Strawberry Time

The last time I picked strawberries was in 1984, at the end of my 7th grade year.  I wanted to earn some money so I signed up to pick Hood Strawberries on Sauvie Island.  It was hard work, I only lasted a week bending over rows and rows of strawberry plants.  

After that week of picking I said I would never do it again.  I would rather pay a bit more and buy them picked.

I kept that promise till a month ago when I decided to not only pick strawberries, but to take the boys. This time I was much older with tired knees and two cuties going in different directions.

A friend let me know of a local strawberry patch that had yummy berries.  Just after breakfast we got dressed to pick berries with our friends.  It was a  lovely spring morning with sunshine, blue sky and a slight breeze.

Keeping the boys occupied while picking wasn't too hard.  They made discoveries on their own that kept them busy.  Cutie O just ate the berries off the vines instead of putting them in the bucket.  And Cutie E was more interested in dumping the full bucket of picked berries on to the ground or playing with the field flag markers.  

As the morning wore on their attention to the field became more about riding the green tractor again.  That's when I knew it was time to go.  

How do you get 2 buckets with 23 pounds of berries and two little boys from the field to the tractor, up the stairs and seated for our ride.  GREAT QUESTION.

ANSWER:  Cutie O on my left hip, carrying one bucket in my left hand while holding Cutie E's hand and bucket with my right hand.  I'm sure I looked like a chaotic mess.

By the time we got to the cash register I didn't have any strength in my arms or hands to hold the boys.  That is when this Gammy is grateful for the love of rocks.  The boys found fun in playing with all the rocks in the shaded area near the register.

As soon as we got home we started washing and capping the berries for jam.  Both of the boys mashed, stirred and held jars as Gammy filled them with freezer jam.  The kitchen filled with smells of strawberry jam and homemade bread to go with dinner.

We had a wonderful morning at the strawberry patch but our afternoon naps were a great end to a busy morning in the fields.   

GPa & Paulette Visit

 Well boys, it is time to meet your Great Grandpa and his fiancee Paulette.

Cutie E, you met Great Grandpa and Paulette shortly after you were born, but Cutie O, you have not met them yet.  This is going to be a fun month for both of you.

I haven't seen my dad since May, but the last time I spent a long time with him was just after we left our home Oregon, so this visit is long over due.  Its a good thing we had a month to fit in all that they wanted to explore.

Paulette has never been to the DC area, she wanted to see and do EVERYTHING.  I tried my best to show them all that DC had to offer.  This was a real test of my Tour Guide abilities.

Sightseeing began just after landing at DCA with a short stop at the Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Memorial.  I knew after the long flight they would love to get out and stretch their legs.  This was also a great opportunity for Holly and Dreyton to spend a little time with them as I was in Denver at a family wedding.  Both boys enjoyed getting our of their carseats and stretching their legs.

View of Washington Monument from Air Force Memorial

After a few days of rest we hit the pavement.

My dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  He served as a signalman aboard the Davidson.  His love of country and serving in the military is where I get my deep love for our nation.  I knew he would love to connect with the Navy, so off to Annapolis we went.  This is not only the capitol of Maryland, but also the home of the Naval Academy.  I didn't realize how much he would love reconnecting with his navy days.  WOW!  He enjoyed it so much that any time we had free time he wanted to go back.

Annapolis has so much to explore, you can easily spend 3 days visiting historic sites, museums, walking the wonderful shops and eating yummy food.   I always start with the Maryland State House, where George Washington resigned as Commander in Chief, then to  St. Anne's Parish.  The State House was the first capitol. building built and is still used for official business.

Maryland State House

This time I started with the William Paca House, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and prominent man in Annapolis.  Since I wasn't taking my Dad and Paulette to Williamsburg or Monticello I knew they would love this tour.  Getting to see inside the home of a signer or president is quite special.

The three of us took the boys on this tour.  I was really impressed by our tour guides efforts to involved both boys.  They were only 20 and 10 months old.  My favorite was watching  Cutie E reach to hold my Dad's or Paulettes hand as he walked up steps or down the street

View to the Paca House Gardens

Fort McHenry is another special place.  Its historical importance is not overshadowed by its breathtaking views.  The Fort is located on Locust Point overlooking the Patapsco River.  I'm not sure what they enjoyed more the view of the Fort after the shot movie, the cannon's or the view of Fort Baltimore.  I love coming here, because the boys can walk or run around, explore and be outside.  Next time I want to have a picnic on the grass along the river.

