The US National WWII Memorial

The WWII Memorial began opening its doors to the public on April 29, 2004 and was dedicated 2 days before Memorial Day on May 29, 2004 by former president George W. Bush. It is an ideal place to visit and pay respects to our WWII veterans. They also call it a place for America's World War II Heroes!

The memorial is dedicated to those Americans who served in the armed forces as well as civilians during the WWII.

The beautiful place is adorned with an oval-shape design, with 2 arches that represent the war's Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

There are 56 pillars which represent the states, territories and District of Columbia during the war. There are two sculpted bronze wreaths that are attached to each pillar and small fountains can be seen at the bases of these 2 arches.

There is a Freedom Wall that is also captivating located on the west side of the memorial. The wall has 4,048 gold stars each representing 100 Americans who died in the war. In front of it reflects a message that says "Here we mark the price of freedom."

The memorial is located on the National Mall of Washington D.C. where you can see the Lincoln Memorial to the west, and the Washington Monument to the east.

The White House

That's me! :))

Every tourist visiting the DC area would surely doesn't want to miss visiting the oldest public building in Washington DC - The White House!

Of course, one of the most common way to see it is thru the Lafayette Park, just across the White House where you can get a good view of it and to take photos at good angles.

There are two most common options to see the building only on the outside. You can either choose to see it from the south side of its ground which you can see it a bit further away, or you can choose to see it on its north side which is much closer.

The White House is not only considered as the home of the US president but also the museum of American history. It has 132 rooms on 6 levels.

It was constructed as early as 1792, then after it caught fire in 1814, continous partial reconstructions were done of the same year to a few more years. Major constructions were done under the Truman administration, and underwent restoration under the Kennedy administration.

Public tours inside the White House are only alowed for 10 people or more at a time, but you must ask request through your Representative and Senators. Tours are also on a first come, first served basis every Tuesday - Saturday from 7:30am - 12:30pm, and is scheduled approximately one month in advance or even longer (up to 3 months). So, it definitely means NO walk-in tours are allowed anytime inside!

You can also choose to book a White House Garden Tours but you have to get your tickets for this. This is open for the public and visitors can get the chance to visit its gardens such as the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children's Garden and the South Lawn.

Inside tours sounds a bit of a hassle, but a visit on either the north or south wing is always the most convenient, hassle-free tour you can have on the outside. ;)

Gun Biometric Safes

Before I proceed, I would like to inform my readers that this post is not politically motivated and I am informing the readers further that the content of this post has nothing to do with politics or to that sort.

For some, this maybe a little bit sensitive for them, the reason why I am telling it earlier in this post.

When it comes to guns, each person has his own idea on what it does. They can be a good or bad stuff depending on how you use them.

Responsible gun owners, I believe are still of great advantage when it comes to protecting themselves and for protecting others if needed to.

Owning gun responsibly is what matters most. For instance, the way you properly store your guns in biometric safes. It is one way of protecting your firearms like your personal valuables. These safes are equipped with fingerprints so your weapons will never fall into the wrong hands.

So far, these are much safer, more efficient and much faster than traditional safes that are commonly used because it can easily be opened by just a touch of your finger, allowing you much time to respond quickly in an emergency situation.

Very interesting stuff! ;)

Artistic Wall Coverings For Homes

If I would be given the chance to choose a design for my walls at home, I would prefer custom-made, handcrafted wall coverings. Just by glancing at these designs, I really consider them one-of-a-kind.

Handcrafted designs are all looking so uniquely done and are attractive. They can truly help a simple home become elegant and luxurious-looking as well.

There is always that special effects you can get just by browsing tons of the products from the gallery of Atrium Wallcoverings.

Hhhmm...this gave me the idea to try one of the products on my walls. But I have to figure out the possibility of ordering them and how I can be able to bring them for my home in the Philippines. Then, I still have to get an interior designer for assistance, lol! Otherwise, I can probably try one at home. I'm thinking of redesigning our bedroom! ;)

Fort McHenry - The Cornerstone of the American Defense!

The repulse of a British naval attack against this fort in 1814 prevented the capture of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner".

