita and her family for dinner. She picked us up at the metro stop outside Andrews AFB, and we met with her hubby and 3 kids for dinner. It was lots of fun, but I loved it when Danita told me that Alyssa, her 5 year old, had decided that I was half her aunt too. For a 5 year old, blended families are a lot to take in and understand, but I thought that was pretty perceptive of her to try and be included. And I'm fine with that really. At dinner, Alyssa shared a very funny story, that I will now share with you. I'm not sure that I"ll get the entire hilarity of the story here, but I assure you, I died laughing. But before that, a little about Alyssa. She has long blond hair, and its a little curly in the back. And she really doesn't like for it to be brushed. So here is our conversation:
Alyssa: "I sleep with a rat!".
Me: "you do?"
A: "yes, and sleeps right here (pats the back crown of her head)"
M: "really?"(at this point I'm thinking it's a stuffed animal)
A: "yes, and it makes a nest every day! That's why I call it my rat's nest"
And she proudly shows me where Daddy could not get the tangles out, so there is a rat's nest on the back of her head! Too funny!! What kids say, I swear.
After dinner, Danita dropped us off at the metro, and Brianna came back with us to the hotel. She was going to get to spend the day with us, and we couldn't have been more thrilled. We decided to go see the Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Castle, the Washington Monument and the Old Post Office. Alyssa was none too pleased that Brianna was getting to go and she wasn't, but Danita explained that Alyssa's daddy sees her all the time, so any time Brianna can see her daddy's family is special. She seemed to get that. Maybe next time we are here, we can spend more time with Alyssa.
Back at the hotel we hung out and talked, and finally went to bed. Brianna stayed up late watching TV, which was fine with us. She eventually went to sleep, and wasn't too cranky in the morning.
But that is for Day 6 - our final day in DC... stay tuned...
We didn't get to see the monuments on our hop on/off tour the prior day, so we used our 2nd day pass to go see as many as we could. We stopped at the Jefferson Memorial, and spent our time leisurely checking him out. Did you know that he faces the White House? When FDR dedicated the Jefferson Memorial, he had the trees in front of the South Portico of the White House removed so that President Jefferson could see it. Kinda cool, huh?
From there, we walked over to the FDR Memorial. Really, the FDR memorial is a series of statues and waterfalls among granite. There are references to the Great Depression, to the war, and also a statue to Eleanor Roosevelt, the only first lady with a memorial.
From there, we hopped back on the trolley to head back to the Capitol building. We had a tour there, and we were really looking forward to it. I have to tell you that we were not disappointed. The Capitol is just massive, and yet beautiful. The House was in session, and I'm thinking that it was Nancy Pelosi's car that I saw parked out front surrounded by Secret Service. The tour started with a short video, about the history of the Capitol building itself (for instance, did you know that it was built during the civil war, when metal was at it's most valuable? Lincoln insisted that the Capitol continue being built as a visual reminder that the United States would once again be whole - interesting, huh?? OK, maybe it's just me.). From there we walked around to the Rotunda, where several presidents have laid in state. We went to the hall of presidents. Each state may have 2 statues in the Capitol at any time. Sometimes they switch them out, but they can only have 2 per state. California's statues were Junipero Serra, and Ronald Reagan. We also got to see where the Supreme Court used to preside. That room was rather dark, and it was about the same time that my camera batteries died. The architecture is truly amazing, and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the Capitol to take tour. It's free and it's worth it.
From there, we walked across the street to the Library of Congress. The architecture here is spectacular. We walked all around, to the different exhibits. We really didn't have the time to really read everything. There was a rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution on display. Plus, a whole exhibit on starting our country. It ended with an exhibit that looked like a mini library, within the Library of Congress. At one time, while Jefferson was president, the British attempted to burn down the Capitol where all the books at the time were held. Thomas Jefferson was appalled that all of that valuable information was destroyed, so he offered to sell Congress his books at whatever price they deemed acceptable. He had a huge collection varying from gardening and cooking, to philosophy and law. Every book was purchased, and became the start of the Library of Congress. Some volumes are missing, so the display shows which were in his actual library, and which have been replaced. It also shows which were in his library, but are not locatable, so they have place holders. It was really amazing.
