"2006 Historical Trip"
or
"A coast to coast experience for the three amigos from Salt Lake City to Long Beach, California to the Eastern Seaboard and back again"



by
Dad
(Robert Curtis)

Summary of Daily Statistics

Aug. 11 Tue Night at SLC airport
12 Wed SLC to Long Beach, Cal, to NYC
Drove to Cade and Carolyn’s
13 Thu drove to Philadelphia
14 Fri drove to Washington D.C.
Stopped at Valley Forge
15 Sat Washington D.C.
16 Sun Washington D.C.
17 Mon drove to Philadelphia
Stopped at stone water tower in Wilmington, Delaware on the way back to Carolyn and
Cade’s
18 Tue Day of rest and washing clothes
19 Wed Boston and Salem, Mass.
20 Thu Gillette Castle and waterfall
21 Fri Day of rest, swimming pool
22 Sat New Haven beach and 4 lighthouses
23 Sun Sharon, Vermont
24 Mon New York City
25 Tue flew from NYC to Long Beach, CA
26 Wed flew from Long Beach to SLC
States and Districts visited:
California
New York
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Vermont
New Jersey
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
West Virginia
Washington D.C.
Journal of Events, as I best remember it.
We went to the SLC airport in time to check in and wait to see if we would be able to get in on the flight to New York City. We were flying "stand by" on Jet Blue. (Editor’s note: Do not fly "stand by" - it is very unpredictable.) We did not make it, but were told that we could probably make the early morning flight to Long Beach, California, and there transfer to another flight to New York City. There was not really enough time to go home, so we stayed the few hours in the airport.
We flew from SLC to Long Beach to New York City without any real problem.
We picked up a Ford Van at the Avis car rental company, and drove to Carolyn and Cade’s. A side note: I had always perceived that driving in New York would be a scary experience. Not so.
We left the next morning, Myself, Ronwen (Mom), and Hillary with Carolyn, Cade, and Matthew, traveling from Middletown, Connecticut to Philadelphia, PA. Because the traffic was so terrible, we were too late to be able to do anything in Philadelphia that day. Note: The drivers in New York City are horrible and rude and discourteous.
We did stop and see Valley Forge along the way to Philadelphia. I learned that it was a gathering place for the troops of the Continental Army, and a training ground for those soldiers.
We saw many deer along the drive as we went through Valley Forge.
We also saw and crossed a "covered bridge" along the road as we went. Mom was excited about that!
We stayed at the Hiatt Regency Hotel in Washington D.C. They had an awesome consierge who was very helpful.
We ate one night at the Trattoria Sorrento italian restaurant, 4930 Cordell Avenue, Bethseda, Maryland 20814. Awesome italian cuisine!!
We also ate ate the Original Pancake House, near the hotel. Fantastic breakfast!
We visited the following places as we toured the Washington D.C. area:
Washington LDS Temple. We saw it in the day light and after dark. We saw bats flying around it in the darkness.
White House. It was smaller than I had pictured it. The tour was short and not really worth the time, other than to say that we had "been" there.
Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian). Interesting place, but not as exciting as I had always thought it would be. Jets, planes, and space craft were on display. I thought the most interesting item was the Wright Brother’s aircraft.
National Archives. We went to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I rode a wheel chair. I was surprised to see how faded both documents had become. They were virtually unreadable.
We passed in front of the Capitol building. Impressive! We took a number of pictures of it. Note: Hillary was the chief photographer of this trip, and she did very well in expressing her talent and skill with the camera.
Library of Congress. This was the most ornately decorated non-religious building I have ever seen! It was absolutely awesome on the inside. Arches, marble, statuary, and colorful paintings and murals decorated the entire interior of this building.
Subway/Metro. It was surprisingly clean and efficient for a public transportation mode.
Mount Vernon. We arrived there early in the morning, just before they were officially open. We waited, walking casually over the grounds. We walked out onto the east lawn, the typical spot where the familiar picture is taken of the main house. Looking out over the panoramic view of the beautiful Potomac River, I could see why Washington loved his home so much. We took the specially arranged tour of the grounds, viewing the slave quarters, the gardens, the greenhouse, the bowling green (east lawn), the west lawn with the awesome view of the Potomac, the "Necessary" (outhouse), and Washington’s Tomb. The guide asked for volunteers to carry a wreath into Washington’s tomb to honor him. I quickly rose my hand. Cade volunteered, too. It was a special experience to walk into his tomb and place the wreath, and to brush my fingers across the limestone sarcophagus and feel his presence, there. Hillary volunteered to read Washington’s Prayer for the Nation aloud for the tour group. I think she was touched by the experience.

