Another beautiful day!

Yesterday morning I received an e-mail from a friend with a photo taken at the LWML convention that I attended last weekend.

Me, my sister Gloria and friend & roommate Miriam

The receipt of the photo spurred me to look for another photo taken at the convention. At one of the convention booths, anyone could have their photo taken for posting on Facebook. I had to look through more than 400 photos until I found this one:

The cover of the LWML Quarterly

Back to yesterday's events. About mid-day we made our way to California State University Sacramento (also known as Sacramento State). As most of you know, it's always a problem to find legal parking spots on a college campus. We were directed to a free 30-minute spot and took advantage of that to walk to the Student Union where we asked a few questions and were given a map of the campus.

That done, we headed to our second destination for the day -- a trail along the American River. The trail bounds the river for more than 60 miles. We enjoyed walking and running the trail seeing others doing the same as well as many cyclists. The trail is paved and in many places has shade -- what a wonderful venue -- almost makes me want to become a cyclist!

We enjoyed a sandwich at a picnic table in a small park near the trail and returned to our apartment.

How do you print something when you don't have a printer with you? Well, here's how we managed. After calling the Sacramento library we learned that if you bring your laptop into the library and use their WiFi, a small download is made available that offers connectivity to their printers. We then determined there was a branch library only a two or three miles away and headed in that direction. The library appeared to be very new and very modern in design. We were able to print our coupon for the sum of 15 cents!

Adjacent the library was a lovely playground and in the distance a ball diamond. The area was newly constructed and with all the cars in the parking lot seemed to be a popular spot on a very lovely afternoon. Ray noticed a woman using a metal detector and stopped to ask if she was finding anything. She wasn't having any luck but when he asked her what was the oldest coin she had ever found, she replied that her oldest find was 2,000 years old! What could that have been? She continued that when she found an old coin she went to a library and compared the coins depicted in a coin book with the one she had and determined it was Roman. So far she has not found anyone who cares to make a determination of its value. In the past she also found coins from 1801, 1850 and several from 1900.

Here's a photo of a section of the playground area.

Canopies cover the picnic table -- perfect for hot California afternoons

Last evening when I was composing this post, Blogger was having issues of some sort, so I wasn't able to finish it. Our plan today is to drive to Sutter's Creek -- site of the original 1849 gold strike.

Rain in California?

When planning this trip to Sacramento we knew that summer daytime temperatures were often in the high 90s and even low 100s. So imagine our surprise when we heard yesterday that temperatures today would be unseasonably low and to expect some rain showers. We awoke to overcast skies but since the rain wasn't predicted until later in the day, we decided to venture out to Sacramento City College early this morning.

We found the track where we'll have several events in the World Masters Athletics Championships and spent the next half hour or so doing a workout. We shared the track, with permission, with what seemed a gym class. Next on our agenda was locating Land Park where Ray will have a road race. Land Park is home to a golf course, zoo and a cute Fairytale Town. We walked around a bit and if we had had some little ones with us we may have purchased an entry ticket. I managed to get a photo through the fence.

Cinderella's pumpkin

Block of cheese

It began sprinkling a little as we walked to the car so it seemed like outdoor activities were over for the day. Before leaving the area, we wandered around the campus of Sacramento City College where we found a plaque that indicated it had been founded as a Junior College in 1925. The buildings are modern and seem relatively new. Next to one of the buildings was a long covered walkway. I suppose it keeps the students dry during the winter rains and cooler in the summer heat.

Main entrance to campus -- note 2nd story walkway

Back at our apartment we looked in the phone book and located a nearby Walmart (also found it on the Internet) and took our shopping list with us. We shopped for groceries and also found a lanyard for the camera lens cap. As we loaded the groceries in the car we actually heard some thunder. By the time we arrived home the rain was more than a sprinkle. During the evening newscast, I heard that some areas had received .6 of an inch. It should be pleasant again tomorrow but the temperatures are rising and by the weekend we may have 100.

When Ray arrived in Sacramento he purchased a city map for $4.95 -- a really wise investment! It helps us find where we want to go. Tomorrow we're planning on locating California State University Sacramento and after that no particular agenda.

Our home away from home is a small apartment at Value Place, built about two years ago. The apartment is small but has a refrigerator, microwave, stove top, TV and Internet service. Rooms are rented on a weekly basis. I found it surprising that families were living here but some of the apartments may be larger than ours. The building has four stories with many apartments on each floor. The parking lot is gated after 8 p.m. in the evening giving us a feeling of security. Here's a view looking down the hallway of the second floor.

Second Floor

I'm now current with our travels and hope I have something interesting to report tomorrow.

