Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving - Had a double Thanksgiving this year - One with the Sofonias in Denver and the other on Thanksgiving day with the Utah families. Sara inspired us to use new techniques to cook our turkey which led to a moist and succulent product. We ate way too much and played some games, and laughed a lot. Check out the pictures.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday - Nov 18, 2008 - Drove to Little Rock, Arkansas to see the Clinton Library. The library was candy for a political junky. I especially enjoyed the mock cabinet room and the oval office. The library highlighted the achievements of the Clinton administration in detail. Lots of multimedia made the displays interesting. The people were very friendly even though they new I was from Utah. We told them there are at least two democrats in Utah - us. Check posted pictures.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday - Nov 16, 2008 - Attended sacrament meeting at the Charleston 1st Ward - It was the primary program - We had seen a primary program the week before in Houston and yes we saw one before we left home. The kids were great but there was a little two year old girl sitting next to me that stole the show. She would begin to wave her arms as if she were leading the music every time the children would sing. The primary chorister was right behind us - the little girl would turn and look at her, then mimick her waving arms. She led every song of the whole program.
We packed up, checked out of our motel and headed for a boat tour of Charleston harbor - the only problem was the bridge was shut down and a huge traffic jam caused us to miss the tour. We went to plan "B" and toured the original colonial site of Charleston, set in a beautiful park. We then drove to the water front to scope out Fort Sumter where the first battle of the Civil War took place.
The day was almost gone so we headed to Maggie Valley, NC, the gateway to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We drove into the night and arrived exhausted from a long day.
Monday - Nov 17, 2008 - It is freezing here 25 degrees- Had to scrape the windshield and add air to the tires - a far cry from the 88 degrees we had in Florida. We headed for Great Smoky Mountain National Park - We were held up at the visitor center because ice had closed the road. Finally, they let us in - We canceled our hike and did a car tour. The mountains were pretty - but we were a few weeks too late to see the autumn leaves. Didn't spend too much time - headed for Tennessee - Stopped in Dickson, Tennessee.
We packed up, checked out of our motel and headed for a boat tour of Charleston harbor - the only problem was the bridge was shut down and a huge traffic jam caused us to miss the tour. We went to plan "B" and toured the original colonial site of Charleston, set in a beautiful park. We then drove to the water front to scope out Fort Sumter where the first battle of the Civil War took place.
The day was almost gone so we headed to Maggie Valley, NC, the gateway to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We drove into the night and arrived exhausted from a long day.
Monday - Nov 17, 2008 - It is freezing here 25 degrees- Had to scrape the windshield and add air to the tires - a far cry from the 88 degrees we had in Florida. We headed for Great Smoky Mountain National Park - We were held up at the visitor center because ice had closed the road. Finally, they let us in - We canceled our hike and did a car tour. The mountains were pretty - but we were a few weeks too late to see the autumn leaves. Didn't spend too much time - headed for Tennessee - Stopped in Dickson, Tennessee.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Sunday - Nov 9, 2008 - Went to church with Mandy and Christian. Spent the day with them - played with their children ( Kylee andRaegan) - They don't get to see their grandparents too often so we filled in. We rested and prepared to head back on the road on Monday.
Monday - Nov 10, 2008 - Spent the whole day driving east towards Orlando. We made it almost to Mobile, Alabama.
Tuesday - Another long travel day - but we made it to Orlando! Thank heavens for our GPS. It can find anything! Had a nice hotel - so tired we slept like babies.
Wed - Nov 12 - Took a bus over to Epcot. We have $300 in Disney money to spend. It cost $150 just to get in - but still had lots to spend. We found the Germany exhibit where they had a buffet and show. We had a great time eating schnitzel, strudel, red cabbage and bratwurst. It was all you can eat - we ate our share. The show was delightful and brought back many great memories of Bavaria. We then walked and walked and walked taking in the exhibits and shops of all the countries. Towards evening we attended the American exhibit which had a patriotic theme. As we came out of the theater it was raining. We stood there for a while because we didn't have a rain coat or umbrella. After a few minutes it let up to a drizzle so we began to walk. Decided it was a good time to get some dinner so we hit the China exhibit and had some great sweet and sour pork. By that time we had spent over $100 on food without any guilt. We still had some money left and had less than an hour to spend it. Karen found a glass flower arrangement that was beautiful and still had money left to but a spoon. We ended up with just 3 cents left. We were so tired and full of food we collapsed into bed.
Thursday - Nov 13 - Left Orlando and headed for the Kennedy Space Center. Spent the whole day seeing the preparations that were being made for the launch of STS-126. We also enjoyed a whole building of exhibits from the apollo missions. Check out the photos.
