Happy Fourth of July!

 

We just got back from Washington DC and had the best time! We saw old friends, took in the sights, visited museums, ate at wonderful restaurants…..

 

I was honored on Wednesday to receive a First Place Award for my “All-American Bathing Beauties” from the DAR American Heritage Contest.

 

We had dinner that evening with some old friends from Houston.

Thursday we visited Mount Vernon – spectacular! We were there for 6 hours and still didn’t see everything.

That night we had the most amazing seven course “tasting” dinner at Plume.

just some of the "tastings".....

Friday we had lunch with more friends, went to the Spy Museum and Ford Theater, then that evening we had a wonderful opportunity to hear retired General and current CIA director David Petraeus speak.

(Cute story: there were a number of kids at the Spy Museum when we were there. One little boy, after seeing several of the exhibits, went up to a museum employee and said, “Excuse me sir, I don’t think I want to be a spy.” The employee said, “Ok, no pressure.”)

Saturday Bob went fishing with friends. I went to the Library of Congress where I got to read a book written by my great great grandfather, South Preston: Shadow of the King. That was very special. It’s an out of print book so this was a rare opportunity.

I also visited the Phillips Collection Museum, where the highlight for me was seeing Renoir’s gorgeous, luminous “The Boating Party”.

LOVE these faces.....

Sunday we went to church at the National Cathedral. Built like a Gothic cathedral, it was truly amazing. So interesting and a complete surprise: a friend of a friend from college days is now the vicar there and led the service.

Later that afternoon we went to the National Portrait Gallery. It was all wonderful and not enough time.

more wonderful faces

 

Looking back on the week, the theme seems to be “Service to Country”. Both sets of friends we visited in Washington are there because of their service to our country. The DAR is all about service to country: Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism. Visiting Mount Vernon, we were reminded of George Washington’s lifelong service to our country. Certainly Director Petraeus is a shining example, and also in her way so is the Vicar of the National Cathedral.

 

It’s very fitting today to reflect on the service of these and so many others who have given of themselves to make our country great.

From my home to yours, Happy Independence Day!

God Bless America!