Washington DC part 3 / Something Sweet

 

I am finally finishing up Washington DC.

I think I have been putting it off because my favorite pic accidentally got replaced.

It was one Tyler took of me right before we left Washington DC.

I was standing about a mile away from the Washington Monument ( See last pic of Tyler in this post) in front of the capital building trying to make it look like I had the Washington Monument in the palm of my hand. It was a fun pic! But it is gone, unless somehow I can recover the deleted picture from my camera. It wasn't on the card because the card was full by then so it is actually on the camera memory.

Any who….

Lets proceed…

After resting up and changing clothes at the hotel we headed right back to the hub of attractions.

At this point it is only 1:30.

Tyler and I really wanted to see the Holocaust Museum.

He had done a huge project at the end of the school year over the Holocaust and was really interested.

We were not allowed to take pics of the displays…

Here is a pic from the outside.

We spent a couple of hours in here and I still felt rushed.

Tyler at one point looked at me and said “How could this happen?”

I’ve have wondered that myself… One evil man Have you ever noticed that if you add a “D” to evil you get devil.

The point was Never Forget.

Don’t let this happen again.

Just thinking about it as I type has tears running down my face.

Next we headed to the Air and Space Museum….

This picture makes me laugh… I look tired but Tim looks exhausted..

Remember he hasn’t slept for about 30 hours in this pic

Tyler is taking the pic and he is saying “Dad looks terrible!”

So we try again….A little improvement, very little

I am not sure what Tyler said here but obviously we found it funny…

I actually think he was insulting are picture taking ability…

This was a huge rocket you could go inside of.

More walking back to the truck…

Tyler taking a break

Jefferson Monument, this is as close as we got.

Next we headed across the river to Arlington Cemetery

My shoulder hurt from carrying my purse so Tim carried it awhile.

It was a good look :) What a great guy!! Thanks Honey

 

We decided to take the tour tram… we were so tired of walking.

Here the guys are waiting for the next tram. I think Tyler is smiling because we don’t have to walk!!!

I cannot even begin to describe how big this place is!!!!!

The graves of John F Kennedy, his wife Jackie, infant son Patrick, and Infant daughter ( no name, I thought that was kind of odd)

Jackie’s

See no name just “Daughter” She must have been still born?

Son Patrick…He was born 5 and a half weeks early and only lived for 2 days.

I never realized that minor children and spouses could be buried at Arlington.

Next we saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the unknown soldiers…

Next we saw Arlington house…

From the front

From the side… pictures just don’t do it justice

Look at the view from here of Washington…

It was amazing…notice the airplane…All day long, every few minutes an airplane would fly in. I can’t even imagine how many people go and come in a day.

ARLINGTON HOUSE ALSO SITS ABOVE THE KENNEDY GRAVE SITE.

waiting for the next Tram to pick us up… I think they are ready to be done!!

We left Arlington around 7:00 pm and started driving around looking for a place to eat.

We did drive by the Pentagon but I was too tired to even get out my camera.

We ended up picking up Wendy’s and heading back to the hotel to eat.

We didn’t get to the hotel till 9:30.

Long LOOOOOONNNNNNGGG  DAY!!!!

The next morning we packed up had are free breakfast…

and headed out for a closer look of the Capital building before we headed home.

ME

TYLER

Statue of Grant in front of Capitol Building

Finally looking toward the monument….

And this is where I would have put the really cool pic of me seemingly holding the monument between my hands…. SIGH!!

I probably should have broke this last post in to at least 2 but I was ready to be done with this…

I mean I still haven’t even posted my lake pics yet!

Plus here are a few tempting pics of my favorite new snack/meal

Making a fruit parfait

Fresh fruit, Light and Fit vanilla yogurt (the best) Fiber one cereal on top.

Granola is probably better but if your counting points and calories I would stick with Fiber 1.

YUM!!

Have a great Day!

