Our Adventures in DC

I've been MIA, and that's because Mr. V and I took a trip to Washington D.C. It was part vacation/part American History class refresher, but seeing that we are both huge history buffs, we didn't mind in the least. In less than one week, we covered so much ground and saw most of this beautiful city and its amazing architecture, museums, and landmarks. Here are a few highlights from our adventures in the nation's capital. I snapped over 600 photos during the trip, but I'll spare you from having to sit through them all!

It rained for the first 3.5 days, which we were not prepared for, at all. Luckily a $15 umbrella from the Smithsonian got us through. Now we can sit back and laugh about our adventures in the DC rain. The reward for enduring all that rain was picture perfect weather during the last few days. Here's a shot of the sun shining on the reflecting pool, with the Lincoln Memorial in the background.

Everyone knows this structure ~ the Washington Monument.

A Day of Reflection

With today being the 7th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, I wouldn’t deem it appropriate to blog about anything else. Much has been written and spoken about the events of that day, and even though life has gone on, it has changed in so many ways. On this day I find myself recalling where I was at the moment I learned of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. Seven years later, the memories are still vivid. This morning on the drive into work, the radio station I listen to was interviewing the author of “Tower Stories”. I found myself completely drawn into the gripping accounts of those who survived the WTC attack. It brought me back to the events of that day as if they were happening all over again. I find it very hard to focus on anything else today; I suppose it all seems so insignificant in the scheme of things. Personally, I think 9/11 should be declared a “National Day of Reflection”, but that’s just my two cents. Let us not forget the innocent lives that were lost on that day ~ those who were simply going about their routine and never made it out alive. Likewise, let us not forget our Service men & women who fight for our security every day, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless them all, and their families!