On September 24th, Michelle Klinga came to visit me in D.C. We went to the National Museum of American History to see Michelle Obama's dress from the inauguration, Kermit the Frog, Abraham Lincoln's hat and the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Michelle, who is a much better cook than me, wanted to see Julia Child's Kitchen. Just like all the other Smithsonian museums, this one did not disappoint. One of the most impressive items to see is the Star Spangled Banner, the flag which inspired the National Anthem by Francis Scott Key. It was flown over Fort McHenry in Baltimore on September 14, 1814. It is truly an incredible sight to see.
On Saturday, Michelle and I went to the National Book Fair on the Mall. Being avid readers, we thought it was the perfect thing for us to do. Well, little did we know that one of Michelle's favorite authors, Diana Gabaldon, would be there reading from one of her books and signing books. We missed the reading but we both got books signed by her. She is the author of the Outlander series, which Michelle has talked about for several years. I finally caved and I read the first book and I am now on book two, which has 743 pages. I have never read a book with that many pages in my life! That same day, Michelle and I went to the National Geographic Museum and to a wonderful restaurant called Georgia Brown's.
Sunday we went to Arlington National Cemetery. Words cannot describe the beauty and peace of this place in our country. I encourage everyone to visit at least once in your life. We saw President Kennedy's grave, along with Robert and Teddy; the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; memorials to both space shuttles, Challenger and Columbia; and several Supreme Court Justices, including Warren Burger, Thurgood Marshall and Harry Blackmun. Two of the most beautiful places are the Memorial Amphitheatre and the Women in Military Service Memorial.
Memorial to Women in Military Service
Memorial Amphitheatre
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
