Papa – walking the beach – after spending Christmas in NVA!
When we moved 21 years ago – from Western New York –
to Northern Va. my thought was we are now in the South!
We actually picked up another four to six weeks of better weather
on either side of winter!
We liked the area – going into Washington DC on a regular basis.
We purchase three homes while there – two that we actually built.
We had most of our family follow us there.
But – it still got cold and three times –
an accumulation of snow greater than in all the 50 years we lived in the snow belt!
You can change your looks – but mother nature does what it wants to do!Although I am not going into the water – 2 days before New Years eve – people in the water on North Myrtle Beach!
Now – we are calling this home until our home we are building if finished
some time in the next 4 to 6 months!
The first thing we did the next day after returning HOME – was do our walk on the beach!
Home has a different meaning now – and we have become comfortable now here.
Enough that when you have that yearning to go back home
visions of what awaits you run through your mind!
We both have always been drawn to the surf – beach – water and sand.
While dating almost 40 years ago – we spent a week in the outer banks
with my brother and some of his friends.
That is when our bond for the ocean became a fixed state in our minds.
Our Vacations revolved around different trips with our children
to beaches up and down the East coast!
It was a fun time in our early life together – the kids remember and have carried on the tradition of beach vacations!
We ended our day in Congress – where we had to be searched –
pockets emptied – no phone for pictures
The whole Congress was rude.
We settled in for about 45 minutes – and there was to be a vote –
But – NO ONE on the floor paid any attention –
they were divided on the right side and the left side –
The entire congress did nothing but talk –
So loud we – in the balcony – could not hear what they were saying
on the loud speakers!
The Capital where nothing gets done and no one listens
I was disgusted at the whole thing and how they all acted.
All we could do was watch the electronic board to see the total of the votes.
Paul Jo Sherry walking to Union StationSherry Jo Paul waiting to cross the street to Union StationPaul Jo Sherry inside Union Station
We toured Union Station and had lunch – then boarded the Metro there
and got off at the Smithstonian in the Mall.
Paul on the MallJo Paul and Sherry on the MallThe Capital view from the MallPaul Jo Sherry on our way to the White House
We left the Mall behind and walked to the front of the White House
We had covered a lot that day
and decided to see the front and the back
But on our way we came across a very peaceful protest
in front of the EPA building
They were not yelling – they were respectful when we talked to them
Protesters outside the EPA Headquarters
Now – I can not understand why anyone would be against clean air
Withe clean air comes better gas mileage
The back of the White House More peaceful protest This one has been there for the entire time we have been in NVA
The one who was here first passed away several years ago
they have kept it here as each election
brings new Government
as a way to keep the power in the people
and a eye on what is going on.
Both Democrats and Republicans have seen this protest.
Walking the blocks long way around the White HousePaul Sherry Jo At the front of the White House When we first came here 20 years ago you could get a lot closerSherry and JoSherry and Jo We continued walking back to the MetroOur own Peaceful non violent protest
We had walked almost all DC with Jo and Paul
We covered everything plus on their list !
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One last bench to rest Tom Paul JoSherry – helping a family take a group photo Certified Health Coach http://www.sf.juiceplus.com for more information email ssherrylynn49@aol.com
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A day trip into the Blue Ridge Mountains & Shenadoah’s
I noticed the plaques over doors leading into historic rooms
The old Supreme Court room used from 1810 to 1860 – 50 years !
Historic roomHistoric room
I could not help but wonder-
” IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK ” !
Historic room
Everything was just decorated in elegance.
Sherry with our tour guide Henry
We went into and out of so many rooms I lost track of just what they were !
Historic room The many historic events that would of happened here !The room under the Rotunda where George Washington was to be interred and his wishes were to be interred on his own property at Mount VernonHenry – Jo- Sherry and Paul under the Rotunda
The artwork and floors were just beautiful –
The walls and statues and the deco work on the walls
It is hard to explain – you just have to see it for yourself !
The speaker of the Senate Mitch McConnell office Not much goes on here !
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A big thank you to Paul and Jo for making the arrangements through their congress woman so we could do the tourSherry CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH for contact http://www.sf.juiceplus.com email ssherrylynn49@aol.com
Set up for interviews The floor of the Rotunda belowReporter or newscaster
We walked in wonder – I was amazed at seeing History !
