National Cemetery, Andrew Johnson National Historical Site, Greeneville, Tennessee (2015)

📍: Andrew Johnson National Historic Site (NPS) When I die, I want no more winding sheet than that of the brave old flag…and no softer pillow than the Constitution of my country. -President Andrew Johnson Andrew Johnson chose to be buried atop this hill, then known as “Signal Hill,” which he owned. His family members … More National Cemetery, Andrew Johnson National Historical Site, Greeneville, Tennessee (2015)

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Greeneville, Tennessee (2015)

The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and National Cemetery interprets the life and legacy of the 17th President. Andrew Johnson’s presidency, 1865-1869, illustrates the United States Constitution at work following President Lincoln’s assassination and during attempts to reunify a nation torn by civil war. His presidency shaped the future of the United States and his … More Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Greeneville, Tennessee (2015)

Inside Val-Kill, The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York (2015)

📍: Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site “The greatest thing I have learned is how good it is to come home again.” Eleanor Roosevelt This simple statement expresses her love for the modest house she called Val-Kill. The only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady, Val-Kill welcomes visitors in the style of Mrs. … More Inside Val-Kill, The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York (2015)

Top Cottage, Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York (2015)

📍: Top Cottage, Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site After a day of exploring as much of the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site as we could, I asked my husband if we could make the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site our next stop. Eleanor Roosevelt is someone I have adored because of her … More Top Cottage, Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York (2015)

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York (2015)

“Vanderbilt Mansion NHS, in terms of architecture, interiors, mechanical systems, road systems and landscape, is a remarkably complete example of a gilded-age country place, illustrating the political, economic, social, cultural, and demographic changes that occurred as America industrialized in the years after the Civil War.” -National Park Service FMI: Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde … More Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York (2015)

Camping with Onyx in the White Mountain National Forest (2014)

The White Mountain National Forest is located in the mountains of western Maine and New Hampshire. One of the entry points to the area is through Gilead, Maine about 20 miles from where we live. I spent a lot of my childhood in this area because this is where my mom grew up. I didn’t … More Camping with Onyx in the White Mountain National Forest (2014)

A Brief Visit to Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico (June 6, 2013)

Petroglyph National Monument was one of those New Mexico destinations that immediately captured my attention. Ancient symbols carved into dark volcanic rock, wide-open desert scenery, and miles of walking trails make it the kind of place where history and nature exist side by side. I took several pictures during my visit, but unfortunately, I did … More A Brief Visit to Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico (June 6, 2013)

Exploring Pecos National Historical Park in New Mexico: History, Culture and Reclaiming My Story (June 5, 2013)

We find it amusing that bad actors were planning our demise while I was running around feeling free af with my new service dog Onyx. Ain’t she regal and beautiful. Nothing they did or said takes away from our story and our experiences. We went to New Mexico to support survivors, get meaningful work done, … More Exploring Pecos National Historical Park in New Mexico: History, Culture and Reclaiming My Story (June 5, 2013)