russellviii

The National Christmas Tree finds itself surrounded by a multitude of other, smaller Christmas trees. There is one for each US state and territory. I did not get the exact number.

Each of the state and territorial trees is adorned with decorations made by residents of that state or territory. I happened to track down and photograph the tree for my own home state. The decorations were made by the children from an elementary school in a town about 70 miles south of where I live.

I was in DC December 1-5 to attend a conference. I was able to sneak away in the evenings, hop on the Metro, and pay a few quick visits to the city.

My first night I was a little disappointed with the National Christmas Tree. Why, you might ask. It’s because I rode the Metro in from Virginia, walked all the way (in the cold) to the Ellipse, and when I got there the tree was dark. There was a sign which gave the date of the official lighting ceremony, which was to be just a few days later.

I returned a few days later, and was treated to the sight of the tree, fully illuminated. I took serveral pictures, all the while thinking of Carm, AGAMUM, and my other friends who had expressed an interest in the tree.

After taking the pictures, I noticed a motorcade drive by. It was the President and his entourage. The National Christmas Tree, is, after all, located just outside the front fence of the White House.

I will be taking the show on the road here starting Monday, December 1st. I hope to be back home again on the 6th.

In the meantime, I have a hunch that I won’t be doing a lot of posting or cheering for the next week. Don’t give up on me though I’ll be back.

I’ll be with my boss and some of my peers attending a national conference.

I hope to have enough free time to be able to check a few things out and take a few pictures. I’m looking forward to seeing the National Christmas Tree, and to hopefully get into the Museum of American History if they are finished remodelling it yet.

If there’s free internet access at my hotel (doubtful) I’ll check in. Otherwise don’t hold your breath.

1. An interesting view of the Manhattan skyline
2. First opportunity to get a nice mug of A&W root beer after being overseas.

This is the place where all of my father’s ancestors for the previous few generations are buried. When I was younger, we would frequently visit my grandparents on Memorial Day. He would take us to this cemetery and tell us stories about all of the family who are buried here. Now he and my grandmother lie here as well.

When I am near this area (not usually very often) I will usually try to stop by and see the graves of the family. Sometimes I run into relatives that I haven’t seen in a long time, who are also there visiting. It is a quiet, peaceful place.

True, it is certainly not the most exciting place in the world. There is certainly not very much here in the way of entertainment. But Manti has a special significance to me and to my family. This is the town where my great-grandfather (R5)came to settle after he arrived in this country from Norway.

It is the only place I know in the United States where the at-large population knows how to pronounce and spell my rather uncommon last name.

It is also the town where many of many of my father’s family are buried. It is kind of a special place to us.

It’s a beautiful structure, sitting on a hilltop. It’s visible from just about anywhere in the Sanpete Valley.

I thought that this was an unusual sight. While in the baggage claim area I saw a formation of young men and women, perhaps in their late teens and early twenties, all standing in formation, and at attention.

They all had little nametags on them that said USO. I assumed that they were new recruits on their way to basic training. Who knows?

I used to fly in and out of St. Louis fairly often back in the days when TWA was still in business. Since then I’ve only been there a couple of times.

It’s not quite what I remember it. It seems a lot darker inside, and it’s a little bit creepy. I think that it seems creepy just because the airport is quite large, but with the loss of it’s biggest airline, St. Louis Lambert International Airport seems almost abandoned in some areas.

The people there were really nice when I needed help. The building itself just seems to be in need of a face lift.

I had high hopes, but in the end didn’t have time to visit the Gateway Arch on my most recent visit to St. Louis.

I drove near it, and had a magnificent view of it from Illinois as I drove across the bridge to get back to the airport. I was not able to get any pictures of it. They should really have a turnoff with a view area for motorists to get a good look at the arch and the city.

Oh well, the next time I’m in St. Louis I’m going to give it another try the next time that I’m in the area, and by golly, I’m going to make it. I’m also going to hook up with MamaKitty while I’m there too.