May 9, 2012
Today was our travel day! We are going home. Neither of us really got much sleep. I was worried that we wouldn't wake up on time. We got up, off to the airport. I dropped Vonna off at the airlines and I took the car back.
The flight was on time, except they moved the gate twice. We had to walk to the plane and up the steps. But the flight was fine. Vonna was worried about making the next flight without running, but it was right across from the one we got off of.
Our next flight was really smooth. We even landed about 30 minutes early. We called Chris and he had just pulled into the wrong parking lot. Vonna told him to tell the gate keeper what happened, he did, and was pulling up as we were walking out the door.
As I drove, Chris told us what had been going on at home, asking questions, and talking. Vonna told Tammy later that they must not have talked the whole time we were gone. Chris talks, but not this much.
We stopped at In n Out Burger and had lunch. We talked the rest of the way home. It was a great trip, but I'm really tired.
This was a great trip. Both Vonna and I really enjoyed it. The next time we go to the South we will be taking the trailer for an extended trip. We are both looking forward to the next time we see everyone in the South.
We will be home for the next few months. Vonna will be having surgery on her thumb and it will take a while to get over it and back on the road. I may blog a little while we are home, but not like we have been. We have enjoyed doing this blog, writing memories make them permanent. We are looking forward to the next trip and sharing it with all of you.
On to the South - Day 21
May 8, 2012
Up at the normal time. We sometimes wonder if we are going to sleep like this when we get home. This has been a great three weeks, but coming to a slow end. Tomorrow morning we will be on our way, flying home.
We left the hotel and stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We thought it would be our last time. We ate, and looked around to see what we could buy. We got a few cards for our loved ones. A great place to eat and shop.
Next we were off to The Billy Graham Library. As we got there the first thing we visited was the old farm house that he lived in from the time he was 10 until he left home.
The library is in a big barn. He grew up on a dairy farm that his parents owned. They had a tour that included a lot of his memorabilia from around the world. There were short movies of his life, pictures of him in crusades and with presidents. It was a great tour, and insight into the life of a great man.
As we finished the tour there was a very nice gift shop and snack shop. We each bought something, and had a ice cream shake. A day with many memories. Even the restrooms were something special.
As we left we walked over to where Ruth Graham was buried. It is a very special place and a must if you are ever in the area.
As we left the library we drove downtown. We found what we were looking for, the Cheesecake Factory. We JUST got a small piece of cheesecake for each of us and took it back to the hotel for later. (note from Vonna...there are no small pieces of cheesecake at the cheesecake factory)
We got back to the hotel, packed the suitcases, except for what we needed. We decided that maybe a salad for dinner would be good, since we have so much for desert. It was early, about 5, so we decided to walk across the street. It was a Cracker Barrel. (Note - we were telling Chris the story when we got home. He said "who can go there and eat a salad?") Neither of us had a salad, but the meal sure was good.
Back to the hotel, we watched TV. Vonna wrote a few cards to the loved ones we had visited. We ate our "snack" - Vonna ate to much and got a little sick.
It was time for bed. We each thought of all that we had seen on this trip, the memories that we had. It was a great trip, and I know that we will be back again soon.
Up at the normal time. We sometimes wonder if we are going to sleep like this when we get home. This has been a great three weeks, but coming to a slow end. Tomorrow morning we will be on our way, flying home.
We left the hotel and stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We thought it would be our last time. We ate, and looked around to see what we could buy. We got a few cards for our loved ones. A great place to eat and shop.
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| Back of the house |
Next we were off to The Billy Graham Library. As we got there the first thing we visited was the old farm house that he lived in from the time he was 10 until he left home.
The library is in a big barn. He grew up on a dairy farm that his parents owned. They had a tour that included a lot of his memorabilia from around the world. There were short movies of his life, pictures of him in crusades and with presidents. It was a great tour, and insight into the life of a great man. |
| On of his old cows |
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| Sinks in the bathroom |
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| Billy's desk |
As we left we walked over to where Ruth Graham was buried. It is a very special place and a must if you are ever in the area.
