http://www.activeezine.com/pdf/31_7-2009

Malcolm Chase's

Malcolm Chase www.ourspringfieldhome.com

417-689-4877

Dear Friends,

Strike up the band and set off the fireworks! July in all it's glory is bursting across the sky.

The sound of the band playing America the Beautiful, the sizzle and pop of fireworks and a snow cone slowly melting in your hand, life does not get any better!

This month in Welcome Home magazine rediscover your heritage and remember all the brave explorers, patriots, pioneers and military heroes that make this country possible today.

Follow America's fascinating history through a new medium - Quilts! Learn how to create your own fireworks show, without losing a hand, and wow the children and grandchildren in your family with easy and tasty party pleasers that are sure to become annual favorites.

Have a inspiring July, and as always, Welcome Home!

If you have comments or suggestions please email us at welcomehome@activeezine.com , we love to hear from you! Also if there is a subject that you would like to see covered, let us know! We look forward to hearing from you!

Malcolm Chase www.ourspringfieldhome.com

417-689-4877

Welcome Home!

Rustic Plum Tart

Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not intended to solicit other brokersʼ listings. If you are currently working with another broker, please disregard this information.

All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu unless otherwise noted.

Prep: 20 min., Stand: 30 min., Bake: 45 min., Cool: 20 min., Cook: 5 min. If the plums are very ripe, their juices may ooze out of the tart and onto the parchment paper, but this adds to the dessert's charm.

Makes 8 servings Ingredients * Parchment paper * Vegetable cooking spray * 1 1/2 pounds plums, sliced * 1/2 cup sugar * 1/3 cup plum preserves * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice * 1/2 (15-oz.) package refrigerated pie crusts * 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour * 1 large egg * 1 tablespoon sugar * Sweet Cream Topping (optional) Preparation 1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; coat parchment paper with cooking spray.

2. Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together plums and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl.

Let stand 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Unroll piecrust on prepared baking sheet. Roll into a 12-inch circle.

4. Drain plum mixture, reserving liquid. Toss plums in flour.

5. Mound plums in center of piecrust, leaving a 3-inch border. Fold piecrust border up and over plums, pleating as you go, leaving an opening about 5 inches wide in center.

6. Stir together egg and 1 Tbsp. water. Brush piecrust with egg mixture, and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. sugar.

7. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until filling is bubbly and crust is golden. Carefully transfer tart on parchment paper to a wire rack; cool 20 minutes.

8. Meanwhile, bring reserved plum liquid to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil 1 to 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Let cool slightly. Brush or drizzle 1 to 2 Tbsp. hot plum liquid over exposed fruit in center of tart. Serve immediately with remaining plum syrup, and, if desired, Sweet Cream Topping.

Sweet Cream Topping: Stir together 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tsp. brown sugar.

Cover and chill 2 hours before serving. Stir just before serving.

Bruce Wightman, Southern Living, JULY 2008

Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor The information provided in this publication of Welcome Home or on any website maintained

by U.S. Cybertek, INC. or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees (collectively Publisher) is intended as a general guide illustrating common methods of common practices, and the publisher makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever of the safety, effectiveness, or other characteristic of any methods or products described herein. Neither does the Publisher assume any liability for information published in any website or other publication to which reference may be made herein. Readers are cautioned to review and comply with all written instructions, safety bulletins, and other materials provided in connection with any of the products mentioned herein and all products used in connection with any of the methods described. Neither Published nor any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees shall in any case be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special punitive or similar damages arising out of your use of or failure to use any of the methods and/ or products described in this publication or any other publication or websites to which reference may be made herein. Publisher disclaims all warranties, and any warranty or guarantee of safety, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose lies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.

Shine Up Your Patriotism Illuminate Your American Flag American flag lights bring out the patriotic spirit that resides within all of us. Many residents these days have a profound sense of patriotic duty to display their heritage colors for all to see. These dark days have brought war, death, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. This has led to an invigorated sense of moral renewal in our society, and the American flag lies at the center point of this theme. More homeowners are purchasing American flags than ever before to display their inner pride and bring forth a sense of security in an unstable world. Having the proper type of light fixtures for your flag will bring out the color and detail of “Old Glory” after the sun goes down.

