Traveling down Memory Lane/ a Dedication

Today, I'm asking you all to travel with me down memory lane. Today would be my parents 62nd Wedding Anniversary. After much difficulty due to compatibility issues between my new computer and my photo's and scanner, I finally have a memory post. Please, please visit me here to help me on this special day.

Click on the word here above or click on the badge on my side bar, Sandy's Space.

Many thanks.

Monticello, Virginia

Monticello, in a word; BEAUTIFUL! A house 40 years in the making. Take a drive and see how fast houses go up these days, quite different indeed. Thomas Jefferson's house was continuous. He designed it, began building and constantly added to and made alterations; and thus it was 40 years in the making. You can tour the inside and the grounds surrounding the house. Various ticket prices are available based on whether you buy on line ahead of time, the day of, or purchase a combination ticket. March through October the visiting hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm with reduced hours the other months. A statesmen, a farmer, a President, an inventor. Many of his inventions still exist in some form today. He loved books, visiting his library is a must. The most interesting thing to me were the separate book shelves. Each shelf was made independent of those it sat on or under. Because Thomas Jefferson traveled a great deal and always wanted to take books with him, each shelf was separate so it could be picked up and packed as a separate unit.
You'll see extensive and beautiful gardens throughout the property. Jefferson believed plants, be it The Grove, Orchard, Vineyards, vegetable or flower gardens were a botanical laboratory.
Visit Mulberry Row, now a long line of much needed shade trees; a beautiful lane as you learn about the slaves who lived and worked the land in the 1700 and 1800's. This small spot measures 20 1/2 feet by 12, is listed as stop #3. This is one of 5 cabins that stood on Mulberry Row, built with logs on a foundation of stone, with an earthen floor and chimney. These small quarters were inhabited by slaves.

Jefferson's Memorial is among many in this locked family burial ground. One can't get even a frontal view of the monument which marks the graves of Thomas Jefferson, his wife, his two daughters, and his son-in-law Governor Randolph. The monument we see is not the one designed by Jefferson himself; but one the US government placed here in 1883. Jefferson's school mate and friend Dabney Carr was the first burial in this graveyard. The two friends had a pack to be buried here under a large oak at the top of the hill.
A plague shows the graveyard layout, and lists who's buried where. This historic home is well worth the time to tour. It's beautiful, educational, and most enjoyable. Inside tours probably not well suited for little ones; but they can sure run and enjoy the outdoor areas. From this hill top you have panoramic views of Charlottesville, The University of Virginia, and the surrounding forests.

**hubby and I would like to return and spend more time here.
****Click here to read about The University of Virginia.

Pebble Beach, California

Pebble Beach, a golfers paradise, famous even among non-golfers. Seen by many of us when watching The US Open on our TV's. A scene of wind swept sand, waves crashing the beach along side a lush green golf course comes to mind. Pebble Beach in Montery County on the Monterey Peninsula is a gated community about 40 miles north of Big Sur.

If you wondered about how the affluent live behind those gates communities, take the 17 mile sometimes scenic Pebble Beach Tour. A fee of $9.50 per car is charged to take this tour. Sometimes you get a glimpse of an elaborate house, though often they are completely out of sight due to large stone walls, or privacy landscaping. Sometimes you see a scenic view of the beach and ocean as you wind your way along. Here you see seals dotting the beach landscape, a house barely visible up in the trees.
The US open has been held here in 1972,1982,1992, 2000 and is scheduled again in 2010.
The famous Ben Crosby Clambake tournament began here in 1937 and continues today, though now named AT & T National Pro-Am. The property was once owned by DelMonte, was sold to a Japanese businessman, then purchased again by a group of investors lead by Clint Eastwood and Arnold Palmer to name a few. No surprise then to learn there are 7 public golf courses, and 18 Private Golf Clubs.

The lone cypress tree, twisted and bent withstanding the strong winds, salt air has become the symbol for the city. This is perhaps one of the most photographed trees around.

Take a stroll on the boardwalk, stop for a picnic and enjoy the view. We didn't stop for a picnic, I think these pictures tell you why.



Should add for all my furry friends, those traveling with furry friends, and or children. Look at all places to walk and explore along the beach.

Russia

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Business travelers, families, as well friends traveling in groups will find a range of affordable, cozy and relaxed accommodations ranging from small studio's to 1-2-3-4 and even 5 bedroom deluxe apartments. Short and long term rentals with cleaning service every 3-4 days available for your comfort.
Spend the day touring galleries, cathedrals, museums. Ride the metro, take a tour on the water, visit The Peter The Great Memorial, Victory Park, St. Basils Cathedral, Red Square. Photograph the spires and domes in all their colorful splendor and opulence. These are sites you'll see anywhere else. Traveling with children, don't despair zoo's, parks, and circus's will entertain the young or the young at heart. Perhaps you don't speak Russian and feel a bit intimated? Ask for a personal driver, an interrupter the agency can help with all your needs with their 24 hour a day customer service. Tool free phone numbers, as well as on line support are available for your ease in planning your excursion. While many areas require cash only payments, Welcome to Russia offers secure on line payments through your Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover Card. Additional services available are transportation from the airport to your apartment and back, body guard, a personal cook, and assistance with obtaining your travel Visa.
Avoid the extra expense and book your apartment, you'll be glad you did.