I am happy to announce that I have returned from a wonderful vacation in London and Paris with my older son, and am ready to resume regular commentary on American Politics, Government, and History.
I had never traveled overseas since my younger son was Bar Mitzvahed in 1996 in Israel, but my older son has done a lot of travel in Europe, some for work purposes, and also for vacations. He wanted to treat me to an all expenses paid trip to my two favorite European nations, the United Kingdom and France, to honor me for Fathers Day, and for his 40th birthday, with him being born on that day in 1979.
We saw all of the historic and cultural sites I had always wanted to visit, and it enriched my historical and cultural knowledge, and increased the bonding I have for my older son, but with equal feelings for my younger son as well. This was a trip of just the two of us, since we had not spent much time together over the past decade since he moved to the Washington DC area, and myself continuing to reside in South Florida.
I was totally out of touch for the two weeks in regards to the news, and only now am catching up on the events, including the danger of war with Iran; the resignation of White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders; the threat to have mass deportation of undocumented immigrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the usual maniacal behavior and utterances of Donald Trump; and the preparations for the first Democratic Presidential debates in Miami this coming Wednesday and Thursday, June 26-27, with Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg not having the best fortune in this past week, and Elizabeth Warren seemingly surging for now, while others are hoping for a breakthrough as a result of these two nights of debates.
I plan to comment daily on those events and trends that seem worthy of the most attention, and I am glad to invite my readers to return to a daily interaction, although while visiting Washington DC in two weeks from now for tourism and family, it is possible I might miss a day or two as a result.
Thanks, everyone, for your patience, as I took the most wonderful and enriching trip imaginable in the past two weeks.
Welcome home, Ronald!
I can relate to much of this.
In 2002, my father and I went to Hawaii. It was for his 70th birthday. And I was glad to get him there while he is still alive. On May 12, which was also Mother’s Day, he turned 87. He was born three weeks after the legendary actress–writer–director Elaine May (who, born April 21, 1932, won a best-actress Tony on June 9). So this gives you a good idea how far along my father is. (He loved May’s collaborations with Mike Nichols.)
I usually go once a year to Colorado. City of Fort Collins. College town. My aunt, the sister of my late mother, lives there. We are close. But, I may not get there this year.
A vacation is good. From what you described, of having been away, it sounds like you truly followed through with the point of why one takes a vacation. So, it is really good you did that—and with your son—as it is not wise to assume one will always have the chance to do that later. (I know, 17 years later, it was good to get my father to Hawaii because I, who will turn 48 in August, have also not made a return trip.)
Welcome back!
Thanks so much, D, much appreciated!
Yes, family is important, and it was refreshing NOT to follow the news, as my son said “Dad, you are on vacation, so take a break!”
But politics and history are part of my blood, both in the classroom, in lecturing, on this blog, and my many articles on History News Network and my radio commentary on WWGH 107.1 FM, Marion, Ohio!
I am glad with my life’s work, and have told students I cannot die because I will want to know the results of every Presidential and Congressional election in the future, LOL, HAHAHAHA!
Glad you had a nice trip.
Thanks so much, Rustbelt Democrat, and your other family members! 🙂
Only places outside of the US we’ve been are a bus trip to Canada (Quebec and Niagra Falls) and a cruise to the Bahamas (Nassau).
Other than the recent trip to London and Paris, I have only been to Israel for my younger son’s Bar Mitzvah in 1996, going through Germany.
I have also been to Montreal, Toronto, and Victoria in British Columbia, but NOT Vancouver, which is a goal for the future.
Also, I have been to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
So not exactly a world traveler, lol, but hope some day to go to Spain and Portugal, and Italy and Greece.