There is a variety of illumination products that will assist every American in his or her quest for patriotic utopianism, and fit perfectly into your patriotic theme. The residential landscape lighting professionals can help you select the right product for your job and answer any question you may have pertaining to installation and lighting technique. Every American flag should have beautiful lights to illuminate its glory, during the evening hours!

No resident is required to have lights to display their American flag. The rules and regulations are completely optional and do not come with penalties, because all of us reside in a free country.

However, out of respect for others, residents should adhere to these rules regardless of their personal agenda or bias. If homeowners want to display their American flag 24 hours a day, then they should have the proper type of nighttime fixtures to accommodate their needs. Flags should be “properly illuminated” by a direct light source or be located in an area, where local lighting does the job. It would be difficult for drivers or passerbyʼs to share your patriotic display of affection, if they cannot see “Old Glory” flapping under the dim moonlight.

Product choice is never a problem. There are many selections of flag lights from several top-notch manufacturers, who design their product with intelligent craftsmanship. The flagpole light kits are the perfect choice for up lighting single or multiple fixtures. These durable items use 175-watt metal halide bulbs to work their magic. Residents can illuminate their American flagpoles ranging in height from 15-30 feet and give their outdoor landscape a gorgeous touch of radiant beauty throughout the evening hours.

There also are other patriotic light fixtures that will blend perfectly into your American theme. The offer goes from colorful animated fixtures that come in the shape of the American flag. These whimsical mini lights are energy efficient and will enhance the look and feel of your USA theme.

Users will benefit from the use of LED (light emitting diode) fixtures around their property. The holiday illuminations fixtures produce less heat than traditional light bulbs and will help save on those escalating energy bills, especially during the summer months.

More and more people are displaying the American flag as a symbol of freedom, strength, and unity. These trying times we live in have tested our patience and our ultimate resolve. Our nationʼs symbol of freedom has brought us closer together in our fight for freedom and continues to be an everlasting tribute to peace and stability. The true beauty of the American flag is brought out with wonderful illumination products. The landscape light fixture kits will give “Old Glory” a brilliant shine for all to enjoy during the evening hours.

Written by Kimberly Quang, courtesy of Isnare.com

Food They'll Love!

Fourth of July Party Ideas For Kids Fourth of July marks the high point of summer but sometimes kids get left out of the party because there's only grownup food around. Here are a few food ideas that are sure to please your little ones.

Children love bite size snacks they can carry with them. Just about every child loves macaroni and cheese. You can make it special and portable by hollowing out a small dinner roll and stuffing it with mac and cheese. They won't even need a spoon.

Stuff cherry tomatoes with a mixture of one cup of cottage cheese mixed with one quarter cup of parmesan cheese. Fill a plastic disposable container large enough to serve the stuffed tomatoes, half full of water, then freeze at least overnight.

At party time serve the tomatoes on the lid of the container placed on the ice. For a variation stuff the tomatoes with chicken salad or tuna salad.

Chicken wings are fun and easy. Cut a chicken wing in three pieces. Bake the wings at 350 degrees until done. Serve at room temperature with dipping sauces. Mix equal parts honey, lime juice and mustard for a tangy dip. Or try equal party ketchup and brown sugar for a BBQ like sauce. Each child gets their own little cup of dipping sauce.

Miniature hotdogs and buns are always a hit. Buy the little franks and refrigerator biscuits. Cut the biscuits in half. Place one little frank in the center and roll up. Bake as package directs.

Grill baby burgers and place in a cut dinner roll, top with a slice of tomato, a lettuce leaf, and favorite condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard..

Salad to go. Wash endive leaves. Fill the broad end with a teaspoon of your kid's favorite prepared salad. Wash butter lettuce leaves, selecting the smaller more pliable leaves. Spread out the lettuce leaf and put a tablespoon of salad on the end nearest you. Roll the leaf forward covering the salad. Tuck the ends of the leave under as if you were rolling up a burrito. Lightly fill celery stalk with cream cheese. Press dried cranberries or raisins into the cheese. Cut into child bite sized pieces. For a change use flavored cream cheese.

Child sized pizzas. Use refrigerator biscuits. Lightly flour a board. Roll each biscuit flat doubling the size of the biscuit. Place biscuits on cookie sheets. Spread with a teaspoon of tomato sauce, pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce. An alternative is to use a slice of fresh tomato. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake as package directs.

