Bus Trip to Washington D.C.

In April of 2005, George and I went with a group of people to Washington D.C. on a tour bus. We went for a specific reason (which I'll talk about in tomorrow's blog), but we also just happened to be there during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Today, I'll share these pictures with you. But first, let me tell you a little about the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival is an annual two-week, city-wide event featuring more than 200 international cultural performances and over 90 other special events. From arts and exhibits to cuisine and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy!


In 1912, the people of Japan sent 3,020 cherry trees to the United States as a gift of friendship. First Lady Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two cherry trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin. These two original trees are still standing today near the John Paul Jones statue at the south end of 17th Street. Workmen planted the remainder of the trees around the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park.


Approximately 3,750 cherry trees are on the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. Most of the trees are Yoshino Cherry. Other species include Kwanzan Cherry, Akebono Cherry, Takesimensis Cherry, Usuzumi Cherry, Weeping Japanese Cherry, Sargent Cherry, Autumn Flowering Cherry, Fugenzo Cherry, Afterglow Cherry, Shirofugen Cherry and Okame Cherry. I didn't know that there were THAT many different Cherry trees. Did you???? Washington, DC’s famed cherry trees grow in three park locations: around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, in East Potomac Park (Hains Point), and on the grounds of the Washington Monument.


Since we were in D.C. for another reason, we only got to see the beautiful Cherry trees from our bus. Therefore, the photos are not as good as they might have been IF we had have been able to walk around more. But, hopefully, you will enjoy them anyhow!!!! The picture above shows one of the Cherry trees--with the Washington Monument in the background. Below are more photos.







Here's one of the beautiful white Cherries.







Here's one of the pretty Pink Weeping Cherry tree.









I included these also--even though they are a little blurry. Aren't they beautiful????







I love seeing the blue sky behind these pink Cherry trees.











In this picture are more Cherry trees ---and you can also see the Lincoln Memorial.









Excuse the bus window reflection, but enjoy seeing the Washington Monument and the World War I American Army Monument.









The bus ride was really pretty--especially as we drove through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.









We paralleled the Blue Ridge Parkway while enjoying the Shenandoah Valley.


We had a great trip ---so tune in tomorrow to see why we REALLY went to D.C. Have a fabulous Easter Weekend. Eat a big chocolate bunny for me!
Hugs,

P.S. Fellow bloggers have been SO nice to me. If you look down on my sidebar, you'll see several different blogger awards that I have received. These mean so much to me---and I appreciate all of my blogger friends who not only have given me an award--but especially those of you who come to my posts and leave such nice comments. SO---today, I am giving these awards to YOU... Just look through the list and choose one or two, grab them and put them on your blog from ME!!!!! Happy Easter... I love all of you!

Two Very Special People

As some of you may know, I LOVE doing family history. And---I have put together several albums of pictures, news articles, old letters and other interesting things (that I hope one of my grandchildren will enjoy having someday). Today's post is about my Mom and Dad's love which led to their marriage on Sept. 6, 1919. Mom was Edith Marguerite Ballard and Dad was Simon Edgar Banks.

Here's a little background. Mom's mother (Ida Bruce Ballard) died when Mom was only four years old. Her father, James Ballard, remarried and moved to Newport News, VA. Mom was basically raised by several aunts (her mother's sisters who lived in Big Stone Gap) AND her father's sisters (who lived in Bristol, VA).

Mom was almost 19 when she and Daddy got married. Dad was 30 --and had already been in the Navy before they got married. I think Daddy swept Mom off of her feet---but he had to get permission from all of those aunts in order to marry Mom. Here is a piece of the letter (I have the original) he wrote to one of the aunts:

Dear Rosa,
Edith and I have asked Miss Flora if she would consent to our marriage, sometime during the coming Fall, and she naturally feels that I should write you, Miss Alice and Robert (uncle), asking your consent also.

We will tell you all about our plans when you come home. Wish you would answer by return mail, telling us whether or not you will consent. Robert has already assured us that it is perfectly satisfactory to him. Expect to hear from Miss Alice tonight.

Hope you are enjoying your trip.
Sincerely, Simon

Well---needless to say, they ALL consented (Can you just imagine my Dad's fear ---when having to ask all of those aunts if he could marry Mom????ha) and Mom and Dad were married that September. They raised 3 children: Raymond Edgar Banks --born 1922, James Ballard Banks--born in 1930 and ME (Elizabeth Bruce Banks)--born in 1942. Daddy lived until May, 1969--- a few months before his 80th birthday. Mom lived until 1991--and died at age 91. Mom and Dad were married for 49 years (would have been 50 if Dad had have lived until Sept.). The picture above is Mom and Dad and Snowball (our cat) taken about 1960. The picture on the wall above them is my grandmother, Ida Elizabeth Bruce, (Mom's mother). More pictures are below.




I love this picture of Dad and Mom ---taken sometime BEFORE they got married in 1919. Even though Dad was 11 years older than Mom, they had a fabulous life together. I can't help but wonder what all of those Aunts (who raised Mom) thought about her getting married to a man 11 yrs. older!!!! Bet Dad was shaking in his boots when he asked that family for her hand! ha




"Will you marry me, Edith Ballard?" She obviously said YES!!!! (Thank Goodness, or I wouldn't be here!!! ha)




A pillow fight no less???? Hmmmmm---looks like two people in love, having fun, doesn't it? Don't you love these old pictures???? I'm so glad I have them.





Moving on, to about 1943, when Mom and Dad were so happy --that their little girl named Betsy was walking!!!!




This was about 1948 (I was about 6 yrs. old) and was taken in front of our home, at Christmastime (obviously). My dolly was named Lulu (after one of my favorite Great Aunts). I was truly my Daddy's little girl!!!




This was a picture of Mom and Dad ---taken sometime in the '60's I think. Mom used to love to decorate BIGTIME for Christmas. See that clock on the mantel? I have it now---and it works perfectly... It's so precious to me, like my other two older clocks.




I love this picture of my parents --probably more than any of the others. This was the way I remembered them. This one was probably taken in the '60's sometime. Mom always had beautiful flowers in the yard and two gorgeous Dogwoods in the side yard, a pink one and a white one.




Finally, this is probably the last 'family' picture we had. It was taken in 1961 I think. From left to right: my older brother Raymond (Ray), Brother Jimmy (Jim), Dad, Mom and me. Jimmy died from cancer in 1985 ---so brother Ray is the only family member I have left (besides my own children). Ray (who is now 86) is in a nursing home in Jacksonville, FL--and is only in fair health.

Hope you enjoyed meeting my Dad and Mom. I miss them both SO much---and only wish they could have met George.
Hugs,