My dad's trip was strategically planned, so we could enjoy some of our favorite things together.  He was here for the election, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving. It has been a long time since we enjoyed election night together.  I made my favorite dinner, fried chicken and mashed potatoes.  To enjoy the evening we had to have a typical American dinner.  

In November of 1984 I remember sitting on the couch with my dad watching the election coverage.  I was amazed as state after state elected President Reagan to his second term.  That is my first memory of the elections and I got to do it with my dad.  This year was special, because we got to watch the coverage together. 

Another special day to plan for was Veteran's Day.  I gave my Dad and Paulette options for this day.   They could join the president or vice president at Arlington National Cemetery while one of them laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and give a speech in the amphitheater, OR visit the monuments and memorials, OR play in a national park OR visit the home of a past president.  Knowing there were going to be large crowds at Arlington they chose to visit Mount Vernon on Veteran's Day.

I wanted to visit Arlington National Cemetery near Veteran's Day, so we planned it for the Saturday before the holiday.  It was a beautiful warm fall day.  Due to the size of Arlington and hills my dad and Paulette chose to take the shuttle.  Arlington offers a wonderful service for a fee to get visitors from one key location to the next.  This is super helpful in the summer when it is hot and humid.  

Arlington Amphitheater 

Sean and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and walked from site to site.  We visited the key sites: Kennedy, Civil War Unknown graves, Arlington House, Mast of the U.S.S. Maine, Columbia Memorial, Challenger Memorial, Iran Rescue Memorial, Memorial Amphitheater, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the Changing of the Guard. 

Getting to see the flags blowing in the breeze between the pillars at the Memorial Amphitheater and behind the stage was awesome.  Event Services was getting ready for the Presidents visit and speech.  The emotions my dad felt took him by surprise.

Even with the shuttle I'm pretty sure I wore Paulette out.  It was a full four hours.

Kennedy Gravesites, Arlington House

We decided to spend Veteran's Day at Mount Vernon, I couldn't wait to show Paulette around.  They had a special book for all Veteran's and current military to sign, plus special pricing for them on the holiday.  Holly was awesome, she made sure her Grandpa was able to enjoy all that was available to veterans.

Normally when I'm here I have students and only 3 hours.  This visit I was able to slow down and explore a few more areas.  The upper gardens are so pretty and just behind them are the slave quarters, blacksmith shops, spinning house, salt house and overseer's quarters.  I had not visited these areas before.  We were able to give Paulette a nice taste of what life was like in the late 1700's.

George Washington's Home, Mount Vernon

Our visit didn't allow a full house tour because it was under refurbishment in preparation of 2026's 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  We toured the main dining room and kitchen and then explored the grounds.

On Veteran's Day any member of the military, veteran or adult able to lay a red carnation at the tomb of President Washington.   I have done this once before on a student trip.  My family enjoyed being able to pay their respects to our first President.

President & Martha Washington's Tombs

When visiting Washington DC everyone wants to tour the White House.  It takes a little planning, but it can be done.  Three months before their trip I made an official request for tickets through our congressman.  There is no guarantee you will get tickets, especially in an election year and just before the holidays, but one week before their trip I got great news,  WE GOT TICKETS!

White House June 2024

Taking the boys on this tour would have been a bit of a challenge, so they stayed home with Pops.

The White House is stunning and we couldn't wait to see it together.  After walking through security check points and scans we had finally made it to the East Wing.  In October Dr. Jill Biden updated the tour,  making it more accessible to visitors.  Instead of standing at a rope and peering into each room, you can now walk into parts of each room.  There is a guard there who is happy to answer questions.

This visit was so much more!  We got to enter the library and China room.  On my previous tours we could only see part of each room from the rope.  Plus, we were able to see into the Diplomatic Reception Room.  A lady in front of us noticed the foot prints in the carpet and asked if they were the Presidents.  Guess What?  They were.

  

Paulette was amazed by the beauty, detail, age and history of the house.  My Dad couldn't believe he was in the White House.  We took a lot of pictures, spent our time studying all the details.  By the time we left we realized we had spent over two hours in the house.  What is incredible about that, is at no time was anyone rushing us along.  

