About Us

Jerry (82 years old)... Dot (86 years old)... Chris (60 years old)... Cubby (3 years old)

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Washington DC - Mt Vernon and Arlington Cemetery

























We left Louisville and all of our Kentucky family early on Wednesday morning and took a long drive (600+ miles) to Falls Church, VA where we have been staying while visiting Megan and the Washington DC area. Even though we covered a lot of miles during that drive through the rest of Kentucky, West Virginia and finally into Virginia, the trip was an easy one. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. None of us had ever been on that drive before and we were all pleasantly surprised by how gorgeous the countryside was. We had very little traffic, certainly nothing to comment upon, and one beautiful scene after another as we looked out the windows. We would recommend that trip to anyone!

On Thursday, we laid low and just rested. We got to see Megan and together all went on our one big excursion of the day....to Costco where we were able to get Dad's hearing aids back in working condition. Hopefully, both of the hearing aids will stay in good condition throughout the remainder of the trip.

We have been staying in a 2-bedroom suite at the Residence Inn here in Falls Church. We have a refrigerator, a 2-burner stove, a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and various pots, pans and dishes. This has allowed us to do some lightweight cooking and has given us plenty of space while allowing us to all share time together. It's been fun and Mom has been able to have plenty of Klondike bars and coffee.....so she has been set! Dad has had a separate bedroom for him and Cubby and Cubby has felt like this is more of a house than a motel room....so, he has not been doing any little woofs, either....although he does take a nap on Dad's pillow and PJs when Dad leaves the room. He's pretty sure that Dad will return for them and he will know when that happens. He's a smart little guy.

We went to Mt. Vernon on Friday. Mt. Vernon was George and Martha Washington's estate and it is lovely. There are beautiful full trees and rolling green lawns with a great river view out the back of the home. Much of the estate has been preserved in its original condition. We had a nice lunch at the Inn that is on the property and sampled one of George Washington's favorite soups....peanut and chestnut. One of the pictures shows Mom W & Dad R looking in at the reconstructed "necessary"....it was a 3-hole affair, a short walk from the house.
After Mt. Vernon, we went to Arlington Cemetery, where we saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also saw the simple crosses that mark the graves of Ted Kennedy and his brother, Robert Kennedy. And, of course, we saw the eternal flame that marks the grave of Pres. John F. Kennedy. (Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy is buried next to JFK). When we were leaving the cemetery, we saw a Washington "chicken"....actually a robin that looked as big as a chicken according to Mom.....

2 comments:

Nancy's Photo Corner said...

Good to see how happy Megan looks. Did you take any pictures of her place?
The potty place looks rather creepy..lol
Why would there be a need for a 3 seater?

Chris said...

According to the folks at Mt Vernon, George & Martha always had companyat Mt Vernon. There were visitors with them for the night and for meals often. The visitors had servants with them as well. We didn't hear, but I'm thinking this 3-hole potty was for the residents and visitors...but not the servants. I'm betting they had a less fancy "necessary". And, Nancy...Mom says that if you need any more details about such "personal" issues...ask Carol...just like she's been telling you all of your life!