We didn't stay long, though because we had plans to meet with Danita and her family for dinner. She picked us up at the metro stop outside Andrews AFB, and we met with her hubby and 3 kids for dinner. It was lots of fun, but I loved it when Danita told me that Alyssa, her 5 year old, had decided that I was half her aunt too. For a 5 year old, blended families are a lot to take in and understand, but I thought that was pretty perceptive of her to try and be included. And I'm fine with that really. At dinner, Alyssa shared a very funny story, that I will now share with you. I'm not sure that I"ll get the entire hilarity of the story here, but I assure you, I died laughing. But before that, a little about Alyssa. She has long blond hair, and its a little curly in the back. And she really doesn't like for it to be brushed. So here is our conversation:
Alyssa: "I sleep with a rat!".
Me: "you do?"
A: "yes, and sleeps right here (pats the back crown of her head)"
M: "really?"(at this point I'm thinking it's a stuffed animal)
A: "yes, and it makes a nest every day! That's why I call it my rat's nest"
And she proudly shows me where Daddy could not get the tangles out, so there is a rat's nest on the back of her head! Too funny!! What kids say, I swear.
After dinner, Danita dropped us off at the metro, and Brianna came back with us to the hotel. She was going to get to spend the day with us, and we couldn't have been more thrilled. We decided to go see the Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Castle, the Washington Monument and the Old Post Office. Alyssa was none too pleased that Brianna was getting to go and she wasn't, but Danita explained that Alyssa's daddy sees her all the time, so any time Brianna can see her daddy's family is special. She seemed to get that. Maybe next time we are here, we can spend more time with Alyssa.
Back at the hotel we hung out and talked, and finally went to bed. Brianna stayed up late watching TV, which was fine with us. She eventually went to sleep, and wasn't too cranky in the morning.
But that is for Day 6 - our final day in DC... stay tuned...
DC: Day 4
I'm playing catch up with the blog, so my apologies.
Day 4 had us on our Hop On - Hop Off Trolley tour. We thought the best thing to do would be to ride the whole tour so we knew where it stopped. Then we tried to make mental notes of where we wanted to go. So all around DC we went, learning little tid bits of information. We got off at the Air and Space Museum. From here, we walked all around, visiting the moon rock, and rocket and planes and all other amazing things air and space. The weather was drizzly so by the time we got outside, we were using the umbrella.
From there, we went to the Musuem of American History. This one my favorite museum. There was a huge exhibit on the First Lady's gowns, and presidential artifacts. They also have artifacts from American pop culture, like the ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker's chair, and a Dumbo car from the Dumbo ride at Disneyland. There was really not enough time to see everything we wanted to. I say "we", but really I should have said "everything I wanted to". This was not Mark's favorite museum- he waited outside the exhibits for me to finish.
We had lunch at a place called Harry's because I was dying to eat. Bad move because it was not good food. The only good thing about the experience was watching Eli throw an interception, and see the Giants have their butts handed to them.
Day 4 also had us standing outside of Ford's Theatre where President Lincoln was shot.
It was a long day, as we did a lot of walking. I was in a grumpy mood because I wanted to see Julia Child's kitchen, but Mark was ready to go. He wanted to make the shuttle back to the hotel. So I was busy throwing a fit over that.
I think up to this point, this was our most exhausting day. It was just really a lot to take in.
We did get a hold of Danita on Day 4, and arranged to pick up Brianna. That was a definite plus for our day. We'd at least get to see them, and that had me super excited.
Onward to Day 5 in the next post!!!