SUZ

Washington DC part 2

 

When I was a kid every once in a while my parents would takes us to a Travel log. It was usually in The Bluffton Movie theatre ( so you know how long ago that has been ) And usually aside from it being in a movie theatre I didn’t find it all that exciting.

So I hope my posts aren’t boring you all too much.

But if they are, lucky you can always exit out!! :)

This pic is taken from the Lincoln Monument obviously towards the Washington monument.

Next we headed to the Vietnam Wall memorial

The wall with all the names, started narrow and grew…

The wall with our reflection, So many names, so many died.

So sobering, so sad!!

Next we headed to the White House

Tyler thought all the corner street Vendors looked cool and wanted to stop for a treat.

We thought we would all grab a snack

until we realized that a simple good Humor ice cream bar costs $4.00 Tyler settled on  a lemon ice which we all shared. He is soberly displaying $4.00 here.

We asked if they did White House tours…

Basically you had to register 6 months in advance with your state government.

So this is as close as we got!

 

Next we headed to the Korean war Monument

Statues of soldiers

A reflection wall with etched faces. Do you see me in the middle?

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

Now it was time to head back to the truck, our 3 hour time limit was almost up.

We saw this on the walk back. I just thought it was cool I am not sure what it really is.

By now it was 11:30 so we decided to try and check into our hotel.

We were in luck and they let us check in early. Isn’t it lovely?

Actually it was clean, had a great free breakfast, was only about 2 miles from the capitol and was fairly inexpensive.

Sadly the pool was only open from 11:00 am to 8:00pm so we never got to swim. Plus as If you noticed the pool was in the middle of the parking lot :)

We changed clothes, I showered and we headed back out for more sight seeing!!

Well that’s all for today on Washington DC

Stay tuned for part 3.

Suz

Washington DC part 1

 

You wait and wait  for vacation and then “POOF” it’s over!

I have lots of fun pics to share of the lakes but I don’t have them on this computer yet  and since I have been such a loser at posting I though that I would try to post some pics more often over the next few weeks.

So we had 2 great weeks at the lakes, great weather, great fun and great family not to mention 2 of the most darling twin baby girls ever!! We can’t wait to go back again next year!!

I noticed that my niece Ames had some photos posted already of the lakes so if you just can’t wait head here and here to enjoy a few, although I did notice that there are none of me… HMMM

Not to fear I will post some of myself even though the camera makes me look older and heavier :)

So we got back from the lakes Friday night and then Saturday we attended the funeral of my cousin Jean Anne. She was in her early 60’s and died from Cancer. She will be greatly missed in the Kaehr family.

Sunday was Church so then on Monday I had planned to really hit the enormous pile of clothes, sheets, blankets, towels that had to be washed still or folded and put away.

I knew Tim had a run to Virginia on Monday night but when I got the address to run a map for it we realized it was actually Washington DC.

200 Constitution Ave. to be exact, a block from the state capital. Tyler was planning on going with him and they wanted me to come and see DC.

Now I am really not much of a rider and the prospect of being in the pickup for 11 hours one way  driving through the night was slightly daunting to me.

But a free trip to DC finally won me over at about 4:00 in the afternoon.

I found a reasonable hotel online for Tuesday night and we left around 8:00 pm.

So Tuesday morning around 7:00 we delivered our load to our destination… The basement parking garage under The dept of Labor building.

Being the true tourist here I snapped a picture right before we turned into our delivery address.

 

By 8:00 we were unloaded and ready to see the sights.

WOW!

First of all driving around DC is a nightmare, And I wasn’t even driving, I was in the backseat. Poor Tim :)

Have you ever tried to find a parking place in DC??

Especially for a truck like this….

We were lucky and found a free parking space along the Tidal Basin.

Across from the Jefferson Memorial.

From there we walked…. and walked and walked.

Lets just say we did a lot of walking!!!!

We saw many sights…

The Washington Monument…

 

Yep that’s me, looking slightly wrinkled and travel worn.

