Memphis

Cheryl has now visited Graceland. She is thrilled and I must admit I was impressed by the presentation of Elvis Presley. While Cheryl was overloading the camera with pictures I stepped back and got a new perspective of the man- his apparent humility, his effort to overcome the anxiety he felt while on stage, his philanthropy, his spirituality and all his toys. When he was performing when Cheryl was young (I should say when Cheryl was younger) I saw the public figure of Elvis covered by news broadcasters overexposing spectacular things he was doing.
Today I saw a different portrayal, one of a sensitive person, shy in many respects, a philanthropist who on November 8, 1968 signed checks to charity totaling $40,000. At that time a teacher in Silverton, Oregon was making $5,600 per year. To give almost 8 times my annual salary to charity on one day is impressive.
Though heavily commercialized the trip to Graceland was a worthwhile experience for both of us. I'm glad I listened to my wife.
The Second stop was the National Civil Rights Museum which traced the black history to achieve freedom from slavery in the 1600's to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. Earlier in the trip I wondered what I would have done had I stood in the streets and listened to Patrick Henry as he emotionally urged the people of Williamsburg to rebel against the crown. That same rhetoric was offered by Dr. King and others on behalf of Black Freedom. This was from my era. This was part of my generation. And what did I do?
I listened with detached interest. I went on with my life because it did not involve my world. Even though the TV pictures were telling the story I did nothing to support those efforts. I just did not understand the breadth of the situation. I did not understand the sacrifices being made. Looking back, I could have, and should have, done better.
To stand in room 306 of the Lorraine Motel and look out at the concrete where Dr. King lay after being shot was a moving moment for me. It brought home the sacrifice made for freedom.
This was a heavy day.

Kentucky

Surprises are always nice. Cheryl wanted to see the Lexington Kentucky area with its array of horse barns and pastures. So, it was off to Lexington with a stay at the Kentucky Horse Park RV Park. It turned out to be the best park in which we have stayed. The facilities were outstanding. The park is a little boisterous as LSU fans are here in their motor homes partying and strutting the stuff of fans of the number one team in the nation. The tail gating and music is a little strong for us unconnected folks.I went to the horse park because of Cheryl's interest, but I was overwhelmed with the organization. The facilities covered hundreds of acres all neatly cared for. The displays are well done and informative. The development of the horse, its relationship with man, contrasting the characteristics of various breeds were all covered with displays, demonstrations and an opportunity for hands on work. I went because Cheryl expressed interest, but I am ready to return to spend more time there because of the quality it demonstrates.
We left the campground to go to Nashville before the victory parties started . It is Cheryl's turn to humor me. We went to the Grand Ole Opry!! We saw Bill Anderson, George Hamilton IV, Jean Shepard, Patti Loveless among others. We got to the show! We were there!! Through it all Cheryl did an outstanding job of curbing her enthusiasm.

FOOTNOTE FROM THIS MORNING:

Check on the Internet this morning - Kentucky beat LSU in three overtimes. It is truly good that we left the campground before the fans returned. I met a LSU fan this evening as we checked into the Graceland RV Park (Yes, Cheryl gets to visit Elvis' Graceland tomorrow morning.) and his reply to my innocent question of "What happened in Lexington?" was simply,"We're not going to talk about it."
and we didn't.
Probably safer that way.

Virginia and West Virginia

As Willie Nelson sings, "We're on the road again." While Kevin and Kate busily juggle the demand of career, personal life, and for Kate, her Master's degree program we realize how sweet it is to be living the retirement routine. Been where they are, enjoyed it and in most ways glad it is over.
The first stop as we head west into Virginia is Monticello, the home designed, built and lived in by Thomas Jefferson. While the building and accomplishments described by the tour guides were interesting a more pungent point was driven home to me.
After days of hot weather, dressing in sandals and shorts, feeling oppressed by humidity we experienced change. As we readied to board the bus to tour Monticello Cheryl suggested I change into something warmer before we left the Pleasure Way. As we stepped off the bus on top of the mountain to begin the tour I knew immediately -
I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO MY WIFE!!
The wind blew. Even the bright sunshine could not help me. It was a cold autumn day, and, I had chosen poorly! I ducked in any available alcove. I stood in the middle of the tour group fighting for the space with another man who obviously had not listened to his wife either. I shivered. I shook. I finished the tour. It was a relief when we returned to the sheltering confines of the Pleasure Way.
Life with Cheryl on the road is good. It would be better if I LISTENED TO HER MORE.
The much anticipated trip through the mountains of West Virginia to see the glorious display of leaves was completed. However, we arrived, but Fall hasn't. If we wanted to see green trees we could have stayed in Oregon. A stop in Tamarack was worth it. Tamarack is the location where the craftsmen, artist and crafters of West Virginia display and sell their goods. It was SO impressive we stayed for over hours browsing and inspecting the art, crafts music and even food prepared by very accomplished artisns in each venue. A couple of books, a couple CDs to take with us comprised our purchases until we found the chef. I could not entirely pass up his offerings - the pastries were tempting, but I heard Cheryl's voice form over the years saying I should eat more vegetables. After not heeding her advice yesterday I found a way today- Fried Green Tomato Sandwich was the answer to her admonition. The new adventure was delicious. I again am reminded I SHOULD REALLY LISTEN TO HER MORE.
A brief stop at New River Bridge where sky divers jump just because it is high enough to do that sort of thing. A deep gorge spanned by an arched bridge is unique and picturesque. It would have been more magnificent if the fall colors had painted the walls of the gorge.
The trip was completed with a drive through the rugged terrain of the coal country. We had never seen coal country before and were surprised by the steep valleys and narrow hollows. Every day the Pleasure Way takes us to new sights, new experiences and new people.

