Okay Katy - we'll see what I get.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.EVERYBODY PLAY! I want to see what memories are out there!

Visiting with Mar

Marsha came to visit and we had a wonderful time. We went to see Kent State's Fashion Museum (where we didn't take any pictures so I downloaded this from their website.) Then we drove up to see the city of Hudson, which is one of the oldest settlements in this area (know as the Western Reserve) and is the home of The Western Reserve Academy. We just walked around a little and saw some of the beautiful homes, which are currently being lived in. Hudson has a very strict zoning code to preserve it's historical nature. Lest you think I'm terribly conceited, Chet was using our digital for work, so Mar was taking the pictures, hence there are more photos of me than her.

Porthouse Theater

Here we are outside Porthouse Theater waiting to see "Alice" with my friends Kathy and Deb. Porthouse is celebrating it's 40th year this year.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway

Here we are on the Cuyahoga Scenic railroad. The picture of the trees is of a Blue Heron Rookery where I learned that most of the Blue Herons in this area nest. If you look at the picture for the largest nest, that is an Eagle's nest. When the Eagles began making their nest, the ranger's weren't sure how it would affect the Blue Herons, but they seem to be getting along just fine

Hale Farm and Village

After the railroad ride, we went to Hale Farm and village, which is a living museum. The gardener was quite a character and introduced us to Richard the rooster and his wife (the roosters' wife)






This is an example of something they might have school groups do to learn about how log cabins were made

Flowers

Since everyone is posting pictures of their flowers (well, Katy & Riss), I decided to post some of mine

I'm not usually a geranium person, but I was really struck by the intensity of these. It doesn't really come through in the picture, but they are just barely rimmed in black which give them a velvet look.

These Lilies were here when we moved. The previous owner had taken cuttings from her mother's house. We told her she could come and get some, but she hasn't yet.

The Cosmos are just starting to come on. When you have a whole bed of them they remind me of butterflies. I had them at our old house, but had to pull them up because David was allergic to them.

The Blackeyed Susans also just started. I love these - they are so cheerful. And, they are so typically Ohio flowers. Once you have started them you can completely ignore them and no only will they continue to bloom no matter the weather, but they will multiply and flourish.

Our Babies

I have been enjoying watching Mom and Dad feed their babies all spring. They are finally big enough to get a picture. It can't be much longer before Mom kicks them out - it's hard to believe there is room for them! I hope I get to watch them learn to fly. They are so funny hopping around trying to get off of the ground.

Happy 4th of July

232 years ago this experiment called the United States of America was launched. I would ask us all to stop listening to the negative views out there and concentrate, at least for a day on all the positive things we have going. No we are not perfect, but we have built in our system ways to seek redress. Yes, we can be a bit self centered at times, but we are always willing to extend ourselves to others in time of need. We have hard economic times, but there is no reason for anyone in this country to starve. We are concerned about climate change and running out of fuel - but many are out there searching for alternatives. This country gives people freedom to be creative. They might fail, but they might make a fortune. Like it or not, it is the possibility of profit that gives that incentive. There are many in this country who are prejuidiced against one group or another - but we are one of (if not THE) most tolerant countries in the world. We might not like you, but generally we will leave you alone. No, it's not always been that way, but we can't redo the past, we can only move forward. Do we have things to fix? Of course. But for the most, we want to fix them. Accuse me of wearing rose colored glasses if you will, but I think most people want to do what is right and do the best job they are capable of. Each of us sees things from our own perspective - which can make us disagree on how something should be accomplished. That doesn't make one or the other bad, or evil, just different. The truth is, it is through the compromises that the best solution is found. If you study the Constitutional Congress, you will see that the final document had something in it that each delegate could object to. But the whole was what was important. If everyone had agreed from the start, the document that came about would have been less powerful. So, I'll get off my soap box and just say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!