American History Museum continued

Well, I caught up with the guys. We are walking through the wars.  A few things that caught my eye were:

General Sheridan horse - Winchester

Poo

This is a transmitter or sensor that was used during the war to detect troops walking on trails. They were dropped from planes and disguised as "poop".  I imagine you wouldn't want to step on it. Therefore, keeping the hidden equipment from destruction. LOL

The men were facinated with the wars. I am not the true history buff in this area. I did see the twisted metal posts of the 17th floor of the World Trade Building and it was sobering and sad.

9/11 Tragedy

Damaged 17th story metal beams

Bless our troops and bless you. Good night....I am on my way to the Freer Art Gallery next

American History Museum continued

Hi. This is the continuation of my day at the American History Museum.  It is a mind boggling massive space that houses houses, ships, trains, copters, cars, General Sheridan's horse-Winchester, buffalo, the Star Spangle Banner, what ever you can think of. It is here.  As a collector of stuff, I am overwhelmed with the space in which all this stuff is stored. It is a “hoarder’s” paradise.

I have taken a lot of pictures. They are a reflection of my interests and silly personality. The guys and I have gone our separate ways to investigate this curious place.  My first stop was to view the first ladies gowns.

A picture for Barb's Mom

Regan's dress is at the left and Bush's dress is on the right

In this picture you can see the actually dresses and the life size images of the President and First Ladies.  It is interesting to see the actual gowns because you can visually examine the fabric and workmanship in detail which is intricate.

Martha Washington's Dress

Isn't it amazing how well items are preserved?

I think a few ribs had to be removed for this dress to fit.

I passed by this house structure and took pictures but I do not remember whose house this is.

Top view

Kitchen view

This huge house structure fit inside the building. Those who are interested in building structure can see how it was put together.

Ruby Red Slippers for Carolyn

My next stop was "Paper Engineering". Most were pop-up books.  This pic is of a ca. 1740 German pop-up.

Layer after layer of dancers to add depth and dimension to the pop up.

The 1740's book was very colorful and very detailed. This pic does not do it justice.

On to Julia Child's kitchen. Her kitchen was totally moved and recreated.

One view of Julia's kitchen

Part of Julia's collection of pans. How many pans do you have?

I then went to see some nostalgic 50's stuff.  I found familiar items in this room. Some of you may remember the 50's living room.

I have caught up with the guys in the transportation area. Here there are an array of antique cars, service station, etc.  I thought this pic of the antique train and horse and buggy may give you an idea of the space used on these displays.

Glad I do not collect antique trains!

The American History Museum, an ALL Day affair

I woke up to thunder and rain. Though temperatures were 90 and upper 80's (when it rains) with high humidity, suits and ties are common sites around DC.

We walked to the station a couple of blocks away.

Traveling down to the subway station

The subway

The lights flash when the train is approaching

We reached the Smithsonian and climbed up to see

On the "mall" view to the left

On the "mall", view to the right.

Chris and Kenny (alias Night and Day)

Where we spent the day. The entire day!

Hey! wait for me.

Opps, lost some data....to be continued.....   Have a good day!

Starting the vacation on Wednesday, August 11, 2010

We started the day rather late and missed the hotel breakfast. So we stopped at an interesting diner.

The Silver Diner in Alexandria, VA

A fifties style diner

Kenny and I had fish and chips with slaw, fries, and a crab chowder. It was delicious. Steve had blueberry pancakes with ham and Chris had eggs and waffle. Everyone enjoyed their meal.  I think I ate enough fat grams for the week!

Then it was off to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Annex at the Dulles Airport.  The parking was $15. but all Smithsonian Museums are free.  I am not as excited as the guys in viewing planes, engines, motors, missiles, and a gargantuan space shuttle as they are, but I was quite amazed at the various sizes of flying machines, as well as, designs.

National Air and Space Museum

SR 71, Cold War Aviation

A pre-1920 wooden plane that is the only one of its type

This wood plane looks like something that was made in a backyard for a kid. I am surprised it flew at all.

My most exciting find in the museum was a Pan Am plane used in commercial flight. I was excited to take a pic because my aunt was one of the first Japanese American stewardesses.

Pan Am Commercial Plane

Then, I really got excited to see that my aunt's picture and a history of the first Japanese Stewardesses were displayed.  I can not wait to let the family know. It was very exciting for me and really brightened up my day at the National Air and Space Museum!!!

My Aunt Mas is in the center of the group.

This is a newspaper clipping of the history of the ladies dated 1955. My aunt is the second from the left in the top row.

The display case with artifacts

That was pretty much my day and I wish you a great day tomorrow.

August 2010 Vacation

Hi!

I was inspired by my friend Judi to give blogging a try. She did a fabulous job on her vacation and I hope to aspire to her degree of journalism and photography.

My journey started Tuesday, August 10 from Sacramento to San Francisco, then to Baltimore, Maryland.  We left at 11:30 AM and arrived at 1:30 AM which included several hours of layover in San Francisco.

In the air to SF. Little prop plane.

Then a lot of waiting......boarded on the big jet...landed....made it to Residence Inn, Arlington, Virginia...in the wee morning hours.  ZZZzzzzzzzzz............