Tag Archives: Barbara Jones

Travel – Packing for a Trip

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When I look back on my childhood years, I remember the great times we had traveling as a family.   Now with my own family, I wanted to create those kinds of memories for my children.  We love getting in the car for day or weekend trips to local places or even longer road trips to other states.  We visit museums and zoos or stop at National Parks and historic sites.  Seeing other areas of the country can be a great experience and we have created such wonderful memories to look back on!

Throughout the years we have learned the importance of packing for a trip.  Weeks before we leave, I start pulling clothes from the closet that are needed for the trip.  The key is to bring just the right amount of clothing to last the duration of the trip.  We have learned over the years that less is usually better since sometimes we buy souvenir t-shirts and these can be worn during the vacation so that can eliminate one or two pieces of clothing.  We do wear our jeans or shorts at least twice during a trip, so that keeps the amount of bulky items down to a minimum.  The most important thing to remember is that you will be carrying those heavy suitcases!  Also, before a trip, I will start a couple of lists of things we need to bring, one is a list of things to remember that we already own (camera, binoculars, etc.) and the other list is things to buy for the trip (suntan lotion, sunglasses, etc.).

Organization is very important when planning and packing for a trip.  To start the packing process, ask yourself these important questions:

  1. Who is going on the trip?
  2. What is your destination?
  3. How will you be traveling to your destination?
  4. What time of year will you be traveling?
  5. What is the weather forecast?

All these answers will determine the items that you need to pack or purchase.

Travel basics:

  • Gather the travel documents – airline tickets, passport, maps, tour books, etc.
  • Clothing – have at least one outfit for each day, including underwear.  Make sure to pack comfortable shoes.  Depending on the weather conditions of the travel destination, don’t forget to pack an appropriate jacket, sweater or coat.
  • Put aside a set of “travel” clothes – be sure to select items that are comfortable and slip on shoes are easier for airport security or to take off/put on during long car trips.
  • Sometimes it is a good idea to pack a dressy outfit for any unexpected occasion and don’t forget to pack the appropriate shoes and a simple clutch bag.
  • Toiletries – use small leak-proof bottles for shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, body lotion.  Don’t forget toothpaste and a toothbrush for each person, nail clippers, etc.   Keep a small pouch for personal items such as: makeup or feminine products.
  • A mesh laundry bag – this will help keep clean clothes separate from the dirty ones!  Toss in some small plastic shopping bags for muddy clothes or shoes.
  • Small first aid kit – include bandages, aspirin, thermometer, tweezers, etc.
  • Emergency kit – include a small sewing kit with scissors,, pocket knife  (Be sure to store any sharp instruments in check luggage or they will be confiscated by airport security)
  • Small hair dryer or travel iron (check ahead because most hotels will have them in the room and these items will not be necessary to bring)
  • Small backpack or travel bag for daily use.
  • Don’t forget a phone, digital camera, etc.

Travel Tips and Suggestions

Keep important items in a carry-on bag and avoid bringing valuable jewelry.  Never pack travel documents, money or credit cards in checked baggage.