Friday - Nov 14 - Launch day at last. We couldn't get into the Kennedy Space Center because it was closed down on launch days. Instead we went to the Astronaut Hall of Fame which is located just outside the entrance of the space center. It was an interesting place that looked at the human side of the space program - telling the personal stories of many of the high profile astronauts - and not forgetting any and all who have contributed. By early afternoon we decided we had better get a spot to view the launch and hunker down. People were already congregating by early afternoon. I had researched online and found a great viewing spot. We found a parking space in the shade of a building and had a picnic lunch. We then set up our chairs on a grassy beach front and spent the afternoon talking to people and enjoying the warm sunshine. We met some fun people and built a relationship. One of the guys was an entertainer whose stage name is Golf Brooks. He does comedy and country singing. He had his guitar and had us all singing and having a good time. People began to pack the place by evening. Some had fancy scopes and cameras. TV news people set up close by with their satellite trucks. The wind was blowing off the water which made it a bit chilly but the clouds were clearing which made the launch a "go".
The anticipation grew as we approached 7:55 PM. I started the countdown not knowing if there were any holds on the pad. All of a sudden their was a huge flash of light. I clicked my camera to the on position to take a movie of the launch. I didn't want to miss anything so I pointed the camera without really holding it in front of my face. I glance at the finder window and noticed the burst of light caused a streak in the picture - Then the camera froze - it turned off and wouldn't move. I disregarded the camera so I wouldn't miss anything - The rocket began to rise slowly and the fireball became smaller. It then began to pick up speed and head northward - high in the sky. The irony was that it passed in front of an almost full moon and headed for the stars - almost like a starwars movie. The ball of flame became a bright white light as Endeavor reached miles in the sky. We following the light for a couple of moments and then it was gone. It was kind of quiet on the beach and people just began to leave. I paused in awe of what I had just seen with the understanding of what a miracle the whole event was. We picked up our gear and headed for the van. We can put a man on the moon but we can't figure out how to prevent a traffic jam. We didn't realize how many people had witnessed the launch. There were thousands of people all the way down the coast who all wanted to drive at once. It took over an hour to drive ten miles. We were glad out motel was close. I felt let down - kind of like when Christmas Day ends. I noted that Karen was very excited by the event - what a good sport to go through such an ordeal for 5 minutes of excitment.
Saturday - Nov15 - Headed north to Charleston, SC. The rains came today - glad it didn't rain yesterday. Found a Costco to gas up and had dinner then went to explore the town. Couldn't see much because it was dark and rainy.
Monday - Nov 10, 2008 - Spent the whole day driving east towards Orlando. We made it almost to Mobile, Alabama.
Tuesday - Another long travel day - but we made it to Orlando! Thank heavens for our GPS. It can find anything! Had a nice hotel - so tired we slept like babies.
Wed - Nov 12 - Took a bus over to Epcot. We have $300 in Disney money to spend. It cost $150 just to get in - but still had lots to spend. We found the Germany exhibit where they had a buffet and show. We had a great time eating schnitzel, strudel, red cabbage and bratwurst. It was all you can eat - we ate our share. The show was delightful and brought back many great memories of Bavaria. We then walked and walked and walked taking in the exhibits and shops of all the countries. Towards evening we attended the American exhibit which had a patriotic theme. As we came out of the theater it was raining. We stood there for a while because we didn't have a rain coat or umbrella. After a few minutes it let up to a drizzle so we began to walk. Decided it was a good time to get some dinner so we hit the China exhibit and had some great sweet and sour pork. By that time we had spent over $100 on food without any guilt. We still had some money left and had less than an hour to spend it. Karen found a glass flower arrangement that was beautiful and still had money left to but a spoon. We ended up with just 3 cents left. We were so tired and full of food we collapsed into bed.
Thursday - Nov 13 - Left Orlando and headed for the Kennedy Space Center. Spent the whole day seeing the preparations that were being made for the launch of STS-126. We also enjoyed a whole building of exhibits from the apollo missions. Check out the photos.
Friday - Nov 14 - Launch day at last. We couldn't get into the Kennedy Space Center because it was closed down on launch days. Instead we went to the Astronaut Hall of Fame which is located just outside the entrance of the space center. It was an interesting place that looked at the human side of the space program - telling the personal stories of many of the high profile astronauts - and not forgetting any and all who have contributed. By early afternoon we decided we had better get a spot to view the launch and hunker down. People were already congregating by early afternoon. I had researched online and found a great viewing spot. We found a parking space in the shade of a building and had a picnic lunch. We then set up our chairs on a grassy beach front and spent the afternoon talking to people and enjoying the warm sunshine. We met some fun people and built a relationship. One of the guys was an entertainer whose stage name is Golf Brooks. He does comedy and country singing. He had his guitar and had us all singing and having a good time. People began to pack the place by evening. Some had fancy scopes and cameras. TV news people set up close by with their satellite trucks. The wind was blowing off the water which made it a bit chilly but the clouds were clearing which made the launch a "go".
