Lawrence and I flew to Baltimore, MD to see Ryan. We arrived with just our one carry-on bag filled with baking for Ryan. Later that night the other luggage arrived. On the 4th of July, we experienced the Nation's birthday party on Capital Hill. What a celebration! Parade, people, security and an incredible show of fireworks! We visited the highlights in Washington DC on Friday and Monday, visited Silago Church, Mike and Ruthzaly Weich and Gettysbury on Saturday, and Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, on Sunday. Seeing all the historical landmarks, memorials and museums, witnessing the reenactment of the Proclamation of Independence and seeing the battlefields of Gettysbury, renews an deep appreciation for the men and women who helped create the USA. Lincoln's Gettysbury address remains moving and motivational........ so many years later.
The days with Ryan went by so quickly but we had a great time and were so thankful for Ryan's organization and expertise in getting around the Eastern cities.
One hint: When touring Washington DC, wear good walking shoes!
Toward the end a hot, dry, windy day, the phone rang telling us of a fire a bit south of us. Grabbing shovels and water, we raced to the scene of the fire. A neighbour had been baling and his baler caught on fire. Fortunately Kevin arrived soon after the start of the fire with a water truck and the Youngstown fire trucks were soon to follow along with many neighbours with their shovels. It could have been so much worse. Casualities: One baler, two bales and ten acres of burnt hay land.