Visiting the State Capitol Park

After breakfast Monday morning (yesterday), we drove to downtown Sacramento to pick up forwarded mail. We didn't have to remove our shoes but had to pass through metal detectors at the main downtown post office.

Since the State Capitol was only a few blocks away, we easily found our way there with street parking ($2.50 for two hours). Surrounding the Capitol is a 40-acre park with many different varieties of trees and plants from all over the world. The gardens include many flower beds and memorials.

California  State Capitol

Again, we passed through security to enter the building. The first hallway we passed through had exhibits from all 58 counties of the state. (That's really amazing -- Indiana is a much smaller state and has 92 counties.) The Capitol has been restored to assure earthquake safety. As we wandered through the hallway, we came to the rotunda.

120-ft high rotunda restored to its 19th century elegance

Also, on the first floor were historic museum rooms depicting offices of government in 1906. This three-room suite was used by Governors until 1951 when the offices were moved to another building called the East Annex.

Historic Governors office, 1906

Private Office of Governor George Pardee in 1906

 

We left the building and since it was such a nice day enjoyed a picnic lunch on a park bench. Then it was time to explore the rest of the park to the east of the capitol building.

I would have to agree that Capitol Park is one of the most beautiful State Capitol grounds in the nation. The park covers 40 acres and spans 12 city blocks. How many state capitols have this much space devoted to a park surrounding their Capitol?

As we began our walk, we passed many interesting trees including a Camelia grove, a Cork Oak tree and an orange tree. According to the guide book the orange blossoms provide a delightful fragrance, but the oranges are not the "pick and eat" variety -- they are very sour as Ray discovered to his dismay.

The first memorial we came across was one to Father Junipero Serra, a priest in the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church. He helped develop the California mission system beginning in 1768.

Father Serra Memorial

The Rose Garden Memorial is impressive with 650 roses in over 140 varieties of colors and fragrances. The garden was established to make the visitor aware of the needs of women, children and families for love and peace.

The World Peace Ross Garden

The California Veterans Memorial is relatively new having been dedicated in 1998 to honor all veterans who served their country. Look carefully to see if you can detect the scenes depicted on the memorial.

Veterans Memorial

Having wandered the grounds for some time, we realized the time on our parking meter was about to expire. As we headed to the car we noticed this really tall and unusual looking tree. It is native to Australia and was planted in 1887. The mature Bunya Bunya tree (given that name by aborigines) can reach up to 80 feet and produces a pineapple-like cone which can weigh up to 15 pounds. How would you like that falling on your head?

Bunya Bunya tree

After leaving the capitol grounds, we found our way to Granite Park where the cross country run is scheduled for next week. It was difficult to determine the exact course since there are many spurs and loops but I ran sections of the course and walked some. The hills are awesome and a real challenge! I may have to go back and work on them some more.

Lutheran Women in Mission

I've returned from my trip to Peoria. In fact, I flew back to Sacramento less than 24 hours ago and Ray picked me up at the airport. By the time we drove to our new "digs" and settled in for the night, it was 3:30 a.m. (Peoria time). A long day, to be sure.

Lutheran women were everywhere in Peoria. According to reports I've heard, the LWML convention was the largest ever held in this central Illinois city of 115,000. Total registration was nearly 4,700. I've attended so many national conventions that I've lost count, but they are always inspiring! It's also fun to catch up with friends from long ago and even relatives. This year I had a nice visit with Carolyn (Schroeder) Eden, a cousin now living in Minnesota. I also met her daughter-in-law, Malinda Eden. My one regret is that I didn't have my camera with me the day that we met. I also didn't capture a photo of Betty Knapp and Gina Franke.

I arrived in Peoria on Wednesday evening and had dinner with Bea Daily from Florida. We had worked together on an LWML committee a dozen or more years ago. My roommates arrived Thursday morning having driven from Indiana to Peoria. Together, we made our way to the Civic Centre. I spent about an hour helping knot quilts and then it was time for my appointment to donate blood. Meeting up with my roommates, we grabbed a bite to eat and then headed for the opening worship service. Rev. Ken Klaus, former Lutheran Hour speaker was the preacher. I had never heard him speak before and soon understood why he was a popular speaker for the Lutheran Hour. We were all amazed by the performance of a handbell soloist--she played three octaves of handbells! The sound was beautiful as well as her dance-like motions. It's really hard to describe.

Friday morning the official business of the convention began but there is always some pageantry in a convention this size. Each of the 40 Districts had a banner in the processional. Here are four banner photos:

Indiana District

Mid-South District

Minnesota North District

California-Nevada-Hawaii District

LWML conventions traditionally have a large exhibit area and the conventioneers spend as much time as possible visiting all the booths.

