Boston, MA

 The weather was beautiful in Boston, no rain and plenty of sunshine. It was cool in the 50s but comfortable to walk around, made for a very pleasant day. 

We started our day at Michael's selection, the MIT Museum for the geek in all of us. We expected science history but we didn't expect so much art. 

This was cool. Whale sings its own 200-year-long song inspired by the compositions of Hildegard von Bingen and the songs of bowhead whales. 

This I thought was funny by Arthur Ganson called Machine with Wishbone2.0 from 1988. The wishbone actually walks forward, very funny. 

tRNA Model 1975.

We spent a bit of time in Boston Common area which was founded in 1634. 

We wizzed through a historical grave site which included Benjamin Franklin's grave and John Hancock's. 

We ended our day at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. It was wonderful and we enjoyed seeing all the history. 

Redding California

 Michael ever the tour guide planned our trip with these adventures...

First stop Behrens-Eaton House Museum. The home was built in 1895 and sold to Charles Behrens in 1898. Richard Behrens Eaton was born 1914. He graduated from high school in 1930 at the age of 15. He attended Stanford earning his law degree. Richard served in the military from 1940-1946 and remained in the reserves until 1974. In 1951 Richard was appointed a Superior Court Judge of Shasta County a position he held for 25 years. He died in 2003 in this home at the age of 88 after living here for 84 years. Since he spent so much of his life here, he wanted his home to be preserved as a Victorian museum. 

Continuing on my quest to visit local libraries, this is the Redding Library which was quite big and impressive. 

Sundial bridge

Sacramento River

Debra's backyard. She has a lovely deck with a table and chairs. We enjoyed our time outside.  

Our attempt at a selfie. 

On our long journey home, we stopped in Sacramento for the day. We did the self-guided State Capitol Museum. I don't think I have ever been before or at least I don't remember any school trips here. We also went to the Museum of Medical History which is run by Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. There was a lot of stuff.

A good time was had by all. We look forward to going back and visiting again. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium

 

This was my first time to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Michael has been here before but doesn't remember much. We were fortunate enough that there were some humpback whales feeding off the coast, the aquarium provided binoculars for viewing, that was a nice surprise. We had a good time, not too crowded. Enjoyed all the exhibits but the Georgia Aquarium still ranks as number one for me. 

Blue Ridge Mountains

 We got lucky today and it finally stopped raining. We headed out for a stroll of the near by national park. 

Chattahoochee National Forest

Lake Blue Ridge

Chickens hanging out on Main Street, got to love it. There were quite a few restaurants and shops on Main Street. They were setting up for the big Trout festival starting on Saturday. This ends our southern vacation and we had a great time rain and all. 

Blue Ridge Mountains

 We have left the city slicker life and are now in the mountains. 

Our mountain cabin has southern charm with a porch and rocking chairs. 

Inside our cabin is appropriately decorated with an antler chandelier and do not feed the bears sign. 

This place is green, green and more green. Our mountains in California are not this lush and green.

If it wasn't for all the rain we could enjoy outdoor activities like this fire pit. The cabin also comes with a BBQ grill and jacuzzi.

Enjoy the zen. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Part of the National Park Service, Martin Luther King, Jr National Historical Park is comprised of several buildings and we stretched our visit over two days.

Ebenezer Heritage Sanctuary, also known as Ebenezer Baptist Church, is where Martin Luther King Jr was baptized, became a co-pastor and where his funeral was held. The Ebenezer Baptist Church has a new location across the street and they own and operate both locations. Our guide told us that MLK sister recently attended a service here for her 95th birthday. This church had major restoration in 2002. 

1895 two-story frame Queen Anne style house.

We took a tour of his birth home, led by the National Park Service. We learned much about this accomplished family. Many of the homes in the area are being restored and preserved which is nice. 

Historic Fire Station No. 6.

Final resting place of Dr. King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King located at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc.

Reflecting Pool.

This eternal flame made me think of JFK final resting place. 

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

 We spent about 2 hours at the Presidential Library. I feel like I have a better understanding and appreciation for our 39th President. 

In the rose garden. 

Looking out from the entrance, very tranquil. 

Nobel Peace Prize 2002.

Medals of Freedom. On August 9, 1999, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were awarded Presidential Medals of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. This award is the nation's highest civilian honor. 

I didn't realize how much of a trail blazer Rosalynn was, she was a true equal partner. 

Life-size replica of the Oval Office. 

Wasn't expecting to see a shofar in the library. The Synagogue Council of America gave this shofar to President Carter in 1979.

Michael, Edie our friend and her youngest son Ry all went out on a bike ride yesterday. These 2 were rewarded with gelato. 

Birthday wishes.