Gettysburg. I have always been aware of this field of battle during the Civil War. It has been a place of passing interest. I had originally considered skipping it in favor of other things. I am profoundly glad I did not miss it. We drove to the site and parked the car near the Visitor’s Center. We wandered at length through the center, seeing the faces and reading the stories of those who were there. Then we stepped out the front door and ascended Cemetery Hill, the site where Lincoln had delivered the Gettysburg Address. "Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate - we can not consecrate - we can not hallow - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." (Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 19, 1863) I stood there, on the very spot where Lincoln delivered this address. I felt my body washed over by a sense of that address, the sense of the struggles that were endured there. A sense of the battle that was engaged, there, and I cried openly as I was engulfed in this spirit. I had not expected this. As we drove around the route that detailed the events of this battle, I felt their presence. I watched as the battle began, the South lined up on the north side and the North lined up on the south side of the valley. I imagined the single gunshot from the Southerners, signaling the opening of hostilities, and I saw the firing of the 166 Southern cannons and the responding 180+ cannons of the North. I felt the rush of soldiers, from both sides, as they met to defend their opinions. It struck me like a bolt of thunder that this was not a war of Good and Evil, but rather a war of opinions, there being Good on both sides. It is an experience that I shall never forget. I stood in a small grove of trees, the target objective of the attacking forces of the South, and wondered at the three day loss of life of 5,000 men.
Antietam. The battle just before Gettysburg. It has been considered, historically, to be a battle that ended as a "draw", neither side really the victor. But it was the worst battle in american history. 4,000 men died in one single day. We drove by what has been named "Blood Alley", a site only maybe ten yards wide and perhaps 30 yards long, where the worst of the fighting occured.
Harper’s Ferry. This was the site of John Brown’s death. It is a beautiful, quiet area on the last stretch of the Shennendoah River where it empties into the Susquehannah River. We barely got there at dusk.
Earth Science Museum (Smithsonian). I was impressed by the volume of ancient fossils that were available and on display at this museum. We also got to see the Hope Diamond.
American History Museum (Smithsonian). There was a lot to see there, but most of it was put into storage for the current renovation of the building. We saw "Old Glory" as it was being re-preserved. But aside from that, it was really the only thing of personal interest in the building.
We walked past the Washington Monument, the tall stone Obelisk on the Mall as we made our way to the Lincoln Memorial. A note on the Mall, itself: We were all disappointed at how unkempt the Mall was. It was not a long field of well groomed grass, but an extremely large eyesore of weeds and bare patches of dirt. We were embarrassed to have such a national landmark being shown to public view in such a dilapidated condition.
Lincoln Monument. We broke down and took a taxi for the last few blocks to this monument. As we walked up to it, I noticed how there were scores of people that were just hanging out on the steps of the monument. But I soon found out why. As we walked inside, between the pillars, to the huge statue of the seated Abraham Lincoln, I was struck with a profound sense of peace. People were coming to see his face, and were reluctant to leave his essence of presence. I didn’t want to leave that spirit, either. We got some awesome pictures here, too.
The Viet Nam memorial was a long, tapered wall of black marble, with names engraved in no apparent particular order. I wanted to be impressed, but honestly, I was not.
We proceeded to return to the Philadelphia area, where we saw the following:
Independence Square. We first saw the Supreme Court building as we waited for the formal tour. We then toured the Independence Hall, seeing the room where the debates took place as they formed the Declaration of Independence, and stood in the signing room where all the delegates signed the document.
The Mint. We visited the Philadelphia Mint, where many coins are struck for daily use as money. It was an interesting one-time opportunity.
We saw the Liberty Bell. It was much smaller than I had previously imagined, yet still fascinating as I realized the impact it has had and now has as a symbol of freedom around the world.
We visited the Independence Visitor’s Center, and viewed a movie on the importance of the cause of freedom that was won. As we roamed the Visitor’s Center store, I realized that they were playing the movie, "National Treasure" on t.v. monitors throughout the store. Interesting, eh?!