I have loved History all my life –
this day I felt I walked among it !
The ceiling of the RotundaLooking up the wall and all the reliefsThe Rotunda where Presidents have been viewed
The statues – the floor – the walls and the ceiling
spoke centuries of thought to me.
Each state has a statue or more !
There are so many statues – that we were told –
They had to move them to another room
as the weight was causing structural damage to the floor.
That room had been closed off for interior work being done!
The original statue that was to be placed on the dome was too heavy so they made a lighter one that now stands and faces the executive branch watching to over see JUSTICE
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Jo and Sherry standing in front of a statue dedicated to the Women of the U.S.A. who have made dramatic changes such as Women’s rights to vote This statue is left undone to signify there is more to be done and one day A WOMEN SHALL BE ELECTED PRESIDENT !Sherry CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH for contact http://www.sf.juiceplus.com for business and advice email ssherrylynn49@aol.com
The tour and the next blog continues on the Capital Tour
Henry’s mother is from Tucson Az. and his father from down under !
His accent was pure Australian !
The long tunnel to the Capital Jo Paul Sherry and HenrySecurityThe tunnel lined by paintings by students from each state of the UnionContinuing the walk through the long tunnel and complexAlmost thereOur destination at the topArrival at the visitor center of the U.S. CapitalIn the visitor centerA view to the Rotunda
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As we continue the tour – in the next blog –
you will see the historic inside of the Capital building.
Sherry CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH http://www.sf.juiceplus.com for more information email ssherrylynn49@aol.com to contact Henry -Jo – Sherry – Paul The tour continues
This day we were on our way for a appointment at 10:30 AM.
To tour the Capital building and see a session of Congress !
However – little did we know – that we would get caught in TRAFFIC !
What should of been a 30 minute drive with traffic to the Metro
turned into one and one half hours !
Only to find all parking garages were full as were the next two stations!
We then made our way thru more traffic nightmare
To the Tyson’s Corner Mall where we parked and took the Metro.
We had to call and see if we could reschedule the appointment –
And the moved it to 12:30 PM.
Jo Paul Sherry coffee tea and rest after a three hour trip by car and rail which normally takes 45 minutes !
We stopped on our walk to the Capital to rest up and have a beverage !
Jo and Sherry after a beverage we were on our way to the capital taking in the sights!
Passing many historical buildings and and reading the quotations –
Jo Paul Sherry our 12:30 appointment 1/2 hour awayPaul Jo Sherry our final rest before before we find the entrance to the congressional building where our appointment is !
Just around the corner from the capital !
JO and PaulPaul In the halls of congressJo Paul and Sherry Signing in on the register to go inside the congress woman’s office – to begin our Capital Tour THIS WAS A FIRST FOR US !
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Congress woman Kilpatrick’s Office Jo & Paul’s state Of AZ.
Thank you Paul for making the arrangements for our visit.
The statue is gazing across the basin as if to ask that very question.
No truer words spoken
Today we think back knowing what we know-
Yet – generations have come and gone
and that rancor still remains
Paul and Jo
“I took a picture of one of the sayings – I could not help myself in walking around and taking a picture of each ” Paul Peterson
This was our first visit here
I found it profound and troubling at the same time
Jo and Paul
Profound that it took so long
Troubling because 400 years later –
it still exists .
Today – twitter seems to dominate and those that follow are as sheepToday I stand with reason I stand with comprehension I wield my vote and I communicate in church with my faithSherry and Jo Pondering what they see
Today –
we must not let those in power move us backward
with fear and hateful words
but reflect on our teachings
from those of a much kinder generation
Thank you for letting me share this with you
Jo and Paul have now crossed off
yet another
and Sherry and I the same
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Jo and Sherry “ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL” within sight of each other across the tidal basin The Jefferson Memorial and The Martin Luther King Jr.memorialSherry Certified Health Coach http://www.sf.juiceplus.com email ssherrylynn49@aol.comJo Paul Sherry on our way !
Unknown to us – this Castle would become a controversy at one of the debates!
When we were in Northern California with our friends –
we visited Napa Valley – and choose two wineries to visit-
This is the Castle we picked over google –
and it also is where a Democratic runner for the ticket
had a pay per plate for a chance to be with the canidate.