  • Before leaving home, remove unnecessary items from your wallet, such as a library card, department store credit cards, etc.  If you don’t already, keep an emergency contact card in your wallet.  Be sure to include the following information – name and phone number of emergency contact, medical and auto insurance information,  phone number of your doctor and dentist, etc.
  • When traveling internationally, don’t forget to bring conversion / adaptor plugs.  The voltage in other countries can vary as well as socket sizes and shapes, so any small appliances you have pack might not work.
  • When traveling keep all the prescription medications in the original containers and if possible bring the doctor’s prescription as well.  This is a good idea for two reasons, it proves the medication is legitimate and the prescription can be refilled if required.
  • If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to pack an extra set.  I haven’t had to use them, but I am glad that they are there if I lose the ones I am wearing.  Also be sure to bring a small screwdriver kit to repair any loose screws, this I have used to prevent the lenses from falling out of my eyeglass frames.
  • Pack a supply of various sizes of Ziploc Freezer Bags.  They are a little heavier than regular or generic plastic bags.  These bags can be used to store items that can potentially leak, such as shampoo, lotions, etc.  The bags are also an excellent way to store wet bathing suits.  Another use for the bags can be a place to keep souvenirs such as ticket stubs, travel brochures, etc.
  • Be sure to toss in a small packable duffle bag – this will come in handy for souvenirs or other travel purchases.  This is a great idea especially if you have any fragile items to bring back home, the bag can easily become a carry-on bag for the airplane.
  •  Even if you are traveling to a warm and sunny place, it is always a good idea to pack a small travel umbrella or packable rain jackets with hoods for each person.  Be sure to toss these items into the day pack or travel bag and you will be prepared for any unexpected rain shower.
  • When awaken in the middle of the night in a dark hotel room can be unfamiliar and very disorientating, so it is  a good idea to pack a small flashlight or nightlight.

 

Celebration – Independence Day

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Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday which celebrates the United States declaring their independence from England.  This summer day is usually means fireworks and barbecues or a day for family picnics and a trip to see a baseball game.

Representatives from the thirteen colonies meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Revolution.  In June of 1776, the representative from Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, proposed that the Unites States declare their independence from Great Britain.  The Continental Congress voted to approve the resolution on July 2, 1776.  The representatives formed a committee of five members to prepare a Declaration of Independence.  The chief author of the document was Thomas Jefferson and over the next couple of days the Congress debated and revised the wording until finally approving it on July 4, 1776.  This is the day that Americans have come to celebrate.

Independence Day Trivia

  • As the Liberty Bell rang from Independence Hall, crowds gathered in Philadelphia as the Declaration Independence was read in public for the first time on July 8, 1776.
  • Only two men signed the original Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, they were John Hancock and Charles Thomson who was the Secretary of the Second Continental Congress.   A larger copy was made and this is the one that most of the delegates signed on August 2, 1776.  This second document is the one that is on display in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
  • The first signer of the Declaration of Independence was John Hancock; he said he wrote his signature so large because he wanted the King of England to see it without his glasses.   The last signer was Thomas McKean who finally signed the document in January 1977; he later became governor of Pennsylvania.
  • The oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence was Benjamin Franklin who was 70 years old.  The youngest was Edward Rutledge who was 26 years old; he later became the governor of South Carolina.
  • In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day just five hours apart.  Jefferson died first, he was 82 years old and Adams was 90 years old.  The date was July 4, 1826 and it was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Red, white and blue, the colors of the flag of the United States of American, have always been considered patriotic colors but originally the Fourth of July was celebrated with greenery for decorations.
  • The first years of our Nation’s Independence Day were celebrates with artillery canons from the American Revolution battles that were fired on the Fourth of July but eventually this practice was discontinued and slowly replaced by fireworks.

Travel – Philadelphia, PA (Part One)

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Second Continental Congress voting for independence    Betsy Ross the Birth of Old Glory

For the month of July and during the week preceding our Nation’s Independence Day celebration, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share the trip we made to Philadelphia back in 2009.  During our visit we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott across the street from City Hall and it proved to be a great choice because the historic and visitor sites were all located within an easy walking distance from the hotel.  We would suggest starting a visit to the city by stopping at the Independence National Historic Park Visitor Center.  This is the best place to get information such as location, hours and fees for all of the Philadelphia historic sites but most importantly it is the place to pick up timed tickets for a tour of Independence Hall.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House which was used by their colonial government, later the building was loaned as a meeting place for the Second Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War.  It was here that the Congress appointed George Washington as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1775.  Independence Hall is known as the birthplace of the United States and in the Assembly Room is where the Continental Congress debated and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787.  Later, the room was used to display the Liberty Bell and original paintings of the Founding Fathers.

