Today we drove in the rain down to Port Royal, SC to visit a neighborhood friend who has given up the good life of a Mainer to become a Southern Belle (never).
On the way down from Columbia, through Florence and along I-95 there were a lot of similarities to our very own ice storm. Although the damage wasn't as extensive as Maine's, for a state that was so unprepared, it caused a lot of grief. Cleanup is ongoing, but we didn't see many people lining up for firewood.
We will be in the area for several days so please know that we are safe as there are a lot of U.S. Marines at Parris Island, less that 7 miles away. Tom plans to go over to see how they are doing tomorrow while also inspecting the golf course.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
February 25, 2014
Sometimes a day goes by where nothing much happens. Monday was one of those days.
Today we arrived in Columbia, South Carolina and headed into the State House. It is really interesting to hear what has happened in different states and here was no different.
Our guide (Paul) did an excellent job, especially with a group of 1st to 3rd graders from a private school. It was also great to see the students so well prepared. They knew a lot of the answers to questions he posed.
Below, the Third State House building (the other 2 burned). What southern state wouldn't have a Confederate National flag flying. The Palmetto Tree (right) was selected as the State Tree because of its durability during an attack to Fort Moultrie. The soft palmetto logs at the fort did not crack under bombardment but rather absorbed the shot. It was said that cannonballs reportedly even bounced off the walls of the structure.
The house chambers were well lit and more colorful than others we have visited.
When the doors of the house chambers were closed, up came Rep Walton McLeod who opened the doors for the students and was happy to take the time to talk to the kids about the House and the State. He could have been a great teacher. He had the knack for talking with the kids.
This ordinance is claimed to be the act that started the Civil War. Can anyone imagine repealing the Constitution?
Yes, blossoms on the tree, the sounds of "peepers", the sight of a Robin...and green grass...and sunshine too. Wish you could be here.
The State House was a busy day according to the guide. Apparently there were many lobbyists that were just outside chambers both for and against common issues. The link below came out on this afternoons news.
Outdated Law?
Oh, and one other thing, for Bob and Glen, the State Dance is the Shag.
Today we arrived in Columbia, South Carolina and headed into the State House. It is really interesting to hear what has happened in different states and here was no different.
Our guide (Paul) did an excellent job, especially with a group of 1st to 3rd graders from a private school. It was also great to see the students so well prepared. They knew a lot of the answers to questions he posed.
Below, the Third State House building (the other 2 burned). What southern state wouldn't have a Confederate National flag flying. The Palmetto Tree (right) was selected as the State Tree because of its durability during an attack to Fort Moultrie. The soft palmetto logs at the fort did not crack under bombardment but rather absorbed the shot. It was said that cannonballs reportedly even bounced off the walls of the structure.
The house chambers were well lit and more colorful than others we have visited.
The Mace, the House authority, is also the oldest original one used
in the U.S.
When put in front of the desk means “the House is in session”. The mace was a
1756 gift from England.
During the Revolutionary War it disappeared, and was discovered 40 years later
in a Philadelphia bank vault!
When the doors of the house chambers were closed, up came Rep Walton McLeod who opened the doors for the students and was happy to take the time to talk to the kids about the House and the State. He could have been a great teacher. He had the knack for talking with the kids.
This ordinance is claimed to be the act that started the Civil War. Can anyone imagine repealing the Constitution?
Yes, blossoms on the tree, the sounds of "peepers", the sight of a Robin...and green grass...and sunshine too. Wish you could be here.
The State House was a busy day according to the guide. Apparently there were many lobbyists that were just outside chambers both for and against common issues. The link below came out on this afternoons news.
Outdated Law?
Oh, and one other thing, for Bob and Glen, the State Dance is the Shag.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
February 23, 2014
Today, Tom got off to an early start, hustling across the road to the golf course and got to play before we hopped into the van and headed for the Virginia State Capitol Building. It is truly unique in that it's history dates back to the late 1700's, and the main building has been wonderfully restored as well as the additions made after.
Even though Jefferson was known for a more important position, he considered himself an architect. This is part of the room he designed. Although not completely original, today some of it is still original.
Even though Jefferson was known for a more important position, he considered himself an architect. This is part of the room he designed. Although not completely original, today some of it is still original.
The Old House Chamber was used from 1788 to 1904 by the
House of Delegates. In 1829 and 1956 it
was used to make amendments to the Constitution.
To the right is where Gen Robert E. Lee stood when he
accepted command of the Armed Forces of Virginia.
Part of the statue of Washington
created by Jean-Antoine Houdon who came to the US for 17 days. He made a plaster
cast and took measurements of Washington
and then created the finished product.
The tour guide did an excellent job and gave a lot of historical details.
To read more about the building you can visit
All in all, a wonderful traveling day.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
February 22, 2014
We spent most of the day on the road driving into the nice warm sunshine. We finally arrived at Dover Air Force Base around 4:40. This base is really well organized. Right across the street from the Inn is a golf course, and what is really great is that there is no snow. The top temp of the day was around 62 and the snow finally disappeared once we left New Jersey. A good day for travel. There were no tie ups on the George Washington Bridge either.
Sunday should be a fairly short trip down to Richmond Virginia so we can stop and maybe have an ice cream.
Have a great day everyone.
Sunday should be a fairly short trip down to Richmond Virginia so we can stop and maybe have an ice cream.
Have a great day everyone.
Friday, February 21, 2014
February 21, 2014
Hi all, today was a fitting day to take a break from the weather. With bags packed,
we said goodbye to the kids and grandchildren and headed for the warmer states.
Even the Travelocity Troll said enough is enough.
Today we reached the home of 2 time Olympic Silver Medalist Meghan Duggins. She is the Team Captain of the Women's Ice Hockey Team and scorred a goal in the recent game with Canada.
Today we reached the home of 2 time Olympic Silver Medalist Meghan Duggins. She is the Team Captain of the Women's Ice Hockey Team and scorred a goal in the recent game with Canada.
Will send pics of the sunshine as soon as we find some.
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