Recap...29º...Nice Sunrise

Sixteen days, about 7000 miles. Oregon to Florida to Washington DC. We drove, flew in 5 different planes, slept in 4 different beds, rode in taxi's and subways (OH MY.) We basked in the Islamorada, Florida sun, swam in sparkling pools, felt the ocean breeze warm on our face. Ate seafood, ice-cream and decadent desserts, visited the most southern tip of the US in Key West, cruised the Savannah Harbor and River Street as we headed North. Learned about cotton, rum, railroads, sailing ships, slaves and pirates to name a few.

Further North we concentrated on the founders and "shapers" of our country. A hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC was our home for five days where we made memories with our kids as they flew in to join us. We had a balmy day to tour the Capitol and Eastern Market before the weather turned nasty and we bundled up and braved the cold/snow/rain to tour the Lincoln and Washington Memorials as well as the Vietnam, Korean and World War 2 Memorials and viewed the White House. From there we hurried to the Smithsonian Institute, Natural History and American History and Air and Space Museums where it was warm and dry inside. Our last day there we toured the Kennedy Center, where you can watch ballet, opera, musicals and so much more. President Eisenhower authorized this beautiful building in the 50's and it was named for President Kennedy after his assassination in 1963.

The history of our country, the memorials to all the men and women who gave their lives to keep us free, our adventure into the air and space age is all there open to the world, for all who want to visit and learn how our country was born and has progressed.

We were fortunate indeed to have "friends" Pat and Brian, who hosted us in Florida, then delivered us to the doorstep of our DC Hotel. Our "kids" Bobi, Stan, Cienna and Rusty became the "parents" as they guided us several miles through the city streets and on and off the subways. We opted for hotel rooms with one kitchen where we could do our own cooking. A Trader Joe's across the street, Whole Foods just a few blocks away and the Eastern Market nearby made that easy. We ate memorable meals, taking turns planning, cooking and cleaning up. Late evenings found us doing foot massages,  playing cards, sharing a glass or two of wine, laughter and craziness. Memories in the making.

Home now for the second day, we are unpacked, laundry done, back in the groove of day to day life on Barton Heights. Time to reflect and reminisce ...Hugs To All...OWAV:)