Mom kept very good records of her trip, and it can be summed up in the following numbers:
Gas $2,139.24
Miles 9,526 (16 mpg)
Total cost $4,514.49
Very economical, mom! :)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wrap up!
Hi there!
Here is the final entry on this road trip, from mom in her own words, sent to me on Mon Oct 27:
I arrived home 16 days ago and am still having wonderful ‘flashbacks’ to certain moments of the journey! Uppermost would be Margaret’s last hug. We had a wonderful last visit before she made her transition at 100 while I was still on my trip. She moved back to Chicago at 96 (don’t be shocked, she had an aorta valve replacement at 89!) and corresponded with me the whole time. I want to review her letters and send them to Sherri, her granddaughter, to have. She touched so many lives with love, never a word of complaint. What a role model for all of us.
It was wonderful to see 3 friends and 6 cousins. One cousin I hadn’t seen since he was about 6 years old! One cousin so resembles my dad that it’s spooky!
Next in importance would be swimming in Walden Pond. I had intentions of walking Blondie around the whole lake but found out no dogs were allowed. I totally knew I’d regret it if I didn’t get out there & swim (there were several other people swimming) & of course, once in, I did NOT want to get out of the water! It was about 72 but not uncomfortable temperature-wise. The silence & serenity of the area was so restful. It was truly a magical moment. Yes, I could do a “Thoreau” and live there for 2 years by myself! The hermit!
Another big highlight portion of the trip would be Frank Lloyd Wright and his works of art. With that talent, he was entitled to be eccentric, egotistical and arrogant! After the Fallingwater tour, I bought the dvd and would love to share it with those unable to get back to Pennsylvania or for those wanting to relive it. Each time I would step into a home that he designed, I felt I was “home”. I love the lines, the warmth of the wood, blending with nature, the colors, the orderliness, attention to detail. Did you know he worked up to two weeks before his death at 92? His greatest works were done in his 80’s?!
The Presidential Libraries I visited: Gerald Ford, Herbert Hoover, James Monroe, FDR, Carter, Clinton, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington. FDR started the Libraries, so the older ones were homes/museums.
The “Diners” (from Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” Food Channel show): The Mad Greek, Rosie’s Diner, The Fly Trap (the best), Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burgers, Myer’s Grill and Charlie’s.
Military: West Point, Jamestowne, Yorktown, Antietam, Monocacy, Old Soldier’s Home, Arlington Cemetery.
Plantations: Boone-Hall, Gunston-Hall.
My “Wonder-bladder” dog Blondie was the best!! Never a complaint! My eyes and ears for safety! I think she’s ready to go again!
Thanks to all for your interest in my celebration of life birthday trip! Luv, LN
Mom, thanks so much for your spirit of adventure and allowing us to live your journey vicariously!! Wonderful! I look forward to your next adventure!
Much love,
Kelli
P.S. Lots of photos added to the slideshow!
Here is the final entry on this road trip, from mom in her own words, sent to me on Mon Oct 27:
I arrived home 16 days ago and am still having wonderful ‘flashbacks’ to certain moments of the journey! Uppermost would be Margaret’s last hug. We had a wonderful last visit before she made her transition at 100 while I was still on my trip. She moved back to Chicago at 96 (don’t be shocked, she had an aorta valve replacement at 89!) and corresponded with me the whole time. I want to review her letters and send them to Sherri, her granddaughter, to have. She touched so many lives with love, never a word of complaint. What a role model for all of us.
It was wonderful to see 3 friends and 6 cousins. One cousin I hadn’t seen since he was about 6 years old! One cousin so resembles my dad that it’s spooky!
Next in importance would be swimming in Walden Pond. I had intentions of walking Blondie around the whole lake but found out no dogs were allowed. I totally knew I’d regret it if I didn’t get out there & swim (there were several other people swimming) & of course, once in, I did NOT want to get out of the water! It was about 72 but not uncomfortable temperature-wise. The silence & serenity of the area was so restful. It was truly a magical moment. Yes, I could do a “Thoreau” and live there for 2 years by myself! The hermit!
Another big highlight portion of the trip would be Frank Lloyd Wright and his works of art. With that talent, he was entitled to be eccentric, egotistical and arrogant! After the Fallingwater tour, I bought the dvd and would love to share it with those unable to get back to Pennsylvania or for those wanting to relive it. Each time I would step into a home that he designed, I felt I was “home”. I love the lines, the warmth of the wood, blending with nature, the colors, the orderliness, attention to detail. Did you know he worked up to two weeks before his death at 92? His greatest works were done in his 80’s?!
The Presidential Libraries I visited: Gerald Ford, Herbert Hoover, James Monroe, FDR, Carter, Clinton, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington. FDR started the Libraries, so the older ones were homes/museums.
The “Diners” (from Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” Food Channel show): The Mad Greek, Rosie’s Diner, The Fly Trap (the best), Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burgers, Myer’s Grill and Charlie’s.
Military: West Point, Jamestowne, Yorktown, Antietam, Monocacy, Old Soldier’s Home, Arlington Cemetery.
Plantations: Boone-Hall, Gunston-Hall.
My “Wonder-bladder” dog Blondie was the best!! Never a complaint! My eyes and ears for safety! I think she’s ready to go again!
Thanks to all for your interest in my celebration of life birthday trip! Luv, LN
Mom, thanks so much for your spirit of adventure and allowing us to live your journey vicariously!! Wonderful! I look forward to your next adventure!
Much love,
Kelli
P.S. Lots of photos added to the slideshow!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
On the way home!
10/02 - My Margaret passed on at 5:15 am this morning. So grateful I got to say goodbye to her on this trip.
10/05 - Just saw the largest American home - the Biltmore Estate! Wowee!! On to Memphis...
10/08 - At cowboy museum in Oklahoma City working my way back home!
There are a couple new photos at the bottom.
10/05 - Just saw the largest American home - the Biltmore Estate! Wowee!! On to Memphis...
10/08 - At cowboy museum in Oklahoma City working my way back home!
There are a couple new photos at the bottom.
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