We drove today in some rain but not bad enough to cause a problem. We also hit a few construction zones but the delays were all westbound. Good news for us.
We arrived in Terre Haute which put us in EDT as soon as we drove over the state line. We pulled into the KOA for the night. This is a nicely treed park with good sized spots. However I feel the $49 price is way out of line for the burgeoning metropolis of Terre Haute not to mention it has no sewers and the wifi won't stay connected. I just gave up and put my own on. The average price of a spot is more in the $30 range.
We paid $40 in Durant, free at the city park in Chanute and $30 in Columbia. The law of averages will work it out in the end I suppose.
We did our "RVers Run" to WalMart in the rain and came home to fix dinner. We have about 140 miles left to Cincinnati where we will stay until next Thursday.
This has been a hop, skip and jump sort of trip. We are in no hurry and Ted has decided he wants to only drive about 5 hours a day. That works for me!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Columbia, MO
We went to the motel to check in after being invited back to the 4 o'clock Happy Hour. I had a headache trying hard to turn into a migraine and I didn't want to chance sitting in the bright sun which is a trigger for me. So Ted went over by himself and called later to say everyone was going to dinner. I sent him on with the other five couples and stayed behind.
Apparently there was a bad storm through the night and neither Ted nor I heard a thing. I guess it was a blessing we were in the motel and not the trailer like the rest of the folks.
We had breakfast at the motel and then went back to the factory where Judy and Greg and Linda and Paul were waiting also. Eventually both their rigs were ready and after handshakes and hugs, they took off. We will see them in Michigan in August.
Ed the salesman came to get us. He wanted to show us the 2012 version of our 2008. It was laid out exactly like ours but it only had a queen bed, minimal medicine storage in the bathroom and I wasn't crazy about the couch. It did however have the new shades, electric cord reel, cherry wood and a 44" TV. But at $106,000 we'll hang on to our current one for a few more years.
This was our rigs' second bi-annual check up. We also needed the floor repaired where a screw underneath the slide gouged the floor when one of the "feet" cracked. They had three boards left in Amrstrong Butterscotch, just enough to fix the floor without having to replace the whole thing. The extra time was having to tip out the slide to replace the foot. The slide has been working OK but they were concerned it would put undue pressure somewhere and hang the slide up at some point. Thus the added time.
Our first check up was at no cost. This one was $700. We are still pleased with NuWa and the HitchHiker product quality, workmanship and service. If we ever opt to get a new trailer, it will be another HitchHiker Champagne.
Ours wasn't done by noon so that meant we had to wait for them to return from lunch so we went into town to eat too. The food was really good, came quickly and we so enjoyed watching everyone greet one another because in this small town everyone knows one another.
We were able to take off about 1:30 and drove north to Kansas City and then east to Columbia. We have stayed here at Cottonwood several times before. It is an excellent campground and we were glad it was at a good stopping point for us.
We opted to not unhook and just eat in. Television is boring with all the reruns so we turned in early. I was up before 6 and am showered and ready waiting for Ted to get up. He has to drive so I never wake him; he'll wake up when he's had enough sleep.
I did make a reservation for tonight in Terre Haute, IN. We will drive out of Missouri, through St. Louis and across Illinois and be at the western edge of Indiana by this afternoon. From there the drive into Cincinnati isn't bad. We'll just go through Indianapolis along the way.
It feels as if we've been on the road for awhile but it has been less than a week. We so easily get back into the RVing lifestyle.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~ St. Augustine
Apparently there was a bad storm through the night and neither Ted nor I heard a thing. I guess it was a blessing we were in the motel and not the trailer like the rest of the folks.
We had breakfast at the motel and then went back to the factory where Judy and Greg and Linda and Paul were waiting also. Eventually both their rigs were ready and after handshakes and hugs, they took off. We will see them in Michigan in August.
Ed the salesman came to get us. He wanted to show us the 2012 version of our 2008. It was laid out exactly like ours but it only had a queen bed, minimal medicine storage in the bathroom and I wasn't crazy about the couch. It did however have the new shades, electric cord reel, cherry wood and a 44" TV. But at $106,000 we'll hang on to our current one for a few more years.
This was our rigs' second bi-annual check up. We also needed the floor repaired where a screw underneath the slide gouged the floor when one of the "feet" cracked. They had three boards left in Amrstrong Butterscotch, just enough to fix the floor without having to replace the whole thing. The extra time was having to tip out the slide to replace the foot. The slide has been working OK but they were concerned it would put undue pressure somewhere and hang the slide up at some point. Thus the added time.
Our first check up was at no cost. This one was $700. We are still pleased with NuWa and the HitchHiker product quality, workmanship and service. If we ever opt to get a new trailer, it will be another HitchHiker Champagne.
Ours wasn't done by noon so that meant we had to wait for them to return from lunch so we went into town to eat too. The food was really good, came quickly and we so enjoyed watching everyone greet one another because in this small town everyone knows one another.
We were able to take off about 1:30 and drove north to Kansas City and then east to Columbia. We have stayed here at Cottonwood several times before. It is an excellent campground and we were glad it was at a good stopping point for us.
We opted to not unhook and just eat in. Television is boring with all the reruns so we turned in early. I was up before 6 and am showered and ready waiting for Ted to get up. He has to drive so I never wake him; he'll wake up when he's had enough sleep.
I did make a reservation for tonight in Terre Haute, IN. We will drive out of Missouri, through St. Louis and across Illinois and be at the western edge of Indiana by this afternoon. From there the drive into Cincinnati isn't bad. We'll just go through Indianapolis along the way.
It feels as if we've been on the road for awhile but it has been less than a week. We so easily get back into the RVing lifestyle.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~ St. Augustine
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Memorial Day in Chanute, KS
We enjoyed our time at Choctaw but were on the road before 8 again on Monday morning. Traffic was light and we went through Tulsa with no problems arriving in Chanute about 1 pm. Greg and Judy were at the campground and said happy hour was at 4 o'clock and we would go out to dinner afterwards. We had a nice visit with them and two other couples, both of them leaving today while we and Greg were just arriving for service. We called it a night early because we had to be at the factory at 7 am.
Lots of folks were up early, hooking up and heading to the Service Department. Several rigs pulled into the bays and once everyone had talked to their technician, we all went to the Grain Bin for breakfast and then back to the factory to take the tour. When Ed saw it was all of us, he showed us the new units and pointed out new amenities since we've all seen them made and know their quality features.The partial and full body paint looks really good but at $12,000 for the upgrade I doubt we will ever imbibe in that feature. We did look at a new rig but it was just a newer version of ours and the one difference was not enough medicine chest space in the bathroom. Other than that it was the same as we have so no sense changing right now.
