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Memorial Day 2010

Visiting the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery between Vacaville and Dixon brings back memories of visiting the National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa where Dad and Mom are buried.

Much, much newer than the one in Keokuk and every bit as impressive in its own way, they are both beautiful and sobering.
Thanks isn’t enough…
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Trail in Davis

Looking for a peaceful walk filled with flowers, trees and bridges? Check out the trail in Davis, CA. Planted by the Arboretum of Davis trees and flowers are grouped together by “areas”…desert, redwood forests, tropical, etc.

Many have small signs explaining the type of plant.

Fields upon fields of flowers line the banks of the creek.

Really feels like walking through the Redwoods…

Bridges cross the creek providing great reflections. Check it out.
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Palace of Fine Ats in San Francisco

Originally built in 1913, the columns and Rotunda were framed in wood and covered with “staff”, a mixture of plaster and burlap type fabric. At that time it was the largest building ever to be made of that material. Since it was part of the Exposition and would be removed soon after it ended, this material was only supposed to last a year and then collapse readily. But it remained.

Since the Palace slowly crumbled due to weather and ill use, it was fenced off by the city in the 1940’s.

In September 1967 work was complete to restore it to a smaller version of the original Palace. January 1975 saw the remaining original colonnades completed, a gift from Walter S. Johnson.
Striking a pose today it sits regally in the Presidio park area. Saturday it was gorgeous surrounded by tourists and birds.
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Volcano Lessons

Did the last eruption of the volcano in Iceland disrupt your travel plans? Our friends at Budget Travel offer some important advice to help you prepare if something like this happens again.
Go to the airport every day for the best shot at open seats…especially if you must get on a plane as soon as you can. The reason? There will be empty seats due to passengers missing connections. If you are at the airport, you may be able to take advantage of these.
Bring extra medications. If you are on a must have med, be sure to take extras with you.
Have a back up plan. Did you leave your pets with a friend or at a kennel? You need to call them. Is someone taking care of your house and assumes you will be home on a certain day? Call them, too.
Write down names and addresses of people you meet while traveling…especially those with whom you strike up a friendship. You may just be able to ask if you can rent their sofa for the night…and save some cash over the now higher priced hotels.
Good luck…