Be Sure to Look Down...Weekend Reflections

My last morning in Florence, February 2009 afforded me this lovely composition right at my feet as I headed back to my hotel in the Piazza della Repubblica. Other than framing, and putting my blog logo on the photograph, this is SOOC.

This is my second entry into WEEKEND REFLECTIONS hosted by James. Please join in this wonderful meme.

Retired Presidential Helicopter-SkyWatch Friday

One of the highlights of a trip to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is the chance to step aboard Army One--the helicopter used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Extensively restored and now on permanent display at the library, the helicopter presents visitors with a rare chance to see how presidents traveled aboard one of the most storied aircraft ever made.


The helicopter, which seats sixteen and cost a million dollars to construct in 1960, is a six-ton Sikorsky VH 3A "Sea King" model, bureau number 150617. During its presidential service, the helicopter was known either as Marine One or Army One, depending on whether Marine or Army pilots were operating the craft. President Nixon used it on more than 180 trips, including on overseas visits such as his summit meeting with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt in 1974.

Perhaps his most famous use of the helicopter was his last, on August 9, 1974. On that day, President Nixon resigned and flew in the helicopter from the South Lawn of the White House to Andrews Air Force Base, where he boarded Air Force One for a flight to his private residence in San Clemente, California.

The helicopter was retired from White House service in 1976 and later used for the training of Secret Service. After being put in storage, the helicopter's interior and exterior were restored, and it was installed on the grounds of the library in 2006.

The Sikorsky VH 3A "Sea King" helicopter is on loan courtesy of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Do stop by and visit all my friends at SKYWATCH FRIDAY and share in the new year's spirit. Skywatch Friday was created by Dot, and perfected by Tom and is now hosted by Klaus. Skywatch members are Wren, Sandy, Sylvia, Louise, Fishing Guy, and Klaus.

Alternative Transportation-My World Tuesday

Sitting at a stoplight in Lancaster County Pennsylvania I spotted this shot. Needless to say, I whipped out my camera and snapped away. The other shot of the horses/buggies was taken at the market and the last shot taken on the road back to where I was staying (note cars crossing double line to pass the horses/buggy).

Mid September 2009 I attended the annual picnic hosted by the publisher of my two books in Atglen, Pennsylvania (located in the heart of Amish country). Stayed in an interesting bed and breakfast, better less said about it (which I will not stay at again) but, overall had a most wonderful time flitting about in the Amish countryside in the rain. So wishing the weather would have been more cooperative. It rained the entire time I was there until the day I left when beautiful blue skies appeared and, unfortunately, I had to travel non-stop home (a long drive back to Virginia).

Do stop by the fab meme MY WORLD TUESDAY and check out the many contributors from all over the world. That's My World is hosted each week by Klaus and the My World team, Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia. It's a wonderful place to see the world from the comfort of your home :)