Month: January 2017

Today was a beautiful sunshiny 70-degree day for visiting the IWork Jima Memorial in Harlingen TX (see pix). The video and volunteer were very informative-like, Iwo Jima means sulphur, and the Japanese had everything underground so no one could see them or their equipment. War is so destructive; I weep. A Marine military school is also on the grounds.Thanks to Lonnie&Sue for letting me stay here in their place! It’s been fun, relaxing and productive! Typing up journals in MSWord, I’m now up to 170+ pages. Harlingen Public Library was my workplace for 5 days of figuring out techie stuff, using their Wifi, and finally deciding to turn off iCloud photos. Still trying to access pix for a couple of places. I’m headed out some time over the weekend to Arkansas, then Florida. Life is Good!

Happily in 2016, I’ve finally been in all of the United States but Alaska which is a target for 2017! I  collected 555 unique Passport Stamps and 286 Centennial stamps for a total of 841! I’ve been to 320 National Park Service units with 93 left to go. What a joy and a privilege it has been! I’ve driven 53,000+ miles and visited with old and new friends & family. I’ve shared as best I could some of the adventure on FaceBook. I’ve now typed up 156 pages of journal notes and still have more to do. To all of those who encouraged me and those I’ve met along this wonderful journey-thank you for being the amazingly wonderful people you are and sharing yourselves with me! Thanks be to God for the freedom and protection provided on this journey, and as it continues. God bless us everyone! I’ve attached a NPS map with date stamps I put on for when I visited each location. 

Ok, officially 2017-me oh my, did 2016 fly by! My wonderful car needs a new 12-volt battery after 173,000 miles! It’s really lasted way over expectations-I’m grateful. And strangely, my car’s windshield while sitting under a carport, cracked half-way down! Insurance company is working out approvals-weird, right? My car is now totally emptied out so it can get a thorough cleaning; she’ll feel so much better! 

From 12/28 to 12/30 visited Waco Mammoth which I believe I posted info. I believe Mammoth were on this planet 25 million years ago to 10,000 years ago. Quite fascinating to look at the land now and realize its history. Cane River Creole in LA: visit was an old plantation with store and outbuildings. Two booklets I have yet to read on young men serving in the military. Natchez in MS:

Jean LaFitte and New Orleans Jazz, both in NOLA (New Orleans, LA) are a unique flavor, indeed. Established in the 1700s, NOLA has an amazing history and mixture of cultural influences that create its uniqueness. The French Qtr and the horse drawn carriages delighted me the most. Chocktaw Indians have a 10,000 year history and still participate in activities with Jean LaFitte NHP. The New Orleans Jazz NHP has a location in the old mint building, which I was guided to in an amazing way-and there was a parking space right in front of the entrance just for me! I got to see a museum with a large portion devoted to Satchmo! 

May 2017 find our spirit in harmony with Mother/Father God and humankind!