With the Ulysses S. Grant and the Lincoln Home National Historic Sites only about 100 miles apart, I took a couple of days to explore the homes of these two presidents.  When I visited National Parks while I was still working, and thus had limited leisure time, I usually opted out of Ranger-led tours and... Continue Reading →

Given my aversion to big cities, I decided to take advantage of my retiree status and staged out of Scott Air Force Base to explore St. Louis for a few days.  What a great decision that was!  The metro line ends at the base, so it was quicker, and less stressful, to take the metro... Continue Reading →

Since joining the military, I’ve spent 4th of July’s in the U.S. and overseas, in austere conditions and in places of abundance, but one common thread has run through them all; I have spent them with people who were serving in the military, are veterans, or have a loved one in one if those categories. ... Continue Reading →

Irvin S. Cobb Bridge in Brookport. Photo from HistoricBridges.org. Photo credit: Nathan Holth and Rick McOmber I looked up the road and inhaled a deep breath as the imposing blue metal structure came into view. “I’ve crossed long, narrow bridges before - no problem,” I thought to myself. Then I saw the sign:  Motorcyclists use... Continue Reading →

At the conclusion of the CVMA National meeting, I found myself with two weeks of unplanned travel.  I had intended to go back to NC to host my annual 4th of July bash, but for a variety of reasons, I decided to cancel for this year.  So, where to go and what to do with... Continue Reading →

What is a combat veteran?  Well, it depends on who you ask.  The definition can range on one end of the spectrum from a service member who engages in direct, individual physical contact with the enemy to the other end of the spectrum of a service member  who deploys to provide support to combatant units. ... Continue Reading →

No trip to Ohio would be complete without a visit to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park with locations throughout the Dayon, OH area.  Having been in aviation for almost half of my military career, I’m embarrassed to admit that I never really understood why North Carolina license plates claim “First in Flight” and... Continue Reading →

Hey Lori, you still good with me staying with you for a couple days?  I should be there mid-afternoon Sunday. Sure, but I was expecting you on Monday. . . Shit!  With the shift in my travel plans, I got my days all mixed up.  Well, truth be told, I’m famous for mixing up dates... Continue Reading →

Aren’t you scared? Scared of what?  Scared of dropping the bike or of someone attacking me?  Either way, both could happen regardless of my gender.  I’ve done a lot of challenging things in my life.  And you know what?  Very few of them have been limited by my physical strength or anything related to a... Continue Reading →