50 States in 50 Years No. 14-20* 1976

In 1976 I took a trip to the East Coast for the Bicentennial Celebration. 
It involved going 'in and out' and 'through'17 States, Washington, D.C. and Niagara Falls, Canada, in two weeks.  When you only had two weeks vacation, you had to make the most of it.  

Starting in Arkansas (48) we went through  
Tennessee (31), Virginia (25), West Virginia(24).
Our first stop was College Park, Maryland (21). 
We took the Bicentennial Bus into Washington, D.C. 

I know the cherry blossoms are not in bloom in October.
However, it is a great picture on the Jefferson Memorial.

Also, saw the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian.

Back in the car-Through Delaware (17), New Jersey (16) where we crossed over into Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (20).

Pennsylvania (20)

Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

and Benjamin Franklin's grave.

Passing through Rhode Island (15) and Delaware (17) to our next stop-Burlington, Massachusetts (14). We used it as our base to visit surrounding historical sites there and in Connecticut (19).

We walked The Freedom Trail in Boston.
Saw Paul Revere's House 

Paul Revere's House
Boston

Louisa Mae Alcott House
Concord, Massachusetts

When we left there, we were headed home through Maine (27), New Hampshire (23), Vermont (18), and  New York (26). We took one detour at Niagara Falls to view the Falls from the Canadian side. After that we stopped only to eat and spend the night in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky (22). Our goal was to get home in time to go to work on Monday.
Now we were back from where we started-full circle. It was fast, but it was fun.  It left me with a lot of stories to tell. 

Home Sweet Home

*For "new to my blog" friends...on May 17, 2010, I visited Wisconsin.

I can now say that I have been in, to, or through all 50 United States.

I am committed to make an Artist Trading Card "ATC" for each of

the 50 States. 

BOOK REVIEW: Sons of Fortune

Sons of Fortune by Jeffrey Archer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had never read any of Jeffrey Archer's books, until it appeared on my Book Club 'to read' list. I enjoyed it, but had to overcome some hurdles before I got into the rhythm of the story. At first, I thought I was reading a male 'Danielle Steele' story. Then, once I got past that feeling, I had to learn to keep the 'twins' straight. Their stories overlap. One paragraph/chapter will be about Fletcher and then quickly switch to Nat. I found the historical background interesting as I lived through those times. I liked getting an incite into the political campaign process and the banking transaction details. (I am a retired banker.) I couldn't help but wonder why Nat and Fletcher didn't recognize each other. They were both high profile figures and their pictures would have been in the national newspapers often. Also, their paths were tracking together and I knew they would at some point they would converge. I had it figured out in my mind, but will not 'spoil' it for you. Recommend!

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TODAY IN 1959

On February 3, 1959, rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson

Song for Sunday

His Eye Is On the Sparrow!

When things seem to be falling apart, they are really just falling in place.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
by Fannie Flagg    My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful story taking place from the 1929 to 1988 with two stories running concurrently. The story that takes place in this past is told by Ninny, in a rest home, to Evelyn, who befriends her. At the same time you will come back to the present and get their story. You will get wrapped up in the story of the inhabitants of Whistle Stop, Alabama, as well as Ninny's and Evelyn's. However, running silently between the lines are messages of the social and economic issues of the time. In fact, most are still relevant in the 21st Century. I gave it 5 stars-it was amazing, because it was. I couldn't give it 4 stars-I liked it a lot, because I didn't. It was a depressing story both on the surface and between the lines. I grew up in most of those times. Stories are amazing when I can personally put myself in the story. I internalized this story and characters too much. I felt hurt when they hurt and they hurt a lot. Every once in a while there was some happiness, but not often. Recommend.

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TODAY: JANUARY 22

Sam Cooke born in 1931, The King of Soul

His first hit “You Send Me,” in 1957, soared to the top of the charts and earned Cooke an appearance on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” in 1959.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found several messages for me in this fictional story. First thought: I needed this when I was younger. However, I don't think I would have gotten it. Second thought: "Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is." king of Salem. I must have missed it, because I didn't have a clue when I was young. I was playing with dolls and making mud pies. My earliest memory was when I was three. I have tried to think back and nothing comes up. However, I get it now. I think that I have received 'omens' and have used them to get me to this point in my life. Although I am on the other side of seventy, I think I still have 'omens' to come. Translated for me: 'Personal Legend'-my mission in life; 'Omens'-forks in the road where I have to make a choice that will lead my down a new path. It helps that I recognized them and proactively chose the next path. However, sometimes I didn't recognize the right path and some 'force' sent me down the path that led me to where I am now. I have no regrets. If I have taken another path along the way, I would not be where I am. I am happy.

Important quotes:
The world's greatest lie. "It's this. that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate."

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it."

Thought at the conclusion of the story: Sometimes your 'Personal Legacy' ends where you began, but you won't know it until you have finished your journey through life.
Recommend!

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