England and France were at war from 1793-1815. Because of both their intents to crush each other, both nations confiscated American merchant ships and cargoes to prevent supplies from reaching enemy ports, which the Americans viewed as the violations of their rights as neutrals. The situation was made hotter by British impressmentof American seamen and the demands of the "War Hawks", a group of southern and western Congressmen who wanted the US to annex British Canada and Spanish Florida. The war on England was declared on June 18, 1812 to preserve "Free Trade and Sailors Rights" and was carried by the War Hawks.

The Americans were mostly an annoyance to the British for 2 years who couldn't devote much attention to them until after Napoleon's defeat in April 1814. In mid-August, a British force with 5,000 army and navy veterans under the joint command of Maj. Gen. Robert Ross and Vice Adm. Alexander Cochrane sailed up Chesapeake Bay with the intent on giving Americans "a complete drubbing" which was what they did at the Battle of Bladensburg and went on to burn Washington. So, they turned their attention to Baltimore.

Baltimore was better prepared for the invaders than Washington had been. Defenses were erected, arms and equioment laid in, and troops trained under the command of Maj. Gen. Samuel Smith, a US senator and veteran of the Revolution. Smith's command totaled about 15,000 men, mostly Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia militia. But there were also a few regular army units and several hundred sailors under Commodore John Rodgers.

Fort McHenry, the key to the harbor, was defended by a thousand men. Its guns and those of 2 batteries along the river's edge dominated the channels leading to the city. Lines of gunboats and sunken hulks across the mouth of northwest branch also obstructed entry.

Ross's troops landed at North point and marched toward Baltimore on September 12, and later that day, Ross was mortally wounded in the opening skirmish of the Battle of North Point. He was replaced by Col. Arthur Brooke, who completed the battle and compelled the Americans to withdraw. The next morning, he marched his troops to within 2 miles of the city and awaited the results of a naval attack before assaulting the Baltimore defenses.

Admiral Cochrane attacked the fort at dawn on the 13th, about the time Brooke began his advance. The bombardment lasted for 25 hours. Maj. George Armistead, Fort Mchenry's commander estimated later that there were 1,500-1,800 shells and rockets fired at the fort. Two shells exploded on the southwest bastion killing 2 officers and wounding several gun crew members.

Realizing that the fort would never fall to shelling alonge in the midnight on September 13, Cochrane launched a diversionary attack up the Ferry Branch in an attempt to distract the American long enough for Brooke's troops to storm Rodger's bastion guarding the east side of the city. In the dark, rainy night, the attack went awry: some of the landing party rowed up the wrong branch, while other barges were detected and driven back by the combined fire of Forts McHenry, Covington, Babcock, and Look-Out. The failure of this sortie dashed British hopes of capturing Baltimore.

Bombships continued the bombardment until 7am on September 14, then withdrew down the river. As the British went away, the American soldiers fired the morning gun and hoisted the large flag that would later become known as the "Star Spangled Banner" while the musicians played "Yankee Doodle".

Fort McHenry since then never came under enemy fire again, although it continued as an active military post for the next 100 years. During the Civil War, it was used as a temporary prison for captured Confederate soldiers, southern sympathizers and political prisoners.

US Army General Hospital No. 2 was located here to serve WW1 veterans from 1917 to 1923.

In 1925, Congress made Fort Mchenry as a national park. After 14 years, it was redesignated a national monument and historic shine, the only park in the country to have this double distinction.

Sent from my iPad

The AACA Museum (Antique Automobile Club of America Museum)

Trip Date: December 10, 2011

Part of our Hershey Christmas tour last year was a visit to AACA museum, located in Museum Drive, Hershey, PA.

This would actually be the most ideal tour for those who love cars, motorcycles or any type of vehicles. You would surely be able to discover and enjoy your journey as you visit the highly detailed dioramas presenting original and restored vintage vehicles in elaborate scenes that bring the history of the automobile to life.

The museum houses the largest collection of historic buses under roof in the US and an ever changing variety of vehicles that are too interesting or unique to be kept in collection storage.

