Vacation in the WARM

Michael and I left a week ago and started our trip to the warmth of Florida.  We traveled the snowy roads of Michigan thru Ohio and Pennsylvania to Washington DC where Michael had meeting for his Cigar Association.  I spent several days on the National Mall visiting the wonderful Smithsonian Museums.  I went the the Natural History Museum and was lucky to visit  the butterfly house which was fantastic..the butterflies were everywhere.  I also saw the IMAX movie about the monarch butterflies.  Then I was lucky enough to get a free tour by a volunteer.  Great place to visit

 I also went to the American History Museum and saw many fascinating exhibits.  The one above is about cooking in America from 1950 to now and features various chefs...the kitchen above is the actual kitchen of Julia Childs that she used for her television show.

A sobering scene  for Black History Month...the lunch counter that helped start the civil rights movement.  We have come so far but the fight is never over.

Wednesday Mike and I were lucky enough to get an after hour tour with his cigar association  from a former US Rep.  We heard many insider stories and saw things that are not seen on the regular tours.  It was fantastic to be on  the House floor and sit in the seats that the Representatives sit in and learn how the room is arranged for the State of the Union address. There are no pictures allowed in that room due to security issues.

                           The rotunda with two statutes of important people from all 50 states was inspiring.

 We exited Washington DC in a snowstorm that paralyzed the city....but we are from northern Michigan and have snow tires so we left with no problems.  They are not prepared for a storm like that and the city was at a standstill. No traffic!!  We traveled down I 95 and did well till we got to South Carolina where large sections did not have electricity.  We did not find a hotel room till 8 pm and after going to many hotels and having them closed due to no electricity.  Yea for the last room at the Best Western!!!!!

 Our next stop was at our nieces house near Gainsville.  Deidre and her husband Stephen and sons Luca and Taj were gracious hosts for a night.  We got to meet the newest Nolan family member..Taj who is 5 months old.  He is a happy boy!!!

 So here we are on Marco Island with our grandchildren...Finnley and Seamus... oh and their parents too.  We are staying in a house with a pool and are able to walk to the beach. It is in the 80's and sunny.  What a change from the crazy winter we have been having in Michigan.  More in the next blog about the fun in the sun.

We are so pleased to be with our kids and grandkids.  However my heart is sad for the loss of a friend, Michelle, to breast cancer a few days ago.  We are thankful for every day of health and joy.  Prayers and love to her family.  More later....Love to you all   Kathy and Michael