As we proceeded back to Connecticut, we stopped in Wilmington, Delaware, to see a unique water tower (for my benefit) that was made of stone, and had been designed to double as a visitor’s tower to see the surrounding countryside, as well.
Back in Connecticut, we spent two days doing different things. One day we spent some time catching up on our laundry, going to WalMart (a great place to shop and find things) and some time at the apartment complex’s swimming pool! We also visited the Gillette Castle and a local waterfall. The other day we spent at the New Haven Beach, saw two lighthouses there, and then went a bit farther east up the coast and saw two more lighthouses.
We then went to Boston, where we first visited the LDS Temple site.
We then parked the car near the harbor, and went in to see the U.S.S. Constitution, or "Old Ironsides". It was awesome to see and actually go aboard her. She is being touted as the only continuously winning team in Boston! She never lost a battle.
We then boarded the trolley bus and took the motor tour around Boston to see all the sights. Our tour guide was awesome, teaching us, as well as the historical significance of the site we saw, but teaching the proper pronunciation of the words, like we would not be able to paak (park) our caa (car) at the Haavad (Harvard) yaad (yard, or parking area). And she even had small signs that spelled them as they were pronounced! She was an awesome guide! Among the typical sites like the Boston Common, Bunker Hill, and the Old North Church, she pointed out the hotel where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie, the apartment where they lived, and the voting polls areas where they cast their vote when he became president. We also saw the Catholic church where Rose Kennedy (JFK’s mom) was christened. We visited the home of Paul Revere and went inside the Old North Church. We passed the area of the harbor where the Boston Tea Party took place.
Next, we headed to Salem, Massachusetts. We saw the old City Hall, the old Salem Cemetery and noted the honorary markers remembering those who were put to death as witches. We saw Nathan Hale’s wife’s home. Last, we drove up to Gallows Hill, but discovered there was no marker to indicate that this was where the witches were hanged.
On our last Sunday, we took a drive up to Sharon, Vermont, to visit the birthplace of Joseph Smith, the first Mormon prophet. It was a beautiful drive, and we enjoyed the views of the countryside. Along the way, we passed the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Last, but not least, we visited New York City, just before we flew home. We only had a day, so we had to make it a real whirlwind trip through the town! So fasten your seatbelts, and listen up: We took the double decker bus tour (which I highly recommend!) and wound our way all about the town. I noted the iron fire escapes, a signature of this town. We ascended the Empire State Building, taking pictures of the surrounding city. My wife nearly had a coronary as I would lean up against the stonework to take the pictures, 86 stories up! We used the subway, which we could swear was just one floor level above the entrance to Hell. The place was so dirty and HOT!! We saw the United Nations, but passed by it too late to take our paid tour. We saw the Chrysler Building, with it’s ornate top. We went into Macey’s, descended the wooden escalator to the food court to have our delicious supper from one of the most awesome cooks I have ever been served from. We walked a bit in Central Park, a most beautiful and peaceful place to stroll casually in the summertime. We saw Time Square. We briefly visited the site of the LDS New York Temple, located at Columbus and 65th streets, just a block west of Central Park. We saw the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. We passed China Town. We drove beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. We passed the Trinity Church, the same one in the movie, "National Treasure". We went by the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street. We saw Radio City Music Hall. We walked past the Rockefeller Center, which was smaller than I had imagined it to be. We drove through the Bronx and Queens. I did miss seeing the studio of Sean Hannity; I wish I knew where to find it. Maybe next time, Sean!!
We flew out of New York from JFK International, headed to Long Beach, California. We ended up spending the night in Long Beach, due to a misunderstanding with the booking agent that arranged our flight home, but that was O.K. I was able to get some photos of some palm trees to add to our trip portfolio!
All in all, it was an awesome trip. And although I was significantly tired when I arrived home, I would pack my bags and turn around and do it again in a heartbeat!! I am glad I went, and I will always remember the knowledge I gained, the site I saw, and the depth of the feelings I felt, for the rest of my life. I look forward to our next adventure!!

