Friday, May 31, 2013

Celebrating the first half

I turn 50 in 15 months.  Its a very abstract concept for me since, in my mind, I still see myself somewhere in my 30's.  Of course, the arthritis has others ideas.  It likes me to feel 90 on some days.  Anyway, so why am I writing about a birthday that's still a ways off?  Because; I want to take a trip for my 50th and it's a trip that's going to take some planning and I'm reaching out to you, my friends and family, to help.

For my 50th I want Don and I to take 3-4 weeks off work, get an RV and take a trip heading west.  There's several reasons I want to do this.  Growing up I had the wonderful opportunity to see so much of the world but I have seen very little of my own country.  I want to change that.  We want to check out the states on our list of potential places to move so when we're ready to buy land we know where we want to look.  And, last but not least, maybe get the chance to see some friends.

Here's where you all come in.  I'm looking for suggestions of places to visit, things that must be seen, even restaurants that aren't to be missed....or, places to avoid like the plague.  Below is a list of states we're looking to plot our course through though it's not etched in stone.  The ones in blue are states that are on our retirement list.  What our final route looks like will really depend on where things and people are we want to see.  So, share your wisdom with me!  Where would you go if this were your trip??

West Virginia
Ohio - will probably just be doing Jackson and Cincy stops
Indiana
Illinois
Wisconsin
Minnesota
South Dakota
Montana - eastern part
Wyoming
Idaho - eastern part
Colorado
Kansas
Missouri
Tennessee
North Carolina - probably just stopping for family visits.
Virginia


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Three strikes, you're..........President?

I'm curious what people's thoughts are on three highly politically-charged news stories, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum.  As always, feel free to share your opinions and comment on others'.  Respectful and thoughtful debate is always welcome; insults are never tolerated.

1. The IRS admitting to singling out and harassing conservative groups.
2. The Department of Justice obtaining phone records of AP reporters.
3. The Benghazi testimony.

I'm still researching and working out my thoughts on these three stories but will post what I think in the near future.