A veggie platter and dip can be made special by using baby vegetables. Carrots, summer squash, patty pan squash, string beans, both yellow and green should be blanched by immersing in boiling water for one minute and then in immediately in an ice bath. Add snap pea pods, grape tomatoes, both red and yellow, and boiled baby potatoes.

Mini tacos are fun and easy. Use the corn chips that are made for dipping and have a bowl shape. Fill with a teaspoon of cooked taco meat, a bit of refried beans and top with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese just melts.

Usually the challenge with kids and desserts is to stop the kids from only eating the sweet stuff. Here are a few suggestions to carry the mini theme forward. Use small cookies like vanilla snaps or mini chocolate chips cookies. Place a tablespoon of ice cream on the flat side of one cookie and cover with the flat side of another cookie to make a sandwich then freeze in a plastic container.

Use a medium size sugar cookie, about a 3 inch diameter. Frost with vanilla pudding and top with slices of fresh strawberries for a mini strawberry tartlet. Make different varieties: Use chocolate pudding and raspberries, lemon pudding and fresh blueberries.

Children will love you for making them feel special at your Fourth of July party.

Written by Dee Power. Courtesy of Isnare.com

A visit to Arlington National Cemetery

A Lesson in History

For the four million people who visit Arlington National Cemetery every year, the reasons for making the trip vary.

Some might see it as simply a chance to walk among headstones that chronicle the cost of war in very personal terms. Others remember and honor the nation's fallen war heroes. And there are the personal "last farewells" that occur during funeral services for a family member or friend.

The veterans and exceptional individuals buried at Arlington represent a cross-section of Americans who lived from the Revolutionary War to the present military actions overseas. From the perspective of visitors to the Washington, D.C. area, this most hallowed burial ground of fallen American military is one of the most visited sites.

A visit of at least two hours is recommended for those who choose to include Arlington on a student group travel itinerary. Among the highlights of any visit, is the Tomb of the Unknowns and the grave site of President John F. Kennedy.

Arlington National Cemetery has been operational since May 1864, with recent funerals averaging 27 per workday, some from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, others from burials of aging World War II veterans and others.

Renovations of the Display Room and the development of some 40 acres of land are among the recent activities to have taken place at Arlington National Cemetery.

If Arlington House seems out of place among more than 250,000 military graves, standing on a Virginia hillside and rising above the Potomac River as it overlooks the nation's capital, it may be because the estate was not intended to be a national cemetery.

In fact, Arlington House was built by George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of United States President George Washington, and was originally intended be called Mount Washington, a memorial to Custis始 adopted father. Eventually, however, it was given the name of the Custis family ancestral estate in the Virginia tidewater area.

The estate was designed by George Hadfield, who had helped construct the U.S. Capitol. It would take Custis 16 years to complete the Greek revival design.

The first building to be created was the north wing, which was completed in 1802 and served as Custis' home. Part of it was also used to store George Washington memorabilia, including portraits, personal papers, and clothes.

Even after the south wing was finished in 1804, Arlington House was no more than a set of detached buildings. With the completion of the central section in 1818, the house stretched 140 feet from the north to the south wing. Facilities in the central section included a dining room and sitting room, a large hall and a parlor. One of the most recognizable of the section's features is the eight columns of the exterior portico, each 5 feet in diameter at the base.

George Washington Parke Custis married Mary Lee Fitzhugh in 1804 and they lived in Arlington House for the rest of their lives. They were buried together on the property. On June 30, 1831, Custis' only child, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, married her childhood friend and distant cousin, Robert E. Lee. Between 1841 and 1857, Lee was away from Arlington House for several extended periods, serving in the Mexican war under General Winfield Scott, and as superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After his father-in-law died in 1857, Lee returned to Arlington to join his family and to serve as executor of the estate.

Under the terms of her father's will, Mary Anna Custis Lee was given the right to inhabit and control the house for the rest of her life. Custis' will also stipulated that upon Mary Anna's death, full title would pass to her eldest son, George Washington Custis Lee. Robert E. Lee and his wife, Mary Anna, lived at Arlington House until 1861, when Virginia ratified an alliance with the Confederacy and seceded from the Union.

Lee deeply regretted the loss of his home at Arlington, although he continued to feel responsible for the estate.

He was said to have earnestly hoped that the slaves who were left behind would be educated and freed, according to the provisions of George Washington Parke Custis' will.