Independence Hall 10     Independence Hall - George Washington StatueAssembly Room 2a

TRAVEL NOTE:  Tickets are required to tour Independence Hall; the timed tickets are available for free on the day of a visit at the Independence Visitor Center starting at 8:30 a.m.  Visitors can request a specific time and are limited to ten tickets, everyone needs a ticket even small children and infants.  We advise visitors to arrive early for tickets because during the busy summer season tickets are often gone by 1 p.m.

Advanced Ticket Reservations are recommended if you required a specific date and time.  Visitors can reserve tickets up to one year in advance through the National Park Reservation system.  The tickets are free but there is a reservation fee of $1.50 per ticket, call 877-444-6777 or see the NPS website at www.recreation.gov for more information.

The Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell Center was completed in 2003 during an extensive recent renovation of the Independence National Historic Park Mall.  When visitors enter the building they will see several exhibits that tell the story of the Liberty Bell through displays and video presentations before finally reaching the glass enclosed area where the historic Liberty Bell hangs from what is believed to be the original yoke made of American elm.  Visible across the street is Independence Hall where the Liberty Bell was displayed for a very long time before it was moved into a glass pavilion located a short distance away on the Independence Mall during United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976 until it moved to the permanent location in the Liberty Bell Center.

Liberty Bell and Independence Hall 3     Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell, a symbol of America and freedom, was ironically cast in London, England and arrived in Philadelphia in 1753 where it hung in the Pennsylvania State House bell tower.  The Liberty Bell has a circumference is 14 feet and weighs 2,080 pounds and the yoke from where it hangs weighs about 100 pounds.  It is made of 70% copper and 25% tin with traces of other metals.   The inscription at the top of the bell reads, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants therof”.  Unfortunately, the first time the bell was rung, the 44 pound clapper cracked the bell.  The bell was recast twice by local Pennsylvania craftsmen John Pass and John Stow, their names along with the city and the date appear on the front of the bell.

TRAVEL NOTE:  Tickets are NOT required to visit the Liberty Bell Center, but the security lines can be very long during the busy summer months.  Along with National security concerns after 9/11, a visitor tried to damage the Liberty Bell with a hammer in 2001.  Since the incident visitors are no longer allow to touch the bell and it hangs out of reach guarded constantly by NPS security.

Franklin Court

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most fascinating people of early American history who lived in colonial and revolutionary Philadelphia.  At a young age of 17 he moved there from Boston.  He was a printer, author and publisher, as well as a scientist, inventor, postmaster, statesman and diplomat.

Located a short distance from Independence Hall is Franklin Court which is currently undergoing an $18 million renovation.  Located on the site of Benjamin Franklin’s home, which was destroyed in 1812, is a 54 foot high steel “Ghost Structure” which was designed by Robert Venturi to represent the former residence.

Also located in the area of Franklin Court is an underground museum with displays of portraits, inventions and other items associated with Benjamin Franklin.  One of the featured inventions is a reproduction of an instrument known as an Armonica, when consists of a set of glass bowls which rotate on a shaft and musical tones are produced when a finger is pressed onto the moistened edges of the bowls.

Located on Market Street in the Franklin Court area is the only active U.S. Postal Office that is not required to fly the American flag since at the time that Franklin was the Postmaster in 1775 Pennsylvania was still an English colony.  Upstairs in the same building is a small U.S. Postal Museum which displays a selection of Franklin memorabilia including several original Pennsylvania Gazettes and historically important U.S. stamps.

Franklin Court - Post Office

TRAVEL TIP:  This U.S. Post Office in Philadelphia is the only place that uses the historic postmark of “B. Free Franklin” to cancel stamps when mailing letters and packages.  Come prepared with your own pre-written postcard to mail and it will make a unique and inexpensive souvenir!)

B. Free Franklin postmark

Betsy Ross Home

Located several blocks from Independence Hall and it is one of the most visited historic sites in Philadelphia.  Betsy Ross is supposed to have rented this home that was originally built in 1740 and she lived there between 1776 and 1779 after the death of her first husband.  Betsy Ross was a local seamstress who has been credited as the person who created the first American Flag.

