America's Most Indispensable Man

Thoughts upon completing a biography of George Washington.(just in time for Independence Day) 

:::::"Washington's contributions were clear to his contemporaries. He was called "The Father of His Country" as early as 1779. those who knew him well Joined in the praise.

::::::: Benjamin Rush, a Congessmsn who served with Washington, wrote in 1775, "General Washington....seems to be one of those illustrious heroes whom Providence raises up once in three or four hundred years to save a nation from ruin....There is not a king in Europe that would look like a valet de chambre by his side."


 :::::: Francis Hopkinson, one of Washington's military aides, wrote: "To him the title of Excellency is applied with particular propriety. He is the best and greatest man the world ever knew...He retreats like a General, and attacks like a Hero. Had he lived in the days of Idolitry, he had been worshipped as a God.


 ::::::: And Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1782, long before the Constitutional Convention and Washington's presidency,"Washington's memory will be adored while liberty shall have votaries, whose name shall triumph over time, and will in future ages assume it's just station among the most celebrated worthies of the world."




::::: Many books have been written about him but in this one, The Real George Washington-America's Most Indispensable Man, rather than analyze and dissect the man until nothing remains but faulty interpretations, the authors have told his story in simple terms, allowing him the privilege to present himself throughout. The evidence leaves no doubt that Washington the man is entirely worthy of Washington the myth. Tomorrow, if I have time, I will present some quotes that my surprise anyone who believes this country didn't have a providential and miraculous birth. 

Lola

Miss. LOLA

Perambulating with the perambulator. 

Home Sweet Home

Finally in our own garden ~ Roses, Peonies, Foxgloves, and Cat Mint are all blooming with wild abandon. The bees are drunk.
The scent is intoxicating, the day is mild, and the lawns freshly  mowed! (thanks to Ben and John, who first had to fix the mower, again!)

Deepwood Estate

Another wonderful garden,{it's Spring, what can I say!} this one a little smaller and a little closer, in downtown Salem, open to the public, and surrounding the beautiful house of the Deepwood Estate {which can be toured}. John and I indulged in a short garden ramble in this lovely place after a follow up visit at the hospital only a couple blocks away.

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Garden Photos - Take 2

We found a wonderful spot at the back of the house that had this charming door complete with blooming Wisteria over it and lamp above it. Table and chairs also were in this shady spot and were strategically positioned for a spectacular view of Mt. Hood through an opening in the trees.

"The view from that point was a magnificent one" 

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 Ben pestering the fauna.

This Columbine looks startled that I've dared peek beneath her

frilly pink bonnet.

  

Mother's Day Weekend

Although our whole family was together for Mother's Day in our own garden on Saturday {sorry no pictures} Sunday remained open until Shannon suggested an excursion to a garden in Lake Oswego, The Bishop's Close, that we so enjoyed on our girl's weekend a while back. John, Ben, Shannon and I headed up there for the afternoon. It was a perfectly warm and sunny day, almost too warm. {we're not complaining, mind you, we've had so few this spring!}.


The garden was wonderfully in bloom. We love the variety of intimate paths, stone steps, clipped boxwood hedges in wonderful shapes, wide open grassy spaces, and panoramic views overlooking the river and Mt. Hood and of course the flora and fauna; Huge Rhododendron trees, cascading Wisteria, down to small diminutive flowers like Columbine and Primula. 

     

Little Grand Daughter in The Garden

"Happiness is something that comes into our lives
 through doors we don't even remember leaving open."
~  Rose Lane ~