We will spend tonight in a motel because they won't be finished with our trailer. I think it will be done but something with the slide has to dry so it needs to sit overnight. There sre three motels across the street so we'll just go there.
If the trailer is ready by noon as promised we will head to Columbia, MO for overnight. If it gets late we'll just spend another night and head to IL for overnight. Either way we hope to arrive in Cincinnati sometime Friday either early or late.
We have an invitation to John and Sherry's on Friday night and Cindy and Tim's on Saturday. Ted will probably go to the Enquirer lunch on Monday and my grade school group is meeting Wednesday night.
Thursday we will head to Michigan to get settled before the weekend troops arrive at Addison Oaks. We are staying there for a month. Lots will be going on.
Lots of folks were up early, hooking up and heading to the Service Department. Several rigs pulled into the bays and once everyone had talked to their technician, we all went to the Grain Bin for breakfast and then back to the factory to take the tour. When Ed saw it was all of us, he showed us the new units and pointed out new amenities since we've all seen them made and know their quality features.The partial and full body paint looks really good but at $12,000 for the upgrade I doubt we will ever imbibe in that feature. We did look at a new rig but it was just a newer version of ours and the one difference was not enough medicine chest space in the bathroom. Other than that it was the same as we have so no sense changing right now.
We will spend tonight in a motel because they won't be finished with our trailer. I think it will be done but something with the slide has to dry so it needs to sit overnight. There sre three motels across the street so we'll just go there.
If the trailer is ready by noon as promised we will head to Columbia, MO for overnight. If it gets late we'll just spend another night and head to IL for overnight. Either way we hope to arrive in Cincinnati sometime Friday either early or late.
We have an invitation to John and Sherry's on Friday night and Cindy and Tim's on Saturday. Ted will probably go to the Enquirer lunch on Monday and my grade school group is meeting Wednesday night.
Thursday we will head to Michigan to get settled before the weekend troops arrive at Addison Oaks. We are staying there for a month. Lots will be going on.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Our 7th Summer Out
Besides lunch with Suzy on Friday and church on Saturday, the weekend was spent loading the trailer and getting ready to leave.
I do have news though, Chris's parents house is sold and they are moving about 5 miles away. I guess he'll have to drive to any free meals mom prepares. It is not impacting our arrangement. Rebecca forgot to mention the sale to me.
We left a little before 8 this morning and arrived in Durant, OK about 1:00. This is a nice campground associated with the Choctaw Casino. We spent awhile getting everything in its proper place and then called for the shuttle to the casino. The buffet opened at 4:00 and we had not eaten anything and were both hungry. They gave us $7 each off the buffet price. They also gave us $10 free play money. After eating what was a quite good buffet I played the slots and Ted played video poker. When I had won $50 I put the money in my purse and went to find Ted. He was down about $7 and was ready to leave. The best way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it in your pocket. It is even better when you are using someone else's money.
Tomorrow we hope to arrive in Chanute about the same time as we did here today . Ted learned our friends Judy and Greg are also there for a maintenance appointment and we are looking forward to seeing them and spending some time together.
A big thank you to all our servicemen and women who know better than anyone that freedom is not free. We salute you.
I do have news though, Chris's parents house is sold and they are moving about 5 miles away. I guess he'll have to drive to any free meals mom prepares. It is not impacting our arrangement. Rebecca forgot to mention the sale to me.
We left a little before 8 this morning and arrived in Durant, OK about 1:00. This is a nice campground associated with the Choctaw Casino. We spent awhile getting everything in its proper place and then called for the shuttle to the casino. The buffet opened at 4:00 and we had not eaten anything and were both hungry. They gave us $7 each off the buffet price. They also gave us $10 free play money. After eating what was a quite good buffet I played the slots and Ted played video poker. When I had won $50 I put the money in my purse and went to find Ted. He was down about $7 and was ready to leave. The best way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it in your pocket. It is even better when you are using someone else's money.
Tomorrow we hope to arrive in Chanute about the same time as we did here today . Ted learned our friends Judy and Greg are also there for a maintenance appointment and we are looking forward to seeing them and spending some time together.
A big thank you to all our servicemen and women who know better than anyone that freedom is not free. We salute you.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Enjoying This Weather ... But The Heat Is Coming
We've had delightful weather since our return from France but now the temps are heating up. The 90s are knocking at the door so we'll be glad to head north on Sunday.
Last weekend we ended up going out to dinner with Terry & Carol after church. On Sunday Ted was up at 7:00 to head to the gun club where he was to referee a sporting clays event and prepare lunch for his own league which has just finished up. They were going to share the brisket the club was serving at the event they were hosting. Around 8:00 I got a panic phone call from him. Seems the brisket was not taken out of the freezer and Mike had 40 lbs. of frozen meat that needed to be ready in three hours. There were also beans to cook but they would be no problem.
Ted had taken my crockpot and big roaster for his own lunch preparations so I gave them my best thoughts on how to get the meat defrosted and ready for serving by noon. It all worked out but Ted said he never shot a single round all day.
He came home with his roaster and crockpot to clean just as I was walking out the door to meet Mary Ann and the dinner group for Dining Out. Again there was an entire table of unaccompanied ladies. Society is really a "couples" thing and we all should take more time to be inclusive of single people in our groups. No one seemed to think anything about my appearance at two different events without Ted.
Monday was my bunco group and I had lots of errands afterward. Make a bank deposit, vote in the primary, mail a package at the post office, buy another box (for the base of the lamp) and buy a few greeting cards. The day was pretty much shot when I got home but we had lots of leftovers in the refrigerator for dinner.
I worked my last two hours for this season at the thrift shop on Tuesday. Ted was going shooting so Gerre picked me up and we went out to dinner. Today our Geneaology Genies are meeting at her house and this afternoon we are driving our friends to the airport for a flight to attend the Indy 500. I'm glad I left Thursday free because it gives me time to go to the hair and nail salon before we head out.
Suzy and I are having lunch on Friday to go over her Forum Work Schedule for next season. She too won't be here in August for the sign up so we are having a friend do it for us. Of course Peggy needs to know where we want to work and that's what we'll put together over lunch. I recruited Suzy but have been gone so much I feel like I dumped her into the middle of Forum and abandoned her. She said "not at all" and has enjoyed meeting the new Provisionals (this year's class of inductees). It is Rebecca's day to clean but I'll pay her before I leave and she knows how to lock up if I'm not back before she leaves. She and I have been playing Words With Friends and that keeps us in pretty close contact chatting while playing.