Day 4 had us on our Hop On - Hop Off Trolley tour. We thought the best thing to do would be to ride the whole tour so we knew where it stopped. Then we tried to make mental notes of where we wanted to go. So all around DC we went, learning little tid bits of information. We got off at the Air and Space Museum. From here, we walked all around, visiting the moon rock, and rocket and planes and all other amazing things air and space. The weather was drizzly so by the time we got outside, we were using the umbrella.
From there, we went to the Musuem of American History. This one my favorite museum. There was a huge exhibit on the First Lady's gowns, and presidential artifacts. They also have artifacts from American pop culture, like the ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker's chair, and a Dumbo car from the Dumbo ride at Disneyland. There was really not enough time to see everything we wanted to. I say "we", but really I should have said "everything I wanted to". This was not Mark's favorite museum- he waited outside the exhibits for me to finish.
We had lunch at a place called Harry's because I was dying to eat. Bad move because it was not good food. The only good thing about the experience was watching Eli throw an interception, and see the Giants have their butts handed to them.
Day 4 also had us standing outside of Ford's Theatre where President Lincoln was shot.
It was a long day, as we did a lot of walking. I was in a grumpy mood because I wanted to see Julia Child's kitchen, but Mark was ready to go. He wanted to make the shuttle back to the hotel. So I was busy throwing a fit over that.
I think up to this point, this was our most exhausting day. It was just really a lot to take in.
We did get a hold of Danita on Day 4, and arranged to pick up Brianna. That was a definite plus for our day. We'd at least get to see them, and that had me super excited.
Onward to Day 5 in the next post!!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
DC: Day 3
Hello readers!!
After I logged off yesterday, I realized I forgot my funny story!!
It's election time in Virginia. They are electing themselves a new mayor. The posters are littered all over yards, and on every available wall space. I get tired of it; I love the election process, but how we go about it is just tiresome - from the commercials to the very un-green posters that litter the areas. When we were get off the metro, we saw diligent workers, trying to get votes. We just really tried to ignore them, because it doesn't involve us.
The following day, we were in a rush to get to the Pentagon. We were rushing past all the campaign workers when someone stopped Mark about the race for governor. His reply: "We don't live here, we're tourists". And he hadn't gone another 3 feet when someone already had his hand out to shake it, I think it must have been one of the candidates and he says to Mark, "Your tourist? Have fun!".
I almost didn't make the metro because I was laughing so hard. Yup. We're tourists. LOL!!! At least we didn't have our cameras around our necks!!
Day three of our vacation took us to Mount Vernon. We decided to take the riverboat out, and that was around 10:30 (we got to sleep in until 7 - woo hoo!!). This was the longest trip on the Metro we'd taken so far. Luckily, I brought a book, and got a couple chapters in between stops. We make it to the dock, and it starts to drizzle. Not a good sign. But, "it'll be fine", I keep reassuring myself. The riverboat takes about 50 minutes to get to Mount Vernon. While onboard, you can buy a bag of popcorn or a can of soda for $2. No thanks.
We get to Mount Vernon, and we trek all around. It was quite interesting. Turns out that President Washington inherited a small house, and was able to add on starting with the second level, then moving out to the east and west for a total of 21 bedrooms. The rooms were not very big, although they were thought to be at the time. I think maybe they were size of my brother's room, growing up, without the closet. The Washingtons entertained quite frequently, as they were very popular, and they hadn't invented the Hilton Honors program yet.
Did you know that President Washington was offered the kingship twice? And both times he turned them down?
Did you know that he and Martha never had children together? When he married her, she was a wealthy widow with two children, whom he raised as his own - as well as their grandchildren.
Did you know that they were married for 40 years? He spent 8 years away from Mount Vernon during his presidency, and she would go visit him every December through February. Once home to his beloved Mount Vernon, he only got to live there for 2 years before he died.
And did you know that he died from a throat infection? The way the curator described it, it sounded like tonsilitis, because his throat was swollen. He died 36 hours after he was diagnosed.
And did you know that Martha was so heartbroken, she couldn't sleep in the room after his death? How amazing is that??
