February 28, 2015

Good afternoon all.

The drive yesterday from Fort Lee to Columbia was uneventful.  The roads were clear of any snow and dry.  There were some reminders of the unexpected snow from the previous day with a vehicle still stranded in the median area of I-95 that hadn't been hauled away as well as a few plastic front bumpers strewn beside the road.  The last place we sw any snow was in a small town called Selma, NC.
Columbia is the Capitol of South Carolina and for those who are reading this blog for the first time, we didn't visit the Capitol.  For those that may want to see pics of the Capitol, please visit our last years blog. Columbia State Capitol

We arrived in town with intentions of visiting Tom's sister and after a few wrong turns and a visit to the gas station ($2.11) we found the place.
After riding for several hours we took a little walk to get out the kinks.  On this walk down the street you may notice the absence of something.

This picture may be something that many are still looking for.

In this picture, what colors do you really see?  Brown and White, Green and Brown, Shades of Gray?

We really didn't think you would care what color the dresses on the internet are. 

If our grandchildren happen to be looking in, see if you can find what kind of tree this seedpod came from.  Notice there are many of them on the ground. (Hint...sweet)

Things to see in Columbia are the Riverbanks Zoo which features an overnight experience for kids age 6 and up, a river walk, the Columbia Museum of Art, and Finlay Park. We will be staying for another day because sister likes to cook.

February 26, 2015

Today's post is more about yesterday and a little about today.
We left Dover and headed for the Maryland State Capitol.  It is the oldest Capitol in the country still being used.

When we arrived in town, we were a little late as usual and when we came around the corner we were late for a picture. (not really)  This is a group visiting the Capitol for the legislative reconvening.  Dressed in casual attire, we went right on in.

This is the Senate Chamber where the Senators had a brief meeting and recognized the visitors for the days events.

 

Shortly after recognition of the visitors, they adjourned and went across the Hall to the larger House Chambers where the order of business for the General Assembly was a vote for the State Treasurer.
Nancy Knopp Treasurer. 

Outside on the grounds is a monument to Thurgood Marshall.  He was an Associate Justice for the US Supreme Court from 1967 to 1991.  He was the first African American serving in that position.  He later became known for his work on getting Donald Murray, an African American, admitted into the University of Maryland Law School who was denied by the University because of his race.

Because of the storm in the area, we decided to stay an extra day at Fort Lee.  Our next stop was to be in North Carolina.  I remember a friend saying that the state had a lot of rednecks.  After reading about what happened in Maine we decided that the combination of 6-8inches of snow and rednecks on the road was not a good thing.  Besides, Fort Lee was closed for the day.  A day of rest is always a good thing.

Couldn't help watching some soldiers out having fun on their day off.

The slush will be refreezing tonight and temps will get up to freezing by 10 am tomorrow. Columbia, SC here we come.

February 24, 2015

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at the Countrie Eatery.  Breakfast is served all day there so there is no indication of what time our day started is there?
Looking out the window of the Countrie Eatery onto Silver Lake revealed a sign of Spring. Ducks were flying North for the Summer season.

The Mallards were anxious to get an early start and the opportunity to warm up a bit. 

Notice Silver Lake is frozen over.

Today was the halfway point for visiting State Capitols.  Delaware is unique in that it was the first state to ratify the Constitution.  This is the front of the current Capitol building however it wasn't built until 1933.

New Castle Delaware was the location of the first Capitol but was later relocated to Dover in 1777.
The First State House was completed in 1791.  At that time there were 21 members of the House and 11 in the Senate.  The building has been renovated but only serves as part of the Heritage Park

The Senate chamber of the Old State House.  The painting of Washington up front was done to accommodate his full height of 6 feet 2 inches

Grammie decided to take matters into her own hands and wielded the gavel...if only for a brief moment.

The reception room of the current Governor, Jack Markell.

I mentioned before that the current State Capitol building (better known as Legislative Hall) wasn't completed until 1933. Before that, the Old Capitol building was used when completed in 1791.  Now for a little embellishment.  Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution.  

When the Capitol was transferred to Dover in 1777, there was no building to conduct the states business.  From then until 1791, the assembly conducted business in Battell's Tavern better known as the Golden Fleece Tavern.  Thirty elected representatives established Delaware as the first state when they ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787, 5 days prior to Pennsylvania.

I should note that the Golden Fleece Tavern no longer exists but this marker is located on the outer wall closest to the actual location of where it did exist.  Please do not confuse it with another Golden Fleece Tavern that does exist in Dover today.   Golden Fleece Tavern.  

