Liberty Bell

Three days ago we rolled into the countryside of southeastern Pennsylvania. Jim & I were both reminded of the English countryside west of London. Too bad it snows here. It is beautiful. Green, rolling hillsides , lots of horse farms; they even have fox hunts. Sunday, we went to Winterthur Gardens and Museum in Delaware (about a 20 minute drive). It's on the 1,000 places list. Owned by the DuPonts--it's on the scale of the Biltmore, except they don't open as much to the public. After walking the beautiful gardens, we took another drive through Chester County and happened upon the Whip Tavern, a true English pub with all the typical ales and lagers as well as Strongbow hard cider served on draught by the pint. Also, shepherd's pie, fish & chips, curry, steak & mushroom pie, etc. England without the jet lag.

From here we can get to Delaware, New Jersey, or Maryland within an hour.

Yesterday we took a tour of Philadelphia. Saw the Liberty Bell, went in Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross house, and marched up the hills of Valley Forge. Collin has now earned two new National Park Junior Ranger patches, and 4 badges. I have been so impressed with the programs in the National Parks.

Today we took a QVC studio tour. It's the largest TV studio in the country. It was quite impressive. Who knew?

Tomorrow we plan to drive amongst the Amish. More later. Jim will add pictures when he gets on.

Traveling Companions

These are some of my traveling companions obviously havine a good time

Stone Mountain & Coca-Cola

Madi on the ropes course at Stone Mountain

Atlanta

So much to do in Stone Mountain.  Could stay busy for a week.  it’s a great camping spot with nice pool and playground for the kids.  Could have gone fishing and biking, and hiking if we had had more time.  Plus we missed the laser show on the Mountain and some other attractions.  But we went to the World of Coca-cola and centennial park , rode MARTA.. and got to spend a lot of time with Jaime & Jesse—the best attraction for us.

DC Area

Toured some of the Capital area and Georgetown today. Carol took the grandkids to the National Zoo while kept guard at the gate for any signs of terrorist. Rode the Metro in and out. Since this is a "shakedown cruise "for our new motor home wehave been keeping a list of warranty items needing attention when we get back to the homestead. We only have 25 items so far but we've only been gone one week. Amy and Madi fly out from Baltimore Wed morning. We will continue on until Carol starts a yellow page search for divorce attorneys.

Saturday June 13 2009

We have finally arrived in Maryland. Tomorrow we will take the train into DC to the Zoo. Carol and kids want to see the Pandas.

Picture test

In this test I am trying to post a picture filed on my computer