Washington D. C. Day One: World War II Memorial and Honor Flight Veterans

We had seen the World War II Memorial last time we were in D. C. but walking back from MLK we passed it.  We saw a large group of men and women in blue, yellow, and green T-shirts, so it peaked our curiosity.

We found out these were veterans who were given a trip to visit Washington D. C. for free through a program called Honor Flight.  The World War II veterans wore blue shirts. I loved the quotes on the back of the shirts.

The yellow shirts are Korean veterans.  The green shirt are guardian, who come along with the veteran as a companion. They come at a reduced rate.

It sounded like a wonderful program.  Here is a picture of the group.

Here are a few more pictures of the memorial.  It truly is impressive.

For more information you can go to this link. http://www.honorflight.org/

Wahington D. C. Day One: Martin Luther Kings Memorial

We have been to Washington D. C. several times before, so this trip we wanted to see what had changed since we were here in 2007.

One of the new things was the Martin Luther Kings Memorial.

Some where I heard that this memorial was a table where everyone comes together in peace.  The man at MLK bookstore, said he thinks that memorial is in Atlanta, GA.

Many of MLK's quotes were inscribed on the walls around the monument.  Saw a school group and heard an instructor give an assignment to pick a quote and be able to tell how it relates to you.  Thought it was a good assignment.

Creekside Campground (Pretty Little Campground)

We stayed in a little town in Virginia called Edinburgh.  It was like the iconic Midwest little town.  We loved it.  It was Father's Day.  Bob watched NASCAR and the Open.  He was in heaven.  Then we went to Sal's for one of the best Italian meal we had anywhere.  Of course Bob had lasagna and I had chicken breast and pork loin medallions in a rosa sauce with spinach.  Just a perfect meal.

When they say creekside, they mean creekside.  I was praying it didn't rain, and the creek doesn't overflow.

The rush of the water, gave us the best sleep we had.

There were ducks all around.

Pralines learned about ducks when she was sniffing at this tree,

and the mother duck flew off her nest, to Pralines great surprise.  Can you see the mother duck?

Pralines and I both almost had a heart attack.

Happy Father's Day Bob.  We love you and think you are an amazing husband and father.

Bristol Raceway

Bet you can guess who planned this stop.

We had hoped to go on a tour, but the tours were closed because the track was being used by a racing school.  We were able to go inside the track.

This is the suite entrance.

These are the suites.

World's Fastest Half-Mile.

There was a driving school going on while we were there. You could race 4 different tracks for about $7,000.  Bob won't be getting that for Christmas.

Plaques of famous drivers.

Arts and Crafts in the Smokies

We returned to Gatlinburg  to do some looking and shopping in the arts and craft area. First we had lunch.  Have to keep the man feed.

One of several shopping areas along this road.

With an old fashion soda fountain.

Thought my friend Shellie would like this retreat.

I never thought of going to a retreat for quilting but Shellie would love it.

Went to several glass fusion stories but couldn't take pictures.  These three cabochons were rejects, which I bought 3 for $5, as examples of something I'd like to try and do.

Next we made a stop at a wood working shop.

Unique chair.

Rustic shop.

We heard about the Arts and Crafts School, so we had to visit.

They have weekly workshops, which I'd love to attend on a return visit.

Here are some of the cabochons we saw at the visitor centers.

And earrings.

Maybe some day, I'll get that good.

Smoky Mountains

Beautiful Drive. From Gatlinburg through the Smokies.

Chimney Mountain.

Rushing Water.

Words nor pictures can describe.

Can you see why they call them Smoky Mountains.

Bob and I feel we are blessed to be living this life.