The lamp is now boxed in two separate boxes stacked on Chris' bed. They will go in the back seat of the truck so will be the last things packed. Chris won't come down until after we leave early Sunday so his bed will be cleared off and ready for him. I asked Rebecca why she thought her in-laws house had not sold. She thinks it is because they have not updated the house beyond the "basics" that were used when it was built. People want granite or solid surface kitchens, hardwood floors, crown molding, etc. in homes today. I wish them luck over the summer. They don't plan to move far so Chris housesitting won't be a problem.
Next stop - Durant, OK.
♫ On the road again, I can't wait to get on the road again ♫ ~ Willie Nelson
Last weekend we ended up going out to dinner with Terry & Carol after church. On Sunday Ted was up at 7:00 to head to the gun club where he was to referee a sporting clays event and prepare lunch for his own league which has just finished up. They were going to share the brisket the club was serving at the event they were hosting. Around 8:00 I got a panic phone call from him. Seems the brisket was not taken out of the freezer and Mike had 40 lbs. of frozen meat that needed to be ready in three hours. There were also beans to cook but they would be no problem.
Ted had taken my crockpot and big roaster for his own lunch preparations so I gave them my best thoughts on how to get the meat defrosted and ready for serving by noon. It all worked out but Ted said he never shot a single round all day.
He came home with his roaster and crockpot to clean just as I was walking out the door to meet Mary Ann and the dinner group for Dining Out. Again there was an entire table of unaccompanied ladies. Society is really a "couples" thing and we all should take more time to be inclusive of single people in our groups. No one seemed to think anything about my appearance at two different events without Ted.
Monday was my bunco group and I had lots of errands afterward. Make a bank deposit, vote in the primary, mail a package at the post office, buy another box (for the base of the lamp) and buy a few greeting cards. The day was pretty much shot when I got home but we had lots of leftovers in the refrigerator for dinner.
I worked my last two hours for this season at the thrift shop on Tuesday. Ted was going shooting so Gerre picked me up and we went out to dinner. Today our Geneaology Genies are meeting at her house and this afternoon we are driving our friends to the airport for a flight to attend the Indy 500. I'm glad I left Thursday free because it gives me time to go to the hair and nail salon before we head out.
Suzy and I are having lunch on Friday to go over her Forum Work Schedule for next season. She too won't be here in August for the sign up so we are having a friend do it for us. Of course Peggy needs to know where we want to work and that's what we'll put together over lunch. I recruited Suzy but have been gone so much I feel like I dumped her into the middle of Forum and abandoned her. She said "not at all" and has enjoyed meeting the new Provisionals (this year's class of inductees). It is Rebecca's day to clean but I'll pay her before I leave and she knows how to lock up if I'm not back before she leaves. She and I have been playing Words With Friends and that keeps us in pretty close contact chatting while playing.
The lamp is now boxed in two separate boxes stacked on Chris' bed. They will go in the back seat of the truck so will be the last things packed. Chris won't come down until after we leave early Sunday so his bed will be cleared off and ready for him. I asked Rebecca why she thought her in-laws house had not sold. She thinks it is because they have not updated the house beyond the "basics" that were used when it was built. People want granite or solid surface kitchens, hardwood floors, crown molding, etc. in homes today. I wish them luck over the summer. They don't plan to move far so Chris housesitting won't be a problem.
Next stop - Durant, OK.
♫ On the road again, I can't wait to get on the road again ♫ ~ Willie Nelson
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Zeroing In
Well I've been gathering up what I think I need for the summer. I paid the lawn guys and RV storage rent ahead and everything else is taken care of through credit cards and on-line payments. Both our license plates will expire 9/1 so we will need those stickers as soon as we get back. Gerre has our insurance info copies and signed checks. That will allow her to send off the registrations when they arrive and the stickers will be here when we get home. The Estimated Tax Coupon is packed. I was in France 4/17 so that payment was a few days late since we didn't return until 4/19. Hmmm ... I wonder what a 2-day penalty is? Note to Self: Check with Tim Geithner.
My niece had called after their visit here and asked us to go back to one of the antique stores to get a lamp her husband had admired. Ted did that and I had to buy a box to pack the Tiffany-style shade. It is a foot high and two feet across. They also wanted Hubble & Hudson pancake mix that they enjoyed while here. Then their daughter-in-law announced their baby due in October is a girl and the shower is after we leave Cincinnati. I went off to get a present so I can leave it with them for the shower. Check, check and check!
With three daughters and three granddaughters, there is a lot of shifting around of clothes so I gathered what needed to go to Michigan and that is ready. Up next will be our clothes. We take bang around clothes and nicer for visiting and church. We also carry Ted's suit and a good outfit for me ... just in case. In 2009 Ted's nephew was killed in a motorcycle accident and we had to leave the RV and travel to the funeral. We were glad to have the proper attire with us and our carry-on piece of luggage. We travel with that in case Ted has to fly somewhere for work. Each year we seem to remember needing a little bit more.
The last thing I do is pack the food. I take everything that is in the refrigerator and freezer making sure we have something for our travel days. Once we stop for an extended period, I go to the grocery.
With busy Wednesday over, Thursday I headed to the country club for the Installation Luncheon for Newcomers. There was a nice turnout and the speaker did an excellent job detailing her food and travel journalism career with just enough personal stories to make it fun and interesting. With food prices escalating like they are, it is getting hard for the club to hold the line on the price of the lunches. An increase may be needed for next year.
Ted was asked to shoot in a charity event for Elves and More on Friday, a group that provides hundreds of bikes for children at Christmas. We had no idea when he would be home so I went to Wind Down by myself. Turns out there were lots of us without our husbands for different reasons and we had a good time sitting around the kitchen table. These events can get quite crowded so if you are lucky enough to get a seat, you usually keep it.
Today we will be preparing for Ted's last league luncheon that will be held tomorrow and we'll go to church late this afternoon. While he is off doing that I will attend Dining Out. Mary Ann is a recent widow so she and I decided we would be each other's date. With Ted not showing up twice in one weekend, the rumor mill may start!
Next week is busy everyday but Thursday and Saturday. Since we intend to pull out early Sunday, I'll be very busy those two days tying up any loose ends.
"There is only one thing worse in this world than being talked about and that is not being talked about." ~ Oscar Wilde
My niece had called after their visit here and asked us to go back to one of the antique stores to get a lamp her husband had admired. Ted did that and I had to buy a box to pack the Tiffany-style shade. It is a foot high and two feet across. They also wanted Hubble & Hudson pancake mix that they enjoyed while here. Then their daughter-in-law announced their baby due in October is a girl and the shower is after we leave Cincinnati. I went off to get a present so I can leave it with them for the shower. Check, check and check!
