Sacrifice, but not in vain - Veterans Day 2008

The Armistice treaty between the Germans and the Allied Forces went into effect at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month to effectively end fighting on the Western Front during World War I. While fighting still continued in other areas, this date was commonly referred to as the end of the war. After World War II the name here in America was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all military veterans.

I believe the best way to honor those who have served the cause of freedom and justice is to show them that their sacrifices have not been made in vain. We need to remember all that they have fought and bled for so that we could know freedom. To my grandfathers who served in the military during World War II...my grandpa Pete US Arny) who died when I was a young girl, and my grandpa Charlie (US Navy) who is about to celebrate his 94th birthday, thank you for all you have done to defend our country and give us the liberties we enjoy today. I love you.

The photo above is the United States Marine Corps uniform of a friend of ours who has served several tours of duty overseas. The Marine Corps just celebrated their 233rd birthday yesterday and he and his wife were on their way to the Birthday Ball when I took this photo. Thank you for your committment to our country, the sacrifices you have made, and your friendship which we treasure.

Come Play!

I was out walking last week and passed by Pioneer Square which sits right in the middle of downtown and has this great wooden play structure for the kids. The flooring is a recycled rubber material and very cushioned which is nice because my youngest son has landed on his hands and knees a few times jumping off! Pioneer Square is the spot for our Farmers Market and various outdoor concerts and other events during the year. They often close main street here at the Square for the events.

Centennial Oaks

At the UI Arboretum there is a grove of 13 different species of oak trees, 100 in total, that were planted in 1989 to commemorate UI's first one hundred years and the thirteen presidents that served the university during that time.

The Clearwater

On Hwy 95 just to the east of Lewiston, you will pass over the Clearwater River. This area is about 2500 feet lower than Moscow and 40 miles south, so the temperature differences can be dramatic. When Moscow is a chilly 40º it can be a balmy 60º here at the river. They rarely get snow...last year we got 4 feet! The fishing is what this river is known for however, Steelhead especially!

Mom and cub

Washington State University over in Pullman has a center specifically for studying these beautiful grizzly bears. My hubby is friends with some of the people at this facility and we were invited to go 'behind the scenes' and within the outer enclosures to take a closer peek at them. This momma grizzly has two cubs and it was just adorable to watch them tumbling over each other and pouncing on their momma.

Winding asphalt

This is the view from the top of Steptoe Butte. The road winds through a park-like setting at the base and then spirals up to the 3600 ft summit. What makes this unique in the area is that it is a geographic anomaly...a quartzite mountain that towers over the rolling wheat fields below. The native American Indians call this mountain, Eomoshtoss. In the past, the young men would go on their spirit quests to the mountain to receive a guardian power from the Great Spirit to protect them during their life. They would often choose their new name from this spirit quest to signify their passage into adulthood.

Having been to the top of Steptoe numerous times, I can tell you that the 360º view is amazing and well worth the drive...it is especially fun on a motorcycle!

Handicapped access

Access for the handicapped is not something I see very often here in Moscow...not that it isn't available, it's just that normally I don't notice! This lovely walkway is a recently new addition to the Moscow Food Bank I posted about here. I love that they used decking and gave it interesting angles considering that space for it was at a premium.

Cast your ballot 2008!

Election day here in the USA! Voters were flocking to the polls for what is sure to be the largest voter turnout in our history. No matter how it ends, it will be a historic day for our country. This morning bright and early my husband and oldest son went to the polls...they waited a little over an hour to cast their votes. Two hours later, I was able to go right in with no waiting which was nice since it was rainowing outside...that's my new word for rain/snow!

Spoke shadows

This bicycle was parked outside on 5th and Main...I thought the wheel looked rather new and interesting considering the rest of the bike looked pretty beat up well loved.

From Beach to Lodge Grill?

This is the topmost section of a building in downtown Moscow called 'The Beach', a nightclub. I thought it was interesting that when I planned this post, an article came out in the local Argonaut about some things happening with The Beach. I have to agree with the comment made by city council member Wayne Krauss, “The Beach is an eyesore. It’s a wart in downtown Moscow...”

I truly do hope that Barry Tassler, owner of The Beach, follows through with his plan to turn this spot into something of a more family friendly place. It could really become a nice focal point in town and I am sure would bring in more business than it's current incarnation.