What an opportunity we have been given.

Newport news, VA

It has been awhile since we've had wireless access, but today makes it all worth it. Time catch up as I sit in the beautiful morning sunshine on a bench in Nashville, Tennessee.
Newport News - Best thing about the stay in Newport News was the opportunity to hug a redhead. Daughter, Kate, and her husband, Kevin, welcomed us to their new home. After more than a month in the 40 square feet of living space the Pleasure Way offers Kate and Kevin's 2500 square foot home was a nice treat in itself.
showers in which you can actually move your arms, chairs in which you can recline were only two of the myriad options available; but to be welcomed by a hug from a red head - that's special.
We toured colonial Williamsburg, watched the period craftsman ply their trades, listened to orators speaking in the street and got pulled into the period as best we could. Regarding the orators - I think that Patrick Henry is capable of stirring up trouble for the king. He is a fiery speaker.
It caused me to think about how I would have responded had I really been there in Williamsburg. As a conservative I am slow to respond to fiery rhetoric, slow to embrace radical ideas; but, the premise from which they spoke was so compelling. Would I have been willing to stand up against the traditional line? I wonder.
The more I think about the time in Williamsburg, the more I realize how well the entire scenario is done. To be a town resident would be an enjoyable experience for a retired person.
A trip to Kitty Hawk with Kate was also a time to think about how quickly life actually passes. First, my mother was born before the Wright brothers mad their historic flight, and she watched with the rest of the world as Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. All that and all of the accomplishments in between within her lifetime.
Second, Kate's Air Force jet had a wing span wider than the first Kitty Hawk flight. Her jet could not get off the ground in the length of their historic fourth flight. Third, the very same 3 principles used in her planes are the same were identified by the Wright Brothers, but with such dramatically different results. While today's planes carry so much so far they carry considerable more than the 12 ounces of fuel the Wrights had to use. A 12 ounce fuel can hung from an upper wing strut with a gravity feed to a 2 horse power engine.
As we move back on the road we have plenty to think about - the pleasure of spending time with Kevin and Kate, the new experiences offered by Williamsburg and Kitty Hawk.
Cheryl splashed in the warm waters of the Atlantic cean for the first time. It is actually warmer than our pool at home on many occasions and 20 degrees warmer than the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast.
New experiences, New thoughts

Washington D. C.

We are ready to visit the Native American Museum at the Smithsonian. Yesterday, the dry run to the rail stop went well. The actual trip began with a new adventure. The rural folks went to the city. Their willingness to engage in new adventures is commendable. Their ineptness is sometimes pathetic. I don't want to use names, but the male in this traveling duo boldly stepped up to the platform, reviewed the directions to purchase and validate the tickets. A simple process, or so it seems. Two slots - one for credit cards, another for the tickets, each clearly marked to help make the procedure go smoothly and quickly.
The gentleman from the Oregon Country steps up and smugly tells himself, "I know how to do this. We'll be on the train momentarily."
Do you know what happens when you insert your credit card in the ticket slot?
The slot pauses, considers the options and swallows the card. The traveler swallows the feeling of panic and realizes this is the perfect time to practice the Navajo spiritual practice of Hozho - find harmony in the present situation.
Hozho or not, that machine has my credit card. We have no tickets. I took a chance and tried not to be a two time loser and withdrew another credit card, carefully inserted it into the correct slot and got two tickets to the Smithsonian. A phone call to the Virginia Railway Express was next. I asked for reassurance that my credit card was secure, or destroyed, and that I was not the only idiot that could not Tell the difference between "insert card" and "insert ticket".
The return phone call was incredible. I was assured the they would send an employee out to Manassas to retrieve the card and send it to me via mail. Secondly, other people have made the same mistake and I need not feel like a damn fool, maybe a little foolish would be appropriate.
The Smithsonian Native American was interesting, not the historical presentation we had expected. Indian culture and Indians in our modern world were represented - the past carried into the future.
While it would have been understandable to present the treatment and losses the Native Americans experienced at the hands of the European settlers, the presentation focused on carrying their heritage into the future. this is another example of Hozho. We can not change what happened, we can only manage our thoughts and actions today - bring harmony to the present. No value in whining about the past. No value in worrying about the future. Create the harmony in the present. A very healthy position!!
We were pleased to see the Indian Foods label on products for sale in the Smithsonian. The label was on products made and packaged in Canyonville, Oregon by the Cow Creek Indians back home.
I hope to bring our grandsons, Tyler and Trey, to visit the display when they can understand the power and prestige the museum displays. They are enrolled members of the Siletz tribe from the Oregon Coast area. It is something they will be able to view with pride in their heritage.
On to visit our daughter and son in law, Kate and Kevin, before resuming the trip. I get to hug a redhead, love and laugh with two wonderful people, shower in a big shower and sleep in a normal bed. A few days of family time.