Remember I just got out of the truck after traveling through the night.

Wait till you see some of the pics of Tim. At this point he had not slept for 24 hours.

Here is another pic of the monument taken from the WW2 memorial.

WW2 memorial

Tim and I in front of the Indiana marker in the Memorial

He is still looking somewhat chipper here :)

Tyler

Reflection pool and Lincoln memorial

Some of the tamest ducks I have ever seen.

 

Why they call it the reflection pool. Cool HUH?

The Lincoln Memorial

I believe I counted 92 steps to the top!

 

Okay so now it is only about 9:45 am in our day. I think I will stop here for now. You can see why I am breaking it up into a few posts!

We weren’t there long but I believe we squeezed as much into a day as possible! We left our house on Monday at 8:00 pm and were home Wednesday at 11:00 pm. We were only gone for 51 hours. 22-23 of those hours were spent in the truck.

Shockingly, I would do it again…. But not right away :)

Have a great Day!

Suz

I procrastinate….therefore I blog

 

Yep, It is I the Queen of procrastination!

It is time to pack for vacation and clean the house so here I sit blogging.

Here are a few updates.

I have lost 10 lbs since the 2nd week of June.

I was hoping for more as we begin a lake vacation tomorrow.

But hey I will take what I can get!

We have been super busy doing peaches, corn and applesauce.

My garden is a disgrace this year, so no pictures will be posted :)

Many people ask me all the time what I eat so here is a little sampling…

I love frozen treats….

These are Weight Watchers  Strawberry Smoothie bars and Giant Chocolate Fudge bars. 1 pt each.

You get 12 strawberry bars in a box, they aren’t as big as the chocolate bars( only 6 bars in the box) but they take about as long to eat and they are delicious with real chunks of strawberries.   Since they cost the same you get twice as much for your money.

But then again sometimes you just need a chocolate fix. So the chocolate bars are worth every penny.

These popsicles are definitely a cheaper way to enjoy a cool summer treat

Since they are sugar free they only have 15 calories a piece so you can have 4 popsicles for 1 point. You can also get them in regular flavors.

I love to eat pasta. Sadly lots of carbs  are not the best idea for weight loss. So when I eat spaghetti I make Zuchinni and Onions and only use half the pasta I used to by layering in the zuchinni and onions over the pasta but under the sauce. It is so delicious sometimes I forget the pasta entirely. I have also used spaghetti squash instead of pasta… it is delicious!

Here is a pic of the Zuchinni  and Onions ready to cook…

  I have also went Berry crazy this month…Blueberries, Blackberries, strawberries, and rasberries. They are loaded with great taste and nutrition. They are low in points, delicious in yogurt and filling!! Also very healthy and a great natural source of fiber.

They also make great WW Strawberry pie…

Go Here http://wwwsusietonner.blogspot.com/2009/01/back-to-food.htmlfor the recipe

As you can tell I am slightly dessert oriented…

Wish me luck on vacation, Way too many fattening temptations.

I am packing my scales and my walking shoes!!

Thinking good thoughts!

Making good plans!

Hoping for the best!

Have a great Day!

Susie

A Few Pics

 

Today is Quiet!

Almost too quiet.

I am the only one home.

This is something that used to be rare.

Now it is happening more and more.

My thoughts are loud

Funny, used to be I could hardly hear them.

I have lots to do.

Some much that I am not sure where to start.

And here I sit blogging.

probably because I am sick and have no motivation.

I thought I had allergies but I think they ( the allergies) have recently developed into a sinus infection or maybe just a cold  (Who gets a cold in June?) This has been dragging on for 2 weeks now and I am sick ( literally)  of it! I am tired of coughing, blowing my nose and feeling yuck!

I am also slightly whiney in case you hadn’t guessed!

Here are a few pics from the last few weeks that I just took off one of my cameras.