With three daughters and three granddaughters, there is a lot of shifting around of clothes so I gathered what needed to go to Michigan and that is ready. Up next will be our clothes. We take bang around clothes and nicer for visiting and church. We also carry Ted's suit and a good outfit for me ... just in case. In 2009 Ted's nephew was killed in a motorcycle accident and we had to leave the RV and travel to the funeral. We were glad to have the proper attire with us and our carry-on piece of luggage. We travel with that in case Ted has to fly somewhere for work. Each year we seem to remember needing a little bit more.
The last thing I do is pack the food. I take everything that is in the refrigerator and freezer making sure we have something for our travel days. Once we stop for an extended period, I go to the grocery.
With busy Wednesday over, Thursday I headed to the country club for the Installation Luncheon for Newcomers. There was a nice turnout and the speaker did an excellent job detailing her food and travel journalism career with just enough personal stories to make it fun and interesting. With food prices escalating like they are, it is getting hard for the club to hold the line on the price of the lunches. An increase may be needed for next year.
Ted was asked to shoot in a charity event for Elves and More on Friday, a group that provides hundreds of bikes for children at Christmas. We had no idea when he would be home so I went to Wind Down by myself. Turns out there were lots of us without our husbands for different reasons and we had a good time sitting around the kitchen table. These events can get quite crowded so if you are lucky enough to get a seat, you usually keep it.
Today we will be preparing for Ted's last league luncheon that will be held tomorrow and we'll go to church late this afternoon. While he is off doing that I will attend Dining Out. Mary Ann is a recent widow so she and I decided we would be each other's date. With Ted not showing up twice in one weekend, the rumor mill may start!
Next week is busy everyday but Thursday and Saturday. Since we intend to pull out early Sunday, I'll be very busy those two days tying up any loose ends.
"There is only one thing worse in this world than being talked about and that is not being talked about." ~ Oscar Wilde
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
My "catching up" is running into my "planning ahead"
I seem to be tieing up loose ends on one hand and getting ready to leave again on the other. All I know is that it never stops.
We went to church Saturday then to play Canasta. Ted and I won high couple and got our $10 back. We had a good time seeing everyone. We try to attend as many activities as possible in May because many things stop for the summer.
Sunday being Mother's Day we had two opportunities to go out to eat but I knew every place would be very busy so we opted to have Terry & Carol over for a brisket Ted smoked and avoid the crowds. I received cards, gifts and calls from all the girls. It was a nice day.
I had to play Canasta again on Monday afternoon and for dinner we met Gus and Melissa (the last fellow I worked for before leaving Celanese) who are in town staying with their son. We enjoyed a three hour dinner and Gus picked up the tab because we had them to our house for dinner last time. Ted tried to split the bill with him but he wouldn't have it. We hope to see them again in Michigan while up there this summer.
Today I was scheduled to work two hours at the thrift shop but ended up staying for four. There had been a big push to get all the summer stuff out so we spent today getting winter clothes out of storage bins and preparing them for the fall. We had to tag, size and color coordinate them on racks where they will stay until they are taken downstairs for final inspection and being put out for sale. That frees up the storage bins and shelf space for the next onslaught of contributions. I am filling in for Jill next Tuesday so she can attend the luncheon given for those in charge of service projects. Those will be my final hours and I will finish the year at 55.5. Whew! I just made it past my required 50.
Tomorrow is the Newcomers end of year luncheon with installation of officers and acknowledgement of Activity Chairs. I think I have been around in that capacity longer than any other Chair. My group started in October 2001 and we are still going strong. It should be a nice ending to the year. The new officers will be working hard all summer getting our Annual Tea and activities ready for next fall.
Of course there are things on for next weekend too and I'm looking at my calendar wondering how I am going to get the RV ready to roll. There are several things I need to take to folks up north, paperwork to take with me, clothes, food, maps and camping books, etc. I have next Thursday and Saturday open and I intend to keep them like that so I don't forget something important.
We almost had a new housesitter this summer. A couple we know is between houses but now appear to be moving in around July 1 so Chris breathed a big sigh of relief when we told him they wouldn't need our house. He so looks forward to his "bachelor" time alone away from Mom and Dad. In today's economy there are lots of adult children living at home again. It's a win-win situation for all of us.
Ted is in Dallas and I intend to get a lot accomplished tomorrow. Wish me luck.
"Always gotta keep busy or the voices start telling me to do wild things." ~ Steve Brown
We went to church Saturday then to play Canasta. Ted and I won high couple and got our $10 back. We had a good time seeing everyone. We try to attend as many activities as possible in May because many things stop for the summer.
Sunday being Mother's Day we had two opportunities to go out to eat but I knew every place would be very busy so we opted to have Terry & Carol over for a brisket Ted smoked and avoid the crowds. I received cards, gifts and calls from all the girls. It was a nice day.
I had to play Canasta again on Monday afternoon and for dinner we met Gus and Melissa (the last fellow I worked for before leaving Celanese) who are in town staying with their son. We enjoyed a three hour dinner and Gus picked up the tab because we had them to our house for dinner last time. Ted tried to split the bill with him but he wouldn't have it. We hope to see them again in Michigan while up there this summer.
Today I was scheduled to work two hours at the thrift shop but ended up staying for four. There had been a big push to get all the summer stuff out so we spent today getting winter clothes out of storage bins and preparing them for the fall. We had to tag, size and color coordinate them on racks where they will stay until they are taken downstairs for final inspection and being put out for sale. That frees up the storage bins and shelf space for the next onslaught of contributions. I am filling in for Jill next Tuesday so she can attend the luncheon given for those in charge of service projects. Those will be my final hours and I will finish the year at 55.5. Whew! I just made it past my required 50.
Tomorrow is the Newcomers end of year luncheon with installation of officers and acknowledgement of Activity Chairs. I think I have been around in that capacity longer than any other Chair. My group started in October 2001 and we are still going strong. It should be a nice ending to the year. The new officers will be working hard all summer getting our Annual Tea and activities ready for next fall.
Of course there are things on for next weekend too and I'm looking at my calendar wondering how I am going to get the RV ready to roll. There are several things I need to take to folks up north, paperwork to take with me, clothes, food, maps and camping books, etc. I have next Thursday and Saturday open and I intend to keep them like that so I don't forget something important.
We almost had a new housesitter this summer. A couple we know is between houses but now appear to be moving in around July 1 so Chris breathed a big sigh of relief when we told him they wouldn't need our house. He so looks forward to his "bachelor" time alone away from Mom and Dad. In today's economy there are lots of adult children living at home again. It's a win-win situation for all of us.
Ted is in Dallas and I intend to get a lot accomplished tomorrow. Wish me luck.