Presidential Seal is just above our heads

One of the highlights for all three of us was buying our 2025 White House Christmas Tree ornament in the White House.  Usually I get it at the museum shop, but this time I was prepared to buy it at the little stand in the East Wing.  Our entire visit was incredible, one I know we will not forget.

White House Tour Map

As we exited the White House there was a motorcade that came up the street and headed for the White House.  For a time my Dad, Paulette and I got separated while the motorcade came through.  I looked up the Presidents schedule and saw that he was meeting with President Isaac Herzog of Israel.  Super cool!

We grabbed a quick lunch and walked the mile to begin our visit of some of the monuments and memorials.  Of course we did stop to take a look at a few souvenirs along the way.  

Our first stop was the Washington Monument.  I had Paulette do the kid thing.  Lay on the ground with your feet up and look towards the top of the monument.  My Dad and I couldn't stop laughing watching her get down and try to get back up.  She was a great trooper and tried it all.

Each of the monuments and memorials are beautiful.  They tell part of our story and the story of those they honor.  Its hard to leave one and move on to the next.  My Dad's favorite is the Korean Memorial, Paulette loved all of them.  We were able to visit Washington, WWII, Vietnam, Lincoln, and Korean.

I get asked a lot when the best time to visit the monuments and memorials is.  That is hard to answer.  Each of them have a different look and feel depending on the time of day you visit them.  I love going during the day so you can see all of the details and read the inscriptions easier, but at night they have a beautiful, subtle, reverent glow about them that I love.  Don't even get me started on seeing them at sunset or sunrise.  Oh my!  There isn't a bad time to visit them.

Jefferson at golden hour

A couple of days later we added to our very busy week by touring the Capitol Building and National Archives.  I love the Rotunda in the Capitol, but I know that my Dad and Paulette will always remember being in the crypt as Vice President JD Vance walked right past us.  I have to admit it was pretty cool to see a government official that close.  It was Paulette's number one highlight of the trip.

Paulette spent some time with family that live in the area, which gave my Dad and I some time with the boys.  We played on the floor, read books, took walks in the neighborhood and enjoyed a little slower place.  

The week of Thanksgiving was wonderful, my sister and her family came from Nashville.  It has been eight years since we have spent a holiday together.  I couldn't wait till she got here.  I know my dad couldn't wait till he was with both daughters at the same time.  

In five days we packed in a birthday celebration, date for my nephew, games, walks, lots of yummy food, a trip to the park, and Annapolis.  Our temperatures got quite cold and our California Family is not use to east coast cold, so we had to cancel seeing the monuments and memorials at night.  It was ok, we played more games and watched our first Christmas movie of the season together.  

The boys loved all the extra attention and having everyone to play with especially at the park.  My nephew is proudly known as "Ball".  Cutie E called him "Ball" because he would kick the stuffed soccer ball with him.  It was adorable.  

Great Uncle JP

We didn't make it to everything on our list.  Hopefully they will come visit again so we can see the MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, the inside of the Library of Congress, Great Falls and the Washington Monument in Baltimore. 

I had been looking forward to my Dad's visit for months.  I could not wait to show him where we live and what makes it special, enjoy the election together and spend time with the family.  Showing Paulette all that I  love about DC and our history was so much fun.   

The time together just doing the normal daily things were my favorite parts of their visit.  It doesn't really matter where you are, time together with those you love is the best time.

Father Daughter matching sweatshits

Happy Fall Y'all, 2024 Style

 My Sweet Grands,

I can not believe how quickly our fall flew by.  It feels like time was on super speed.  In order to get caught up on all that we did here are a few of our highlights.

Summer was extra long this year, it lasted clear in to November.  To help pass the time we had to come up with new things to do.  So, Grammy showed you how to wash the car.  Cutie E quickly became the controller of the hose.  It was difficult to get it from him so I could rinse the car.

We continued to take walks when the heat and humidity subsided.  Both of you loved to walk Abby, one from the stroller and the other by leash.  When the weather was too much to tolerate we moved our water play to the kitchen sink.  The sink, you and the floor were equally wet.

The last few months have been filled with a lot of change for both of you.  One of the changes I have enjoyed most is watching the two of you interact and play together.  Cutie E will make space next to him in a shopping cart or on the floor so you two can be together.  

