Friday in Maryland

Another very pleasant day in the State of 'MEH-re-l'nd' (not 'MARY- land'). This morning, Carmel drove us down to Point Lookout, where there is a lighthouse at the junction of the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay. And also the remains of the civil war's Fort Lincoln. Cornfields, soy beans and red barns were all over the place. 

We passed through St. Mary's City which was the original capital city of the state and which had some replicas of the original (1634) buildings which you could pay to peruse but which we did not. Also wooden fences made with no nails - just rails interlocking really.

We saw Grace and Peace OPC church, a lovely white building set amidst tall trees, then met Lt . Col. Dave for lunch who had a half day off due to the imminent long weekend. We had some Mexican fast food which had beans, rice and salad in it and other unknown goodies but tasted good.

After lunch, Lindy and Carmel went for a drive around the Mennonite area. Here you can see a couple of the horse-drawn buggies they use to get around...

They then visited a fabric shop... enough said.

Pete went with Dave, who drove him around the naval base, pointing out the many amenities available for the 30,000 military and other personnel who work there. The main work is as a testing facility for aircraft, where needed modifications can be identified and included in the production models. There was a staggering array of hardware, as already mentioned. They finished by checking out the naval aircraft museum, full of models and actual examples of aircraft and components.

Getting home about 4 pm we spent the rest of the afternoon watching for Humming Birds, red Cardinals, and numerous other birds and squirrels while sitting outside in the soft evening light watching the water. 

Actually Dave took Dad out in the little canoe, and they looked like two old Grandpas as they lounged in their boat floating along the water down to the Potomac and back. 

Lachlan came home from his school camp so it was good to see him...both kids are sounding very American already! This has been their first week back at school after the long Summer break. They both needed their beds tonight.

It was lovely to have a leisurely dinner together and to enjoy good chats. Two of our girls rang us tonight too (Grace and Sophie) which was very special. Tomorrow it is off to DC, as Washington is called here. It has been a lovely few days here in Maryland.