Little did we know that this place is very famous for such events!
In the famous WINE CAVE!
We traveled – we hosted friends – we lived life in 2019.
We visited the Capital building in Washington DC. In front of the statue of famous women of USA with a part unfinished saved for the first WOMAN PRESIDENT!
We live 30 some miles from Washington DC.
and have made trips into the city
but had never toured the Capital building.
Paul and Jo friends from Tucson With them we went to Congress!
We went to their Congress women’s office
and were taken on a tour of the Capital
and got to see Congress!
17 mile road to Pebble Beach
We got to see Pebble Beach – have a drink overlooking #18.
And a picture in front of one of the most famous pine trees!
The signature LONE PINE of Pebble Beach!
HS buddy and wife stopped in for a couple nights we go back 60 plus years!
Friends from the past – memories shared – catching up for 52 plus years.
Watching our oldest grand daughter play her first year in college of soccer at the University of LynchburgOur friends for 38 years celebrating the Bills win Jim and I go back 42 years playing softball together
Our life is full – friends – family -adventures –
crossing of the bucket list!
The team celebrating health and nutrition in Austin Texas Sherry back row middle http://www.sf.juiceplus.com
Our life continues – helping people eat right –
making a difference in the lives of all we can
and seeing how it has the effect it does on children!
Sharing life with friends for over 38 yearsHosted a Movie star ( over 150 films & Tv. ) and a World known acordian and piano player
We had no idea we would be doing this
but opportunity knocked and we answered
Got to sit and talk about their careers
IT WAS AWESOME!
FIVE grand daughters ONE grand son!
We are blessed to have the grand kids nearby.
And of course the one boy is loved- esp. Ella & him
He adores her and she him! Ella far left.
Where we started this blog At the Castle outside the “WINE CAVE”
I could go on and on – 2019 has been a great year-
She came downstairs – and said to me ” What do you plan to do today “?
“Mow the lawn ” I replied !
Wait – we have to walk – 10000 steps !
So – that is when she said –
let’s take the Metro –
and go into the WATERFRONT to the WHARF !!!!
The WATERFRONT and the WHARF – Washington D.C.
It had been years since we had gone to the FISH MARKET on the waterfront. And – the whole city line had changed –
to a beautiful waterfront plaza – with many eatery’s and bars – music and venues for top of the line entertainment nation wide.
Harbor view on one side of the Wharf – other side has even bigger boats
The transformation is stunning – and construction is everywhere. Huge buildings – grand boardwalk and tons of people.
What looked to me to be a Lynx was a breed of cat
You see everything – and there are electric scooters all over – you just put your credit card in –
ride it to where you want to go – get off and leave it for the next person !
On both sides of the boardwalk are places to eat and drink and be social with the harbor and boats.
Me walking into what is left of the OLD FISH MARKET
Part of the OLD FISH MARKET
There are vendors with huge piles of fish – shrimp – lobsters- clams and oysters –
all freshly caught and brought in from the East Coast.
You can buy just about anything and even have it cooked right there!
The smells of cooked fish – shrimp – lobster – were everywhere !
Late lunch sitting on the board walk
We selected a place to eat in the shade but on the waterfront – public restrooms were available and very clean.
It could be a little pricey – so come prepared.
A lonely Catamaran sits in anchor
We decided to continue our 10000 steps and walk the the harbor way to the ball fields about a mile away.
Along the way we saw dozens of hikers in full packs – hats and outfits – I asked what they were doing as they had some sort of GPS – phone like instruments – they were on a 50 mile challenge – one women told me !
It reminded me of The Amazing race ! And they were all in a hurry !
Tree lined street – going by a Army Base
Really nice flowers along the paths
We walked where we had never been before – in all the years we have walked D.C.
Audi Field -new home of DC UNITED SOCCER
We came first to Audi Field –
the brand new home to DC UNITED SOCCER TEAM.
And within a 1/4 mile to the NATIONALS PARK – baseball field !
WASHINGTON NATIONALS BASEBALL PARK
We have been to the baseball park a lot of times – but this was a first for the soccer field as it just opened this Spring.
Main entrance to NAT’S PARK
We were there at 4:00 PM.and fans were already arriving for the 7:00 PM. game.
