Independence Day!

Happy Birthday America!

The Sounds of Liberty Program at the State Capital Liberty Bell replica.

And then a little family BBQ with fireworks before the toddlers headed to bed.

David Sedaris

Tonight Erin, Jennifer and I went to see David Sedaris at the Elsinore Theater. I confess I had no idea who he was. I did recognize his book covers after I saw them in the lobby, but I have never read them. So, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Turns out, Mr. Sedaris is very funny. And surprise...Once he began speaking I recognized his voice as the man who was standing behind us at the crosswalk about thirty minutes before the show.

Harvest Time

Today we took the kids to EZ Orchards in Salem for their Harvest Festival activities. The weather was wonderful and Logan had a great time with the tractors, petting zoo, and running through the corn maze. Addisyn slept for most of the afternoon, and the adults indulged in apple cider donuts while soaking up some sun.

What is it about boys and tractors? Logan loves them.

Oregon State Hospital

Teachers are always learning. Oregon requires so many professional development units (PDU's) to renew a teaching license. Most of those units are acquired through staff development activities throughout the school year. But, occasionally, teachers will take some summer workshops or college classes and earn a few more. This week I'm doing a workshop call Summer Institutes. I attended one in 2003 and there were about 20 participants. This week, there are almost 160.

Part of the Summer Institutes curriculum is community interaction. Today my group toured the Oregon State Hospital. For those of you who don't know, the hospital's main building was built in 1883. It's been crumbling for decades, and now the hospital is going though a major demolition and renovation project. It was an interesting tour of a facility that has a long and interesting history. I'm glad I got a chance to see parts of it.

Union Street Bridge

The Union Street bridge project began with a railroad bridge that saw it's last train in 1990. Fourteen years later the City of Salem purchased the bridge to connect Riverfront Park and Wallace Marine Park. The bridge opened to bicycle and pedestrian traffic a couple weeks ago. These are some pictures of the Willamette River from the bridge. Today was a beautiful day for a walk.

Farmer's Market

Today was beautiful, and a perfect opportunity to visit the Salem Saturday Market. The market started the 2009 season a little over a month ago, and unlike a more traditional farmer's market, includes baked goods, food vendors, craft vendors and local pet adoption agencies. Today's purchases included for my aunt and I included homemade molasses cookies, banana bread, fresh-cut flowers and Cape Foulweather coffee. I'm really looking forward to the season progressing to include more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Art at the Museum...and in the Park

The Hallie Ford Art Museum at Willamette University is celebrating it's 10th Anniversary this weekend with free admission, and they just opened an exhibit I wanted to see. Today seemed like the perfect time to visit. The exhibit, ceremonial regalia from the nine Native tribes in Oregon, was interesting. I found out while I was there that the pieces were chosen by the tribes themselves, and not the curator of the exhibit. That's unusual in art circles. I got there just in time for a tour by an anthropology student, and I started to follow along but found myself enjoying my own wanderings better. I'm one of those people who actually likes to read the exhibit signs.

After seeing the galleries, including an exhibit of Native American basketry, in the museum I wandered outside, and across the street to Willson Park. It's one of those small, urban green spaces with a gazebo and a fountain. It neighbors the capital building, and the golden pioneer gazes across it. I found myself drawn to the sculptures in the park. I don't what it's called, but it's kind of whimsical.

First Wednesday

Last night Traci and partook of downtown Salem's First Wednesday. On the first Wednesday of the month businesses downtown stay open a little later. There's live music and interesting people. Since October is breast cancer awareness month the theme was pink. It was fun hanging with my sis. The weather was excellent and we browsed through some stores we'd never visited. And we discovered Casey's Cafe on Court Street. (Want a review? check out the Eat Salem blog) I will say that Casey's has really good burgers, dogs, fries and onion rings. It's nice to find local places to eat.