Our first president was an amazing man, with an amazing history. I won't bore you all with the mundane, nerdy details, but Mark and I learned (and walked) a lot. I did get to see his dentures, but I didn't agree with Brianna's assessment that they were "cool". The were made of hippo bone, human teeth, and bronze. I thought it was kinda gross.
The weather never did clear up. It thought about it for a second, but it was raining by the time we caught the metro back to the hotel. What I found most beautiful about Mount Vernon were the trees. Again with the reminder of fall. We were walking down a path, and there were leaves all over the ground. My mom would decorate our house for every holiday, and during the fall, she had paper fall leaves that looked almost real, that we would put around the house. I was reminded that these weren't fake - that there are parts of the country that have these seasons, where leaves turn colors. It's just such an array of color, it's amazing. I love watching it.
Tomorrow should prove to be a cold day, but I think we'll start our hop on, hop off tour of DC. We've got lots and lots to cover while we're here. Still need to go see all the monuments. Good thing we have 3 more days!
Does anyone want anything while we are here?
Love and hugs to all!
After I logged off yesterday, I realized I forgot my funny story!!
It's election time in Virginia. They are electing themselves a new mayor. The posters are littered all over yards, and on every available wall space. I get tired of it; I love the election process, but how we go about it is just tiresome - from the commercials to the very un-green posters that litter the areas. When we were get off the metro, we saw diligent workers, trying to get votes. We just really tried to ignore them, because it doesn't involve us.
The following day, we were in a rush to get to the Pentagon. We were rushing past all the campaign workers when someone stopped Mark about the race for governor. His reply: "We don't live here, we're tourists". And he hadn't gone another 3 feet when someone already had his hand out to shake it, I think it must have been one of the candidates and he says to Mark, "Your tourist? Have fun!".
I almost didn't make the metro because I was laughing so hard. Yup. We're tourists. LOL!!! At least we didn't have our cameras around our necks!!
Day three of our vacation took us to Mount Vernon. We decided to take the riverboat out, and that was around 10:30 (we got to sleep in until 7 - woo hoo!!). This was the longest trip on the Metro we'd taken so far. Luckily, I brought a book, and got a couple chapters in between stops. We make it to the dock, and it starts to drizzle. Not a good sign. But, "it'll be fine", I keep reassuring myself. The riverboat takes about 50 minutes to get to Mount Vernon. While onboard, you can buy a bag of popcorn or a can of soda for $2. No thanks.
We get to Mount Vernon, and we trek all around. It was quite interesting. Turns out that President Washington inherited a small house, and was able to add on starting with the second level, then moving out to the east and west for a total of 21 bedrooms. The rooms were not very big, although they were thought to be at the time. I think maybe they were size of my brother's room, growing up, without the closet. The Washingtons entertained quite frequently, as they were very popular, and they hadn't invented the Hilton Honors program yet.
Did you know that President Washington was offered the kingship twice? And both times he turned them down?
Did you know that he and Martha never had children together? When he married her, she was a wealthy widow with two children, whom he raised as his own - as well as their grandchildren.
Did you know that they were married for 40 years? He spent 8 years away from Mount Vernon during his presidency, and she would go visit him every December through February. Once home to his beloved Mount Vernon, he only got to live there for 2 years before he died.
And did you know that he died from a throat infection? The way the curator described it, it sounded like tonsilitis, because his throat was swollen. He died 36 hours after he was diagnosed.
And did you know that Martha was so heartbroken, she couldn't sleep in the room after his death? How amazing is that??
Our first president was an amazing man, with an amazing history. I won't bore you all with the mundane, nerdy details, but Mark and I learned (and walked) a lot. I did get to see his dentures, but I didn't agree with Brianna's assessment that they were "cool". The were made of hippo bone, human teeth, and bronze. I thought it was kinda gross.