Betsy Ross House

According to the story told by Betsy Ross’s grandson, William Canby, who told the Pennsylvania Historical Society at the time of the 1876 Independence Day centennial celebrations, that George Washington was a customer of Mrs. Ross while he was the General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.  Washington frequently visited Philadelphia to report to the Second Continental Congress and in June of 1776, he requested that Mrs. Ross create a flag according to his rough pencil drawing.  She reviewed the design and made one suggestion, that the six point stars be changed to five point stars instead.   As the years have passed, historians have found no documented proof to substantiate the claim but the legend still continues.

Christ Church and Burial Grounds

Christ Church is a privately managed historic site, part of the Independence National Historical Park, and located within walking distance from Independence Hall.  Christ Church was originally founded in 1695 and the current building dates back to 1744.  During and after the Revolutionary War many members of the Continental Congress, such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams and other prominent Philadelphia parishioners like Betsy Ross have attended services and for this reason Christ Church has been given a very significant role in the birth of the nation.

Considered one of the finest examples of an Early American church; the exterior of Christ Church has an impressive steeple which was added in 1754 making it the tallest structure within the British colonies for 56 years.  Later, the interior was redesigned by Thomas Walter, the same architect who designed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.  Displayed with Christ Church is the baptismal font from the 1300s donated by All Hallows Church in London, England that was used when William Penn was baptized.  The pulpit that was built in 1769 and the chandelier which was originally installed in 1740 is still in use today.

Christ Church

TRAVEL NOTE:  Christ Church is currently an active Episcopal parish but visitors can enter the Church for free, but it is suggested that a minimal donation be given to help maintain the Church and the nearby Burial Grounds.  Docent talks about the Church’s history, the famous parishioners and the historic artifacts are given on a regular schedule throughout the day.

In 1719, Christ Church purchased two acres of land at the corner of 5th and Arch Streets.  The Christ Church Burial Grounds became the final resting place for over 4,000 of the parishioners including five signers of the Declaration of Independence.  Today, over 1,300 of the historical markers still remain and in 2003 plaques were placed in front of some of the deteriorating gravestones with the words that once appeared and have faded away.

When Benjamin Franklin died in 1790, he was buried in his family plot in the northwest corner of the burial grounds.  In 1858, the descendants of Franklin requested that an opening be made in the brick wall and a metal fence was placed so the public could easily see Franklin’s grave site.  Today, visitors show their respect for Franklin by leaving pennies on his grave as a remembrance of his words once written so long ago, “a penny saved is a penny earned.

Christ Church - Franklin plaque    Christ Church - Franklin's grave
TRAVEL NOTE:  The Christ Church Burial Ground is open every day except during the months of January, February and December.  There is a small admission price, maps and guided tours are available for an additional charge.

These are just some of the historic sites to see when visiting Philadelphia.  Other places to visit within the Independence National Historic Park include:  Declaration House, Elfreth’s Alley, Philosopher’s Hall and Carpenter Hall.    In Philadelphia, PA – Part Two there are several more sites to see, such as the National Constitution Center, the U.S. Mint and the Franklin Institute and Science Museum.  Another place of historic significance, which is located within an easy drive from Philadelphia, is Valley Forge National Historic Park.

Decor – Patriotic Home Decorations

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For the Fourth of July, I don’t have very many patriotic decorations.  Normally, we are in the middle of summer vacation trips or vising family and I don’t really put up any decorations for the holiday.  This year, since we would be home celebrating the holiday with out of state relatives, I decided to pull out the box with patriotic decorations from the basement storage area that I had saved from our old house in California.

So, just like every other holiday, I start by decorating the exterior of the house first. Currently, the front door has a white rose wreath that was put there at the start of Spring and it will probably stay there until the end of Summer.  Usually I will add two small United States flags to the front door wreath and that is the only patriotic decorations I have used since we moved to the Midwest.  This year, we hung three pleated red, white and blue traditional decorations known as “bunting” above our front door to create a festive and patriotic theme to the front porch.

