Been away from the blog for a bit as we’ve been consumed with our move from Park City, UT to Monument, CO. We’re now in our new house and stuff is slowly getting put away. I moved into my new church office today but am waiting on some graciously-donated bookshelves to house my library. Tomorrow is my official start date at Tri-Lakes UMC, and I’m very excited!
The fam and I spent some time on vacation over the past week back in PA visiting family and touring around the DC area, showing the kids some of the sights and sites of our nation’s capital. A few observations:
1. The place is built in a swamp and thus summer temps approach that of a sauna on steroids. We must’ve hiked ten miles a day from place to place and I’ve had forced marches under an 80 pound ruck that were more pleasant. The heat could be why these congressmen and women are so cranky all the time. You would be, too.
2. It’s virtually impossible to find a place to eat near the National Mall, unless you’re willing to trust a street vendor. We packed our lunches, but one of us had to stand outside most of the government buildings playing gear guard because we weren’t allowed to take any bags, food, or water into places like the White House or the Capitol building. I get the security issues, but it’s become even more restrictive.
3. Visited the grave of a friend’s son at Arlington, which was very powerful, and then watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Never fails to stir me.
4. Rob loved just about everything. He even wanted to wait in line for an hour to see the “Charters of Freedom” at the National Archives–the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. It was fun to watch him be so engaged in every museum and venue…a chip off the old block!
5. We also stopped at Gettysburg and I had a chance to visit the new Visitor’s Center. It’s impressive–definitely a better interpretive scheme for new generations. The film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, is great but even better was seeing the Cyclorama restored and displayed as it was originally in the 1880s, using a 3D diorama effect. Admission was a bit steep and the tourist-y gift shop and snack bar were a little much, but overall they seem to have done a good job (though parking leaves something to be desired as the main lot is a hike away from the building in the steamy summer heat).
6. We enjoyed hanging out at my sister-in-law’s farm in Washington County, PA for a few days, sitting on the porch, watching the cows being milked, catching fireflies…reminded me a lot of the good days of my childhood. It was so relaxing that I managed to finish another doctoral paper during a quiet morning.
Hoping to post some video soon from the trip. Have a good one!