The anticipation grew as we approached 7:55 PM. I started the countdown not knowing if there were any holds on the pad. All of a sudden their was a huge flash of light. I clicked my camera to the on position to take a movie of the launch. I didn't want to miss anything so I pointed the camera without really holding it in front of my face. I glance at the finder window and noticed the burst of light caused a streak in the picture - Then the camera froze - it turned off and wouldn't move. I disregarded the camera so I wouldn't miss anything - The rocket began to rise slowly and the fireball became smaller. It then began to pick up speed and head northward - high in the sky. The irony was that it passed in front of an almost full moon and headed for the stars - almost like a starwars movie. The ball of flame became a bright white light as Endeavor reached miles in the sky. We following the light for a couple of moments and then it was gone. It was kind of quiet on the beach and people just began to leave. I paused in awe of what I had just seen with the understanding of what a miracle the whole event was. We picked up our gear and headed for the van. We can put a man on the moon but we can't figure out how to prevent a traffic jam. We didn't realize how many people had witnessed the launch. There were thousands of people all the way down the coast who all wanted to drive at once. It took over an hour to drive ten miles. We were glad out motel was close. I felt let down - kind of like when Christmas Day ends. I noted that Karen was very excited by the event - what a good sport to go through such an ordeal for 5 minutes of excitment.
Saturday - Nov15 - Headed north to Charleston, SC. The rains came today - glad it didn't rain yesterday. Found a Costco to gas up and had dinner then went to explore the town. Couldn't see much because it was dark and rainy.
Saturday - Nov 8, 2008 - Arrived early at the Houston Space Center. Took a little field trip around the grounds and snapped some pictures at the entrance. A lady got out of her car and offered to take a picture of us together - There are great people where ever you go. Got right in on a morning tour that takes you on sight to the Johnson Space Center which is where the real things are going on. They about strip search you to go on the tour - they check you in and out and take your picture which they try to sell you when the tour is over. At our age you don't want to pay $25 dollars to see how beautiful you are! The tour takes you right into the real control rooms. One was set up historically for the moon landing and the other was the one they are using for the Shuttle. We got a preview of the Houston side of the launch of STS 126 which we will be observing. They other major attraction feature the Saturn V rocket used in moon launches with a history of the Apollo program. Got some great pictures - especially of Apollo 11 (first men on moon) and Apollo 13 ( Houston we have a problem). As we exited we say a clump of oak trees - one is planted for each astronaut that died - it was a reflective moment. We checked out the exhibits in the visitors center and then found a beautiful picnic spot for lunch - it was a beautiful warm day. We then departed for Mandy and Christian Richard's home which is located north of Houston. We arrived at about 3 pm to a warm welcome. Their house in a beautiful wooded area know as The Woodlands. Some of Houston's wealthiest live in the area. Mandy and Christian have a nice two story but have recently had some disasters. During hurricaine Ike a tree fell and punched a hole in the roof which let the rain down pour cause some damange. To add insult to injury they had a grease fire in the kitchen which totaled the stove, microwave, cabinets and wall. They are awaiting the contractors to get them back in business. They are camping out kitchen wise and are dealing well with adversity. We packed up the family and went out to dinner at a very nice Italian Restaurant. Had a good meal and conversation to end a great day.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Monday - November 3, 2008 - Drove from Salt Lake to Cortez, CO. Stopped at Arches National Park and saw some beautiful scenery. Click on "more photos of us" and view the slide show. It was an incredible day!
Tuesday - November 4, 2008 - The day started out dark and rainy, but we pressed on to Mesa Verde National Park. It cleared a little and we went on a tour of a pueblo. Got to climb down into the settlement from the mesa and actually climb ladders in the settlement. Got some great pictures - see more photos. We then took of driving south and ended up in Fort Stockton, TX. Not much to see. We spent the evening listening to the election results. What an exciting time as Barrack Obama was announced as the President Elect. I was especially proud of Sara who worked so hard to deliver Colorado for Obama.
Wednesday - Nov 5, 2008 - Drove to San Antonio, TX. Spent time at the Alamo and the River Walk. The Alamo has been preserved by a private group. They have done a fantastic job of research and preservation. We walked the River Walk which was fun and beautiful. Lots of shops and restaurants. We were not hungry so we ate later and a place next to our motel.
Thursday - Nov 6, 2008 - Drove to Houston. Gas prices are under $2.00 which is good news when you are traveling. Stayed about 2 miles from the Houston Space Center. Took a trip to Galveston to investigate the damage from Hurricane Ike. See more photos for pictures from the last three days in one album.
Tuesday - November 4, 2008 - The day started out dark and rainy, but we pressed on to Mesa Verde National Park. It cleared a little and we went on a tour of a pueblo. Got to climb down into the settlement from the mesa and actually climb ladders in the settlement. Got some great pictures - see more photos. We then took of driving south and ended up in Fort Stockton, TX. Not much to see. We spent the evening listening to the election results. What an exciting time as Barrack Obama was announced as the President Elect. I was especially proud of Sara who worked so hard to deliver Colorado for Obama.
Wednesday - Nov 5, 2008 - Drove to San Antonio, TX. Spent time at the Alamo and the River Walk. The Alamo has been preserved by a private group. They have done a fantastic job of research and preservation. We walked the River Walk which was fun and beautiful. Lots of shops and restaurants. We were not hungry so we ate later and a place next to our motel.
Thursday - Nov 6, 2008 - Drove to Houston. Gas prices are under $2.00 which is good news when you are traveling. Stayed about 2 miles from the Houston Space Center. Took a trip to Galveston to investigate the damage from Hurricane Ike. See more photos for pictures from the last three days in one album.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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