Drove up to Frederick, MD to visit my mom's 2nd cousin, Jane Mote and her husband, Dwight. They took me out to Macaroni Grill and we looked at old photos on the laptop. She knew my mom in the 1930s and 40s, so it was fascinating to hear her memories of my mom. She said my mom loved movies and could remember every detail which she would share with you. My son, Quinn, is the same way.
They lost a son in a helicopter crash in Vietnam, so we'll find his name on the Vietnam Memorial wall this weekend. His is the only name on the wall in our family that I am aware of, but there are probably more.
Wow, this was far larger than I expected. Just drove by on the way to Frederick, MD this time, but Saturday, we'll get a personal tour from Doug, my mom's cousin, Marjie's, husband. I hope we get to climb and see the gargoyles.
Augustus St Gaudens' Adams Memorial. I was (un)moved by its stoic representation of death.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams_Memorial_(grave_marker)
This site has selected photos of the Portrait Gallery's collection: http://picasaweb.google.com/maskirovka77/AmericanArtMuseumNationalPortraitGallery#
From my room at the Hampton Inn. Historic synagogue at left. Spire in the center is a
Baptist church, which is across the street from another Baptist church.
It's behind another building, but its spires are burned off and the
whole facade is charred. I suspect a fire. Washington monument in
background. Can't wait for Tracey to get here so we can start
sightseeing.
Unbelievable first day. Easy flight at 11 am via Milwaukee. Picked up my car, found the hotel. Car was cheap, but parking is just as much.
Paid my respects at the Temple of Left-wing Intellectual Elitism (NPR). Someday they'll beg the intellectuals to fix their messes.
Walked 2 blocks to Chinatown. Wandered the Portrait Gallery for 45 minutes. It's a remarkable, inspiring Greek-revival building with 2 museums inside and it stays open until 7 pm. Great luck.
Found a hole-in-the-wall Indian place with good, flavorful food. I had Seafood Thali. I call it The Sultan's Platter.
Still had time to drive to the West Side Club for some fellowship. Only 4 people, but it counts.
And that's just day one....