"Always gotta keep busy or the voices start telling me to do wild things." ~ Steve Brown
Friday, May 11, 2012
Back on the Ground
We used to fly all over when Ted was working. He racked up 3,000,000 miles on Northwest during his career and that kept us in frequent flyer miles for years. Those miles have dwindled down to a precious few now so I was happy to see I've earned enough on my own account for a free ticket. We did use a chunk of his for our one-way fares to Rome in the fall. He's not out of points but his total isn't all that impressive anymore. And this past trip we enjoyed flying into and out of Flint, MI. Much like Lexington, Sarasota and Daytona Beach that we've used over the past year, it is so stress free compared to the big airports. But now we're home with no flying scheduled for awhile.
I kept Wednesday free to get caught up, but Ted joined the fellows in our neighborhood for their monthly luncheon. Thursday I had a dentist appointment and then attended the ladies' neighborhood luncheon. We both like to attend these when we can to stay abreast of what is going on around us. And we have great neighbors and enjoy their company.
Today was the Junior Forum Installation Luncheon. As part of the Social Committee I needed to arrive by 8 a.m. to help set up the room. These gals never fail to impress me with their creativity and imagination. I had helped last week with the name tags and programs so I knew the color scheme. I didn't know what the centerpieces would look like nor what the skit would be. I wasn't disappointed!
We had over 150 members attend the luncheon. What impresses me most is when they introduce those who have taken on leadership roles, almost the entire room is standing. Our group has donated more than 250,000 volunteer hours over the past 30 years.
Our incoming president, Penny, is a nurse by profession and her introduction and that of the first few new Board Members were plays on words in the health care line but then a stack of papers was given to the outgoing president to read while at the podium and she took Penny to task for her "secret life." Penny is a Biker. She and her husband ride Harleys. All the presenters on stage turned into Biker Babes and the music changed to suit that theme. The rest of the Board Members were introduced in an entirely different vein than the first few and they received their "biker" hat. We all had a lot of fun with the rest of the program.
We had a great lunch, acknowledgement of a tremendous amount of people and an all around good time. I won the centerpiece (it was fixed so I would!).
Tomorrow night is Canasta and Sunday I'll start thinking about what all I'll need to get ready for over the summer. Thngs are winding down but I still have several things on my calendar so gettng ready to roll will be done a little at a time.
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." ~ Albert Schweitzer
I kept Wednesday free to get caught up, but Ted joined the fellows in our neighborhood for their monthly luncheon. Thursday I had a dentist appointment and then attended the ladies' neighborhood luncheon. We both like to attend these when we can to stay abreast of what is going on around us. And we have great neighbors and enjoy their company.
Today was the Junior Forum Installation Luncheon. As part of the Social Committee I needed to arrive by 8 a.m. to help set up the room. These gals never fail to impress me with their creativity and imagination. I had helped last week with the name tags and programs so I knew the color scheme. I didn't know what the centerpieces would look like nor what the skit would be. I wasn't disappointed!
We had over 150 members attend the luncheon. What impresses me most is when they introduce those who have taken on leadership roles, almost the entire room is standing. Our group has donated more than 250,000 volunteer hours over the past 30 years.
Our incoming president, Penny, is a nurse by profession and her introduction and that of the first few new Board Members were plays on words in the health care line but then a stack of papers was given to the outgoing president to read while at the podium and she took Penny to task for her "secret life." Penny is a Biker. She and her husband ride Harleys. All the presenters on stage turned into Biker Babes and the music changed to suit that theme. The rest of the Board Members were introduced in an entirely different vein than the first few and they received their "biker" hat. We all had a lot of fun with the rest of the program.
We had a great lunch, acknowledgement of a tremendous amount of people and an all around good time. I won the centerpiece (it was fixed so I would!).
Tomorrow night is Canasta and Sunday I'll start thinking about what all I'll need to get ready for over the summer. Thngs are winding down but I still have several things on my calendar so gettng ready to roll will be done a little at a time.
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." ~ Albert Schweitzer
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Spring - For The Fifth Time
We experienced spring down in the Rio Grande Valley while there in February. Then we came home to spring in our own yard. We arrived in southern France for one more go at it and as we traveled to Paris we enjoyed the flowers and trees blooming along the way.
We arrived in Michigan Thursday for another enjoyment of the trees budding, the lilacs blooming and spring once more in the air.
On Friday Kristin arrived here from Florida and we picked her up at the airport. Sam had a baseball game that we all attended. He had an exciting night getting a run, getting hit by a pitch and making a great catch at second base when bases were loaded.
We all had things to do Saturday morning. Allen took Sam to ball practice, Kara took Morgan with her to the hairdresser and Ted and I picked up the cake and delivered it along with photos and certificates for display to the restaurant.
Because Allen was the lector and Ted & I were communion distributors, we were seated in the first row. All the children looked great in their good clothes.
Ted served the host to Morgan and I served her the wine. Because we were on the side and not the middle, the number of First Communicants coming to us was less than when we served at Sam's Mass two years ago.
There was a private party room reserved at Dave & Buster's for 50 people after Mass. Besides dinner, everyone received $10 play cards for the arcade. We all either gave our cards to one of the kids or gave the tickets won to Morgan. She ended up with almost 8,000 points and had a good time choosing gifts.
Today everyone came for dinner and to watch Morgan open her gifts. Kara is taking Kristin to the airport and I'm helping Sam with spelling words and vocabulary. Tomorrow everyone goes back to school or work except us. We'll find something to do I have no doubt.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Back on Track
I've been so busy getting the Paris blog done that I haven't kept up with our day to day activities since our return.
We attended a 50th anniversary party on Saturday for Pat and Don, camping friends of ours. He told the story of being in the service when they married, being transferred from Waco to Tampa and spending $9.60 in fuel for his VW Beetle to get there in 1962. Great story! They played the Oldie Wed Game and Ted and I got two answers right - our song, and my favorite treat from a convenience store. After 47 years I'm not sure what that proves.
I met Gerre on Sunday for lunch and shopping. We had planned for a movie but I told her if I sat in a dark place for two hours I would fall asleep. That seven hour time change is tough to handle the first few days. We had a great time catching up and I got some things I needed while we were out.
Ted's great-niece's husband was in town for Coast Guard training and he came for dinner on Monday. Afterwards we took him for a ride around our area and he was suitably impressed. His opinion up to that point had been colored by the city traffic which he didn't like at all. It was good to see him and we had a nice visit.
I was scheduled to work the Junior Forum Senior Luncheon on Tuesday and the theme was, are you ready for this? April in Paris! How fitting for me. We were told to wear our berets but I wore my new Monet scarf instead. There were 26 tables of 8 seniors each and I was assigned to Table 22 as the hostess. Lo and behold, Joanne, a fellow camper whose husband had a stroke, was at my table. They had to sell their trailer five years ago and he is in a nursing home. Of all the tables in that room, God put her at mine so we could catch up with one another. What a blessing.
