Testing camera

As part of my preparations for my big vacation I bought a new phone. With a great camera... Hopefully I can figure out how to upload to my blogspot!

Published with Photo Blogger for Windows Phone.

American Gothic House

In Eldon, Iowa there is the house from the famous American Gothic painting! They had costumes and props to pose and attempt to recreate that famous painting. Quite the fun first stop!

Des Moines, Iowa

Another stunning capitol building. I really recommend visiting the capitols. They really give a good sense of the state history and are typically stunning eye candy. Do note the odd dolls they are the governors wives in their inaugural gowns. Also the spiral staircase in the library - so many steps

Council bluffs Iowa

This town is known for their Black squirrels. Toured the squirrel cage jail. Sat on some bronze squirrel statues and played in Fairmont park. Fun times!

El Camino de Santiago...

In August I will be making the trek across northern Spain from St. Jean Pied de Port to Sanitago de Compostela.

I am hoping to update this blog with photos and a recapturing of my journey however, I am unsure if I'll have much internet or computer access. 

For now I have my backpack, boots , and trekking pole. Now to just get use to the daily 13 miles (21 Km) walks.

Bishopville topiaries

Mr. Pearl Fryar was recently featured in a documentary because of his garden of topiaries. I am unsure of the details but my dad tipped me off to this stop and I am so glad he did! Bishopville was about 2 hours out of the way but a worthwhile detour Mr. Fryar is in his 80's and has created a massive garden full of topiaries basically think large bonsai trees and other sculpture like displays. He also taught his neighbors so the whole block is full of neatly groomed bushes.

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Columbia, SC capitol building

Made it to South Carolina and toured the capitol building. My guide said I was lucky because it wasn't too hot, I looked up at him from behind my sweat matted bangs. It is really hot seriously and the mosquito level is outrageous! With that said South Carolina is beautiful lots to see and even more deliciousness to eat.

The current capitol building is in Columbia and rich with beauty and history with Iron staircases, hand carved stone ceiling and columns, mosaic stained glass, and so many paintings. Our guide was definitely pro South Carolina and had some choice words to say about those "North Carolinians". He explained the flag has a palmetto tree and a crescent or gorget. The palmetto tree story is - in the revolutionary war there was a main building built out of palmetto trees attacked by a ship the cannon balls bounced off it and the ships left dejected. The crescent or forget as the french would say is not a moon but rather a piece of armor worn about the neck.

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Angel oak tree

This tree is simply massive! About 400 years old I love the gnarly limbs that have to be supported by 2x4's and wires.

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Scene 75

There is this local arcade/play area that I wanted to check out. I must admit it is a lot of fun for your inner child. After 11pm it is 18+ only I look forward to returning again soon.

Route 66 themed mini-golf

go-karts

  bouncy castles for all ages and sizes!

My goddaughter

Since I haven't posted many pictures of her here. here is Vivian my VERY active fairy god daughter. She is about 20 months old. All of these were taken this month.

Excuse me but I'm trying to watch my shows...

Stunt baby!

 The happy family!

Need more sprinkler and less photo taking please!

Snuggled up in Nemo after happy fun sprinkler time