There was a State Park next to
Calloway Gardens that I have been wanting to explore called F.D. Roosevelt Park. Well, along with the park information there was
something called the Little White House. I've seen signs posted here and there and was always a little curious about it, but didn't think much of it. So on one of Shaun's cycle breaks we decided to go check it out. Guess what?! It was amazingly informative and pretty cool. I enjoyed it immensely. For those who don't know their history very well, F.D.R was diagnosed with polio in his later years. He founded a retreat in Warm Springs, GA, which is 30 minutes from Columbus, GA. It was finished in 1932 and dubbed the nickname, Little White House. He visited it often for
therapeutic purposes, and established a resort, Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. He used the mineral pool to ease his pains as well as encouraging research into the polio disease at the institute.
The Little White House itself was on 1700 acres of land that was turned over to the state at his death. It was also the last place that F.D.R. was alive, for he passed away while having his portrait drawn. The Unfinished
Portrait is still there now. We toured the museum, took a walk around the grounds, and then visited the White House itself. It had me in awe knowing that I walked through rooms that a respectable president of the United States walked through. It was a very neat experience.
This car was made especially for F.D.R. It is
completely operated by hand. You don't need to drive with your foot in this one. A very
genius idea!
Here is the Little White House itself. A VERY modest dwelling for someone as vastly important as the President of the U.S.
They didn't allow flash in the building itself, so the picture is horrible, but this is F.D.R. private room, and the room he passed away in.
This a statue of F.D.R. overlooking a
gorgeous valley! It was written on a plaque that he enjoyed this place so much that he had a permanent BBQ pit put in with some tables so he could eat and enjoy the view often.
Here is the beautiful view. You could see forever and not see any towns, or city.
Just beautiful, wish you were here.
Lets play the game "what's missing in the picture" I'll cheat and tell you, its the PB&B family that's missing. That's Peter, Brooke & Benson to you. Shaun's brother is stationed in Germany with his lovely wife and adorable son, and it stood to reason that they couldn't make to Washington for Christmas. So they did something absolutely wonderful and sent all the nieces and nephews their annual Christmas PJ. Which I so love that they do. Its secretly something that I look forward to every Christmas. So here's to Brooke, Peter, and Benson a Merry Christmas, and wishing you are near to us. 
Sometimes my family takes me by surprised with how cool they can be.