During General Conference a choir of young children began to sing.  Both of you stopped what you were doing and gave your full attention to listening to them sing.  Music time is your favorite part of every day, especially if it is with Pops.  You are now starting to sing songs like Wheels on the Bus, ABC, 5 Little Ducks, A Sky Full of Starts, Let It Go and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.  Thank you "Sing 2" for some of those top hits.

Days at the park are best, but going to the pumpkin patch was even better.  Well, Cutie O didn't think so, but Cutie E was lov'n it.  We love that we have found a small farm with a wonderful pumpkin patch that was perfect for little feet.

The east coast really shines during the fall.  Bright oranges, vibrant reds and glowing yellows hang, fall and blow in the wind from every tree.  It has been beautiful.  Both of you have loved playing in the leaves.  You have enjoyed jumping in tall piles, raking, tossing and rolling in them.

It has been a wonderful fall together. 

The "First" Washington Monument

Many of you know how much I love Washington DC.  Each time I have visited I have stopped at the Washington Monument.  It is stunning at sunset and the views to WWll and Lincoln are some of my favorites.  What I didn't know with each visit is that it was not the first Washington Monument. The honor of that title belongs to the city of Baltimore.

A few weeks ago Sean and I visited the FIRST Washington Monument.  It is located in a beautiful section of Baltimore.   The monument sits in the center of Mount Vernon Place, where it is surrounded by four small parks, one each side.  

Like all other monuments and memorials they need to be enjoyed during the day and at night.  They take on a different feel when the sun sets and the lights come on.  Our decision to venture out to the monument was last minute, so our first visit was in the evening.  

We arrived just as the sun disappeared for the day.  The lights were already on as the sun faded, but the parks were still alive with visitors.   Each park has beautiful architecture, history, fountains and landscaping to be enjoyed all year.  There were a lot of people out playing games, reading, visiting, drinking coffee and eating ice cream.  

Each of the four parks had  their own feel, a bit link a different room in your house.  The one thing they had in common were the bistro tables with chairs and park benches.  These tables and benches invited visitors to sit and stay a while.  The canopy of the trees made it feel very cozy, a place you would want to  enjoy any time of day or evening.  Our walk through each park allowed us to admire the monument from each side all lit up.

 There is more to the monument than the stunning views at sunset or at night.  It actually provides a history lesson on Washington as well as the construction of the monument and area.  We definitely want to return during the day, so we can walk the 227 steps to the look out tower, tour the gallery, visit the Peabody Library, art gallery and Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church.  

When we found out we were moving to DC, I was excited to explore areas that aren't on the typical tour.  I wanted to meet people that either grew up here or have lived here for many years and learn about the places locals know.  Getting to explore these lesser known places has been thrilling.

* I have included links so you can explore on your own virtually or add it to a trip itinerary. 

Have I Told You Lately . . .

. . . that I love you? 

Thirty-one years ago Sean and I said those words as we knelt across the alter to be sealed for time and all eternity in the Portland Oregon Temple.  

Portland Temple Spring 2021

When selecting our date to be married we did not consider that as a school teacher I would be in the throws of the start of the new year on our anniversary and wouldn't be up for more than a dinner out.  Not much has changed except I'm not teaching, but Sean is still traveling for work.

Portland Temple, June 2023

This year we planned ahead.  Sean arranged his schedule so he was home all week and we decided to do a few things together throughout the week.  

On our anniversary we shared a yummy steak dinner at home with the kids.  We tried our best to mimic our favorite steak dinner at Ringside Steak House.  We celebrated many anniversaries at Ringside and figured if we couldn't eat there we would at least try to make it at home.  I have to say, Sean did an amazing job with the steaks.  We didn't even try to mimic their famous onion rings.  

Like other young girls I had visions of my wedding day.  One of my visions included a delicious white cake with lemon filling from Beaverton Bakery.  They made the best cakes in town and each birthday my favorite cake appeared in time for me to blow out the candles.  

I took Sean on a taste testing trip before we selected our cake and he too fell in love.  So much so that he endured years of trips to the bakery around holidays to get some of their yummy fare.  Beaverton Bakery closed after 93 years and we don't live in Portland any more.  As a substitute I picked up Nothing Bundt Cakes in our favorite flavors, chocolate and lemon.

