Start of Memorial Day Weekend

I was conducting a student tour group from New Jersey through Washington, DC. Their school honored the Unknown Solder of WWI and the Unknown Servicemen by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also saw the artillerymen polishing up the Howitzers in anticipation of a wreath-laying by the Albanian Defense Minister. The Sgt. talked to us about the Howitzers and the 21 gun salute. We also saw scores of soldiers placing flags at each grave.

After bidding farewell to the group, I walked to the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and around the National Mall.

The Rolling Thunder Veterans were just starting to trickle in and the vendors were getting 'Thunder Alley' tent market set up.

I'll be walking around tomorrow and Monday.

This would be an appropriate time to re-read my posting about cemeteries and Memorial Day which has been reprinted in LOST Magazine.

Please take time from your weekend to reflect on the sacrifices made by the military and their families.

Tour Marm

Take a Sunday in the Park Stroll with Tour Marm and Win a Book!

Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Festival 2008 - A Sunday Walk

You might think I'm daft, but I spent my only free day between tours walking around the Tidal Basin, Ellipse, and National Mall taking photos, talking to people, going to church, and visiting the Renwick Gallery's Catlin exhibit.

It was overcast for much of the day, but I think things turned out well.

There is a question embedded with the photos. The first one who can answer it, receives a lovely book on the cherry blossom festival inscribed by the author! (A $20value!)

Cheers!

Tour Marm

George Washington House, Barbados and Smallpox

Unfortunately, I've been housebound this week because I've been having some problems with the severe cold weather affecting my asthma. If I were able to, I would have traveled to Florida or the Caribbean much the same as Lawrence Washington and his half brother George did in 1750, when the future father of our country was 18.

While this journey must have been initially quite exciting for young Washington, it was a bittersweet time. This stay in Barbados was no picnic. Young George not only watched his brother grow weaker from tuburculosis, but contracted a mild case of TB himself, as well as a nearly fatal case of small pox.

The TB was to affect him intermittantly throughout his life; he also suffered from malaria and other ailments.

However, it was because of this exposure to smallpox that he was able to survive the French and Indian War and American War for Independence. During the six month encampment at Valley Forge, Gen. Washington secretly had his men (and perhaps camp followers) innoculated with cowpox thus becoming the first military man to protect his troops against disease in this way. It was considered his secret weapon - a type of biological warfare.

More on smallpox, Barbados, and Lawrence Washington this weekend, when I'm feeling better.

Until then, stop by the official website or Barbados tourism website and say, "Hello" and "Thank you!", for all their care and respect. Donations would gladly be accepted for their continued work and upkeep.

What a wonderful stop on one of your Caribbean holidays and/or cruises!

Wordless Wednesday - 011608

Things That Go Bump In The Night

From ghoulies and ghosties

And long leggety beasties

And things that go

BUMP

In the night,

Good Lord,

Deliver Us!

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While I don't observe Halloween anymore, I will tell you about the scariest costumed child who came to my door some years ago:

She was about four feet tall, very well groomed with her hair pulled back tightly in a bun. She wore a business suit and a strand of pearls. She looked remarkably like Lilith Sternin (Frasier Crane's former wife on Cheers/Frasier). She was carrying an attache case.

She briskly knocked at my door.

Instead of saying, "Trick or Treat" she announced in a businesslike voice,

.

"I'm from the IRS and I've come to audit you!"

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What's your scariest costume story?

Figure It Out Friday First Photo Sleuth Award

Educational Student Tour Forum: Ask the Tour Marm

Planning a student tour and need advice or suggestions on venues or educational content?
I'll be glad to answer your questions!

Figure It Out Friday

Where was this photo taken?
There is someone here who would not normally be photographed.

R.I.P.

A Celebration of Queens NY in Photos