Soaking Up History

So much for seeing friends in Chattanooga. Due to a very contagious stomach bug in their house, they suggested we catch them up on the way back home. So, after driving for several hours in the rain, we spent our first night in a Wal-Mart parking lot somewhere in Virginia (along with several other cars and a truck -- all of us clustered around a sign that said "No Overnight Parking."

We then spent an unexpected and absolutely delightful day in the small town of Lexington, VA, home to Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. Robert E. Lee was president of Washington and Lee from after the Civil War until his death. According to the helpful lady at the Visitor's Center, he took the job because after the Civil War he really needed a job. I've always admired Lee, and this visit only confirmed that. He was a man of character and integrity. He told his student he only had one rule: Always be a gentleman.

We also saw the grave of Lee's beloved horse, Traveller. Lee always kept the stable open and let Traveller graze on the yard. Today, the stable is still kept open so Traveller's spirit can roam freely.

Interested tidbit of trivia; Robert E. Lee was regarded as a traitor by the government because of his service to the Confederacy. He finally received a pardon from the federal government in the late 1970s by President Ford.

The town of Lexington is so pretty and quaint. We're not on a schedule, and it's was great to explore a place we would have never found if we hadn't jumped off the interstate.

Yesterday, we did Gettysburg, which was absolutely fascinating. It certainly brought out the UDC member in me. (For those of you who don't know, that's United Daughter of the Confederacy -- and to be fair, I'm a DAR, too.) We didn't know how close that battle actually was and could really have gone either way.

We also saw President Eisenhower's home there, which was not luxurious at all, and in many ways, quite spartan. We learned Mamie Eisenhower was addicted to soap operas, "As the World Turns" in particular, and if she had to miss it, she made a secret service agent watch and write down what happened. Remember, this was way before VCRs and TIVO.

Today, we spent the entire day at Valley Forge, where George Washington and his troops spent a terrible winter. And since it is very cold and snowing here today, the weather felt quite appropriate! We actually wimped out and are in a hotel tonight. We felt the need for a hot shower, and I just can't make myself rent a shower at a truck stop!

Tomorrow, Philadelphia.

Practice trip earlier this year

Mid-life Crisis

Our daughter says we're having a mid-life crisis. We didn't really think of it that way. Instead, it just seemed like a natural break since we moved. But maybe this is a mid-life crisis. What is it about these particular years that makes us want to change everything and do something completely different?

When you're young, it seems like you have all the time in the world to do whatever it is your heart desires. But after marriage and jobs and children and houses and dogs and cats . . . the time slips away and suddenly we realize there is an end to this ride. Anybody else feeling the same?

Rain Again

Last time we left, it was pouring down rain. Today, it's pouring down rain. And we still have to pack the car. I wanted to leave yesterday. Then I wanted to leave first thing this morning. But, at 11 p.m. last night, GB decided we needed to refinish our huge kitchen table. Those of you who know him will understand this is perfectly normal behavior.

They sold elk and bison at this place.

And it all has to go back in . . .

Off Again!

We're leaving tomorrow for another hippie adventure. This time, we're going very simple. We basically have a mattress and two sleeping bags in the back of the mini-van, some clothes and a laptop. We're heading up to Chattanooga for GB to fly fish and to visit with some dear, dear friends there. Then, we're planning to drive up to Gettysburg. Not sure if we'll actually get there this trip. GB has a conference back in Chattanooga on the 10th, and I have to be back home for an event on the 12th.

Our friends can't believe we slept in Wal-Mart's parking lot, and our children think we've lost our mind. This is the most fun we've had in years!