Our daughter lives on the east coast of Florida. She has been there over ten years now. This continues to be a source of wonder for my wife and me. How could she do this to us? In particular, we think, how could she grow up in Colorado (mostly) and not want to enjoy winter activities? We made sure she learned how to ski. She knows how to drive in snow (unlike what a lot of Californians who have moved to Colorado can say). She loves to go hiking in the mountains. But no, she loves the weather and lifestyle in Florida. So, we get to spend time flying back to Florida from time to time to visit her. She suggests we move there, but we’re like a lot of people—we wouldn’t mind being there from January to March. In other words, “snowbirds.” But full time? No way will we live there from April through October. Too hot and humid, not to mention hurricanes. So, I guess we’ll continue to rack up some airline miles. We’re fortunate we can do this, but the older we get, the less enjoyable flying has become.
DOUG MCCORMICK
There is another aspect when we think of our daughter’s travels lately. Specifically, she was willing to, dare I say it, accompany us on a trip to Virginia last year when we visited the homes of the James Madison (Montpelier) and George Washington (Mount Vernon). We also visited some historical locations in Richmond, Va. You may not think this is a big deal, but when I remember her attitude toward history growing up, it is a very big deal. She really couldn’t stand to hear about American history. When our family lived in Virginia, I remember one trip we took to Williamsburg and then Yorktown. She was in third or fourth grade at the time. We still have a picture of her and her brother walking around the Yorktown battlefield and the look on her face is pretty much like, “just kill me now!” So, it is gratifying to see her be willing to go to the homes and actually remember some of what we talked about. For all the parents out there who think, why should I take my children to a history related place, they’ll probably hate it, hang in there. You never know — it could be worth it and some of it will stick.
On a related topic, if you are interested in the Virginia Dynasty presidents, our daughter “interviews” me on a series of podcasts. We talk some about the political realities facing them, but also spend a significant amount of time on their personal/family challenges. For example, you learn why James and Dolley Madison did not have their own children, but Dolley had a son by her first marriage. And that son basically gambled and drank a lot of their money away. Go online and search for “Ear Tours – American history” and you will find them.
Doug McCormick is retired from the Air Force after spending 21 years as a space operator. He spent 14 years as a defense contractor supporting Air Force Space Command. He is now a tour guide and has started his own business, American History Tours, LLC, specializing in taking people to see locations associated with significant American history. His email address is [email protected].