The weather never did clear up. It thought about it for a second, but it was raining by the time we caught the metro back to the hotel. What I found most beautiful about Mount Vernon were the trees. Again with the reminder of fall. We were walking down a path, and there were leaves all over the ground. My mom would decorate our house for every holiday, and during the fall, she had paper fall leaves that looked almost real, that we would put around the house. I was reminded that these weren't fake - that there are parts of the country that have these seasons, where leaves turn colors. It's just such an array of color, it's amazing. I love watching it.
Tomorrow should prove to be a cold day, but I think we'll start our hop on, hop off tour of DC. We've got lots and lots to cover while we're here. Still need to go see all the monuments. Good thing we have 3 more days!
Does anyone want anything while we are here?
Love and hugs to all!
Friday, October 30, 2009
DC: Day 2
Before I start with out with our daily adventures, it's important for you, the reader, to understand the level of geek that you are dealing with. I was so excited to get to attend the White House that I started putting White House movies on my Netflix queue. I'm such a geek that I ordered a 4 disk set of the history of the White House. Yes, you read that right, 4 discs. How much could they talk about in 4 discs? Well, we'd need a couple hours, but basically you get to see a bunch of tours, and history of the White House. I'm the one who would collect White House trading cards of the White House families, were they available. That is the level of geek you are about to read. So keep that in mind when as you complete the blog!
All that being said, I've decided that God wanted me to attend the White House. I say that because several events occurred wherein I should have been deterred. But the proverbial window was opened. First, I called a few weeks before our visit, and was told the Congressman's office had lost our paperwork (EEEEEEKKK!!!). Never fear, Super Mark had a copy that he could easily find, and we were able to send it in on time. Whew.. crisis averted. Second, I had to pick a day and time when to visit the Pentagon. We had to pick the time before we knew what day we got to the White House. For whatever reason, I picked Friday at 9 am. I just crossed my fingers and prayed we didn't get the White House tour at the same time. Once our WH tour came in, we found it was on the same day but at 12. Plenty of time for both, and with both we couldn't bring cameras and all that. So, that just really worked out. And last, we arrived off the metro with no maps - see more explanation below - and yet there was someone who saw us wandering, and asked if we needed a help, did we need a map? "YES to both", plus he gave us directions. So see, God wanted us to see the White House today. :)
Our adventure starts out with a conversation last night on our adventure home, with our shuttle driver. We asked him about getting a shuttle that was off the schedule. "No problem", he assured us. Fast forward to this morning. Mark calls to confirm our shuttle schedule and the response he gets is, "No guarantees, but we'll try".
Hmmmm. That does not get my warm fuzzies brewing. We have a 9 am appointment at the Pentagon, didn't he know that? So down to breakfast we go, our hopes still high. In walks the driver.
"No way. It's rush hour".
WHAAT? It's what? Rush Hour? Really? Are you kidding me?? But we have an appointment at the Pentagon! (Sidebar - like my good friend Erika, I don't like people who put monkey wrenches in my plan. I prefer to make a plan and stick to it. Veering outside the plan can be accommodated sometimes, but this is most definitely NOT one of those times). Panic is setting in. I plant myself at the desk, ready to raise the stink my mom has shown me how to raise so effectively. I am preparing for the argument of my day. And what do I get? "Don't worry about it. I'll take you myself."
I have just fallen in love with Jose at the front desk (and ladies he did look single, although I'm not sure why).
Jose did in fact take us to the metro station. Crisis averted. Again. We tipped him quite well, as well we should have, for he saved our day. The jerk driver wouldn't take us, so Jose did (at the end of our day, I did seek out the hotel manager, singing Jose's praises, and how much we loved him, and how he saved our day - because that is what you do. I'm not sure if he was saved from my fit, or I was saved from giving it, but all around everyone came out a winner).