Tomorrow off to Annapolis for another visit to a State Capitol.

February 23, 2015

Good evening everyone.  This morning we left Somerset NJ and drove to Trenton, the Capitol of New Jersey.  Traffic in the larger cities is generally light and today was no exception.  We, with the suggestion of the co pilot ended up in the visitors parking area and found free parking.  Once inside and after going through one of the more complete security checks, being a little late, were personally escorted up to the beginning area for the guided tour.  It would have taken considerably more time to find it on our own.
The tour guide did a great job and made sure that all of our questions were answered.
The building, built in 1790, it is the second oldest state house in continuous legislative use in the United States.  There are a couple of exceptions.  The part that is the oldest is the part that has the executive offices. (Original legislative chambers)  The building has been expanded several times to house the House and Senate chambers.

The Rotunda shown below was not part of the original building.  It was an add on.  The height of the inside of the dome is 100 feet high.  The dome is covered in gold leaf and the leaf came from an elementary school children effort to raise the money.

The next picture, taken from under the rotunda is looking at the arch where the original front door was located.  Through the arch to the right is where the Governor's reception is located.  We were fortunate to be able to get into the reception area but no pictures were allowed.

This is a view of the House chambers where during session, it is occupied by 80 members.  Tuesday is a big day for the Governor as he is getting ready to present his budget.  One of his tough sells will be how he is to make a promised payment to the employment pension system.  (Court ordered)  Governor Christie Budget.

Four of the State symbols are depicted in the artwork below. The Red Oak, Eastern Goldfinch, Honeybee and Purple Violet.  The pattern in the carpet in the picture above depicts the same symbols.

After the 24th State Capitol visit, we headed off to Dover Air Force Base where we will stay for the next 2 nights while we visit the Delaware State Capitol.
We drove around the base and stopped in to the Passenger Terminal and started asking some questions about Space-A travel.  Before we left the building, an energetic airman had us signed up for eligibility to fly anywhere in the US as well as many other popular overseas destinations.  Next step, show up with no more that 70 pounds in the suitcase.  Cost, priceless.  Now on the to-do (bucket) list.

Came back to the room in time to catch the weather.  5-8 inches predicted for North Carolina.

February 22, 2015

Today was a travel day.  We left Danvers, MA and ended up in Somerset, NJ about 5 hours later.  The roads were clear and the traffic was light.  We decided to cross the Hudson above New York City and headed into new Jersey west of the city. It was a great day to travel as the temperature got up to 45 and the sun was shining brightly.  We crossed the Tappan Zee Bridge for free going west.  The real trick is to get back east of the Hudson without paying.  I think the GW Bridge is up to $13.
Construction has already started to replace the Tappan Zee bridge.

We have saved about $20.00 in gas money compared to covering the same distance last year.  By the time we get back home, Alice will have saved enough money to buy Tom some new golf clubs for Christmas...  Or maybe enough yarn to knit some golf covers for the old ones.

February 21, 2015

Good snowy morning to everyone.
Visiting with relatives is always a treat.  We got to visit with all 3 nephews who are doing very well and are enjoying the weather as much as we are.  Tom helped out by doing some shoveling and breaking us some ice around the roof to prevent water damage.  There were several neighbors out on their roofs trying to get ahead of the rooftop pileup of snow.  Luckily, sis had some of that done before we arrived.

If you knew Sophie you knew that she had brought up 8 wonderful kids,

...some a little bit more stubborn than others.

Even though it looks a little bit cloudy we will be setting out for New Jersey where it is supposed to be sunny today...and in the mid 40's.

February 20, 2015

Good morning all, we are back on the road again and as many of you have guessed, trying to get away from all the snow.  After a few morning to-do's, we left town a little bit before noon and by the time we had left the state, we had visited our daughters and all 7 grandchildren.  The roads were really quite clear even after several inches of snow had fallen the night before.

Out first stop on this trip is at Tom's sister's in Massachusetts where as many have heard is having a "where are we going to put the snow" problem. Everyone driving through small towns seem to be driving slower because the streets are narrower and one has to be more cautious of not hitting cars that are parked beside the road.  Drivers are also stopping at the end of a street even thought they might not be able to see the buried stop sign.  You have to stop because you can't see around the corner before you turn because the snow is piled so high.
Maybe Massachusetts should have year round snow to improve their driving courtesy skills.

Out travel troll has had enough Winter already