As we left the library we drove downtown. We found what we were looking for, the Cheesecake Factory. We JUST got a small piece of cheesecake for each of us and took it back to the hotel for later. (note from Vonna...there are no small pieces of cheesecake at the cheesecake factory)We got back to the hotel, packed the suitcases, except for what we needed. We decided that maybe a salad for dinner would be good, since we have so much for desert. It was early, about 5, so we decided to walk across the street. It was a Cracker Barrel. (Note - we were telling Chris the story when we got home. He said "who can go there and eat a salad?") Neither of us had a salad, but the meal sure was good.
Back to the hotel, we watched TV. Vonna wrote a few cards to the loved ones we had visited. We ate our "snack" - Vonna ate to much and got a little sick.
It was time for bed. We each thought of all that we had seen on this trip, the memories that we had. It was a great trip, and I know that we will be back again soon.
On to the South - Day 20
May 7, 2012
We both were up a little early today, a little after 7 or so. We are excited, but nervous. We are going to see my Aunt Betty, my mom's sister. She lives about 2 hours from where we are staying in Ashville, NC.
We ate breakfast downstairs, and was on the road by 9. It was a nice drive, lots of green and more green. It rained a little on the way, but only made the car dirty.
We arrived at 11 and rang the door bell. I was not sure we had the right place, but Vonna said it was Aunt Betty's place, the front door was open. I rang the door bell again and she was in the garage. She came out and was so glad to see us both. She reminded us both so much of mom when we first saw her.
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| Aunt Betty's front yard |
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| Directions from Aunt Betty |
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| Aunt Betty's new hat |
Aunt Betty took us to a great lunch at the local hotel and golf course. We sat on the deck overlooking the valley and hills in the distance. The hotel is very old and made of stone. It was a great place. They tried to set us on the far side of the deck, and Aunt Betty wouldn't have it. She made us sit in the place we could see everything. It was a great time. We walked through the hotel on our way out, and got lost. We asked how to get out. We drove around the grounds on the way out.
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| The road on the way to hotel |
We got back to the hotel. We stopped for a fast dinner, read, watched TV, and laughed about the day and the stories that were told. It was a great day. So many memories.
Off to sleep, dreaming of making more memories tomorrow.
On to the South - Day 19
May 6, 2012
Today was a lazy day. We got up at normal time for old people, about 8AM. Got showers and dressed and downstairs for breakfast.
We had planned to go to the movies today. We drove around for a while looking for it. We missed it the first time, and found it about an hour before show time. We went over to a book store and coffee shop. I got the coffee, and Vonna looked around.
The Titanic was playing in 3D and neither of us had seen it. It was a long movie, about 3 1/4 hours long. Vonna liked it, except for the cussing, and I didn't really care for it at all. The best thing was the popcorn and diet coke.
We left there and decided to get Subway for dinner. We were both full. We found it without any problems and headed back to the hotel.
The rest of the evening was normal, just sat, read, and watched TV. It stormed a little, lightning and thunder, rain, and was very relaxing.
Can you believe a whole day, and no pictures? I couldn't, I even looked twice.
Tomorrow should hold more memories.
Today was a lazy day. We got up at normal time for old people, about 8AM. Got showers and dressed and downstairs for breakfast.
We had planned to go to the movies today. We drove around for a while looking for it. We missed it the first time, and found it about an hour before show time. We went over to a book store and coffee shop. I got the coffee, and Vonna looked around.
The Titanic was playing in 3D and neither of us had seen it. It was a long movie, about 3 1/4 hours long. Vonna liked it, except for the cussing, and I didn't really care for it at all. The best thing was the popcorn and diet coke.
We left there and decided to get Subway for dinner. We were both full. We found it without any problems and headed back to the hotel.
The rest of the evening was normal, just sat, read, and watched TV. It stormed a little, lightning and thunder, rain, and was very relaxing.
Can you believe a whole day, and no pictures? I couldn't, I even looked twice.
Tomorrow should hold more memories.
On to the South - Day 18
May 5, 2012
This morning we were up by 8. It will be a travel day for us. Not a morning that we have been looking forward to, but one that comes about during each of our trips.