Ted left for Austin while I was at the senior center. That's how we spent our 47th anniversary. Not very romantic but that's life.
By Wednesday I was ready to take it easy so the only thing I did besides the normal straightening up and such, was to go to Happy Hour. I'm afraid with Susan's move to Atlanta and Sherida's recent illness, this group is falling apart. There were only three of us last time I went and four this time. And two of them were already there having dinner after playing Bridge. Not a good sign. I hope I'm wrong but only time will tell.
I played Canasta on Thursday and came in third. That means after having never won, I have now won two months in a row. Jacque was second and our scores were within 500 points of each other. That's not a lot in Canasta. Maybe I'm playing better, have better partners or the card gods are smiling on me. Whatever, I'll take it.
Rebecca cleaned on Friday which gave me the opportunity to finish up the blog and send it off to those expressing interest in our trip. I've received some nice feedback, one comparing me to Rick Steves. What a compliment. Ted and I say that when we can't go anymore, we'll read the blog to each other and relive the wonderful trips we took in retirement. I hope that's a long way off.
We went to church last night and then out to eat for our anniversary. Today Ted is shooting and I'm going to start getting my things together for our trip to Michigan next week. I also need to go to the grocery to tide us over until then. Chris' parents have still not sold their house so he'll be back. I think he is looking forward to the long stretch this summer when he becomes "king of the hill" around here without us or his parents anywhere around.
The weather has been near perfect since our return. We've been in the high 80s already and it isn't even May. I know what is coming and it's time to "get out of Dodge."
We attended a 50th anniversary party on Saturday for Pat and Don, camping friends of ours. He told the story of being in the service when they married, being transferred from Waco to Tampa and spending $9.60 in fuel for his VW Beetle to get there in 1962. Great story! They played the Oldie Wed Game and Ted and I got two answers right - our song, and my favorite treat from a convenience store. After 47 years I'm not sure what that proves.
I met Gerre on Sunday for lunch and shopping. We had planned for a movie but I told her if I sat in a dark place for two hours I would fall asleep. That seven hour time change is tough to handle the first few days. We had a great time catching up and I got some things I needed while we were out.
Ted's great-niece's husband was in town for Coast Guard training and he came for dinner on Monday. Afterwards we took him for a ride around our area and he was suitably impressed. His opinion up to that point had been colored by the city traffic which he didn't like at all. It was good to see him and we had a nice visit.
I was scheduled to work the Junior Forum Senior Luncheon on Tuesday and the theme was, are you ready for this? April in Paris! How fitting for me. We were told to wear our berets but I wore my new Monet scarf instead. There were 26 tables of 8 seniors each and I was assigned to Table 22 as the hostess. Lo and behold, Joanne, a fellow camper whose husband had a stroke, was at my table. They had to sell their trailer five years ago and he is in a nursing home. Of all the tables in that room, God put her at mine so we could catch up with one another. What a blessing.
Ted left for Austin while I was at the senior center. That's how we spent our 47th anniversary. Not very romantic but that's life.
By Wednesday I was ready to take it easy so the only thing I did besides the normal straightening up and such, was to go to Happy Hour. I'm afraid with Susan's move to Atlanta and Sherida's recent illness, this group is falling apart. There were only three of us last time I went and four this time. And two of them were already there having dinner after playing Bridge. Not a good sign. I hope I'm wrong but only time will tell.
I played Canasta on Thursday and came in third. That means after having never won, I have now won two months in a row. Jacque was second and our scores were within 500 points of each other. That's not a lot in Canasta. Maybe I'm playing better, have better partners or the card gods are smiling on me. Whatever, I'll take it.
Rebecca cleaned on Friday which gave me the opportunity to finish up the blog and send it off to those expressing interest in our trip. I've received some nice feedback, one comparing me to Rick Steves. What a compliment. Ted and I say that when we can't go anymore, we'll read the blog to each other and relive the wonderful trips we took in retirement. I hope that's a long way off.
We went to church last night and then out to eat for our anniversary. Today Ted is shooting and I'm going to start getting my things together for our trip to Michigan next week. I also need to go to the grocery to tide us over until then. Chris' parents have still not sold their house so he'll be back. I think he is looking forward to the long stretch this summer when he becomes "king of the hill" around here without us or his parents anywhere around.
The weather has been near perfect since our return. We've been in the high 80s already and it isn't even May. I know what is coming and it's time to "get out of Dodge."
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Napoleon's Tomb and Au Revoir to Paris
We had a rainy last day and decided to do something inside so we headed to Musee de Larmee Hotel National Des Invalides, both a museum and a monument. It houses the Tomb of Napoleon I, the Saint Louis des Invalides Chapel, a Charles DeGaulle Historical Exhibit and the Museum of the Two World Wars which they listed as 1871-1990. After all my travels, I do believe someone was fighting with someone somewhere during all that time ... and before and since!
The building was originally intended to lodge veterans. It was a town unto itself in that it contained a veteran's home, barracks, a convent, a hospital and a workshop. Napoleon converted the chapel into a national military pantheon with the installation of the tombs of Viscount de Tureene (1800) and the Marquis de Vauban (1802). In 1840, Louis-Phillippe ordered the remains of Napoleon to be returned to Paris and a tomb to be erected under the Dome. It was completed in 1861 (the start of our Civil War).
The Dome ceiling
Napoleon's sarcophagus of red quartzite resting on a green granite pedestal. Around the sarcophagus, 12 victory statues symbolize his military campaigns, 8 famous victories are inscribed on the marble floor and civilian achievements are represented by 10 bas-reliefs decorating the walls of the crypt.
Saint Louis des Invalides Chapel
We toured the World Wars museum but I didn't take any pictures. It's interesting to get another country's take on history. It is true that the Victors Write History. This was our final "tourist" stop for our trip. We found our way to the Metro to return to a shop for Carol to purchase a gift she had seen previously and made our way back to the hotel via a different metro line. We were getting good at this!
We were picked up at the hotel at 7 am the next day and the six of us were transported to Charles de Gaulle airport for our flights home. It was 135 Euros or roughly $179 USD for the half hour ride to the airport. Two cups of coffee and two croissants later we were on board for a 10 hour direct flight home with 30 Euros to save for Rome!.
We did OK with the 7 hour time change though I am still getting up early (~ 6 a.m.) and getting to bed earlier too. But that has given me quiet time to finish this trip on my blog.
The building was originally intended to lodge veterans. It was a town unto itself in that it contained a veteran's home, barracks, a convent, a hospital and a workshop. Napoleon converted the chapel into a national military pantheon with the installation of the tombs of Viscount de Tureene (1800) and the Marquis de Vauban (1802). In 1840, Louis-Phillippe ordered the remains of Napoleon to be returned to Paris and a tomb to be erected under the Dome. It was completed in 1861 (the start of our Civil War).
