WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL, Part 1

On our trip to visit our son in Annapolis in October, we took a trip into Washington DC to visit the World War  II Memorial. My husband and I had not seen it since it's completion. For me, it had a very personal significance as I am acquainted with the architect who designed the memorial. It was a beautiful day to stroll the Mall. Unfortunately, when we arrived we found ourselves in the midsts of a political rally and the Mall area was swarmed with thousands and thousands of people from different unions parading around the grounds. Still we made our way to the Memorial and despite the crowds, the loudspeakers and the placards, it was a moving experience.

In the next posts, I'd like to share some of the images of this beautiful tribute to the very brave men and women who gave their lives for their country so all of us can live in freedom.

The right to assemble, the right to protest; the right to speak

The lovely pathways to the Memorial

A crowded day at the Memorial

Next: From the Atlantic to the Pacific

HAPPY NEW YEAR

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better [person.]

~Benjamin Franklin

We are back in the land of sunshine and looking forward to ushering in 2011. I hope all your steps in the New Year lead you to happiness, joy, prosperity, laughter, love, peace and above all good health. See you next year!

STORMY WEATHER

It's been cold here on and off for about two weeks, but today was mild, though breezy. Because the temps were so pleasant, our little group of birders decided to take a break from all of the holiday mayhem and gathered to walk our favorite path at Fort Pickens. The sky was amazing today sliding from sunny, to cloudy, to rain, back to dark clouds with sun peaking through patches of blue. After we spent a great morning walking, we stopped at my favorite beach at that end of the Gulf and took in some amazing sights. The sky was inky and the surf was roiling. Spray was everywhere. But it was so beautiful, noone minded their glasses becoming encrusted in salt. 

The Path

Keeping eyes and ears alert for those birds

Almost better than a sunny day

The surf was amazing

The clouds were moving and the sun kept peeking out, throwing diamond-like light on the water

Driftwood (or drift-tree)

A patch of blue

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

"The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television."

~Andrew Ross

I took a morning stroll around my son's neighborhood and came across one of my favorite things--The Annapolis Bookstore. I adore small bookstores tucked into old buildings in residential neighborhoods. I just loved this window with the carousel horse and the clear reflection of the brick townhouse across the street. Later I noticed the woman reaching for a book displayed in the window. Unfortunately, that morning, I hadn't the time to walk through the doors. Had I done so, I know I wouldn't have exited for hours. Next trip, I plan to buy a coffee and settle in to this neighborhood bookshop.

BRRRRRR

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:  it is the time for home. 

 ~Edith Sitwell

The Deep South is in a Deep Freeze. Temps tonight will be in the teens. Definitely plugging in the electric blanket tonight. The wind has been howling out of the North and the temps have been dropping all day. Even the beach looked cold.

Even the jellyfish came ashore to lay in the sun!

HOLIDAYS ON THE BAY

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!"

~Amanda Bradley

Family and wonderful friends gathered round our Thanksgiving table this year and it was so nice to celebrate the holiday with those that are dear to us all year long. 

Dishes are done, leftovers packed in to-go packages and freezer bags and desserts are still tempting me from the sideboard. Usually, Thanksgiving puts me in the holiday spirit and I look forward to Christmas. This year, however, I'm having a hard time getting in the spirit. Did this whole holiday season just creep up on us too fast? Anyway, Santa to the rescue. Our friend Warren was playing Santa Claus in Fort Walton a week ago and husband and I drove over to see him arrive on a vintage fire truck. He was quite a hit with the children, some excited, some shy, but all with wishes only Santa can make come true.

Look Mom, he's real!

 I hope he got all that.

Happy, jolly Santa

 Santa confers with elves.

 Think we can peek?

Waiting for Santa

The old Schoolhouse, site of the festivities

 Santa lit the Fort Walton Christmas Tree to end a charming evening

Filled with Christmas cheer and spirit, I went home, and in the best Christmas tradition, snapped on my computer and started my on-line shopping!