Still not in Kansas...National WW I Museum

We took the short drive from Independence past 12th St and Vine into Kansas City...Kansas City here we come.   We were on our way back in history to World War I.  If you're close to our age, your grandparents probably went through World War I and fought in it.  Watch the movie War Horse to get an idea of what life was like in that war.  My grandfather, Samuel Emmett Tharr fought in that war as did Dale's grandfather, George Soule.  

Woodrow Wilson was President at the time.

German Luger

Henry Ford was against the war but made many vehicles used in it.

My grandfather, Sam Tharr, gave me his spurs that he wore in World War I.  I still have them.  While I appreciated them, I have a greater respect for their historical significance now that I've visited this museum.  The spurs in the next two pictures are exactly like the ones I have right down to the leather straps.

 

 We went to the research library in the lower level of the museum and a volunteer looked up our grandfather's names.  I got lucky because Ohio kept excellent records of who fought in the War, their units and where they fought.  The library also gave me a copy of the diary written by a member of his unit that described their day to day activities.

 

overlooking Kansas City

I bought this book so I could read more about the battle where he was injured.

Gettysburg, PA

We started our visit of Gettysburg,PA with the Eisenhower Farm.  Ike was stationed here early in his military career and loved the area so much that he and Mamie decided to buy their "first home" here in PA.  Prior to owning this farm, they had constantly moved from town to town and country to country.  They were happy to settle down here and raise prize winning Black Angus.

Ike's barn was painted light green.
He was so used to green from his military  career.

This living room saw a lot of visits from foreign dignitaries .  

oh yeah, it was an easy hike up Little Round  Top..whew

He was puffing too!

Our  campsite on Artillery Ridge.  This was one quick moment when it wasn't raining.

I never knew history was so interesting.  Not as good as science, but still...interesting

 Battlefield after battlefield, so many people died. It got to be pretty depressing after awhile.  The rangers gave excellent talks and it was all free!

   OMG....I thought the Civil War was over...what are these guys doing here?  Take cover....they might know we are heading south and shoot us for spies.

Even Buster was solemn on the battlefield.

 If you like monuments.  This is your place.

Now that we've been to Gettysburg, we are starting to pay closer attention to the other Civil War battlefields in the south.   We did not go to Appomattox and are regretting it.

Michigan Family, Friends and Happy Days

There were so many people to visit and so little time to spend with our family and friends.  We both decided that the next time we come to MI it has to be a much, much longer period of time.  We loved our visit to the Port Sanilac area and were so happy to see our family.   Andy and Michelle came from Germany and Arman and Janna from CA.  Rob, Sheila and Madeline didn't have as long a trip.  Cheryl, Steve and Buddy are used to the drive up.  I am sure Buddy was looking forward to his run at the beach and swim in Lake Huron...brrrrrr!

Dale was able to get in some golf with his regular golfing buddy, Bob.

Madeline came for an overnight at our RV!

Buster found some friends on the beach.

    

Cheryl and Dale soaking up the rays.

World travelers relaxing in the sand.

Janna and Arman checking to see if it's ice cream time.

It's work getting the water out of those ears!

Steve was teaching buddy to swim..or was it the other way around?

Someone needed a blanket on the beach.

A man's work is never done...

Birmingham Garden Party

Thank you, Judi ,for a wonderful afternoon.

I went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends
A chance to share old memories and play our songs again
When I got to the garden party, they all knew my name
No one recognized me, I didn't look the same

But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well...

You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself

 

Concours....

Oh yeah...the cars.... I selected several for a birthday gift for next year or a small Christmas gift for this year.    Thanks to my stockbroker extraordinaire, Larry Moss,  for inviting us to this year's big car event.  The food was great, the company was too.   The cars....were too expensive for my budget, but it never hurts to look.

Birthday??

Helping make our rv dream happen.

Knows investing and cars.... too cool.

Great investment advisor and MOM!!!

and baby makes 3

blue

red or ....

blue or ....

...red

just right.

 What a great day.