The property was confiscated by the federal government when property taxes levied against Arlington estate were not paid in person by Mrs. Lee. The property was offered for public sale Jan. 11, 1864, and was purchased by a tax commissioner for "government use, for war, military, charitable and educational purposes."

Arlington National Cemetery was established after Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, who commanded the garrison at Arlington House, appropriated the grounds June 15, 1864, for use as a military cemetery. His intention was to render the house uninhabitable should the Lee family ever attempt to return.

Among the first monuments to Union dead was a stone and masonry burial vault in the rose garden that contained the remains of 1,800 Bull Run casualties.

After the Civil War, the oldest son of Robert E. Lee, George Washington Custis Lee argued in court that the land had been illegally confiscated and that he was the legal owner. In December 1882, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, returned the p r o p e r t y. O n M a r c h 3 , 1 8 8 3 , Congress purchased the property from Lee for $150,000. It became a military reservation.

Written by Dave Knapp. Article courtesy of Isnare.com. Photographs courtesy of sxc.hu. and Peter MacKay.

Today, Arlington National Cemetery, steeped in history, remains a place worthy of a visit during student group travel to the Washington, D.C., area.

The Origin of Quilt Names Did you ever wonder how quilt blocks are named?

As you look through a book with hundreds of quilt blocks, several interesting things pop up. You may discover quilt blocks with a different design while having the same name. Likewise, you will find quilt blocks that look the same yet have different names.

How did this happen? And what is the inspiration for naming quilt blocks in the first place?

A look at history and understanding life in the early years of America are particularly useful to answer these questions.

Since early Americans were driven from England to gain religious freedom, they continued to be very religiously minded in the New World.

All day Sunday was spent at church for both religion and social time. The morning and afternoon sermons were divided by an hour-long lunch break where families would share the events of the week while enjoying the peaceful meal.

Many quilts and quilt blocks reflected that religious devotion. “World Without End," a quilt made during the Revolutionary time period, is a name lifted from the Book of Common Prayer. It was, and still is, a phrase familiar in every church.

It's also interesting to see the range in complexity of making quilt blocks and quilts. The "Star of Bethlehem," "Jacob's Ladder" and "Job's Tears" represent quilts and blocks and were more studied designs. While the "Star and Cross" and "King David's Crown" were simpler and very popular for bed quilts.

In addition, early Americans were also very politically minded. Even though women couldn't vote, they were acutely aware of the importance of the politics of the day.

While originally the political efforts were directed toward economic freedom and relief from onerous taxes, later the politics shifted toward political freedom as well. After a century of local government, Americans were politically astute, and were dedicated to developing the machinery of a republic that would survive.

And the political conversations extended into the quilt blocks created during that time, enabling quilters to express opinions developed as they listened to the arguments of the day.

Even naming a quilt block stirred controversy. A block named "Whig Rose" and "Democrat Rose" created a debate as to which was the correct name - a debate not settled, maybe even today.

Politics and quilts continue to intertwine with "The Little Giant" being named after Stephen A. Douglas (from the Civil War era), the "Free Trade Block" (which has relevance today), "Fifty-four Forty or Fight" (from the early 1800s fight between the US and Canada over territory in the northwest territory) and "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" (a campaign slogan during the Harrison presidential election in 1840).

The trades and occupations of the time also offered inspiration for quilt names. "The Anvil," "The Churn Dash," "The Carpenter's Wheel," and "The Water Mill" were a common part of women's everyday lives.

"The Reel" was a block that represented the once universal occupation of women - spinning. The Reel was used to wind thread onto skeins.

Outdoor life provided more inspiration for quilt block names.

Take, for example, "Flying Bats." Bats were once very common, and without screens in open windows, bats would be attracted to the light inside houses. Once inside, they were blinded by the light of the lamps, and the bats flapped and banged against walls and the ceiling while women ducked and screamed and small boys made a game of chasing them.

With nothing but candles and oil lamps for light, the pioneers relied on the natural light of day for most of their activities. Industrious folk rose early and were able to witness the glory of every sunrise.

It wasn't too unusual that "Rising Sun" quilts would be created.

Maybe the contrast represented the difference in the level of energy of a quilter between the early morning rising and the end of the day, having completed a full day's work.

There are two different methods of making this intricate pattern, both reserved for expert quilt makers.

