Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Discovering Washington, D.C.







Today we started our adventure in Washington, D.C. Our first stop was the National Archives! No photos are allowed...but the documents, videos, and sound recording were so informative. So very impressive and interesting. We were there for 2 1/2 -- 3 hours. We then walked over to the National History museum. The size and quality of the exhibits were outstanding! Took a special picture just for you Jessica!


Loved the gems and minerals exhibit that housed the Hope diamond. All the jewelry was stunning.


Our legs began to give out, so we headed out to the mall and enjoyed the view of the Smithsonian castle, the Washington monument, and Capitol.





We headed back to the metro through the sculpture garden. What a delightful first day. Tomorrow is our special tour of the Library of Congress before the doors open...we have to be there at 8:15. Must get plenty of rest tonight!












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Saturday, April 21, 2012




Had to make stop on the way to Kathy's home at Granny B.'s Quilt Shop. We saw an interstate sign for her shop. Our GPS sent us on a wild goose chase....we were leaving town and heading back to the interstate when all of a sudden we drove right by the shop.


So glad we stopped in. The staff had connections to California. A brother lived in El Cajon and another relative lived in Rancho Bernardo. It always surprises me how we are all connected!


This shop also sold heirloom sewing supplies.


It is housed in an old two story home with a LARGE screened on porch. You enter through the back door, just passed the garage with a painted quilt block on the garage.


It felt like visiting an old friend.





It had so many treasures among it's many nooks and crannies.


Check out the online store at:
http://www.granny-b.com


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Spent the evening with our niece Kathy and her son Steve.




We talked for hours! Her sweet home is in the middle of upgrades with beautiful hardwood floors, the outside being power washed, and exquisite art projects in progress.




Must admit sleeping in a bed and taking a shower in a full sized bathroom was a simple pleasure we won't forget.




Murfreesboro is a bustling city. But the homes are just like the homes of my childhood dreams..front porches with rocking chairs, large grass yards, big green trees, and quiet streets to play in.




Just love Tennessee! The extended Brannon family has another educator in the making. Steven is working on his masters with a teaching license in mathematics. I think four generations of educators is simply wonderful!
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Location:Hummingbird Ln,Wytheville,United States

Meeting good people on the road!

What has been the best experience of this trip is meeting people from all walks of life. Our Little Guy trailer sparks so many conversations. Everyone, every single person we met are uplifting, hopeful and good natured ....not like you hear on the news all the time. Yes they are concerned about gas prices, but wonders why in a five mile radius cost of gas could be so different...why all the greed in oil. Met two fellows yesterday, one returning to Mississippi and another from the border of Arkansas and Louisiana. The one from Mississippi was on his way home after visiting Sequoia Nation Park near our home. He noticed Steve's Sequoia t-shirt. The one from the border of Louisiana and Arkansas just couldn't get over how far we had traveled, he was pleased to stay close to home! Chatting with him was like sitting down with an old friend sharing bits of of our lives...what fun.


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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

USS Batfish, Muskogee, OK





Today we had an exciting visit to the USS Batfish museum in Muskogee, OK .




This ship in 1945 sunk three enemy submarines in 76 hours.




Steve was having a tough time moving through the interior...it wasn't made for a 6' 4" man.




We were able to climb through the entire length of the ship.




We were both amazed at the size of a submarine, never being near one before.


Also at this museum was a portion of the USS Oklahoma with a sign from Pearl Harbor to Muskogee the last of the USS Oklahoma.



We knew both Chris and Sean would have loved to be aboard this ship!




This picture is just for you, Sean!
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Quilting websites




Yesterday we left Weatherfod, OK after visiting the Quilter's Knitche.
I understands some blog visitors wanted the websites of the quilt stores we have visited.


Here I go:

Southwest Decoratives: swdecoratives.com
Quilted Bliss: quilted bliss.co
Sisters' Scraps: sisters scrap.com
Quilter's Knitche does not have a website...a very traditional quilt shop

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Stafford Air and Space Museum






Today we went to the Stafford Air and Space museum in Weatherford, OK.




What terrific exhibits from and about this amazing small town astronaut who accomplished so much in his life.




It truly was an example of an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. We spent about two hours going through all the exhibits. I know the Smithsonian Air and Space museum is on our list, but this was a great appetizer.




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New Mexico to Texas




We headed east once again.


Traveling through New Mexico was filled with gorgeous scenery.


Once in Amarillo off to the local quilt stores we headed.
Imagine, three stores within 1.5 miles!
First, Quilted Bliss with a wonderful staff who took time to entertain Steve while I shopped.
Luckily, the Sisters' Scraps Quilt Shop was still open.


The collection of quilts on the walls were spectacular.





The workmanship was fabulous.


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Saturday, April 14, 2012

Checking out quilt stores




Today we went to the first of hopefully many quilt stores as we cross the country. What an absolutely amazing store that everyone, whether you quilt or not should visit.


The layout is optimal, the fabric one of a kind, and the patterns for quilts and cross stitch are spectacular.


I cannot say enough about SOUTHWEST DECORATIVES and KOKOPELLI QUILTING COMPANY in Albuquerque.


Steve was finding so many projects he thought were terrific...so it was easy for me to pick up plenty of kits and fabrics.


Check out their website at swdecoratives.com.


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Location:Coronado Fwy,Albuquerque,United States

SNOW AND ICE

We woke up to snow and bitterly cold strong winds. Steve was a dear and made breakfast even though he couldn't feel his fingers.


My hot tea was warm tea in a minute. Trying to pack up, and unhook cable TV was so hard because both our fingers were numb from the cold.


The trailer was cozy...not once were we cold during the night. We are off to Albuquerque.
ON THE ROAD: The amazing thing about this part of Arizona is the vastness of the land and sky. The storm clouds of every type slowly glide across the sky, ever changing. The mesas stand as guardians of the land, strong, bold and colorful. But, the snow and rain caught up with us.


Steve was amazing on the road! Wish we had found turnouts or safe exits to take pictures! We did stop at one exit where the truckers had stopped, just to scrape off the ice from the windshield.


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Location:Holbrook to Albuquerque