Gettysburg and Manassas

A day of a little learning and a little fun. The learning occurred on the Gettysburg Battlefield where we were led by one of the finest teachers I have ever heard. The man is a certified guide for the battlefield and spoke with energy, antimation and conviction so that everything he shared flowed in a smooth sequence. We understand the military tactics, the ebb and flow of the 3 days of the battle, and the pivotal events. Also highlighted was why this was such a critical battle within the war - the South with limited resources and men at their disposal to fight the war used large quantities of supplies and lost many men, a blow from which they were never able to recover.
As the guide started his presentation at the sight of the first confrontation he asked, "do we have anyone from the South with us this morning?"
After a pause he added,"You're really going to like the first twenty minutes of this tour."
After the tour I have never reached into my pocket so quickly, or so deeply, to find a tip for the guide.
Advice for anyone touring the battlefield - Allow one of those people who live this battle in their minds daily so vividly to share their vision with you.
Had lunch at the Stonebrook Tavern in th Dobbins House. Two things made the lunch special. First, the setting is a 1776 home built of stones. Lunch was in the cellar which had candles on the tables for light. The cool dankness of the room and the waitress in period costume transported us back like in the Time Machine to a time gone by. I was so swept up by the setting that when the sweet, young lass asked if I was interested in Pecan Pie, "Ya, you betcha>" was out of my mouth before I could think about an answer.
The second point that made the meal special was a pint of Yuengling Amber Ale. Doesn't go well with pecan pie, but a treat just the same.
Today in Manassas we had lunch with a couple we had visited with during the first days of our trip while still in Oregon. It is an example of the relationships that begin to form when undertaking this type of trip. They are back at work and took a long lunch break to share their home with us. Neat experience.
To help make tomorrow memorable we spent this afternoon on a dry run to get to mass transit stations so we can do it tomorrow in the Washington DC traffic.

Pennsylvania

A day of reflection caused by learning of the Milton Hershey legacy and a buggy trip through Amish country.
First, the Hershey story - Inscribed on a statue of Mr. Hershey is the line, "His deeds are his monument, His life is our inspiration."
Mr. Hershey after repeated failures as a candy maker in the major US cities returned to Derry PA and tried one more time. After his sixth or seventh shaky start he finally got a contract to sell his caramels. This time the business was successful.
As the income continued to rise the Hershey's were disappointed they were not able to have children. They decided to start a school for orphan boys and provide a family atmosphere for them to live. The school grew and in 1915 after his wife's death he donated $60 million as an endowment to keep the school going.
Currently, the school is home to 1700 students, each receiving full medical, dental care, all books and living expenses. After high school if the student wishes to go to college $77,000 is available to each person. Parents are hired to provide a home atmosphere and relationship. The facilities are beyond description. I had tears in my eyes as the guide, a former house parent, described the scene at the prom when these girls who were homeless, or severely deprived, Walk down the spiral staircase into the ballroom. The feeling that each of them must have makes me weepy as I write this. What a memory for them, as well as for those of us who stood in those marble halls.
The students are required to attend a weekly devotional. The school rules are the ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.
The legacy is still growing since Mr. Hershey willed the proceeds from the continuing sale of his candy to support the school. Therefore, every time you purchase a Hershey candy bar the profit goes to support the Milton S. Hershey School.
During the Depression he kept building gifts to the community to keep the residents employed. His impact as a philanthropist is as strong today as it was during his life. It certainly dispels the myth that everyone involved in making money is selfish and greedy. Look at Hershey, PA to see what a giving person can leave as a legacy.
The town still reflects the giving, friendly attitude and social conscience of great man.
The second reflection of the day was on a buggy ride in Lancaster County. A sweet young woman drove the horses. We were joined by a mom and kids from Brooklyn. The contrast in style and personality was something to watch. Everyone was nice, but their basic experiences were so diverse, the interaction sometimes took on the appearance of an alien encounter.
We are all part of the same country, the same world, but we bring such diversity to the table. If we are patient with each other we have so much to learn, so many gifts to share. If we could all think like Mr. Rogers, or Mr. Hershey, and take care of our neighbors.
In the long run our neighbors will take care of us.