Mary, Mary, Contrary?: March 2016

Our afternoon adventure was finally making the trek to Lincoln's Summer Cottage. We went to church first. Our neighbors picked us up on our way to church, so we didn't have to walk the whole way.

Our church was in full bloom for Easter on the outside and the inside.

I was the lector reader today in allergy heaven.

Blurry eyes, runny nose but, no sneezes out of me. I also got talked into communion assistant...shaky hands and all. I would have spilled wine on everyone handing the cups to them so I compromised and let them choose their own from the tray. Fortunately, I doubt they will ask me to serve communion again. Breakfast was delicious down in the basement fellowship hall and afterwards we walked home and got ready to go to the metro.

We went from King Street to Georgia Avenue-Pentworth Station( 13 stops) and then walked a mile from Pentworth to the VIsitor Center. Jim would add that it was up hill walking all of the way.

We had purchased our tickets online earlier in the week and so had to go check in for our tour. We were told we could take photographs outside, but no photographs inside. I purchased a brochure so that I could share some inside peeks to you all.

President Lincoln, his wife Mary, and son Tad spent a quarter of his presidency between June and November in 1862,1863, and 1864- living in this 34 room Gothic Revival house on the grounds of the Soldiers Home, about 3 miles north of the White House.

This cottage provided them with "quiet" while they mourned the death of their son Willie. It also was cooler up and away from the swamp of downtown DC and all of the soldiers.

The replica desk where Lincoln wrote the Emmancipation Proclamation.

The library,

The checkerboard...

We also went upstairs and the stair banister was original...so our hands touched the same wood that the Lincoln's touched...pretty cool! We enjoyed learning about the Lincoln's time spent here. The tour was very informative and professional. This place is preserving history! It is not part of the National Parks and so we had paid for this tour...it was worth it. The house was pretty empty of furniture and that was due to the fact that the Lincoln's brought the furniture from the White House for their Summers at the cottage. It was not their personal stuff.

We also learned about Lincoln's 30 minute commute to the White House by horse. How he really put his life at risk taking the same route every day at approximately the same time every morning and evening. Lincoln was an amazing HUMAN being. He truly wore the world on his shoulders.

Secretary of War, Stanton also stayed at a nearby home, and they were able to meet and discuss strategy at the Soldiers home.

We loved this painting in the visitors center.

After our tour we spent some time in the museum part of the visitor center and then we walked further up the street to the oldest national cemetery in the United States.

Happy Easter to all of you...

Remember to share PEACE!

Peace be with you!

It is not the peak day for blossoms, but the weather forecast was to good to not go out and take a peek! I went to the Metro with Jim who was on his way to work at 6:15 am. Yes, THAT IS VERY EARLY! I am on spring break this week and Jim has to work so I am keeping busy sewing, knitting, reading and dr. Appointments. Fun! So why not go and see the blossoms!

Walking to Jim's building...

Still dark!

A fun tour inside this building, schedule ahead...

The swan boats are electrical...so I'm told! I think Jim needs to do this with me soon!

Jefferson Memorial looks quiet early in the morning.

Let's go see some blossoms.

Japanese Stone Lantern

My bird-friend

There is a nest inside the tree.

Blossoms bursting with life...

Uh-oh

Come on sunshine!

It is fun to find the buds coming right out of the trunk. So cute!

Near FDR Memorial

While taking the above picture I heard the greatest line of the day from a young child. "Daddy, Daddy, LOOK, AN ALLIGATOR!"

Everyone started smiling in both directions.

I agree with FDR!

I HATE

WAR!

Two little ducks out swimming on the Tidal Basin...

Before we go to Jefferson Memorial, come meet another George...

Some Forsythia for our George Mason...if you read an earlier blog, you know he is important to us Virginians. He is one of our Founding Fathers!

Gotta love him!

As I get back onto the walkway to Jeff. Mem., a nice lady from some radio station interviews me...

I took her picture for you all and told her she would be on the blog...she wants to know if you all can smell the blossoms? I told her my blog was allergy free. Smile!