March 10, 2015

Good evening everyone.
We checked into Island Links Resort on Sunday and were very pleased with the accommodations. The resort has the largest pool area of any resorts that we have visited.  A view right out the back door.  In this resort there are about 350 units but it doesn't seem like it because they are well spaced out and obscured by the natural cover.  At this time of year (still not high season) there are still many units not occupied.

 
The area is surrounded by golf courses and the bicycle paths are well used and seem to go everywhere.  There are no high rise buildings on the island as code does not permit buildings taller than the trees....and make sure that you don't cut down any Live Oaks.  The east side of the island is wide open beach.  There are miles of beach to walk and today's weather was great for a walk.  Away from the beach area there are many different resorts that are intermingled with small ponds that are great places to find different animals and birds.

 With sunshine a plenty it is easy to dry their wings.

 Don't let this close picture fool you, he's hungry...but worry not,  it's against the law to feed them.

 During this time of the year, it is easy to meet people from the northern states...and even Canada.  The story this year seems to be the same...too much snow.

Clouds and maybe a little rain in the forecast for the next couple of days.  Maybe a couble of fabric shops in the works.

Thanks for visiting Where's Grammie.

March 7, 2015

Good evening everyone.
On Thursday we took a tour ride around the city of Charleston. Although it was quite informative, and Sally really did a great job, it wasn't the best mode for pictures.  We did manage to get a couple though.
We saw parts of the Citadel, a state sponsored military college that requires that all students participate in ROTC and live on campus for all 4 years. 

Below is a statue of the Citadel's mascot...the  Bulldog.  If you look on the base you will notice a wreath.  For the last 11 years, the school had a live mascot that passed away less than 2 weeks ago.
For more information go to Citadel mascot

Also on campus is the F-4 Phantom that was flown by General Buck Shuler Jr. It honors the 67 Citadel graduates who died in Vietnam.  

Charleston has been nicknamed the holy city because there are 237 churches there.  Photograph them all...you betcha.  Below is just one.

 After leaving town and heading to Beaufort, we thought of friends back home that may still be knee deep in snow.  Here are some warm thoughts coming your way.

For the past couple of days we have been visiting  friend, formerly of Maine who currently lives in Beaufort, SC. We arrived on the 5th and will be leaving Sunday.  In the meantime in South Carolina cant help but notice the huge Live Oak trees.

The area around Beaufort, actually from Charleston on down is called the low country. Most of the area is less than 40 feet in elevation.  When it is low tide you can spend your time wallering around in the mud.

We took a side trip this afternoon down to Hilton Head where there is a discovery plantation.  We did find Grammie trying to find some new friends.

Tomorrow we will be in the Hilton Head area later in the day. 

March 4, 2015

 Good evening everyone.
We finally drove into an area where there was some sun. Charleston, SC. It got up to 77 degrees with a bit of a cooling breeze.

First thing on the agenda was a visit to Fort Sumter where the first shot of the Civil War was fired on April 12, 1861.  We took a ferry from downtown Charleston, SC that took about 30 minutes to the Fort.  The Fort was built on an island that was created by Lt. Henry Brewerton, U. S. Corps of Engineers, in charge of the project. The 2.4 acre Island that the fort was to be built on, was constructed from 10,000 tons of granite brought in from New England, along with about 60,000 tons of other rock.  The project was started in 1829 and still not completed by the start of the war.  Fort Sumter Island 

When Major Anderson of the Union Army was defending the Fort from Apil 12 to the 14th, this was the flag that flew over the fort.  As part of the surrendering of the Fort, he was allowed to take the US Flag with him.  It was later returned to the National Park Service and then returned to the Fort.

Finally, a Where's Grammie picture.

As the war progressed, the shape of the cannon shells evolved from the typical round ball shape which probably had a maximum range of a little over a mile to a more modern projectile that was fired from a rifled bore and would go over 3 miles.  There are still 3 shells embedded in the fort.  In the picture below, notice the embedded shell in the lower left.