We loaded the car and ate a little cereal for breakfast. We said it was time. We walked to the car, thanked them for everything, cried a little, and drove off.
The time spent with family is never forgotten, and the time spend with friends is extra special. When the family are friends it makes the time extra, extra special. We have created a lot of memories that will never be forgotten. We are looking forward to the next time we are together, our next trip to the South to spend more extra, extra special time with all of our family. Thanks, Brenda, Bob, Angie, RL, and girls for making us feel so much at home, and making our time extra, extra special.
We drove on to Charollet, NC. We are going to spend the next four days here. We checked into the hotel and went for a drive. We found Dillard's and a new purse for me (LOL). We also decided that we needed an extra suitcase if we were going to get everything home. It was either that or a box and tape. I opted for the suitcase. We also found a Dairy Queen!
On the way back to the hotel we found a Cracker Barrel across the street from the hotel. Imagine what we did for dinner.
We were both tired, rested at the hotel the rest of the night, and watched a little TV.
As we slept we thought about the memories that we made, and the ones that are coming.
This morning we were up by 8. It will be a travel day for us. Not a morning that we have been looking forward to, but one that comes about during each of our trips.
We loaded the car and ate a little cereal for breakfast. We said it was time. We walked to the car, thanked them for everything, cried a little, and drove off.
The time spent with family is never forgotten, and the time spend with friends is extra special. When the family are friends it makes the time extra, extra special. We have created a lot of memories that will never be forgotten. We are looking forward to the next time we are together, our next trip to the South to spend more extra, extra special time with all of our family. Thanks, Brenda, Bob, Angie, RL, and girls for making us feel so much at home, and making our time extra, extra special.
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| Where else can you eat and play a game? |
On the way back to the hotel we found a Cracker Barrel across the street from the hotel. Imagine what we did for dinner.
We were both tired, rested at the hotel the rest of the night, and watched a little TV.
As we slept we thought about the memories that we made, and the ones that are coming.
On to the South - Day 17
May 4, 2012
We were up at the crack of dawn, or about 8:15. Today was planned as a busy day. Vonna wanted to get at least one suitcase packed and Bob and I were going to Petersburg to look at another Civil War Battle Site.
I put the suitcase on the bed and Vonna told me to leave, in a nice way. She said that she knew what was not needed and would pack one of the suitcases. Bob & I decided it was time to leave. Brenda asked if we knew where we were going and Bob said it would be easy to find. He was there on a 7th or 8th grade field trip.
We drove to Petersburg, followed the signs and got lost. I looked on my iPhone and found the Petersburg National Battlefield. I followed the directions and ended up at the headquarters. There were instructions on the door on how to get to the correct place.
For the ones that don't know, there was a battle at Petersburg near the end of the Civil War. It was the longest event of the Civil War and during the 9 1/2 months there were over 70,000 casualties. Six days after the battle concluded Lee surrendered.
A couple of things were very interesting during this event. The North surprised the South on the first day of the battle. If they would have continued, instead of stopping, they would have over run the small army that was in Petersburg. The next day Lee moved more troops into the city.
The big thing that Bob wanted me to see was the Crater. This was very interesting. A group of the Northern Army were coal miners from Pennsylvania. They dug a tunnel under the Southern encampment. They set off an explosive that created a crater of about 170 foot long, 80 foot wide, and 30 feet deep. The crater is still there, though grown up with grass and trees.
About 300 Southern soldiers were killed. It said that about 15,000 Northern soldiers stormed into the area. There was no place to go. The Southern Army was on top of them, shooting all that they could. It was later called a "Turkey Shoot". This was one of the first battles that blacks were used as soldiers and the Southern soldiers were shooting all that they could. It was told that even some of the white Northerners were shooting the blacks thinking that they would be able to get out. In the end, the South lost about 1000 men and the North lost almost 6000 men.
We drove through the Park, looking at the monuments and reading about the battles and how the North eventually over ran the city. We were getting hungry and finally found a 7-11 for lunch. It was a very nice day to spend with Bob and very educating. It is something to see the places that most of us have only read about.
