On The Road With Fastfreta...Back To California
Washington DC...The Smithsonian
I'm finally on my way back to California, for awhile. Anyway as usual I have to go through Washington, DC. This time I decided to do something different. So I went to the Smithsonian. I was so impressed with what I saw, which wasn't very much, because I didn't have much time. There are 19 Museums and Galleries that make up the Smithsonian, however I only visited two. I wanted to see the Hope Diamond, and The First Ladies Dresses. So that is what I photographed, also a few fossils along the way. I hope you enjoy my pictorial explanation.
I was so fascinated with the natural stones, and gems that the earth produces, which explains why there are so many pictures. At every turn I was floored, I just couldn't stop photographing each display. All I could think of was, "this beauty is actually growing right under our very feet. All before man can get in, and change their makeup." Please enjoy them vicariously through my efforts.
The Smithsonian and other pictures of Washington, DC
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeChicago Again
Okay, now I'm in Chicago again. This time the weather has changed, but not too drastic, that is to me. But you wouldn't know it by the way Chicagoans dressed. Take a look at the photos. Get this, I was dressed the way I was all across the country, "capris, sandals, etc. I was actually the only person I saw dressed that way. Now I'm normally cold most of the time. Even though this day was a little nippy, It wasn't cold, so I don't understand the mindset of the Chicago residents. I need to go back and check the temperature for that day, but believe me it wasn't that cold. Maybe later that day it was scheduled to get really cold. I actually got a little warm walking to and from Union Station. Sorry Chicago, I guess I've lived in California too long. Because September is still shorts and sandals weather here. I'm actually afraid to go through Chicago in the winter, from all the cold weather stories I've heard. Anyway the photos I took verifies my story about the dress of the day.
Oh, another thing, living in California made me forget that water comes in other colors, LOL! See the green water in the photo, I'm glad to see this, and those muddy streams we passed on our way across country. This is truly an educational trip. Remember, back when I was in Oklahoma, and learned that the cows don't go in every night. See I told you, I am getting an education. I'm so fascinated with everything I'm learning, that I want to continue doing this for awhile. I mean traveling across country.
On the train for two days
Because I'm an outside person, I'm dreading these two days. I actually like being able to stop over in the different cities, never mind the fact that I've been through some more than once. Just to get out, and explore is so much fun.
Now on to my adventure, as such, these two days. What I did was take a truck load of pictures. I made "friends" with several people those two days. Two of which were two very nice young men.
One being Brian, whom I sat with in the observation/lounge car for hours. We became fast friends, because he, like I had no fear of strangers. Brian turned out to be one of the most interesting people I've met on the journey, probably because we spent many hours together. He introduced me, through pictures, to his lovely wife and beautiful daughter. I even eavesdropped on a couple of their conversations, which I found to be heartwarming. Brian was on his way to a conference for City Assessors, and although he had loads of work to do, he took his precious time and entertained me, (the old lady on the train), LOL! Thanks, Brian. Of course we had similar interest, the landscape and terrain through which we traveled.
Speaking of terrain, some of the rock formations of New Mexico were too fascinating to pass up, although in hindsight I don't know what in the world they are, interesting nevertheless, but unknown. Not just the terrain, but the sheer awesomeness of the scenery, the highways, the various and sundry dwellings, all made for a most interesting leg of my journey. I hope you enjoy the pictures the way I enjoyed seeing it firsthand.
Two Hour Layover in New Mexico
This was a very needed detraining, I was beginning to get claustrophobic. We were free to roam about for awhile, so I took the opportunity to explore. My first stop was to this very nice restaurant close to the depot. The name was Tucanos, a Brazilian restaurant. If you ever find yourself anywhere near there, please stop and eat. Not only was the food nice, but the ambiance, and service, was superb.
Next, I roamed around close to the depot and took a few pictures. I didn't stray too far, because I was doing this solo, I say this because my family reads these and they're always worried about me being alone.
Okay, so I don't know why I took some of these pictures, they seemed interesting at the time, so just sit back and enjoy them!
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeFollow Me
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If you've followed me up to this point,(I Lost My Home To Foreclosure, On The Road With Fastfreta, etc.) then you know what I'm doing. If not, let me explain. I'm taking this opportunity to travel across country to visit friends and family, also to.. - On The Road With Fastfreta...Three Days To Atlanta
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Pauline and Me So by now I'm sure you've figured out that I'm a friend hoarder. If not, here goes, my friend of over 40 years, Pauline met me at the depot in Oklahoma City, the train doesn't go into Tulsa, which is where Pauline lives. Now mind... - On The Road With Fastfreta...Texas
Well here I am in Fort Worth, Texas. Dorothy, another friend of over 35 years, met me at the Depot. Another very hot stop, (104 degrees and above). I don't mind though, I'm just happy to be here. The train ride took two nights, and one day, and,... - On The Road With Fastfreta
Instead of - I Lost My Home to Foreclosure/Update
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Conclusion
Well, this is it for now. stay tuned more to come, I'm still on the road.
If you find this interesting, tell someone, send them over to follow me in my new life journey.