Back in the city of Charleston we saw a sign that reminded us of a sign in Maine, but not really comparable to ours.

Across the Cooper River is a huge museum better known as the USS Yorktown. CV-10 was decommissioned in 1970 and became a museum and is a National Historic Landmark.  In the background is the Ravenel Bridge which has a height of 186 feet to accommodate large ships to access the harbor of Charleston.

One of the ships that was just leaving the harbor today delivered foreign made cars.

The parking lot is not nearly full of new cars but when we were at Fort Sumter, 2 more ships arrived with more cars.

This evening we had dinner at a place called California Dreaming.  A unique feature is the boat dock where one can drive a boat to the restaurant, have a fine meal and then ride away.  No traffic, no parking fees...and it was a 2 minute walk from our room. Couldn't resist a sunset  picture.

From the 4th to the 8th of March there is a BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival. Finally an unplanned surprise. It features chefs from around the country as well as pastry chefs, beverage professionals and food writers.  Disappointed that there were no tickets available...not a bit with the ticket prices. 

Maybe we can get to Memphis on the trip turnaround  Memphis

Thanks for keeping an eye on us.

Work on

March 3, 2015

We took the opportunity to get into Augusta today.  Our plan was to visit the Boy hood home of President Wilson.  When we got there, the published open times were not correct, so there went those plans.  The home remains on a busy street but doesn't seem it in this cropped pic.

Continuing through the city it became very apparent that every religion has been represented, many times over. 
There are many malls that have seen better days and some that didn't have even a single store left open. In a conversation with a resident it was revealed that if it wasn't for the annual playing of the Masters, businesses wouldn't make it into the black for the year.  Tom went into an antique store that had a display of golf memorabilia.  He met a person that had a hat with many Masters pins attached to it.  He said that in the last 50 years, he has missed only one.  Next year he is planning to start giving his tickets to his son.  His mother, who gets tickets every year (she's 94) hasn't used hers in the last 20 years.  This guy said he has lots of friends when it is known that he has extra tickets.  For those who were lucky enough to secure tickets, they are in the mail.
Tom played golf this morning at Fort Gordon.  Although today was a little misty at least he started his summer exercise routine....walking.
Our evening meal was at Carrabbas and as expected, the meal was great.  We did find out that they do not give discounts for AAA, AARP, Senior Citizens or Military.
If you plan to travel to Georgia, you can expect an 8% tax for lodging.  Even worse, if you stay in South Carolina, the tax for lodging is 14%. plus a $1.00 flat tax.
Tomorrow we are headed to Charleston for a day to do some sightseeing.

March 2, 2015

Hi everyone.

Yesterday we left Tom's sister Kathy and husband Steve and stayed at Fort Jackson for the evening.  We drove over to the west side of Columbia to see the house that they are in the process of buying.  If everything falls into place, they will be moving by the middle of the month.

Afterwards, we went to eat at a mexican restaurant.  Our waitress has 3 children, works 2 jobs and it taking courses in her spare time.  What a positive person.  Does anyone know any easy way to remember the difference between a fajita and an enchilada?  Whatever the difference, they are both good
Hopefully it will be the last cold day for a long time.  It was around 38 and even the locals have had enough.  Alice finally finished a (1) pair of mittens.  For those that know Alice, this was no easy task especially when you pull it all apart and start it over 4 times.

Today we drove down to Augusta GA where we will be staying at Fort Gordon for the next 2 days.  Tom finally got to play a round of golf and was somewhat happy after not swinging a club since early November.  The temperature got up to 74 and while Tom was playing, Alice spent the afternoon sitting in the sun reading a book and doing some knitting.  Surely the patrons at the golf course were impressed.

For those people who are having a hard time with the possibility of another snow storm here are some flowers.  If you would like to create your own, click on the link and click and drag your mouse.
Flowers We tried this with an ipad and it wouldn't work.  On a PC it works fine.

Hope everyone had a great day today!

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