What more could be a better place for a car club trip other than the AACA Museum! Here would be an experience to enjoy a world class automotive showcases like vintage cars, buses, motorcycles and more. All featured exhibits are being changed several times in a year, so that there is always a good reason to come back for something new to see!

New opportunity to experience in the museum are "Behind the Scenes Tours" where clubs or groups can visit one of the museum's storage facilities located at the back of the museum and view vehicles that are not currently on public display. Of course, a certain additional fee will be added for guests of 20 or more in addition to the regular museum admission.

It's also interesting to know that the museum allows private evening receptions and events such as receptions, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and other ceremonies - considered to be one of Pennsylvania's most unique venue for holding special events and receptions.

Visit to Hershey Park

Sept. 4, 2011

We reached the park around 11am. We thought of going there as early as we can while the weather is still clear. It was a good thing that the weather didn't turn out rainy that day, but the whole day was cloudy, yet still warm. But that was way better than sunny. For sure, the hubby would be sweating like a pig, lol!

It was a little crowded at the main entrance, because it was Sunday. Inside the park was a little better. It was funny that whenever we go to a theme park like this, we just couldn't be brave enough to get on the thrill rides! We would prefer riding on trains and trolleys, and just watching shows! lol. I should have tried skyview rides but hubby won't. I don't like being alone on that cable, so we just skipped it :(.

We tried the blue cross monorail, a train ride around the park, then it was a good timing to catch The Milkmen singing on the stage. Just beside them was the Music box theater where we watched another show of good tap dancing! Those performers were really good!

We then catched a late lunch at Minetown restaurant afterwhich we proceeded to Zoo America just adjacent to the park. There was not much crowd in the zoo. But after a few walks, my feet are getting tired. It was like around 5pm when we went out from the park. Before reaching the exit, we thought of getting some cold coffee drinks at Dunkin Donuts and took a seat for a rest! I was getting this throbbing headache again, and the coffee helped a little bit.

I enjoyed the day anyway, so we went straight back home after the rest, and retired early.

Thank you Lord for the clear weather for the whole day!

Sent from my iPad

Ripley's Odditorium

I still remember when I first visited Ripley's Odditorium in Florida in 2007. It was a good experience to see the various collections of bizarre, strange and unbelievable artifacts that came from all around the world, including authentic photos, movies and even wax presentations of human beings.

Exhibits are all a combination of oddities in the world of science and illusions, state-of-the-art special effects, interactive displays, videos with the inclusion of exotic themed surroundings like spooky graveyards, jungles and scenes of natural disasters.

They say that each Ripley's Believe It or Not! museums that are located in various parts around the world are created uniquely when it comes to collection of oddities and how they are presented.

So, when people go from place to place as they visit the same museum in a different location, they would see different artifacts or oddities in it.

Amazing isn't it?

Given the chance to visit Ripley's museum once again in a different place would be another wonderful experience to take!

Sent from my iPad

Early Holiday Shopping Treat!

DealDash is probably one of those online sites worth checking if you are an avid online shopper! If you also love to bid online for shopping products, the site is for you! It is an alternative way to penny auctions and risk free.

 I was able to check the site, and I have discovered that many auctioneers have claimed they got what they wanted for as low as 30 cents...it's like whoa! Really? DealDash captivated me so I created my free account. You can join right away in a few seconds, and joining is FREE of course.

 Take note however that when you participate in the bidding, you are required to purchase bids.

 As I've mentioned previously, Deal Dash is risk free. Why? Because if you are bidding for the first time and you happened to use all your bids without winning a single auction, your bids will all be returned to you on your first bid pack purchase and you'll be given the second chance. Fair play, don't you think? Another thing is that it has the "Buy It Now" option. This works in a way that if you didn't win the auction, you can buy the item you were bidding on its regular price and the bids you used in that auction will still be returned to you for free. You get your item, and you don't lose the bids. You can then use the bids again for your next try to win another auction. Fair and honest enough ;). If you are not contented in any way, it offers you a money-back guarantee with no questions asked! Your entire purchase will be refunded back to you 100%...as simple as that. Check it today! Try it risk free!

