M: Is for Magnificent Leaves States & I Got to Visit the White House

Click ~ pfly ~ Maine

Starting with the letter “M”, there happens to be seven all together, and I’m going to put them all in one post to discover what’s so marvelous about the leaf peeping in these states.

Maine (19) ~ Is one of those states on the east coast that is synonymous with leaf peeping. I found out that this state is the largest blueberry producer in the world. Ummmm good…making me hungry…

Maryland (20) ~ The rain is making these leaves look so vibrant. Lots of rich, rich colors. What a pretty pallet.

I can’t talk about Maryland without discussing Washington D.C., which is located physically in the state, but not actually part of it. It’s sort of like “being in the world, but not of it”. Knowing a little about history and social studies, reminds me that it’s the capital of the United States as a whole, and therefore remains a separate entity.

I actually got to visit the state and Washington D. C. for my senior class trip. It was the farthest I had been away from home on my own. Definitely one of those “pinch yourself” moments, to actually have been where the country is run. My family was able to scrape together the funds to get me there. That was a really nice thing for my parents to do.

Click ~ Washington Monument

Our class visited the Lincoln Memorial, which is where, civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. climbed to the top of the Washington Monument (a lot of hard work), went to Arlington National Cemetery to visit, former President, John F. Kennedy’s gravesite, and of course, we actually got to tour a few roped off spaces at the White House.

Also, on our itinerary, was a chance to take a group picture and go into the Capitol Building (where they’ve been putting together the Bail-out Plan), a visit to Gettysburg, and to Mount Vernon, the home and burial grounds of the first President of the United States, George Washington and his wife, Martha. It was quite frankly, a trip that I hadn’t anticipated, and turned out to be the highlight of all my years in public school.

Massachusetts (21) ~ If one wants trees with leaves that fall, well this state definitely has them. The striking specimens to the left would be a fine example. It’s actually in a place called Newburyport. The state recently finished building the so called “Big Dig” in Boston.

The “M” states are definitely helping to quell me and my little avatar to get through autumn in fine style.

Moving on to Michigan (22) ~ Autumn overlooking Lake Superior as opposed to Lake Michigan, which borders the state at some point. For whatever reason, the Forefathers, really liked using the letter “M”. This was close to Illinois, so I did get to venture over that way on a few occasions.

Minnesota (25) ~ Moose Lake State Park — It looks like a small island, but I’m not sure that it is.

Matter of fact, Minnesota has lots and lots of lakes, it’s nickname is “The Land of 10,000 Lakes” and yes, I’ve visited this state. My husband and I stopped there overnight on the way back to California.

Click ~ Roger Smith ~ Miss.

Mississippi (24) ~ Is one of those words that would show up on spelling tests from time to time. The way I learned to spell it was by saying this little ditty: “M — I– crooked letter, crooked letter — I — crooked letter, crooked letter — I — humpback, humpback — I” — Phew! Did anyone else learn to spell it like that? As far as trees go, pine trees are predominant in the state. I like pine trees a lot, too. They smell good and have a lot of uses.

Also, the first of the presidential debates is slated to be held this Friday, the 26th of September, 2008, at “Ole Miss”. That is, if both cadidates show up. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Click ~ bitterroot ~ Mont.

Montana (26) ~ Is another one of those wide open country states. Another state that I have only seen from pictures, but never set foot in the state. This one on the left has lovely contrasting colors. I understand that this is where Glacier National Park is located.

Has anyone been to any of the “M” states leaf peeping or otherwise? Well, that’s it for them on this leaf tour. I’m moving on…

This Year’s Journey to Sooth the Frazzled Senses:

• The Soft Glow of Autumn
• Picking Up the Pace
• What?! Leaves But No B’s!
• Leaf Peeping North to South
• G: Is for GollyGeeGorgeous Leaves…
• H: Is for Hoopin&Hollerin’ Leaves…
• I: Is for Irresistible Leaves Detour to Route 66 & Lincoln Highway
• J: Is for Jazzy Leaf Break

My Leaf Rx From Seasons Past:

• Falling Into Fall
• The Colors of the Seasons

Update: Very lively debate at the Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, last night, between Vice Presidential candidates, Senator, Joe Biden and Governor, Sarah Palin.

Tags: adventure, autumn, fall, leaf peeping, Leaf Rx, leaves, U.S.A.