Cold Water

Eli, Daniel and a friend wanted to go swimming the first day the pool was open but the water was so cold they didn't last long and were almost blue when they got out of the water.

Exploring more in Washington, DC.

Ford Theater

Ron and I spent a day exploring places we hadn't visited in Washington, DC. The visit included a tour of the Ford Theater where we saw the box on the right where President Lincoln was seated when shot. Across the street we visited the home where Lincoln was taken after being shot and where he died.

 

There was also a museum that explained about the assassination. A stack of books that have been published about President Lincoln was so high I could not get all of it into one picture. The estimate is that there are over 15,000 books published about President Lincoln.
- Nancy

The National Postal Museum was a great place to spend some time. Very few people visit it. The ornate ceiling is very beautiful. It was fun to learn of the history of the US Postal Service and see displays of US stamps.

Celebrating Our Grandson's Birthday

 I went to Daniel's middle school science night. His project was on Saguaro Cactus. He had seen lots of them during is trip to Arizona in January. - Nancy

I got to see all three boys play in their soccer games. It was fun to see them with their teams with their friends.

 Our oldest grandson turned 13 on May 22. I went back a week earlier than Ron so I could see the boys play their soccer games and then Ron came for Daniel's birthday.

Many relatives and friends contributed pictures and text that I compiled into a book for Daniel. He seemed pleased with the gift. You can see the books in the previous post.

Daniel Turning 13 Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Exploring in Washington, DC

With great spring weather and fewer crowds I enjoyed exploring sights in DC. I spent one day at the Newseum. I had not been to this museum and really enjoyed the displays.


This is the view of the US Capitol from the balcony of the Newseum.

On another day I went to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. There is a large statue of MJK, Jr. and quotes from his speeches engraved on the walls of the memorial.

This is picture is on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

I had time to visit the National Gallery of Art. I located the famous Peaceable Kingdom painting done by Quaker Edward Hicks in 1834. - Nancy

May at Silver Falls SP

One of the joys of "rediscovering Oregon" is the chance to hike up at Silver Falls State Park. Nancy did a lot of conditioning on the 7-mile canyon loop for her hike across England in August-September. But, after she left Wednesday for a week in D.C. prior to my arrival, I took-up the motto carpe diem and hiked the 2.9 mile "North Falls Loop" the very next day (from Winter Falls parking area). The trail was beautiful in the warm Spring weather (80 degrees), and the falls had lots of water. (North Falls is pictured below.)

From the Winter Falls parking area the trail is mostly level, following the ridge of the canyon, and arriving after about a mile at North Falls. From there I dropped down into the canyon, following the stream downhill until reaching the bridge that crosses the creek and heads up to Winter Falls (lots more water there than usual).

Part of the joy of hiking the trail during Springtime is the lush greenery, the ferns, and the abundant spring wildflowers. After completing the hike in about 1 1/2 hours, I drove to the Lodge in hopes of being able to buy a quick lunch at the snack shop. However, I was out of luck since the new concessionaire had not yet opened for business. (I had to settle for a $5 lunch at DQ in Silverton!) - rw

Iris Garden

We live very close to a iris garden so made a trip there. We looked around and picked out blooms we really liked and ordered several for our garden so next spring we will have iris blooms on Trevino Ct. - Nancy