In the interior of our house, I have kept the decorations simple and very minimal.  In our library there is the lawyer bookcase which holds my Boyd’s Bear collection and I have added the patriotic figurines and then I sprinkled tiny red, white and blue resin stars.  On top of the bookcase I set out a small Boyd’s Bear that is wearing a patriotic sweater and it is sitting inside a small red, white and blue painted basket.

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In the family room, I have placed six paper mache stars that are painted red, white and blue on the fireplace mantel.  In the bookcase to the right side on the shelf above the television is an American flag display in a shadowbox that is a remembrance of our vacation in Washington D.C. several years ago.  Prior to our trip, I wrote our local congressman and arranged for a flag to be flown above the U.S. Capitol on the day that we visited and toured the building.  (I’m not sure if this service is still available; if you are interested please call your congressman or state representative to find out)  On the shelf next to the shadowbox, I have placed the farmed certificate that came with the flag which notes the date that we visited Washington D.C.  As a nod to being a native Californian, which has been transplanted to the Midwest, I’ve added a bronze bear that resembles the one on the California state flag.  These items are on display year round in our library and they are the perfect patriotic items for this American holiday.

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In the kitchen, the patriotic decorations are still very simple and minimal.  Hanging on the oven door are two red, white and blue towels.  (of course, these towels are used for display purposes only and my family has been given strict instructions never, ever to use them! LOL)  Two of the matching napkins are tucked into the vegetable basket that is displayed on the kitchen counter year round.  Then across the kitchen, in the shape above the cabinets over the desk area, are a red, a white and a blue ceramic bowls which are the perfect patriotic touch.

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In our dining room, there is a lovely oak china cabinet that holds our Noritake Rothschild china and silver serving pieces.  As a very simple touch, in the tea cups I’ve placed four silver and mirror stars.  On the dining room table, I’ve used a red, white and blue fabric as a table runner.  In the center of the table is a floral centerpiece of golden roses and I’ve added two American flags.  I have used more American flags in our other floral arrangements, one in our entry hall and one in our family room.

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Celebration – Mother of the Bride & Groom

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A family wedding is an exciting time not only for the bridal couple but for their family too, especially their parents.  Today’s brides tend to be older at the time of their wedding, will make most of the decisions with the groom, and together the bridal couple will pay for the majority of the wedding expenses.

Mother of the Bride

Traditionally, the mother of the bride will help the bride prepare for the wedding and this means that sometimes she will act as a hostess at the engagement party and wedding reception while at other times she will act as a wedding consultant when helping her daughter select the details for the wedding ceremony and reception.  The key is to enjoy this special time together and be supportive of the wonderful bride!

Duties of a Mother of the Bride

Before the Wedding:

  1. First and most importantly, be there to lovingly support and gently guide the bride when your opinion is asked or required.
  2. If the bride’s parents are paying for a large portion of the wedding, be sure to set a realistic budget.  This might be one of the most difficult things to do, but setting a limit from the start will hopefully prevent any miscommunications and potential arguments.
  3. With the bridal couple’s consent, contact the parents of the groom to arrange a quite introductory meeting and celebrate the upcoming happy event.
  4. Assist the bride with the wedding guest list.  Be sure to coordinate with the groom and his family.  Help the bride with any questions about family or friends and be prepared to make some compromises depending on the budget.
  5. Accompany the bride as she shops for her wedding dress and accessories.  Wait until the bride asks for your option, stop and take a moment to think, and then be honest and gentle with your response.  Be sure to support the bride on her final decision.
  6. Be available to assist the bridal couple with decisions about the ceremony and reception venues, along with choices for floral, decoration, entertainment, etc.  Remember that it is their celebration and should reflect their personalities while at the same time keep within the budget.  If you feel uncomfortable with some their choices, be honest and gently communicate your feelings.  Be willing to make compromises and to find a good solution to any problems.
  7. Coordinate with the maid/matron of honor on the bridal shower.  It is not considered proper etiquette for the mother of the bride to host, but it is acceptable to offer your home for the event.
  8. As early as possible, select your dress for the wedding.  Generally, it is preferred that the dress coordinates with the wedding’s overall color and style while complementing the bridesmaids and mother of the dresses.  Be sure to consult with the bride on your final decision.
  9. Be available to participate in the wedding rehearsal and attend the dinner that usually follows.

