Washington, DC Whirlwind Visit

Gay, Brian Gregory & Bert Blalock

Brian Gregory, Sue, Tammy, Shari & Lenora

Our quick trip to Washington, DC began early Wednesday morning out of SFO arriving in time for dinner with John and Margaret Dalton at the Army-Navy Club. All day Thursday was filled with the promotion ceremony and celebration of Brian Gregory Blalock swearing in as lieutenant colonel in Air Force. We stayed in boutique hotel in Alexandria, VA near Brian's apartment. Everyone gathered there late morning to meet limousine to chauffeur us around all day. In attendance were his parents Bert and Gay Blalock plus sisters Shari, Tammy and Lenora. Noel came for part of the festivities. Opening ceremonies was visit to Vietnam Memorial to honor cousin John Hilton Blalock killed in Vietnam War. We next did brief visit to Capitol building before joining Montana Senator Testor who did official swearing in. That evening was party with family, friends and co-workers. Bert made his wonderful jambalaya, Gay some salads and Tammy pecan tassies. Friday was more relaxing with all agreeing to take double decker bus tour of Washington, DC. 

Brian Gregory, Ralph & Bert

US Congresswoman Barbara Lee of Oakland has come to Oakland Family History Library several times to explore her family history. She is fortunate to have her mother, plus two aunts, one age 100, who has provided valuable information. Doing Black family research is always a challenge. Barbara has been pleased with the progress including identifying her great grandfather who is decorated Civil War colonel plus Jewish great grandfather of Spanish origin. Your dad has focused on her maternal line and engaged me to follow up on paternal line. We met Barbara in Washington, DC just as she returned from Bay Area and we were departing.

Thanks to Kellyn who was co-hostess of the bridal shower for Heather McDonald in my absence. Barbara McDonald had fortunately recovered enough from her stroke to attend. It was good to see Tammy and Jason Hafener at church. We helped them with family history in our Sunday School class.