The Dome ceiling
Napoleon's sarcophagus of red quartzite resting on a green granite pedestal. Around the sarcophagus, 12 victory statues symbolize his military campaigns, 8 famous victories are inscribed on the marble floor and civilian achievements are represented by 10 bas-reliefs decorating the walls of the crypt.
Saint Louis des Invalides Chapel
We toured the World Wars museum but I didn't take any pictures. It's interesting to get another country's take on history. It is true that the Victors Write History. This was our final "tourist" stop for our trip. We found our way to the Metro to return to a shop for Carol to purchase a gift she had seen previously and made our way back to the hotel via a different metro line. We were getting good at this!
We were picked up at the hotel at 7 am the next day and the six of us were transported to Charles de Gaulle airport for our flights home. It was 135 Euros or roughly $179 USD for the half hour ride to the airport. Two cups of coffee and two croissants later we were on board for a 10 hour direct flight home with 30 Euros to save for Rome!.
We did OK with the 7 hour time change though I am still getting up early (~ 6 a.m.) and getting to bed earlier too. But that has given me quiet time to finish this trip on my blog.
Notre Dame
We had one day left after Normandy to visit some more sites. Unfortunately we never got to the Louvre. The wait was three hours to get in. We were told there are 10 miles of corridors and no matter how much time you spend there, it won't be enough. You may be as surprised as I was to learn that the Mona Lisa is about an 11 inch x 14 inch piece of artwork! I thought about all the times I've heard "Is that the Alamo?" when we take someone to San Antonio. People expect more and are disappointed. It must be that way with the Mona Lisa too.
We also passed up the D'Orsay and the Orangerie. We had tickets in advance for Versailles and I think arranging your visit to these popular museums in advance would be a good idea. We never did get to the Montmarte area of France so did not see the Moulin Rouge or Sacre Coeur Basilica (Sacred Heart) that is so prominent in that area. I did get a far off picture of it however when we were on the Terrace of the Lafayette Galleries.
We could not, however, pass up Notre Dame. The others in our group attended Mass there on Saturday when we were at Versailles and they also toured the Montmarte area having already been to Versailles on previous trips. I needed to be two people at once that day.
The corner stone for the Cathedral was laid in 1163 and it took over 150 years to build. The front reminds me of the church in Santa Fe, NM where they ran out of money to build the spires.
There is beautiful stonework, all with meaning, in the three naves.
In the tympanum of the central doorway, the Portail du Jugement Dernier (originally 1220-30, destroyed in 18th century, restored by Viollet-le-Duc), is a representation of the Last Judgment: at the top, Christ the Judge (original); below this, the Archangel Michael directing the righteous to heaven and the damned to hell; below this again, the resurrection of the dead. On the intrados are (left) the choir of the blessed being received by Abraham in paradise and (right) hell, with grotesque demons; on the central pier is a figure of Christ (19th century). On the door jambs are the wise (left) and foolish (right) virgins; on the side walls are the 12 Apostles (19th century); and the reliefs along the base depict virtues (above) and vices (below); the figures on the right are original.
I personally think it is more beautiful from the back.
The lighting is very low inside and in some places you aren't allowed to take flash photography so the best pictures were the stained glass windows. They are all beautiful and some light is coming through which helps in the photography.
St. Joan of Arc fought in the 100 Years War and was burned at the stake as a heretic at the age of 19.
The rose window in the north transept of Paris' Notre-Dame (c. 1255), with 80 Old Testament scenes centered on the Virgin.
I know Michaelangelo's original Pieta is in Rome and I was unable to find out who sculpted this piece.
In a chapel near the west doors is a fine silver Baptismal Font, one of the annual gifts to the church by the goldsmiths. This is the only comment I could find about the font in the Baptismal Chapel.
There are so many beautiful churches, basilicas and cathedrals throughout Europe. Even if you have no interest in their religious importance, the artwork, architecture and treasures are very interesting and to me amazing. I don't believe there are many artisans today that could duplicate most of what we see in these churches. And considering the age of our country, their very existence since almost 1000 years ago is awe inspiring to me.
We also passed up the D'Orsay and the Orangerie. We had tickets in advance for Versailles and I think arranging your visit to these popular museums in advance would be a good idea. We never did get to the Montmarte area of France so did not see the Moulin Rouge or Sacre Coeur Basilica (Sacred Heart) that is so prominent in that area. I did get a far off picture of it however when we were on the Terrace of the Lafayette Galleries.
We could not, however, pass up Notre Dame. The others in our group attended Mass there on Saturday when we were at Versailles and they also toured the Montmarte area having already been to Versailles on previous trips. I needed to be two people at once that day.
The corner stone for the Cathedral was laid in 1163 and it took over 150 years to build. The front reminds me of the church in Santa Fe, NM where they ran out of money to build the spires.
There is beautiful stonework, all with meaning, in the three naves.
In the tympanum of the central doorway, the Portail du Jugement Dernier (originally 1220-30, destroyed in 18th century, restored by Viollet-le-Duc), is a representation of the Last Judgment: at the top, Christ the Judge (original); below this, the Archangel Michael directing the righteous to heaven and the damned to hell; below this again, the resurrection of the dead. On the intrados are (left) the choir of the blessed being received by Abraham in paradise and (right) hell, with grotesque demons; on the central pier is a figure of Christ (19th century). On the door jambs are the wise (left) and foolish (right) virgins; on the side walls are the 12 Apostles (19th century); and the reliefs along the base depict virtues (above) and vices (below); the figures on the right are original.
I personally think it is more beautiful from the back.
The lighting is very low inside and in some places you aren't allowed to take flash photography so the best pictures were the stained glass windows. They are all beautiful and some light is coming through which helps in the photography.
St. Joan of Arc fought in the 100 Years War and was burned at the stake as a heretic at the age of 19.
The rose window in the north transept of Paris' Notre-Dame (c. 1255), with 80 Old Testament scenes centered on the Virgin.
I know Michaelangelo's original Pieta is in Rome and I was unable to find out who sculpted this piece.
In a chapel near the west doors is a fine silver Baptismal Font, one of the annual gifts to the church by the goldsmiths. This is the only comment I could find about the font in the Baptismal Chapel.