We decided it was time to head for home. We got back about 2 or 3, and the women got home about 4. We are going to go to dinner with Angie and family. The girls were at Angie's shop, getting nails and hair done. They looked great. Oh ya, they also went to Cracker Barrel for lunch and a little shopping.
Before we left for Angie's, Bob took me next door to the Cemetery. This right next door - on the other side of the trees. There is a Civil War Veteran buried there.
We got to Angie's at about 6 and she was just getting home from work. A few minutes later RL got home and off we went to Lake Gaston for dinner. The drive was out through the country and it was perfect. The sun shining through the clouds and onto the water.
The restaurant is run by some friends of RL and Angie. Everything was perfect. We were overlooking the water, on the patio. The food was great. And most of all, it was a great time with our relatives that we love spending time with. We wish it could have continued for a long time. After dinner we walked to the water, talked, and watched the lightning storm in the distance.
All to soon it was time to leave. This would be the last time on this trip that we would see Angie, RL, and girls. We have enjoyed the time together so much and saying goodbye is never easy. As I get older it gets harder.
We got home, finished packing the second suitcase, and got ready to leave the next morning. None of us are looking forward to saying good by, but we ate an ice cream and it was time for bed.
We were up at the crack of dawn, or about 8:15. Today was planned as a busy day. Vonna wanted to get at least one suitcase packed and Bob and I were going to Petersburg to look at another Civil War Battle Site.
I put the suitcase on the bed and Vonna told me to leave, in a nice way. She said that she knew what was not needed and would pack one of the suitcases. Bob & I decided it was time to leave. Brenda asked if we knew where we were going and Bob said it would be easy to find. He was there on a 7th or 8th grade field trip.
We drove to Petersburg, followed the signs and got lost. I looked on my iPhone and found the Petersburg National Battlefield. I followed the directions and ended up at the headquarters. There were instructions on the door on how to get to the correct place.
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| A part of the visitor's center |
For the ones that don't know, there was a battle at Petersburg near the end of the Civil War. It was the longest event of the Civil War and during the 9 1/2 months there were over 70,000 casualties. Six days after the battle concluded Lee surrendered.
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| Could you imagine charging thought this? |
The big thing that Bob wanted me to see was the Crater. This was very interesting. A group of the Northern Army were coal miners from Pennsylvania. They dug a tunnel under the Southern encampment. They set off an explosive that created a crater of about 170 foot long, 80 foot wide, and 30 feet deep. The crater is still there, though grown up with grass and trees. 
About 300 Southern soldiers were killed. It said that about 15,000 Northern soldiers stormed into the area. There was no place to go. The Southern Army was on top of them, shooting all that they could. It was later called a "Turkey Shoot". This was one of the first battles that blacks were used as soldiers and the Southern soldiers were shooting all that they could. It was told that even some of the white Northerners were shooting the blacks thinking that they would be able to get out. In the end, the South lost about 1000 men and the North lost almost 6000 men.We drove through the Park, looking at the monuments and reading about the battles and how the North eventually over ran the city. We were getting hungry and finally found a 7-11 for lunch. It was a very nice day to spend with Bob and very educating. It is something to see the places that most of us have only read about.
We decided it was time to head for home. We got back about 2 or 3, and the women got home about 4. We are going to go to dinner with Angie and family. The girls were at Angie's shop, getting nails and hair done. They looked great. Oh ya, they also went to Cracker Barrel for lunch and a little shopping.
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| Civil War Veteran |
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| Brenda & Bob's House |
We got to Angie's at about 6 and she was just getting home from work. A few minutes later RL got home and off we went to Lake Gaston for dinner. The drive was out through the country and it was perfect. The sun shining through the clouds and onto the water. |
| Sweet Memories! |
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| Sisters and Friends! |
All to soon it was time to leave. This would be the last time on this trip that we would see Angie, RL, and girls. We have enjoyed the time together so much and saying goodbye is never easy. As I get older it gets harder.
We got home, finished packing the second suitcase, and got ready to leave the next morning. None of us are looking forward to saying good by, but we ate an ice cream and it was time for bed.