We made it to the Pentagon. We had Senior Airman (I forget how to abbreviate that) Aaron give us the tour. We walked for about a mile all through the Pentagon. He was super informative, and we had a great time. Probably the most moving was the 9/11 memorial. To see how far the plane penetrated to the walls of the Pentagon was awe-inspiring. Many conspiracy theorist argue that it was a missile that went into the Pentagon and not a plane. However Airman Aaron told us that jet fuel burns at a higher temperature, which melts steels, hence no plane. I wish we could have taken photos, because there is so much to see there. But of course they don't allow that, due to the evil that is still very real in our world.
Onward to the White House. We found it with only a bit of difficulty. You see, because we were attending tours at both the Pentagon and the WH, and neither allowed cameras or electronic devices or bags of any kind in, we were essentially naked. No cell phones, no iPod with the map and , no bag with our maps or Erika's tour guide book or to provide us with something to hold everything in. Nothing. Just our two forms of ID and credit cards. I tell ya, we got through security with a snap because we read our directions. I saw some poor sap at the gates of the White House because he had to hold a couple purses. Should've read your emails specifically stating that they wouldn't be allowed.
We got in to the White House. To be honest, as I walked through the East Wing, it was all I could do to not burst in to tears. It was absolutely overwhelming. These are the halls that our Presidents and their families wander. These are the halls that hold our history. We walked past the offices of the East Wing into a hallway. At the entrance were portraits of past presidents: Wilson, Truman, Roosevelt. Up a ramp and a slight turn we came down another corridor. This one had photos of different events, including our current administration. One collage was of presidential pets, one of the Easter Egg Roll, still another collage of inaugurations.
I'm going to stop here because Mark and I owe our Moms a small thanks in how they raised us. Specifically, to think of others. We didn't crowd the photos or get in front of others. We stayed back so everyone could see. Not so with young rebels in front of us (pierced and making fun of the photos). They crowded in front of the photo collages, pointing and touching, and just generally monopolizing the area. Grrr.. The downfall of self guided tours. So help me when I heard the snide comment about Nancy Reagan, who was digging a hole for a magnolia tree - I almost lost it. But, I controlled myself. If I were to be arrested at the White House, I know for sure my mother would have my hide, and I would never live it down. Fear of the mother, people, fear of the mother. Because she would do it.
Onward beyond the collages were small rooms decorated in prior presidential family's taste. A small library with 2,000 books, and room that used to be a billiard room but was transformed to a small sitting room, now called the Vermeil Room; next door is the China room, with cabinets filled with presidential china. And then make a turn up the stairs, and we enter into the Green room, to the Blue room, and then to the Red room. Just stop and think about the value of the art in the room - the gorgeous paintings that adorn the walls, the antique furniture. It was all so much to take in. And when my immediate surroundings had me overwhelmed, and I thought I couldn't take anymore, Mark pointed up to the ceilings. Such intricate work and designs on molding, the chandeliers, and ceiling structure. Amazing and beautiful. Then we moved into the State Dining Room, that could hold up to 140 guests. I marveled at the thought of feeding and seating 140 people. But mostly we stood in awe of that famous portrait of Lincoln, hand on his chin, elbow on his crossed knee. The East room, where President Obama has recently entertained is also on the tour. It's a beautiful room, but again, not as big as you would imagine.
The last stop on our tour was the Entrance and Cross Halls on the North Side of the White House. As I came around the corner from the dining room, the first thing I saw was that very famous portrait of President Kennedy, his head dropped in reflection. I had to stop for just a moment, and wonder what he was thinking. What must all of the inhabitants of this great residence think while here? The weight of the nation and the world on their shoulders. And at night, they have to go home to families, who also need them. I just love that painting, because I think it shows, more than any other I've seen, how real the position of President is, and what a daunting task they have each day to do the right thing.
We exited on the North side. Through the same doors you see on television of Presidents greeting foreign dignitaries and guests. We saw the famous staircase where the President and his wife walk down before greeting guests. It was all so surreal. And I loved every minute of it. Even Mark was just awe-struck by it all. I wasn't so sure how he would like it. I think he was getting a bit tired of my White House obsession on Netflix! But he loved it too.