In God We Should Trust

I was recently at the graduation exercises of one of my sons-in-law for his successful training in military intelligence and interrogation. The graduation exercises were held at a local military base.
The graduation exercises both began and ended with a prayer to God for the safety and success of our men in uniform in harm’s way who are fighting this war on terror.
I was deeply moved and impressed at the openness and sincerity of our troops who prayed, unashamed and publicly, supplicating the God of the Universe for guidance and support in the continuing struggles against evil that is perpetuating upon this earth.
It gave me pause to reflect upon my own attitude, and the attitudes of the majority at large.
Do we support the reality and necessity of this battle against evil? It is real. It will not go away on it’s own. It must be directly confronted and defeated. Diplomacy has not been effective. Active and fearless confrontation is the only moral alternative left for us to employ.
Have we learned nothing from the past? Pacifism only encourages the perpetration of evil design.
We must support our elected officials in their continuing efforts to overcome. We must actively seek to elect officials who will not surrender our freedoms to the mindless threats of evil militant mobs. We need to support those elected officials whom are willing to rise to the challenge and defend our freedoms and the right to freedom for all mankind.
We are, for the most part, a nation of Christians and Christian-minded people. Do we not read in our Bible the following:
“Curse not the King (President), no not in thy thought” (Ecclesiastes 10:20). We elected him. We should, therefore, support or change our choice by election.
“It is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people” (Acts 23:5). Two comments: (1) If we don’t like the current President, elect a new one. (2) If we refuse to vote, we have no say in the governing style or choices of our leaders.
And finally, “For so is the will of God, that with well doing (elections), ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men (a few, “choice” congressmen(women) and Senators):
“As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness (personal agendas and misinterpretations of the laws and will of the people of this nation), but as servants of God.
“Honour all men. Fear God. Honour the King (President)”
(1 Peter 2:15-17)
It’s time for the Silent to stand. It’s time to make our voices heard.

Power Kiss

A study was recently conducted in which it was discovered that spouses and significant others who sent each other off each day with a kiss were statistically more successful in their work day efforts than those who were not kissed.
Think about it.
One additional key to success. It sounds so incredibly simple!
But think about it. A kiss is an emotional motivator that touches each one of us on so many different levels. A simple, beautiful act that infuses so much potential!
A kiss is an absolute emotional connection. It is an indication of acceptance and support. It is an overt commitment of togetherness and unity of mind and heart.
Indeed, it is another tool that can be used for success.
But it is a powerful tool, and must be used sincerely to be most effective.
I would propose a slight tweaking of the study’s results. If a good kiss produces good results, could you imagine what an even more intense kiss could do?
I would propose that we add conscientious kissing to our toolbox for success. Perhaps, we could even coin a new phrase, and call it Power Kissing! Learn to convey your excitement for one another’s daily success by Power Kissing each other. Kiss each other with more passion, even intimate passion! Drive one another into a delirious desire to succeed by your own display of affection and support each and every day before you step out the door to face the dragons of business and enterprise.
Simply put, there needs to be an increase of P.D.A. (public/private display of affection) in your everyday life.
Show one another that you care. Give each other the added measure of support that is needed to succeed!

Moving On

One of the greatest sources of motivation we can discover is in the ability to make changes and “move on”. It is an extremely liberating experience that will give you an added measure of essential sunshine to your life!
“Moving on” usually requires a few things of us which are absolutely necessary for us to do.
(1)apologize
(2)forgive
(3)let it go
Let’s begin with a “working” definition of “moving on”. In life, there are occasions when we may make bad choices as the result of circumstances that are either self-created or thrust upon us. Regardless of the source of the circumstances, when faced with the choices given, we may not always make the best decision. This can lead to hurt feelings and associated misconceptions. The outcomes that result may last for years, even decades.
The circumstances may not have been your fault. But you can still be a victim of the consequences.
Assess what you can do to solve the problem.
(1)Be willing to apologize for whatever involvement or contribution you may have had in the misunderstandings.
(2)Be willing to forgive others who likewise discover their own mistakes and want to make amends.
(3)Be willing to “let it go”. That means, by definition, that it is a moot point and will not be dredged up again as a source of contention. You must totally abandon the feelings you felt and “move on”.
The powerful release of inner turmoil is found when you finally “let it go”. It is a literal liberating experience and one that will energize your mind and fill your soul with peace.
Find that peace. Learn how to “move on”.

"Got Kissed?"