Garin Farm & Inland Resort - The Visit

The farm is no ordinary farm. As you would enter the place, you will be amazed it is beyond being a farm. It was built in such a way that you can enjoy and witness the power of nature at its best, have peace of mind, and at the same time enjoy leisure and adventure activities...all rolled into one! :) I can say it's a mini-theme park in an agricultural setting.

Garin Farm is located in San Joaquin, province of Iloilo on its southernmost part. From the city of Iloilo going to the place is a little more than an hour ride. I consider it also one place worth visiting while vacationing in the Philippines. If you're a tourist, it can be easily accessible through a map and by the help of the locals.

A little of an adventure can be done in the farm through the 300 meter zip-line that passes through over the lagoon and some trees. Other options would be to go up and down the hill. If you prefer more vigorous fun, go hiking through the route embraced by the beauty of nature. Lots of other leisure activities can also be done such as horseback riding, boating, fishing or even renting an all-terrain vehicle. You have to note though, that every activity has a charge, except for hiking...and hike at your own risk! :0

Then after a busy day's activities, you can treat yourself to a dip on the pool. All tariff rates are provided at the entrance area upon payment of your entrance fee.

Blurry, but the reality view when you are in the actual place is truly spectacular!

One of the highlight of your activity would be to experience going up the 456 steps towards the 101 ft. Divine Mercy Cross at the pilgrimage area. I recommend staying overnight to see the awesome view of the Divine Mercy Cross at night.

Rooms are available at various rates according to accommodations. Be sure to get a room that rpovides a view of the stunning scenery! All rooms are situated on the hillside area in order to get the amazing view of the town of San Joaquin and its surroundings.

There is a restaurant fronting the pilgrimage area equipped with a canteen on the adjacent side corner. At least you'll never go hungry nor thirsty after a tedious activity ;). The restaurant has a free wi-fi internet access if you want to check your emails or surf the net.

By the way, inside the restaurant is also a billiard area if you want to play pool indoors.

Don't forget to take lots of photos. There will belots of stunning views and interesting subjects to focus on. Just to be sure you complete your visit, be sure you check all the main sites - mainly, the Pilgrimage area, the Divine Mercy Cross, the agricultural area, and the Lagoon.

Add to that the picturesque views from your room windows or the private garden beside your room.

Get all the fun! It's gonna be worth it. Visit our Garin Farm Adventures for more photos!

Effective Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers in Atlanta

Drug and alcohol addiction are today's one serious problem the country is facing today. The fact that many victims are the youth, it scares me to think about the future. If these victims don't receive help the earliest time possible, how many more lives would be ruined? Let's face it...alcohol and drug addiction are not only a problem on the youth. There are many adults as well, and there are so many of them wherever we go.

We should be glad there are rehabilitation centers that are helping many victims taking their steps toward recovery.

If you are searching for Atlanta drug abuse rehab centers, you might want to check Bradford Health Services. There's one close by Birmingham. Their alcohol and drug rehab programs have been helping a lot of addicts regain recovery.

If you, your friend or your member of the family needs help going to Atlanta Drug Rehab, Bradford Health Services is well equipped to extend a well-designed continuum of care approach in treating your loved ones with drug dependency.

For those who are in their early stages of drug or alcohol dependency, they can undergo treatment at the Intensive Outpatient Program.

There is peace of mind when you know your loved ones are under the care of a rehab center that has a proven track record of helping addicts become well, isn't it? Call them today!

Buffet Lunch @ Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant

Outside the restaurant, after my sumptuos lunch!

One thing I would always enjoy when I'm on a trip is food! Trip and food for me are perfect match! ;)

Well, how would you like to go on a smorgasboard dining with real home cooked meals on the dining menu - buffet style??

If you're around Lancaster area, the Brid-in-Hand Family Restaurant would be the ideal place to go to. This is not a paid promotion, although it sounds I am promoting it, lol! But I am strongly recommending it because I have a positive experience dining in here. It's here where you will find a whole host of traditional Lancaster County recipes that are always perfected daily on their menu. They are family traditional recipes shared with homemade goodness, and fresh foods.

