March and April were months of great hope and even greater loss. April 13^th our mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend passed away. Evelyn Turitz died at 94 and joined our dear father, Leo Turitz, at her final resting place in Meridian, Mississippi. We all celebrate her joy in living and her ability to inspire goodness in others. I miss her so much.

The hope stems from our fear and waiting for Mitch’s biopsy to return from the lab. On April 3^rd Mitch had several lymph nodes removed from under his left arm. The initial diagnosis was lymphoma. When we returned from our cruise and saw the surgeon on April 24^th he happily announced that the cells were non malignant. Mitch has adult histocytosis, a relatively rare condition. Ironically, the only effective treatment is the use of prednisone. Mitch is already using it to help control his ongoing kidney problem.

We hesitated about going on the cruise because my mother was failing physically but she rallied and ate a big meal unexpectedly. Everyone, including hospice care, was surprised that she roused with such vigor. Encouraged by my sisters, we embarked on a 14 day cruise down to Aruba and Curacao then heading north to six other islands.

The weather was terrific and the water almost as calm as a lake. It is not unusual to meet compatible couples on board and never hear from them following a cruise. This cruise was the exception. During the evening happy hour we spent relaxing time with Nancy and Mike and another couple, John and Dee. We have heard from both couples via e-mail.

Ian and Colleen are from Alberta. We toured several islands in their company. As semi seasoned travelers we have learned to not always take the tours offered by the cruise lines. Almost identical tours can be found near the docks given by local guides. We lucked out and found some very informative and enthusiastic guides. The dollars saved in this way were often spent in local merchandise. Yes, we have also heard from Ian and Colleen and have been invited to visit with them on their farm/ranch when we happen to be near by. Mitch and I strongly believe that if we continue our RV travels that we will take them up on their gracious invitation.

Passover was celebrated while we were on board. We contacted Rabbi Arfa after learning that Mum had passed away. He was kind, sympathetic and comforted us as only a good clergyman can. I thanked him at the time but I wish I could offer my thanks again. Does anyone know of him? I believe that he is a Reform Rabbi.

We also want to say “hi” to Chris, Jan, Elliot and Joyce, our very nice dinner companions.

With the blessings of Mitch’s doctors we started back on the road on May 8^th. We visited with my sister, Rhoda and played with great nephew, James. He is a cute, active little guy with a wonderful smile and dimples.

May 13^th we arrived in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This area has some delightful historic districts, museums and National Park Service buildings about battlefields and the way of life in the 1860’s. There are so many that I will highlight just a few. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop gave a wonderful overview of colonial medical practices. This included cures for hysteria and the deadly night air. Leeches, antimony, mercury and burned feathers were some of the more unusual cures. The Scottish Dr. Mercer distilled his own potions with great care. Obviously, if one survived then the medicine was good.

The Rising Sun Tavern was built in 1760 and originally served as the home of Charles Washington. It was the only “proper” tavern in the area that was able to serve the gentry. Women were served tea in a salon that was well away from the rowdiness of drinking and card games. They were fortunate in that they shared a bed with only three other women. They slept in a sitting position to avoid consumption. Gentlemen were not so lucky. Usually there were five or six men to a bed. The “common” men slept on a thin mattress on a floor with a dozen or more men. If they were lucky they might get to use a thin blanket for comfort. Our enthusiastic docent explained how easy it was to get trench mouth. He also showed us the weight based mouse trap of the time. Life has certainly improved from that era.

On the 15^th we went to the National Park visitors center in Chancellorsville to see the shrine built for Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson and to watch a good film on the battles of the Civil War. The home and art studio of Gari Melchers was very impressive. He studied and maintained studios in Paris, New York and Virginia. Not all artists get to enjoy their successes while they live. Mr. and Mrs. Melcher did not have children so they donated their home, studio and gardens to the state.

The Ferry Farm is the childhood home of George Washington. The farm was capably run by his mother who was widowed fairly young. The buildings had not been maintained so now there is an active archaeological dig on the farm. The main house, slave quarters and garden areas have been located. The people on the dig are anxious to share information on how they are preparing to recreate the buildings. While we were conversing I asked about recent finds. The lady dug into a bag and handed me a potsherd and Mitch a piece of pipe stem that they found that day. This brief contact brought history to life.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center comprises two buildings. The town hall and market house were once the center of the city’s social, commercial and legal activity.

Dumfries was our next stop. Near by are the farms and fields of Manassas. Both the first and second battles of Manassas took place here. Both the Union and Confederate armies expected a swift and convincing victory. Four long years later when General Lee accepted the defeat of the Confederacy at Appomattox the human toll was phenomenal. I am amazed that the nation was able to heal after such an emotional conflict.

The battles, also know as Bull Run, took place at Matthews Hill, Henry Hill and Chinn Ridge. Judith Carter Henry was the only civilian to be mortally wounded by artillery fire. During the first battle, the Confederate army confused itself by issuing uniforms of many different colors causing some units to fire at each other. Shortly after, they issued only uniforms of gray . “Stonewall” Jackson received his nickname here.

Weather kept us from going by foot over the battlefields. We had lots of rainstorms accompanied by some lightning and thunder. We did do a driving tour of the 12 major points along an 18 mile route. The only remaining building is the Stone house which sheltered the wounded as a Union field hospital during both battles. The stone bridge was destroyed and rebuilt twice during the period between July 1861 and August 1862.

Lee opened his campaign using this bridge to invade Union territory.

One last outstanding place to see before I end this segment. In Quantico, Virginia there is the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Plan on spending about four hours there and do rent the audio tour at $3 a person. It is well worth the small price. The museum is a lasting inspiration to the U.S. Marines. The exhibits are beautifully done. It covers the complete history by immersing the visitor in sight and sound of Marines in action.

Our next place to tour is Washington D.C.