Have you ever been kissed?
No….I’m not talking about the touch on the forehead by your Mom or the peck on the cheek by your friends, siblings, or relatives. I mean the one that really matters. The one that really makes a difference. The one that single-handedly lifts you up and transports you into another world. The one that comes from a true soul-mate. The one that moves you so deeply it nearly always brings you to tears.
One of the most sensitive areas of touch we have on our bodies are our lips. They seem to carry an inherent warmth within them that is like a fire in the hearth that can be a passing reminder of caring, or can be stoked into a blazing inferno of unexplained and nearly reckless passion, if uncontrolled.
Such a sensitive organ, the lips. One that is initially controlled by the mind, but can be soon released with such careless abandon by the heart.
The very image of the lips can instill feelings of longing, feelings of hope, feelings of joy from deep within the soul.
But to touch….Oh, but to feel the intimate press of the lips with one that you care for deeply! The sensations are incredible and far-reaching!
The brushing of lips across lips, ever so gently. The slow, purposeful melting of lips together, mesmerizing and merging, as it were, two hearts, two bodies, as one. A union of both the sensuous and the sensitive, giving and receiving in equal measure. Sharing tenderness and passion at the same moment.
Time becomes irrelevant. The world stops spinning as the entire universe pauses in breathless anticipation and wonder at the depth and sweetness of the moment. A moment of intimate passion purified with nubile innocence. A warmth of innocence that lingers upon the suppleness of the lips as well as deep within the chambers of the beating heart long after the lips have separated.
Have you ever been kissed….Really kissed?
A true kiss carries with it a passion that fills the wells of the longing soul. It fills the heart with confident peace.

Easter

Regardless of religious affiliation, Easter can be an event at which we pause to assess our own support systems of faith and belief.
Do we know “where” we are going and the path we need to follow to get there? The statement, search your feelings”, is very true. How do we feel about ourselves and our progress in this life? Are we accomplishing what we want to do, or are we on some side road of useless and/or recreational diversion?
Take the time to reassess and re-evaluate. Search your feelings and follow your heart. Use your mind and plan out your futures, one step at a time.
As we look forward to the major events and accomplishments in our own personal lives, we are energized and motivated to move forward. We gain self-confidence and empower ourselves to move forward. We anticipate our futures with a desire to continue to achieve. And futures they are, for we move forward in all aspects of our lives, including social, professional, physical, personal, and religious.
We make contact with the object of our own personal faith and belief.
We become more than we have been before, and continue to move forward from success to success.
True, the little bunny that skitters about delivering little chocolate eggs is fun to participate in. Even to reminisce about in our childhood fantasies.
But what Easter really means is the opportunity of self-reflection and evaluation. Realizing who we are, where we are going, and what we can become.
And most importantly, we can ponder the “why”.

The Sun Rises Every Morning

An interesting but profound observation is that the sun always rises.
Regardless of our circumstances, and in spite of where we are or want to be, the Sun still rises each and every day. Perhaps we should learn something, here. Maybe we are due for a major paradigm shift in our lives.
Did you see the Sun rise this morning? Regardless of location, position, lot or station in life we are all given a sunrise every morning. But so many of us do not take the time to observe the beauty in this gift.
We do not see the life refreshing rays as they peek softly over the horizon gradually flooding the landscape with new energy and hope.
This infusion of power brings all nature back to life, everything in it’s proper order and purpose moving forward to enjoy the new day.
And so it is with us.
The Sun rises upon us every morning. It renews our opportunities of energy and hope. It provides us with another period of time to move forward to accomplish our duties and plan for our futures.
And, unlike Nature, it is particularly symbolic to each of us as human beings in that we have a new day to correct and improve ourselves, as well.
We can perform that needed service. We can recommit ourselves to our goals. We can seek forgiveness of those we have wronged and pledge our minds and hearts to become better people.
There is always a sunrise. A refreshing of Nature. An opportunity to change and make our lives better.
We only need to take hold of the gift, and use it more wisely.

St Patrick's Day - A celebration of Life!

St Patrick's Day is always a day of celebration. A day of gaiety, laughter, friendship and parties!
Most of us would like to think that we are, at least, part Irish. The wearin' 'O the green tends to make us happier, more light hearted, and more in a spirit of given' and good will.
It all began with an obscure boy from Wales around the year 400 A.D. As a young lad, he was kidnapped during a raid of wild marauders and sold as a slave in Ireland. It was during his time spent in slavery that he became a self-converted Christian.
After a number of years in slavery, he managed to escape and returned home to Wales. But he felt deeply impressed to return to Ireland and preach religion to the Irish people. He is credited with converting the entire Irish population to Christianity, through his miracles, blessings, and teachings.
He died in Ireland on March 17, 461.

Two typical and familiar Irish Blessings are as follows:

"Leprechauns, castles
Good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams
And love ever after.
Poems and songs
With pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes
When anyone comes."

"May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall softly upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

(source: Catholic Online Encyclopedia)