If you're going in there starving, you'll be coming out full and happy...that's for sure! An, oh, beware when you're on a strict diet! You'll end up breaking your diet rules. :)

By the way, it's a shame I didn't even take photos of the restaurant itself! Probably, I was so overwhelmed with too much food and I was so full!

Trip date: April 14, 2012

Be Well, Drink Well

I happened to see this wellness drink through the link that was given to me the other day and I got so interested about it. The wellness drink is a product of Trivita and is called nopalea. 

So, I think this might be the cheapest solution to reduce pain caused by inflammation. It is not a drug, and it is considered to be just a dietary supplement which has healing properties through detoxification and body neutralization against the body's inner toxins which reduces its inflammation. Nopalea came from Nopal cactus which is said to be used as healing agent by native people for many centuries. It's worth trying, isn't it?

 For those who suffer health related problems particularly those caused by inflammation such as joint and muscle inflammation, respiratory, arterial or digestive tract inflammations, then it would probably worth a try. 

 If you suffer a widespread body cell inflammation which is causing you fatigue, Nopalea can also help. 

Good thing is that it is free to try! Now, that's a good deal! You can take the Wellness Challenge to get your free 32-ounce bottle of Nopalea. It doesn't harm trying it I guess. It would probably be the best solution to end the pain tortures you've been having for a long time without having to shell out hundreds and even thousands of dollars for medications and doctor's fees! All you have to do is get one and drink it. Simple as that! I wonder how it tastes like? :) 

 By the way, this product has not been evaluated by FDA yet, so don't expect it to be 100% effective treatment or as a cure. We can consider it as a health drink, just like choosing a healthy juice drink at the grocery store ;). Please also note that if you are into medications, it is still always best to talk with your doctor about it.

American Music Theater with The Gaither Vocal Band

Me & Wes Hampton

Me and my ever supportive and kind, loving hubby ;)

The concert

Michael Phelps doing his solo.

The venue - American Music Theater

 We have been into Rill's Bus Service with my husband whenever we think of having some weekend trips and whenever they offer some trips that seem interesting to do. One of the best thing they had in one of their itineraries was a trip to see The Gaither Vocal Band's Homecoming Tour 2012 at American Music Theater. I have been actually wishing to see one of their concerts someday, I said. Then that perfect timing came when Rill's offered the tour and so I didn't let the chance go off my hands this time, lol! My husband signed up for the tour right away, and finally, it was such an excitement while we were on the road in the bus! :)

GVB became one of my favorites ever since I started seeing and hearing their songs in Youtube and DVD's, and I really have to agree that they are one of the best-loved voices in gospel music. The band roster is comprised of Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Michael English and Mark Lowry, all of them gifted as musical artists and men of authentic faith. They are incomparable because of their powerhouse vocals, innovative harmonies and life-altering message - a message of grace, hope and redemption.

I love Michael Phelp's powerful high notes and I was aiming to have a remembrance photo with me, but I ended up having Wes Hampton instead! I still was so happy! Just letting one of them have a photo opportunity is one golden dream I got! ;)

Truly, I felt so blessed in a full evening of entertainment and meaningful music and is a rare treat anytime.

Taken: April 14, 2012

Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market

In one of our bus tours, we had the chance to drop by the place for a quick shopping. Although we knew we lack time for the shopping, the fact that we were briefed by our tour guide about "food sampling" is for sure a lot of fun!...foody fun, that is! :)

Pop corn samples..taste good!

Crowded!

The day was a weekend (Saturday) and rather was busy and a bit crowded. This place is more of an indoor market and most vendors you could meet are Amish.

Inside are mixed gift shops stores of handmade crafts and mostly are homemade cooked meals, fresh produce and freshly-baked pies. So, it is mostly fresh and homemade in this store, food wise.

We were able to get free food samples of pop corn with various flavors. They are all pretty good and if you have money, you might be tempted buying all of them! :)

I love the caramel-flavored ones! We didn't buy them though, I guess we ate more than enough just by the free samples, lol!...but we instead bought a funnel cake which was also cooked fresh right from the pan. What a nice food trip experience! I think I'm gonna enjoy this type of trips ;).

Taken: April 14, 2012

The Tulips @ Longwood Gardens!

