A Bed Time Story

     We recently returned from a trip to the Colombia River Gorge in Oregon. We saw some interesting things along the way (which I will cover in up coming posts). And we also stayed in a variety of accommodations. We spent the night at your standard chain hotels, mom & pop motel, a cabin at an RV park, a restored hotel and a Bed & Breakfast. I thought I'd share photos of my two favorites. If you like history and antiques like I do, I think you'll feel they're special also.

This is the Geiser Grand in Baker City, Oregon

      This lovely hotel first opened it's doors in 1889. It was occupied until into the 1960's, then sat empty for thirty years. In the late 1990's a restoration took place and it reopened. They did a wonderful job with the restoration. The dark orante mahogany through out is beautiful.

This is the second floor where our Parlour Suite was located.

This stained glass ceiling can be seen from the ground floor dining room. Where we had a very enjoyable dinner.

One of the many chandeliers. You can see more on their web site: www.geisergrand.com

     The other place we stayed which was also a delight, a Bed & Breakfast in Pendleton, Oregon. 

The Pendleton House built in 1917

     I have never stayed at a B&B before so was looking forward to the experience. And it did not disappoint. It has new owners, they had been helping out the previous owner. When she decided to retire she convinced them to buy the house. I have a feeling she knew they loved it as much as she did and would carry on the wonderful care of the home. You could tell our host Tracy took pride in the home, he was very gracious and welcoming. 

     It was wonderful to see the beauty of this old home preserved. Hardwood floors, silk wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and the original draperies made you feel like you'd stepped back in time.

     Not many B&B's allow pets. Since we travel with our dog Wally, I was happy to see that this one did. On arrival we learned that Wally would be the last, they will no longer be accepting pets. We told Wally he was privileged and should be on his best behavior. As you can see from the following picture, he wasn't impressed. But we were.

     

Here's a peek into the bathroom

No this is not some kind of torture chamber. 

It's the shower. It's original to the house. They were ahead of their time, it sprays from the top and all around. 

Here's a shot of the dining room where we had a most delightful breakfast prepared by Tracy.

Look at this beautiful poached apple to start things off. Yummy too!

     

     It was coming to the end of the busy season and there was only one other couple staying at the B&B. We enjoyed visiting with them the evening before and at breakfast. Towards the end of breakfast Tracy joined us and he told us more about the history of the house. We were all enjoying lingering over breakfast and visiting, we were reluctant to leave. To learn more about this lovely Bed & Breakfast: www.pendletonhousebnb.com

     If you're ever in eastern Oregon don't hesitate to spend a night at these two wonderful hostelries. 

A thought to ponder: "Put your thoughts to sleep, do not let them cast a shadow over the moon of your heart. Let go of thinking."                          Rumi

Participating in: Grand Social, Share the Joy, Mingle Monday

Fight Like a Girl

     What do you think of when you hear the word warrior? Perhaps someone who fights in battles/war? But there are other kinds of warriors out there. Those who beyond all obstacles still manage to be successful. A person of courage and perseverance. 

     When the enemy is cancer it takes a warrior. Because it isn't a fight that is over quickly. It takes staying power, the will to keep going when you'd rather give up. The obstacles that must be over come can be daunting. So you can only applaud those who fight their way through and come out the other side cancer free. 

     I don't imagine there are too many people out there who haven't been touched by cancer; either themselves, a family member or a friend. There are of course many types of cancer. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So it's a good time to remind women to do self breast exams. If your not sure how, check out this web site, feelyourboobies.com. Also have mammograms when indicated. Take a look at this web site for the latest recommendations, webmd.com

      I raise my glass and toast all those women you have fought like a girl and conquered the enemy. Those who have dug deep to find their inner warrior. To two of my cousins who are breast cancer survivors. And especially to our daughter-in-law Kristin, who is an inspiration for her courage and fortitude. She is finally getting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She isn't just a survivor she is an advocate also.

    Kristin is featured in a news segment about a program here in Wyoming to help with breast cancer recovery. View the video here: The healing power of fly fishing.

A thought to ponder: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face."

                                                                                Eleanor Roosevelt

Participating in: Grand Social, Motivation Monday

A Few Autumn Memories

     There is no getting away from it, Autumn is here. The weather has remained nice, pleasant during the day (70's) and cool at night (40's). No frost yet, yay! Everyday the leaves change a little more. I decided this would be a good time to share some of my favorite fall photos that I've taken over the last several years.

These were taken when our grandson was about a year and a half

This is one of my favorites. The joy is contagious. 

Some lovely fall color taken a couple years ago.

We always grow pumpkins for our grandson. This was the harvest three years ago. We have several nice ones this year also that are about ready to pick.

Beautiful fall skies. These were taken the first part of November last year.

These were taken last fall

We still have flowers blooming. Asters are a nice addition to the fall garden.

And last, a fall themed watercolor I painted a couple years ago.

A thought to ponder: "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

                                                                                                Albert Camus

Participating in: Grand Social, Tuesday Garden Party, Outdoor Wednesday, Share Your Cup, Share the Joy