In sharp contrast, quilt blocks representing the setting sun are much simpler. A Block like "Setting Sun," known also as "Indian Summer" required some skill, since it includes triangles on a curve, yet was not as difficult as the Rising Sun.

Many designs were specific to their community of origin.

And as they migrated away from their community of origin, their form changed. Since there were no printed patterns at the time, duplication of the design depended on copying the pattern by looking at an existing quilt, remembering the design having seen it previously, or understanding a verbal description of the quilt block.

Any of these methods could result in the proportions of the shapes within the block changing, therefore changing the overall look of the quilt; and a new block design with the same name was created, even though the quilter may have thought she was duplicating the quilt block exactly.

What will the inspiration for the quilt block you design be?

Author Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 26 years who shares her quilting experiences with children and senior citizens alike.

Penny hosts http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com and provides information for beginner quilters. Also thanks to a great many talented quilters for photos.

Fireworks

The 6 Things You Must Know To Put On Your Own Show Putting on your own fireworks show can be a dazzling, albeit dangerous undertaking and knowing about the effects as well as the dangers of the different types of fireworks is vital. Before you start, it is essential to call your fire station and local police and find out which fireworks are legal and which are not.

The six most important factors in putting on your own fireworks show include: Selecting a site that is appropriate: Take into consideration the firing area, the fallout area and the spectator area. Select an open area that is away from hospitals and other buildings and make sure the ground is level and there is no dry brush or grass around the display area. Also make sure there is plenty of space around the display area where aerial fireworks can safely fall back on without causing any damage or harm. The spectator area should be at an appropriately safe distance.

Choosing the right combination of fireworks: If you have an adequately safe space, go all out and create a brilliant pyrotechnics show with an assortment of aerial fireworks including rockets, finned missiles, roman candles, helicopters, multi-shot repeaters and reload-able shells kits. You have to limit your choices if you have a smaller space.

Safety: Protect yourself by wearing clothes that are resistant to fire as well as a good pair of safety goggles. It is vital that there should be some source of water nearby, whether it is a water hose or several gallons of water in containers.

Setting up the display: Make all preparations during daylight hours. Place the fireworks with smaller ones in front and the large, high flying ones at the back and further away from the spectator area.

Firing the display: Before starting up the display confirm the direction of the wind and make sure that the fallout area is still downwind and spectator area is still upwind. If the wind direction has changed, you will have to change the position of the fireworks and how they are fired. Have two people handling the display – one for the ground fireworks and the other handling the aerial display.

This will reduce the gaps in the display and enhance the continuity.

Cleaning up after the show: Inspect the whole after the show and make sure there are no smoldering embers left anywhere. Bag up all used fireworks including those that did not light and dispose of them safely. Leaving firework litter around could be highly dangerous.

Fireworks Safety Along with common sense, it is extremely important to read all warnings and cautions and treat fireworks with respect.

While they can result in a brilliant display, they can also cause a lot of damage if used indiscriminately. Make sure all local laws regarding lighting of fireworks are obeyed.

Throwing fireworks from automobiles or lighting them indoors can lead to dangerous situations and accidents. Lighting multiple devices indiscriminately can be equally dangerous.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when lighting fireworks or putting on a fireworks show: Never use illegal explosives or fireworks meant to be handled by professionals only.

If fireworks are illegal in your area, don始t break the law, especially if they have been banned for reasons such as drought conditions.

Light all fireworks only outdoors in open spaces making sure there are no vehicles or other combustible items around.

Do not light fireworks in areas that are surrounded by dry brush or grass as even a spark can start off a full-blown fire.

Do not alter the fireworks in any way or combine them in an indiscriminate manner. Use them as intended to avoid dangerous situations.

Light fireworks only when you are sober. Alcohol and fireworks is a dangerous combination.

Never allow children to play with fireworks unattended or unsupervised.

Wear good safety goggles when lighting fireworks and wear clothes that are flame-retardant.

It is important that there should be a source of water nearby. A water hose with a steady and unlimited supply is the best, but if that is unavailable then ensure you have plenty of water available in several containers.

Never carry fireworks in your pockets or give them to children to carry around.

Never light up a dud immediately. Give it some time to die out completely before approaching.