We got our bearings, and found a very nice tavern for lunch. Ate up then visited the Supreme Court for a 30 minute lecture. It's all marble there, and just very intimidating. But it was fun.
All in all, our day was jam packed full of excitement. I'm sorry that I don't have any photos. But none were allowed in most of our stops. We're having to pace ourselves, because we are wearing out pretty early!
Tomorrow is Halloween and that means Mt. Vernon for us. My niece, Brianna, loves Mt. Vernon. So if she can give it that big of a recommendation, then we've got to go. If only to see George Washington's dentures, which she assures me are the coolest things ever. :)
Happy Reading!
Hugs to you all!!
All that being said, I've decided that God wanted me to attend the White House. I say that because several events occurred wherein I should have been deterred. But the proverbial window was opened. First, I called a few weeks before our visit, and was told the Congressman's office had lost our paperwork (EEEEEEKKK!!!). Never fear, Super Mark had a copy that he could easily find, and we were able to send it in on time. Whew.. crisis averted. Second, I had to pick a day and time when to visit the Pentagon. We had to pick the time before we knew what day we got to the White House. For whatever reason, I picked Friday at 9 am. I just crossed my fingers and prayed we didn't get the White House tour at the same time. Once our WH tour came in, we found it was on the same day but at 12. Plenty of time for both, and with both we couldn't bring cameras and all that. So, that just really worked out. And last, we arrived off the metro with no maps - see more explanation below - and yet there was someone who saw us wandering, and asked if we needed a help, did we need a map? "YES to both", plus he gave us directions. So see, God wanted us to see the White House today. :)
Our adventure starts out with a conversation last night on our adventure home, with our shuttle driver. We asked him about getting a shuttle that was off the schedule. "No problem", he assured us. Fast forward to this morning. Mark calls to confirm our shuttle schedule and the response he gets is, "No guarantees, but we'll try".
Hmmmm. That does not get my warm fuzzies brewing. We have a 9 am appointment at the Pentagon, didn't he know that? So down to breakfast we go, our hopes still high. In walks the driver.
"No way. It's rush hour".
WHAAT? It's what? Rush Hour? Really? Are you kidding me?? But we have an appointment at the Pentagon! (Sidebar - like my good friend Erika, I don't like people who put monkey wrenches in my plan. I prefer to make a plan and stick to it. Veering outside the plan can be accommodated sometimes, but this is most definitely NOT one of those times). Panic is setting in. I plant myself at the desk, ready to raise the stink my mom has shown me how to raise so effectively. I am preparing for the argument of my day. And what do I get? "Don't worry about it. I'll take you myself."
I have just fallen in love with Jose at the front desk (and ladies he did look single, although I'm not sure why).
Jose did in fact take us to the metro station. Crisis averted. Again. We tipped him quite well, as well we should have, for he saved our day. The jerk driver wouldn't take us, so Jose did (at the end of our day, I did seek out the hotel manager, singing Jose's praises, and how much we loved him, and how he saved our day - because that is what you do. I'm not sure if he was saved from my fit, or I was saved from giving it, but all around everyone came out a winner).
We made it to the Pentagon. We had Senior Airman (I forget how to abbreviate that) Aaron give us the tour. We walked for about a mile all through the Pentagon. He was super informative, and we had a great time. Probably the most moving was the 9/11 memorial. To see how far the plane penetrated to the walls of the Pentagon was awe-inspiring. Many conspiracy theorist argue that it was a missile that went into the Pentagon and not a plane. However Airman Aaron told us that jet fuel burns at a higher temperature, which melts steels, hence no plane. I wish we could have taken photos, because there is so much to see there. But of course they don't allow that, due to the evil that is still very real in our world.
Onward to the White House. We found it with only a bit of difficulty. You see, because we were attending tours at both the Pentagon and the WH, and neither allowed cameras or electronic devices or bags of any kind in, we were essentially naked. No cell phones, no iPod with the map and , no bag with our maps or Erika's tour guide book or to provide us with something to hold everything in. Nothing. Just our two forms of ID and credit cards. I tell ya, we got through security with a snap because we read our directions. I saw some poor sap at the gates of the White House because he had to hold a couple purses. Should've read your emails specifically stating that they wouldn't be allowed.