On to the South - Day 16
May 3, 2012
Today was a laid back day. We slept in till after 8 and drank coffee.
Vonna needed a few things from town, so we rushed around and got to town just in time to meet Angie for lunch. We had Mexican food at one of Brenda and Bob's favorite places. Food was good, but company was better.
Then off to Walmart. Vonna and Brenda looked around some. Bob and I sat at a table and talked. We walked over to the clothes and the ladies were still looking.
Bob and I took the car to be washed. Black is not a clean color. Looked good after we got through. Bob did such a good job on the outside I told him I would recommend him for a full time job if he wanted.
We got back to Walmart and the ladies were still shopping. We walked with them and they finally found somethings they couldn't live without.
Off to the house and relaxed the rest of the day. Tomorrow will be more memories.
Today was a laid back day. We slept in till after 8 and drank coffee.
Vonna needed a few things from town, so we rushed around and got to town just in time to meet Angie for lunch. We had Mexican food at one of Brenda and Bob's favorite places. Food was good, but company was better.
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| Vonna feeding Buddy |
Bob and I took the car to be washed. Black is not a clean color. Looked good after we got through. Bob did such a good job on the outside I told him I would recommend him for a full time job if he wanted.
We got back to Walmart and the ladies were still shopping. We walked with them and they finally found somethings they couldn't live without.
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| Emma had to text me a copy of her new hair do |
Off to the house and relaxed the rest of the day. Tomorrow will be more memories.
On to the South - Day 15
May 2, 2012
Bob was up at 6 o’clock.
He knew that it was our last day on the road and excited about getting
home. We all got up and ready to
go. We stopped at McDonalds for
breakfast, and off to Gettysburg.
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| Vonna & Brenda at the |
We got to Gettysburg Visitors Center. The had a great big Gift Store, so Vonna and
Brenda headed for it. Bob and I looked
at all the rifles, pistols, uniforms, and other items. We talked to the ranger and found out how to
follow the driving signs. Everything was
very easy.
After an hour or so we headed to the car and drove to the
first stop. There was a school group
there and we listened to the ranger for a while. They are very knowledgeable. I would love to listen all day. There were a lot of memorial all over, out in
the fields, along the roads, and at each of the stops.
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| Dangerous Lady |
Gettysburg was a three day battle, but a turning point in
the war. It was something the way the
battles were fought. If you listened
close and looked hard you could see the soldiers coming and the canons
firing. There were lots of deaths here
on both sides.
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| Used as a hospital during the Civil War |
As we traveled on we talked about how different the US would
be if the South would have won, or if other things would have happened – if they
would have taken Washington DC at the beginning of the war, or if California
would have left the US. A lot of things
that people were working on, but never happened.
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| Memorials all over Gettysburg |
It took us about 3 hours to make the drive, looking at most
of the stops. We got back to the Gift
Shop and Vonna wanted one item that she had seen.
We drove back to the Wallace’s Corner, about a 5 hour
drive. Stopped a couple of times, one to
eat and the other at Starbucks. As we
passed the Virginia line Bob celebrated.
We got to the house around 9:30 or so.
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| Brenda thought the bird was caught on grass. |
This was a great road trip.
We are so glad that Brenda, Bob, and Angie were able to go with us. We saw a lot and I know that we will return
to see more. There is so much in the US
to see. There is a lot of history to
look at, and the beauty of the United States.
As we travel it is great to have loved ones to share it with.
It was getting late, and old people can’t stay up too
late. Tomorrow is another day.
On to the South - Day 14
May 1, 2012
We were up and out of the hotel real early for our trip to Lancaster County, PA, Amish Country. It was about 10:30 when we hit the road. We got to our first stop about 12:30.
Our first stop was the Visitor’s Center. It had a lot in it. And Bob found someone to talk to. It was an interesting place. Vonna talked to one of the volunteers about where to go and he gave us a map of the area.
We drove down the road, ending up in the Town of Intercourse, PA. A lot of nice little shops in town. We walked from store to store. Some had local items, and some had items from China. It was a nice day.
