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Tomorrow is going to be a massive day, so I thought I'd do an update on what we did the last couple of days. I'm not sure what the wifi situation is where we are going this week, so I might do an update on Thursday. If I do an update on Monday or Tuesday, you know I have Wifi this week.
We are heading to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown this week. We have lots of stops along the way (Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Richmond, The Harrison Mansion, and possibly the FBI Academy).
This weekend was a blast. On Saturday morning we got up and headed for Mount Vernon. It was a gorgeous day. We were trying to catch the Mount Vernon Potomac Cruise. So we caught the shuttle down to the Wharf. The wharf was the site of George Washington's fishing operation. He caught a million pounds of fish each year. The boat is huge. It is first class. We headed to the top of the boat and took in the scenery. It was a forty-five minute cruise. We couldn't have asked for a nicer cruise. The Potomac is a beautiful river. Along the journey we saw Fort Washington, which was constructed after the War of 1812. After the destruction of the Capitol by the British, the U.S. got serious about protecting the Capitol, and constructed this fort. At the end of the cruise we could see Alexandria (where we live) and the Washington Monument.
After being dropped off back at Mount Vernon, I headed up to the Orientation center. It was my first day working in the Orientation Center. I was dressed in the uniform and donned a green Mount Vernon vest. My job was two-fold: Greet the guests and stand by the huge map and help people out. It was a total blast. I must of greeted over a 1000 guests. People from all over the world: Sweden, Africa, Kazahkistan, plus every state in the Union. I had the best job. The main question I received was, "What do you suggest I do today?" I usually asked back, "How much time do you have, and what are you most interested in pertaining to The General's life?" After they answered this question, I tailored a travel itinerary for them around the estate. After being able to go around the estate for hours and hours, I was able to help them out. It was fun to send them off with an eager spirit, and check in with them at the end of the day as they left with big smiles on their faces. I also have been humbled by the people I work with on a daily basis. The man I worked with in the Orientation Center is a Retired Library of Congress Librarian. He was super nice, intelligent and encouraging.
At the end of my shift they sent me down to the exit of the Estate to learn what they do there. I was met by my trainer. Man, he had a ton of energy. He took his job seriously. From saying good-bye to the guests, to collecting audio tours, to walking back wheel-chairs, this guy did it 110%. He introduced me to everyone working and said, "come with me." I promptly followed. He took me around the Education center and gave me his own personal tour. After touring the Education center probably 15 hours, I really didn't think I'd learn much. I was totally wrong. He was telling stories left and right that weren't part of the exhibits. Stories are definitely King. Whether it is History, Marketing, etc. Stories are King. I was super impressed by this man, knew he was something special. I asked him what he did before he retired. Well, he was a Lt. Colonel in the Army and worked for the Army Chief of Staff in Washington DC after fighting numerous actions around the world. Go figure.
Meanwhile, by girls wandered the estate. Talked to Gospel Choir that was singing at the Slave Memorial, talked with Martha Washington, and took in the view. As my wife said, "it was too nice of day not too." After a nap at home, they picked me up at 5 pm and we all went home!
Sunday was another great day. Our next door neighbors invited us to go to Huntley Meadows. The former property of George Mason (He was the main reason the Bill of Rights was written into our Constitution) it is now a Nature Preserve. It was amazing. Our next door neighbors are wonderful. One works at the Library of Congress and one is an English Professor. Super nice and really fun to talk with. They also have small kids, so it was fun for my daughter to have that stimulation. The walk took about two hours and we saw snakes, frogs, turtles, bugs, great views, and lots of birds (our next door neighbor loves birds, so he was able to name everyone). A great day. We then came home and streamed the Northcreek Church service on our laptop and watched it as my daughter slept. Our pastor knocked it out of the park. He spoke on Luke Chapter 20. "Give to Caesar's what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's." A great topic as we head into election season.
Then, we just stayed home, hung out and prepared for our four day trip starting tomorrow!
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