Scholarship night

Senior Sunday School Breakfast

Bacculaureate night… Tiff and Clayton

Tiff’s party all decorated and ready to go

Her display table

Graduation Day

 

Visiting my Niece Amy and Sweet Great Nieces… This is Jada, Adia was sleeping by the time I remembered my camera… They are so DARLING!! For more pics of the little sweeties go to my sidebar and click on Treasures in Jars of Clay or just click here Ames just put some new pics up of the girls.

Some Dad’s and sons went canoeing down the Wabash on Saturday.

Tim and Tyler went and had a great time!

Here are just the young guys!

 

 

Well I am off to get busy!!

or maybe I will just take a walk. :)

Have a great Day!

Suz

My Apologies

 

It has been awhile!

So Sorry!

Not sure where to begin…

I’ll start with Tiffani

It has been a big month for her.

She graduated from High School

Created 3 movies…. 1 for her class awards day (95 DVD copies had to be burned)

…..1 for her Mexico Reunion only 14 burnt copies

…..1 for her own grad party

Had her grad party on June 4th

Senior Award nights for scholarships.

a Track award night

a baccalaureate night

She finished the yearbook ( Editor)

She surrendered her heart to Jesus ( My absolute favorite event this past month)

She spent 2 days at college….

1 morning taking placement tests

and 1 really long day registering for classes

And Monday she had her wisdom teeth out.

Okay so that’s Tif

My computers have been working overtime.

So much that my main one had to be sent to the shop.

It left me with very limited internet.

Now for me…

I subbed almost daily this past May. I finished out a US History Class the last 3 days of school and the 1st 3 days of June

I planned and prepared for Tif’s party on the 4th ( With a bunch of help from friends and family, ESPECIALLY my Mom.) THANKS MOM!!

I led the 7th and 8th grade songs for 2 weeks in VBS. Again with help.

Thanks Alyssa!

Tyler graduated from VBS

We have attended 20 plus grad parties

Tadd came home from Purdue and started his Internship starting out 2 weeks in Ohio then 2 weeks in Indiana now he is in his 2nd week in Illinois, then he will go back to Ohio, then Indiana, then Albany, then St Louis and more…. He is usually home on the weekends and when he is home life around here is even more lively. He tries to pack as much as he can into every weekend.

We have trimmed bushes, weeded, sprayed round-up and mulched last week and I am headed out for more weeding yet today.

We are Farmers (enough said)

Okay I think you guys get the drift, Life has been really busy around here.

But I have a confession….

I usually do, don’t I?

I hadn’t stepped on the scale for more than a month and was scared too.

I know, I know, I am always preaching about not going into denial and facing the facts. But I am only human and let me tell you I was scared. You know the old saying Ignorance is Bliss. Well I was not feeling blissful maybe it was because I knew better.

Last Monday I finally took the plunge and forced myself to face facts.

I prepared myself for the worst….

I stepped on that nasty old scale…

It wasn’t great, but better than I expected

I hadn’t gained anything over the last month.

I still have that 25 pounds that has slowly creeped on over the last year and a half to get off.

I am thankful I haven’t gained anymore. It seems my body is comfortable here at this weight. Too bad I’m not!!

I have still been eating healthy and trying to mentally count points in my head but after 4:00 in the afternoon I was losing control.

All those graduation parties haven’t helped either.

So last Monday I went back to weighing and writing everything down and for the last week I have been back in control and weighing in. This week I am thrilled to report that I have lost 7 lbs. 18 more to go.

THEN WHO KNOWS!  A new Goal?

I have been walking a lot.

The local Curves in Bluffton have a summer program challenge…

100 miles in 100 days.

Today is day 67 and I need to walk.

I totaled up my miles thus far and have 129.25 miles almost a 2 mile daily average.

There is just something about writing it down that just pumps me up!!!!

I’ll try to be faithful with blogging this summer.

As soon as I get things squared away on my computer I’ll try to post some pictures from the last month.

I’ve missed this!

Have a GREAT day!

Susie