We crossed the street – and it was right out of a movie set – every table outside – and there were dozens of them – six to eight people a table –
were packed full of thirty something young people – all dressed like well dressed college students – sitting – drinking and talking.
Everywhere I looked including the outside bar and inside was the same – as if hundreds of them decided to descend upon the scene at the same time !
We went inside to get into air condition as it was hot in the Sun – each having a drink before we found our way to the Metro stop !
We can actually leave home – drive 15 or 20 minutes – park and ride the Metro right to the gates of the park.
Flowers on our 10000 step walk
A over six hour journey – ( ended up with over 12,000 steps )
was a perfect way to spend a Saturday mid morning – getting back home around 6:00 PM.
Just in time to settle in and watch the NAT’S on TV playing the Cubs !
Always take a picture of where you park
Hint of the day – we always take pictures of where we park in whatever venue we leave from –
makes it much easier to find your car ! LOL
I hope you like this little journey – living healthy – walking –
And sometimes on a whim –
change it up and adventure into something new –
YOU MIGHT EVEN SEE A CAT ON A LEASH THAT LOOKS LIKE A LYNX!
I never imagined – back when – as I neared retirement – I would sometimes not remember what day of the week it was ! Nor – would I ever wonder – with the hours of each day – “HOW DID I EVER FIND TIME TO WORK”?
You want to stay Young ? You want to stay active ? To do that – at least I find – the way I remember – is that Monday night is put out the GARBAGE – and pick up is Tuesday ! Now – that I remember for some reason. Also – I know it is Monday – because that is the day Tammy – our daughter – closes her store up , Kids 529 Consignment shop ! So – she does not work that day – and in the school year – I do not pick up the twins from school.
Bode – Cassidy and Taylor- Tammy & Marcus little ones.
The rest of the week – each day – I go and wait in a car line to pick up the girls – and I get there early – so I am usually second in line – and the line when school is out is about 70 or more cars ! So – I am prepared – I take my water -maybe a snack- a pillow – and leave the car on – it is a Hybrid so it mostly runs on the battery. I kick the seat back and turn my favorite radio show on – 106.7 – the Sports radio show that covers the D.C. area.
Sometimes I even drift off for a power nap!
Cassidy – Bode & Taylor 8 – 4 – 8 years old.
That takes me up to Tuesday – garbage day and pick up the girls day. Wednesday is take the twins to choir day – and meet Granny -( Jennie )- Marcus mother – who picks up Bode every day from preschool.
She takes him home and when Marcus is done – he picks him up and then will come to our house and pick up the twins.
But – Wednesday is church choir and all three sing – even Bode who can not read but will memorize the words and they are good singers.
We now have covered Monday thru Wednesday . Thursday – I start preparing again for garbage day – but also recycle day – by setting everything out for pick up on Friday !
At National Harbor – Washington D.C. Sherry’s shirt says it all!
There are also days that we will journey into D.C. for special trips – taking all the grand kids – we took the two oldest – Maddy and Ella – and got off at Arlington – took in the Tomb of the Unknown soldier and then walked across the 14 th. street bridge and spent the day at all the memorials – walking the Mall and having lunch. We walked miles that day and they loved it.
So – that leaves Friday – the day the GARBAGE & RECYCLES are picked up. I count the days by that format – very seldom do I know the exact date – I can look at the top of the paper – or my phone.
On Oahu – North Shore NO CARES – NO WORRIES #livinglifetotheplus
But to be perfectly honest with you – being retired – it does not really matter – I also count down days by what we have scheduled coming up ! Yes -we PLAN- put it down in writing – search and research – add names of visitors to come – the dates and what we are going to do. Some people can not do that for whatever reason – but not us – WE DO IT! Such as so goes our life – we live life to the plus one day at a time – but we know what is ahead – after all – for us – that is part of the excitement – just like little kids – “HOW MANY SLEEPS ARE LEFT PAPA ” ?
And then the early morning comes and you head out – all part of that special time – now I look back – and I wonder – JUST HOW DID I FIND TIME TO WORK ?
RETIREMENT – YOU COUNT THE DAYS BY GARBAGE – the weekends – well they are just another day -most times you just do not care !
I 