There are so many beautiful churches, basilicas and cathedrals throughout Europe. Even if you have no interest in their religious importance, the artwork, architecture and treasures are very interesting and to me amazing. I don't believe there are many artisans today that could duplicate most of what we see in these churches. And considering the age of our country, their very existence since almost 1000 years ago is awe inspiring to me.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Normandy, D-Day, Saving Private Ryan
Long before we ever left for Paris, I had shared with everyone how to get train tickets from Paris to Caen. I also hired a tour guide and bus for us. To be sure we were on the 7:07 am train to Caen, we did a dry run of the two Metro trains we needed to take to the train station and the platform we needed to be on. It all worked and we had a lovely morning ride passing the Basilica of St. Therese, the Little Flower, in her home town of Lisieux. It was consecrated on July 11,1954 and has become a centre for pilgrims from all over the world. Bob and his family had visited it the day before and pointed it out to us.
Dominique met us at the train station as planned and we were off in the rain to Utah Beach. It was raining, windy and cold. As I maneuvered my way to the edge of the cliff to look out, I thought this is what our servicemen encountered; however, they were being shot at. I worried what the rest of the day would bring with such bad weather.
I took a picture of this monument listed as 00 for the beginning of the war. The town of Ste. Mere-Eglise had erected a monument as Ground Zero so Utah Beach became double zero.
The beach looked pretty much like it did on June 6, 1944.
Ted and I took just long enough to see the movie presented at the museum where we encountered this C-47 used in combat. The dummies were made up to look like the actual men who flew her as they appeared in the film.
.
Pointe du Hoc is a clifftop location on the coast of Normandy in northern France. It lies 4 miles west of Omaha Beach, and stands on 100 ft tall cliffs overlooking the sea. It was a point of attack by the United States Army Ranger Assault Group during Operation Overlord in World War II.
The terrain marred by huge craters caused by shelling by our destroyers.
A German bunker in the cliffside.
THE ALLIED FORCES, LANDING ON THIS SHORE WHICH THEY CALL OMAHA BEACH, LIBERATE EUROPE JUNE 6th 1944 - The Signal Monument
"Signal Monument" to 1st Division (US) and 116th RCT in St-Laurent-sur-Mer.
This monument remembers the landing on Omaha Beach. One can see two inscriptions carved on the sides of the monument, one dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division, and the other to the 116th Infantry Regimental Combat Team of the 29th Infantry Division.
Omaha Beach is the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during World War II.
The beach is located on the coast of Normandy, France, facing the English Channel, and is 5 miles long, from east of Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes to west of Vierville-sur-Mer on the right bank of the Douve River estuary. Landings here were necessary in order to link up the British landings to the east at Gold beach with the American landing to the west at Utah beach, thus providing a continuous legmen on the Normandy coast of the Bay of the Seine. Taking Omaha was to be the responsibility of United States Army troops, with sea transport provided by the U.S. Navy and elements of the Royal Navy.
AMERICAN CEMETERY, Colleville-Sur-Mer (Colleville By The Sea)
The cemetery is a 70 hectare site overlooking Omaha Beach with 9,387 perfectly aligned headstones and a Garden of the Missing bearing the names of 1,557 more soldiers. There is also a chapel, a memorial and a visitor center.
The chapel ceiling.
Teddy Roosevelt's son's grave
This has been the hardest post to do. We saw so much, some of it in bad weather, and were on the road for over nine hours. For the mistakes I may have made, the paragraphs I plagiarized from brochures, I apologize. It is just important to be sure no one ever forgets.
Dominique met us at the train station as planned and we were off in the rain to Utah Beach. It was raining, windy and cold. As I maneuvered my way to the edge of the cliff to look out, I thought this is what our servicemen encountered; however, they were being shot at. I worried what the rest of the day would bring with such bad weather.
I took a picture of this monument listed as 00 for the beginning of the war. The town of Ste. Mere-Eglise had erected a monument as Ground Zero so Utah Beach became double zero.
The beach looked pretty much like it did on June 6, 1944.
Our next stop was Ste. Mere Eglise, the town taken by members of the 505th led by Lieutenant-Colonel Edward C. Krause. At 04:30 the stars and stripes were hoisted over the town and Ste. Mere Eglise was the first town to be liberated in France. The town was made famous by the paratrooper John Steel and by the film "The Longest Day". John Steel managed to land on the church and his chute caught on the steeple. He hung there while the fighting continued on the ground for two hours before being cut down by the Germans, taken prisoner and later released by the Americans. An effigy of John Steel is still seen on the church. Inside the church there are two stained glass windows, one shows the Virgin Mary surrounded by paratroopers, the other shows St. Michael (patron saint of the paratroopers) and was dedicated in 1972 at the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the town.
Ted and I took just long enough to see the movie presented at the museum where we encountered this C-47 used in combat. The dummies were made up to look like the actual men who flew her as they appeared in the film.
Pointe du Hoc is a clifftop location on the coast of Normandy in northern France. It lies 4 miles west of Omaha Beach, and stands on 100 ft tall cliffs overlooking the sea. It was a point of attack by the United States Army Ranger Assault Group during Operation Overlord in World War II.
The terrain marred by huge craters caused by shelling by our destroyers.
A German bunker in the cliffside.
Hooks that held German bunks.
Omaha Beach. I didn't realize this is a resort area where people vacation. We were told that the Allies asked people to send postcards and photos of the beaches along the Normandy coast to help them plan where they would land during D-Day. It's a beautiful, wide beach.
.
THE ALLIED FORCES, LANDING ON THIS SHORE WHICH THEY CALL OMAHA BEACH, LIBERATE EUROPE JUNE 6th 1944 - The Signal Monument
"Signal Monument" to 1st Division (US) and 116th RCT in St-Laurent-sur-Mer.
This monument remembers the landing on Omaha Beach. One can see two inscriptions carved on the sides of the monument, one dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division, and the other to the 116th Infantry Regimental Combat Team of the 29th Infantry Division.
Omaha Beach is the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during World War II.
The beach is located on the coast of Normandy, France, facing the English Channel, and is 5 miles long, from east of Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes to west of Vierville-sur-Mer on the right bank of the Douve River estuary. Landings here were necessary in order to link up the British landings to the east at Gold beach with the American landing to the west at Utah beach, thus providing a continuous legmen on the Normandy coast of the Bay of the Seine. Taking Omaha was to be the responsibility of United States Army troops, with sea transport provided by the U.S. Navy and elements of the Royal Navy.
AMERICAN CEMETERY, Colleville-Sur-Mer (Colleville By The Sea)
The cemetery is a 70 hectare site overlooking Omaha Beach with 9,387 perfectly aligned headstones and a Garden of the Missing bearing the names of 1,557 more soldiers. There is also a chapel, a memorial and a visitor center.
The chapel ceiling.
Teddy Roosevelt's son's grave
The view of the Atlantic from the edge of the cemetery at Colleville.
This has been the hardest post to do. We saw so much, some of it in bad weather, and were on the road for over nine hours. For the mistakes I may have made, the paragraphs I plagiarized from brochures, I apologize. It is just important to be sure no one ever forgets.
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