Before dessert we played a little golf at a 3-par course near our house.  For years I have viewed golf as a crazy game where you try to get a little ball into a little hole among a whole bunch of grass.  Well, I have changed my mind and now own my own clubs.  My shot isn't terrible, when I hit it.

He is much better

A couple of days later we went to the Washington DC Temple.  The temple is always a place of peace and comfort, this visit was no different.  

Attending the temple together on or near our anniversary is extra special.  It is a great reminder of the covenants we have made with the Lord and to each other.  With the Lords help and our commitment to one another anything is possible.  I love being married to Sean and that we are on this journey together.

We spent part of our anniversary weekend exploring parts of Virginia.  Our first stop was at the  Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern US.  I have never toured caverns, I was not disappointed.  My geekie science teacher side came out loud and proud.  

For many years I taught a "Geology Rocks" unit in science.  It included many pictures and a few videos of stalactites and stalagmites.  We even tried growing our own crystals in the classroom.  Pictures and videos can't even come close to seeing these natural creations in person.  

We took a lot of pictures, but none of them truly captured their beauty or majesty.    Dream Lake was one of those areas we just couldn't capture.  At its deepest the lake is only 18-20 inches, not deep at all.  What makes it so amazing is that it acts as a perfect mirror of the ceiling.  

Dream Lake

Around one bend we came upon a fallen stalactite that looked like a fallen redwood tree.  It fell due to a massive earthquake 7,000 years ago.  This was incredible and we felt like we were in a stalactite forest.

It was time to move on and walk through the Toy Town Junction and Car & Carriage Caravan Museum. I enjoyed the toy museum more than the car.  Seeing and reminiscing over the toys you use to play with is so much fun.  Sean enjoyed both as well, but throughly enjoyed the old historic carriages and cars.

Little People

Portuguese Carriage

We did walk around the Shenandoah Heritage Village.  It is a great visit back to the 18th century.  Some of the buildings like the Shenk Farm House are on their original site, while others like the Hamburg Regular School have been moved to this area.  After so much walking and reading we were ready for a little lunch and ice cream.  

Our next adventure took us to the Shenandoah National Park.  It is a beautiful forest that snakes along the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  What makes this park unique is the 105 mile Skyline Drive with 75 overlooks.  We only drove about a third of Skyline Drive, but were impressed by the views, we have missed the mountains.

The leaves are just starting to change, Shenandoah will be spectacular in about 4-6 weeks.  We can't wait to go back and rent a cabin, check out the trails and waterfalls, visit the lodge and drive the other two-thirds of the park.

On the way home Sean asked if I wanted to stop and see the Manassas Battlefield.  Why not, it was still fairly early.  What a wonderful surprise this was.  We arrived just before sunset.  My photographer hubby refers to this as the "golden hour".  The soft golden light cast beautiful colors on the rolling open grassy fields, cannons and the light coming through the trees was amazing.

 The visitor center had already closed, but we and many others enjoyed an early evening walk (or portrait session) through the battlefield.  Visiting battlefields gives new perspective to wars or battles you may have studied.  I know it changed how I taught about Gettysburg after visiting it.  This visit would have changed how I taught about the first battle of the Civil War.

We read personal accounts of families living in the area, about those who sat on nearby hills to watch the battle, how homes were peppered by cannons and the personal descriptions of Thomas J "Stonewall" Jackson.

It was incredible to walk among a well preserved battlefield.  You could get a sense of what these young men saw that day at Henry Hill on July 21, 1861.  Little did they know then that on that day they would suffer over 5,000 casualties and the war would last for 4 years.

Golden Hour is a beautiful time of evening, in fact its our favorite.  Saturday we enjoyed bright vivid colors as the sun slipped behind trees and mountains.  I remember a Lifesaver Commercial where father and daughter were watching the sunset together.  The most memorable line was the daughter saying, "Do it again Daddy."  Sean and I often share this statement at the end of a beautiful sunset.  

Do it again!

Living with our daughter and her family have provided us with so many treasured opportunities.  We could not have imagined how wonderful it would be to live with our grandsons and to support our daughter and her husband in such a personal way.  But the moments we get to spend together exploring areas we never thought possible has been a true gift.

I love you Hun, and can't wait to visit again.

* I have included links so you can explore on your own virtually or add it to a trip itinerary. 

Shenandoah National Park