The Reocurence of the NSA

Finding out that we were so near the National Cryptologic Museum we thought it seemed like the perfect place to spend an afternoon!  Located next to the NSA (Hi NSA!) 

Fortunately for us, in addition to the typical museum exhibits, they also had ACTIVITES!  :)

While we were probably not their intended audience, these activities were quite fun!  Including create your own cipher, write with invisible ink, and something else which can't safely be mentioned here... 

(Hi NSA, again.)

This is a piece of the World Trade Center that was recovered after 9/11.
Written below the stone are the words of then President George W. Bush,
"None of us will ever forget this day. Yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world."

Oops... it's always a good idea to check your gifts before placing them in your office, as they might have a hidden microphone. A U.S. ambassador learned this the hard way when he was gifted with a carved wooden plaque of the Great Seal of the United States in 1945.  Unfortunately this plaque hung in his office until the microphone was discovered by accident seven years later...

Remembering the important work of those who have served before, in silence.  By necessity, the work of a cryptologist must be completed in secret as the very nature of their craft is secret itself.

It wasn't until Clara Barton was in her 50's that she founded the American Red Cross in the late 1800's.  A visit to her former residence and at one time headquarters for the Red Cross here in America, allowed us to see and learn a bit more about who she was.

The doors with glass panes still bear the Red Cross symbol and writing indicating the work which was done here.

The formal room below is one of the few fully finished rooms in the home.  In order to save money, Clara had bandage cloths tacked to the walls and ceilings of most of the house instead of a more expensive plaster finish.

"I get up in the morning to live. Life is so rich with experience, I try to live it to the fullest."

On another note, pop quiz - anyone know what the purpose of these metal ribs would be on an entry way?

Apparently they're 'deer grates'...  To keep deer out of gardens.  I hope they work, because when not expecting them, they're quite shocking to drive over.  Worth it however, because the gardens were beautiful!  Even this late in the season.

"Because my five dogs wake me up everyday! I am lucky because I come home to a standing ovation everyday."

"Because I am excited to start another day!"

Thank you so much to our Maryland family for your sweet hospitality! We had a wonderful time getting to know you over bagels and cappuccinos! You all will always be our favorite Maryland family!

Oh, and Louie!  He's also our favorite!  (Don't tell the others)

Love,

The Crew