We got in to the White House. To be honest, as I walked through the East Wing, it was all I could do to not burst in to tears. It was absolutely overwhelming. These are the halls that our Presidents and their families wander. These are the halls that hold our history. We walked past the offices of the East Wing into a hallway. At the entrance were portraits of past presidents: Wilson, Truman, Roosevelt. Up a ramp and a slight turn we came down another corridor. This one had photos of different events, including our current administration. One collage was of presidential pets, one of the Easter Egg Roll, still another collage of inaugurations.
I'm going to stop here because Mark and I owe our Moms a small thanks in how they raised us. Specifically, to think of others. We didn't crowd the photos or get in front of others. We stayed back so everyone could see. Not so with young rebels in front of us (pierced and making fun of the photos). They crowded in front of the photo collages, pointing and touching, and just generally monopolizing the area. Grrr.. The downfall of self guided tours. So help me when I heard the snide comment about Nancy Reagan, who was digging a hole for a magnolia tree - I almost lost it. But, I controlled myself. If I were to be arrested at the White House, I know for sure my mother would have my hide, and I would never live it down. Fear of the mother, people, fear of the mother. Because she would do it.
Onward beyond the collages were small rooms decorated in prior presidential family's taste. A small library with 2,000 books, and room that used to be a billiard room but was transformed to a small sitting room, now called the Vermeil Room; next door is the China room, with cabinets filled with presidential china. And then make a turn up the stairs, and we enter into the Green room, to the Blue room, and then to the Red room. Just stop and think about the value of the art in the room - the gorgeous paintings that adorn the walls, the antique furniture. It was all so much to take in. And when my immediate surroundings had me overwhelmed, and I thought I couldn't take anymore, Mark pointed up to the ceilings. Such intricate work and designs on molding, the chandeliers, and ceiling structure. Amazing and beautiful. Then we moved into the State Dining Room, that could hold up to 140 guests. I marveled at the thought of feeding and seating 140 people. But mostly we stood in awe of that famous portrait of Lincoln, hand on his chin, elbow on his crossed knee. The East room, where President Obama has recently entertained is also on the tour. It's a beautiful room, but again, not as big as you would imagine.
The last stop on our tour was the Entrance and Cross Halls on the North Side of the White House. As I came around the corner from the dining room, the first thing I saw was that very famous portrait of President Kennedy, his head dropped in reflection. I had to stop for just a moment, and wonder what he was thinking. What must all of the inhabitants of this great residence think while here? The weight of the nation and the world on their shoulders. And at night, they have to go home to families, who also need them. I just love that painting, because I think it shows, more than any other I've seen, how real the position of President is, and what a daunting task they have each day to do the right thing.
We exited on the North side. Through the same doors you see on television of Presidents greeting foreign dignitaries and guests. We saw the famous staircase where the President and his wife walk down before greeting guests. It was all so surreal. And I loved every minute of it. Even Mark was just awe-struck by it all. I wasn't so sure how he would like it. I think he was getting a bit tired of my White House obsession on Netflix! But he loved it too.
We got our bearings, and found a very nice tavern for lunch. Ate up then visited the Supreme Court for a 30 minute lecture. It's all marble there, and just very intimidating. But it was fun.
All in all, our day was jam packed full of excitement. I'm sorry that I don't have any photos. But none were allowed in most of our stops. We're having to pace ourselves, because we are wearing out pretty early!
Tomorrow is Halloween and that means Mt. Vernon for us. My niece, Brianna, loves Mt. Vernon. So if she can give it that big of a recommendation, then we've got to go. If only to see George Washington's dentures, which she assures me are the coolest things ever. :)
Happy Reading!
Hugs to you all!!
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