As they say, I was “choppin’ at the bit” to go to the new George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.  All the who’s who’s had come and gone.  Now it was our turn.

The day did not begin well.  After we left the house, I realized my pants were blue and my shirt was black stripes.  I prayed I did not see Excellent Cook Nancy who is a volunteer at the museum.  To be honest, I prayed I would not see anyone I knew.

The SMU campus – home to the President George W. Bush Library and Museum – is beautiful.

Parking was a challenge.  The first lot was full.  If you drive an electric car you are in luck.  There are plenty of spaces for electric cars in the main lot.  We were directed to the SMU garage.  At the SMU garage the machine was cantankerous. (To put it mildly.)  We waited and waited for white car to be admitted.  Finally (Maybe we waited 5 minutes.) the gate lifted.  Yea!  Then red pick-up tried to enter.  The machine would not take his card.  He tried and tried.  Then he got out of the pick-up and came to explain the problem.  He went back and tried again and again.  No luck.  Again he got out of red pick-up and came to explain.  Then he asked if we could loan him a dollar.  Maybe green-backs would work.  Yea!  The arm lifted and he entered.  Now it was our turn.  Since we thought the credit card feature was not working, we tried a five dollar bill.  No luck.  The machine would not accept it.  What were we to do?  We tried a credit card.  It did not work.  I started trying to call the help number listed on the machine.  Ever-Lovin’ tried the card again and… low and behold it worked. (Do you think the threat of being told on did the trick?)  Yea!  Miracles of miracles.  I relate all of this to let you know to take cash as well as your credit card.  First lot cost $7.00 and only takes credit cards.  SMU garage cost $5.00 and should take paper money, coins, and credit cards.

Ever-Lovin’ finally had a parking space.  We were thankful, and ready to press on.  But…

Our challenges were not over.

After a short hike to the  museum, we were going through security, and Ever-Lovin’ had his little pocket knife in his pocket.  A No. No.  What to do?  Give it up or hike back to the car to secure it.  He hiked back to the car while I got tickets.  There was not a line while we were there, but you can order the tickets ( $16.00 for adults or $13.00 for seniors) online just to be sure.  I did notice two tour busses and know this will be a popular destination.  An audio tour is included in this price.

In the lobby are cases displaying gifts given to the American people by other countries.  I thought it interesting what the United States gave to other countries. The Pfaltzgraff platter got my attention.

Love the eagle.

Beyond the lobby is Freedom Hall.  The massive tall room is surrounded by large screens, and the 9 minute presentation is played regularly.  Sweet Mother of Pearl.  It is a sight to behold.

As we entered the museum, my heart skipped a beat.  They paid homage to West Texas.  They are proud to be from Midland in the Permian Basin, and I loved it.  At one point in a video, it was mentioned how they loved the big Texas skies.  Me too!

I never will forget the first time I saw a Dubya button.  I admit.  I was a little slow, and it took me a minute to understand.

President Bush’s played and important role in encouraging government agencies to work with religious charities.

Mrs. Bush was instrumental in promoting the National Book Festival.  I love the posters.

One of my favorite areas in the museum is the children’s reading area.  Mrs. Bush selected some of her favorite books to put on these shelves.  Children can sit on the padded benches and enjoy reading.

I was not prepared for my emotions as we entered the 9/11 room.  Seeing the twisted steel girders from the World Trade Center made me cry.  It is strange, but visiting the Bush Library is like reliving my history.  We have all lived through these years.

Then we moved on to happier things.  The replica of the Oval Office is filled with details.  You are encouraged to come in and sit awhile.

I am sure you have heard by now that you can have your picture taken at the President’s desk.  This is so neat.  Next time, I think we will pay to have the professional photographer take our pictures.

Be still my heart.  The Texas artwork the President Bush had in the Oval Office took my breath away.  How about a Frederick Remington bronze of a bucking bronco or an Julian Onderdonk bluebonnet painting?  There are also paintings by W.H.D Koerner, and Tom Lea.  I liked them.  I loved them.

Mrs. Bush designed the sunburst rug for the Oval Office.  From what I understand, every detail of the room is duplicated – even to the color of the roses on the coffee table.

The “Texas Rose Garden” outside the Oval Office is filled with plants that will survive our hot Texas summers.

This is the view looking toward the Oval Office.

From the Texas Rose Garden you can view the fifteen acre prairie.  It is an urban park that can be enjoyed daily from dawn to dusk.

Dresses, invitations, and menus were on display.  I enjoy seeing the “girly” things!

This is the evening wear the President and Mrs. Bush wore for the State Dinner when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited America.  The First Lady chose an Oscar de la Renta gown.

The Presidential china is so beautiful.  The plate in the back has a gold eagle decoration.  Oh, my!  The more casual luncheon plate is a nice touch.  How fun it would be to mix and match these china pieces.

The letters to the President about his pet dogs were heartwarming.  The letters reminded me of my teaching days.  There are so many interactive activities for children at the museum.

 

What a wonderful tribute.  In the courtyard are the bronze statues of the two Bush presidents – the first father and son presidents in over 175 years.  These were commissioned by a “close family friend” and given as a housewarming gift.

This display defines President George W. Bush.  He knows his priorities.

The fact that President George W. Bush. is most honored to be a “citizen of the United States of America” speaks volumes.  I too am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America.

Blessings to you and yours,

I must mention the volunteers and staff.  Everyone was helpful and kind.  Made me proud.

We saw so much, but we also missed so much – especially the details.  I do look forward to a return visit, and I encourage you to go.