On the Wedding Day:

  1. The most important thing to do on your daughter’s wedding day is to be there to lovingly support and gently guide the bride if she needs assistance or is a bundle of nerves!
  2. Overall, the duties of the mother of the bride and will depend on the style and choice of venue for the ceremony and reception.  Be sure to discuss the schedule with the bridal couple to ensure that their special day is free of any problems.
  3. Assist the bride as she dresses before the ceremony.  Take the time to have a private moment with your daughter before the ceremony starts to tell her how proud you are of her.
  4. Before the ceremony would be a great time to present her with a special gift, perhaps it is something old, new or blue – please check out this month’s Celebration post “Something old, new…” for ideas and suggestions regarding this wonderful tradition.
  5. Be sure to greet and welcome all the guests with a smile.  Introduce yourself and your husband to guests such as the relatives of the groom or friends of the bridal couple that you have not previously meet.
  6. If you are seated at the parent’s table during the reception, take the time to circulate around the room and be sure to thank family and friends for attending the wedding.
  7. Be available for the traditional dance with the father of the bride and the groom.
  8. Take the time during the day to tell your daughter how proud you are for her, how beautiful she looks and how happy you are for her and her new husband!
  9. Most importantly, take the time to enjoy the day!  Be assured that as a parent, you have raised a wonderful daughter with good values and you deserve to celebrate!!

Mother of the Groom

In the past, Mother of the Groom was very limited but now her role and responsibilities have greatly expanded.

Duties of a Mother of the Bride

  1. First and most importantly, be there to lovingly support the groom through the most important event of his life and be available when your opinion is asked or required.
  2. After the bridal couple engagement is announced, it is customary for the parents of the groom to meet the bride’s parents before the wedding.  If it hasn’t been previously arranged, consider hosting a luncheon or dinner to introduce the groom’s immediate family to the bride’s family.
  3. When asked, provide the bride with a list of guests to invite from the groom’s side of the family.  Please sure to check for the allotted number of guests the groom is able to invite.  As the wedding date approaches, offer to call invited guests on the groom’s side that have not responded.
  4. Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for the engagement and wedding rings, the rehearsal dinner, the groom’s tuxedo, the bride’s bouquet and the boutonnieres for the groomsmen and transportation for the wedding ceremony and reception.  However, these are only suggestions.
  5. Attend any bridal shower you are invited to and offer your services to help if necessary.  Think about bring a sentimental gift, maybe a photo album of baby pictures of the groom.
  6. Help the out of town guests on the groom’s side of the family with hotel reservation, have a list of hotels located within in the area of the ceremony and reception.
  7. Shop early for your mother of the groom dress, coordinate style and colors with the mother of the bride.  When shopping, ask the bride to come to provide her advice and opinion – think of it as a bonding experience with just the two of you!
  8. If asked by the bridal couple, provide some song recommendations for the mother/son dance at the reception.
  9. The night before the wedding and after the rehearsal, the groom’s parents usually host a rehearsal dinner at a nearby venue.

Gift suggestions for the parents of the bridal couple

To show the parents of the bride and groom that there support during the planning stages of the wedding are appreciated, it is a very thoughtful gesture to give each set of parents a thank you gift.  Listed below are some suggestions:

  1. Wedding Album – A selection of the wedding portraits will make a treasured and sentimental gift.
  2. Spa or resort reservations – after the stressful and hectic process of planning a wedding it would be a lovely idea to send the parents of the bridal couple to a favorite spa or resort for some much needed relaxation.
  3. Dinner reservations to a favorite restaurant – the bridal couple’s parents would appreciate a wonderful meal at a wonderful restaurant.