Trip Date: April 7, 2012

It's surely a fact that often times, we spend little time appreciating the forms of beauty from nature - I mean, how many people in this world would be head-over-heels feeling so crazy about visiting gardens, and admire the natural beauty of their own?
How much percentage of the human population love to connect with nature and at the same time be thankful enough of what the nature is giving them?

Nature's beauty is always free! Public gardens are almost everywhere for everybody to enjoy. A bed of roses is a typical form of a nature's beauty, so much so with colorful beds of tulips arranged in kaleidoscopic colors!

It was a one day visiting experience at Longwood Gardens once again, and I embrace this visit as colorfully awesome!

Thank you Lord for the beauty!

Next Day Flower Delivery!

I am talking about an online flower shop that actively operates in UK, so UK residents would benefit much on their services when it comes to ordering flowers online.
If you are looking for flowers that can accommodate your budget, why not try cheaper flowers by Serenata? You can still get the freshest flowers with their next day delivery service, or better yet check their free flower delivery too! ;)

For those who love gardening and taking care of flowers, whether for a business or just a personal hobby at home, it is also of vital importance to know the basics about gardening and taking care of flowers. You will get a lot of helpful information on gardening tips with all about any topics, from seed planting to flower arrangements.
Keep reading tons of articles about gardening, particularly the basic tips for first timers.

Happy gardening!

The Proud Mary Luncheon Cruise

One of the most memorable trips I had was to board The Proud Mary for a 2-hour luncheon cruise on scenic Raystown Lake in Entriken, Pennsylvania.

The Proud Mary is a 62-foot custom designed Mississippi-style Paddle Wheeler featuring turn-of-the-century hospitality and breathtaking vistas that make each cruise a memorable adventure. The buffet lunch was superb! ;)

There is also the Lake Raystown Resort where the ferry was and there are so much things to see and do in the area, particularly during the summer.
Lodge and camping cabins, villas, beachfront bungalows can be rented. There is also a campground area for those who love to camp.

What a good life!...a lake, a camp and a boat for the outdoors! ;)

Zenni's The One!

I have heard a lot of positive reviews and a lot of recommendations about Zenni Optical. For sure many of you have heard about it as well, or perhaps saw it on TV.
When it comes to affordable prescription eyeglasses online, Zenni is the most ideal place to check about or visit them online. Although I haven't tried one (since I don't wear them...yet), I can believably agree that the prices are quite budget-friendly and yet without sacrificing the quality of your glasses too!
And of course, it is here where you can see tons of colorful, trendy and fashionable styles of glasses, and you can choose any style you want depending on your lifestyle or choices.

Eyeglasses have oleophobic coating as well for an affordable price. However you want to have them is up to you.

The Horseshoe Curve's Interesting Facts & Figures

The Horseshoe Curve is located at Kittaning Point, at the base of the Allegheny Mountains and opened on February 15, 1854, engineered by J. Edgar Thompson. The curve's length is 2375 feet; degree of curvature is 9 degrees; central angle is 220 degrees.
The elevation of lower (east) end of the curve is 1594 feet, upper (west) end is 1716 feet-122 feet total elevation climb. The grade is 1.8% or 1.8 foot rise per 100 feet.

Some other interesting facts:

• Wagon transportation from Philly to Pitsburgh took about 20 days. In 1834, the same trip via train, canal and the Allegheny Portage Railroad (to cross the mountains) took about 4 days-when the canals were not frozen.
  
  
• By 1852, train could cross the state but still were dependent on the Allegheny Portage Railroad, which didn't operate at night.
  
  
• The addition of Horseshoe Curve in 1854 made passengers travel the entire route by trail, and the time was reduced to an average of 15 hours.
  
  
• The construction of Horseshoe Curve was done by about 450 workers, many of them from Ireland, and the work was done entirely by hand. Workers were paid 25 cents per hour for a twelve hour day.
  
  
• The curve was on the list of 12 key industrial sites targeted by Nazi saboteurs who were captured at tow sites on the US coast in June 1942.
  
  
• Famous people who traveled the curve were: Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and dozens of vaudeville stage and screen stars.