Written by Gabriel Adams. Courtesy of Isnare.com Photograph's by Jayson Kingsbeer

Products To Love In July Tired of wimpy, flimsy camp chairs? Have we got a solution for you! The MaXXDaddy Monster is about the coolest chair we have ever seen! 2 cup holders, 2 layers of quilted padding, a magazine holder, adjustable and removable head and foot rest, a carry case and last but not least, it始s guaranteed to hold up to 800 lbs! Please visit www.koolestproducts.com for more information.

Want a cooler that really does it始s job?

The new Tundra series from Yeti Coolers has every feature that one could desire from a cooler, plus it始s certified bear resistant! Honestly! How cool is that? It comes in sizes ranging from 35 qt to a whopping 250 qt and in two colors white and desert tan. Please visit www.yeticoolers.com for more information.

Mosquitos are the bane of any nighttime summer event, send them packing with the Citronella by the Hour candle. Elegant and effective this genius candle can be set to burn for exactly the amount of time you need without any waste! It provides up to 80 hours of pest free fun. Please visit www.target.com for more information.

City Spotlight

Washington DC: - Museums, Monuments And Multiculturalism As the nationʼs capital, Washington D.C. is certainly not lacking of museums, monuments, exhibits, historic landmarks and a fantastic potpourri of cuisine and nightlife. The District of Columbia is vibrant and alive with thousands of college students, passionate non-profits and swarms of local and international government employees. Get a taste of this unique social climate when you book your airfare to Washington DC through one of the regionʼs major airports: Dulles International Airport (Virginia), Ronald Reagan International (Virginia), and Baltimore/Washington International (Maryland).

The city itself coexists as both the District of Columbia and the city of Washington. When the city was established, it was planned specifically to serve the United States as seat of government. A dispute arose between Virginia and Maryland as to which state would be home to the nationʼs capital. Thus, the decision was made to establish Washington DC as an independent, non-state entity. What is most interesting about the city is its inhabitants are rule by the United States Congress, which has ultimate authority over DC and resulting in less government representation for residents than they would enjoy in a state.

The National Mall… but Thatʼs Not All! Although you will never find yourself short of things to do or see in Washington DC, there are several must visits in the District. A tour of the Capitol Building is a fascinating way to see the several stages of democracy as they emerged over the course of the nationʼs history.

The building itself was partially burned, along with the rest of the city, in 1814 by British forces and inside you can still see the remains of the old dome and the surrounding new, taller dome. You can also view the first Supreme Court, then housed inside the Capitol. This tour is most exciting because the building is an active part of todayʼs government, full of congressional interns, staffers and Congressmen.

Take a walk on the wilder side of Washington DCʼs Rock Creek Park and visit the famous National Zoo, which is home to Americaʼs famous pandas. Washington DC also offers the very popular Spy Museum, which covers the history of intelligence, espionage and code breaking in the United States and worldwide. The world renowned Smithsonian Institution is the most famous collection of museums and galleries, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the recently added National Museum of the American Indian. From the Smithsonian collection you will have the best view of the Capitol and the Washington Monument at either ends of the grassy Mall.

The Bounty Beyond Washington DC Many of Washington DCʼs attractions are beyond the limits of the District. Once you book your airfare to Washington DC on cFares, plan to explore the outlying areas like Arlington National Cemetery, just across the Potomac in Virginia. Take a bike ride from there down the scenic green waterside of George Washington Parkway to Mount Vernon, the home and plantation of the nationʼs first president, George Washington. Washington DC is also surrounded by several National Parks and recreation areas, including Shenandoah National Park and Anacostia National Park. Find your airfare to Washington DC today and experience the heart and soul of Americaʼs traditions, culture and democratic institutions.

Written by Elyse Morgan, courtesy of Isnare.com Photograph courtesy of Sara Moses.

Random Facts

This month's random fact concerns one of the most famous men in american history, the great George Washington.

The main topic however, is dentures.

Dentures, as everyone knows, are false teeth. They have been made of many materials over the centuries, modern ones being made of acrylic resins or plastic polymers. The original primitive ancestor of dentures were constructed from actual teeth, usually those of animals or deceased humans, can we say ewww? Later in history such materials as ivory, wood, porcelain, rubber and even gold were used.

But getting back to our famous forefather, in his time period the material of choice was wood. His false teeth were made of teak and pine, a rather unusual combination. And much, I'm sure, to his chagrin they eventually rotted right out of his mouth. So the next time you see someone with dentures, or perhaps you look in the mirror, remember the fearless George Washington and all he endured for just a bite to eat.

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