We found a little Ice Cream Shop. Vonna & I had an ice cream, Bob a milk shake, and Brenda a root beer float. It was the best ice cream that we had tasted in a long time. It was made in their home. A great place to go. Sure would like one right now.
We next drove through the country. Vonna wanted to go to Bird In The Land, but we missed it. We stopped at a knife shop. Over 300 types of knifes.
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| Bob was thinking of buying this! |
We drove on and the farm land was really beautiful. I stopped at one place and took a few pictures. We came to Hersey Restaurant and Gift Shop (in Hersey, PA, not where candy is). It was one of the best places we stopped that day. Vonna and Brenda found a few items to buy. We had a really good meal. It was a good day.
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| One big dude! |
We decided that we would drive on to Gettysburg, PA, even though it was getting dark. We got to a hotel at the GPS location. I had the wrong address. Vonna gave me the right one. I thought the GPS said to turn left, it recalculated and off we went, out through the country, in the dark. Vonna and Brenda were worried that we were going the wrong way.
We final pulled into the hotel and got our room. The next morning we found that the hotel was just a block up the street from where we were.
We were to bed before we knew it. Off to dream land, waiting for another day full of memories.
On to the South - Day 13
April 30, 2012
Today was going to be our second day in DC. I woke up first, and was in the shower when I
heard an alarm going off. I thought it
was my phone and was hoping Vonna would get it before everyone woke up. But it was Angie’s. She said she forgot she set if for yesterday
morning.
Then on to the Air and Space Museum. If you have never been there, you should
go. There is too much to see in a
day. We rushed through, looking at the
stars, space exploration, the first plane, how they fly, and on and on. We stayed, and got something to eat too. We were really hungry.
Today was going to be our second day in DC. I woke up first, and was in the shower when I
heard an alarm going off. I thought it
was my phone and was hoping Vonna would get it before everyone woke up. But it was Angie’s. She said she forgot she set if for yesterday
morning.
It was time for everyone to get up anyway. Old people hate to get up. Well, I don’t think young people get up early
either. Anyway, I went down for coffee,
and slowly everyone joined me and we ate breakfast.
I found out that the Metrorail came about 10 minutes from
the hotel and we all decided it would be a lot easier to ride than to drive the
two cars in to DC. We left the hotel
about 11:00 am and found the train. The
workers were very helpful in helping us get the tickets and on the right
train. It was a nice ride, and we got to
DC by 1pm or so.
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| One HAPPY Lady!!!! |
We wanted to see the Smithsonian today. We started in the Castle, saw a short movie,
and some other interesting items.
Then on to the Air and Space Museum. If you have never been there, you should
go. There is too much to see in a
day. We rushed through, looking at the
stars, space exploration, the first plane, how they fly, and on and on. We stayed, and got something to eat too. We were really hungry. |
| A gator in it's mouth |
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| Angie - deep in thought |
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| Hope Diamond - Over 45 carat |
We walked onto the next museum, and saw many of the outdoor
gardens and art. We stopped at the Natural
History Museum. A large elephant as you
walk in, then Angie wanted to go upstairs to see the butterflies and Bob wanted
to see the snake. We also saw the Hope
Diamond and bones and mummies and much more.
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| Good Looking! |
We left there and Vonna and Brenda were coming out of the
American Museum. We all wanted to go to
the Holocaust Museum, so off we went. We
go almost there and noticed the time, 5:30, and all of the museums were closed
up. We were all disappointed.
Off to the train, back to the cars. Angie had to leave to go back to work. We were off to the hotel. This was our last day in DC, not as emotional
as the first, but this is where our country is run from, all the history, all the
good and bad that happened. It would
take a few weeks to see everything here.
Vonna’s leg is doing better, but she can’t walk around and see
everything. I hope next time we come we
will both feel better and be able to see more.
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| Really upset that she has to go home. |
Before we got back to the hotel we stopped for a bite to
eat, each of us going to different places.
We watch TV for a few minutes before going to sleep and dreaming of the
memories made and memories that are coming.
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