Lutheran World Relief

The LWR booth always had a big crowd. They offered samples of Fair Trade Coffee and chocolate! I learned about a new DVD that will debut this fall when Donna Pyle handed me a brochure as I was passing this booth.

Seven past presidents of the LWML were able to attend and here they are on stage:

My sister Gloria is in the back center of the group

The weather was surprisingly cool and overcast during my stay in Peoria. My roommates and I found a different place to eat each noon and evening. We had numerous options a block or so from the Civic Centre. Some women enjoyed eating their lunch outdoors.

Fortunately I had my camera with me when I met up with Jennifer and Robyn who I met on a trip to Cambodia in 2008.

Jennifer is on the staff of LCMS-World Mission

Robyn represented Lutheran Church Extension Fund

My roommates and I enjoyed a nice dinner on our last evening before a musical concert by a group known as Sibling Harmony. The previous evening we heard a very inspirational presentation by Katie Stam, Miss America 2009. Katie also sang four selections for the audience.

Judy, Miriam, Judy and me

After the convention adjourned, I was able to take a free shuttle to the Peoria airport for my flight back to Sacramento. I had nearly five hours to wait but the time went by quickly as there were many other women waiting for flights to their home town. I met Donna from South Carolina who was a "first timer" at the convention. She was very enthused about all she had heard, seen and learned and was making plans for the next convention in Pittsburgh in 2013. She wants to bring her husband! Donna hasn't always been a Lutheran as she was raised in a fundamentalist Baptist church but is now convinced that she's found the right church.

Farewell to Arnold

This will be my last post from Arnold, CA. We arrived a week ago and tomorrow morning I'm flying to Peoria, IL for the LWML convention. I'll be returning to California late Sunday evening. Ray is staying in Arnold until Sunday when he'll move us to a rental apartment in Sacramento and then pick me up at the airport. It's very pleasant here in Arnold. Today was the warmest of the week--about 80+ degrees, but Sacramento was in triple digits. Hope it cools off by the time I return.

We're really thankful to Gloria and Ross for allowing us to stay at their lovely cabin. I don't have many memories of my first trip to the cabin -- about 36 years ago! What I do recall is that Gloria served artichokes and we ate on the deck -- right where I'm typing now. That was my first taste of artichokes ever and even though I don't serve or eat them often, I really do like them. If it hadn't been for this introduction, I wonder if I would have ever learned about how to cook and serve artichokes.

This morning I captured several photos of the interior of the cabin from the loft.

And, finally, when I saw this cutting board, I realized it's a piece of history from my past. There was a companion board, a pig, but I don't know what happened to it. I also don't know the history of the burn mark on the board, but when I saw the fish I was reminded that it came from my parent's home -- at least I believe that.

 

Since my plane leaves at 8:15 a.m. and it is a 2-hour drive to the airport, we are setting an alarm for 3:45. I'll sign off for now to get some rest. If the opportunity presents itself I may post something from Peoria, but if not, I'll be back in five days.

Big Trees!!

Two more days in the mountains for me before heading to the LWML convention in Peoria, IL. The day started off with breakfast and then a morning run. On returning from my workout I realized it was the perfect time to get a photo of where we are staying during our week in the mountains. Arnold, CA has a population of 4,000 and is located at 4,000 ft.

The Edwards' cabin in Arnold, CA

Once again we packed a lunch and drove the three or four miles to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. I'm sure my photos won't do adequate justice to the majesty of the big trees.

We thought this was large -- but didn't know what was to come

The base of the Discovery Tree--25 ft across

In 1853 the giant sequoia called the Discovery Tree was cut down! Today we find it hard to believe that this could happen. It was over 25 ft in diameter at the base and 300 feet tall. When the rings were counted, it was found to be only 1,244 years old--relatively young for such a large redwood.

Burned and dead but still standing

Because of competition from Yosemite, the original owners of this tree responded by carving out a section of the tree. The Pioneer Cabin Tree was chosen because of its extremely wide base and large fire scar. Because of the huge cut, this tree can no longer support the growth of a top. The opening has also reduced the ability of this tree to resist fire. A few branches bearing green foliage indicate that the tree is still managing to survive.

In the following photo, three redwoods, named for the Three Graces of Greek mythology (Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia) may have started life together when fire or a falling tree provided access to the mineral soil and sunlight needed by the tiny seeds.

The Three Graces from another angle

It's hard to capture the entire height of these trees. Some are as tall as 300 or more feet.

After leaving the North Grove Trail, we drove further into the Big Trees Park stopping next at the Stanislaus River. Last winter's heavy snows had the river running fast and loud. Stairs led to the river's edge and we climbed over some rocks and found a shady place to have our picnic lunch. Surveying the edge of the tumbling water, Ray decided to get his equipment from the car because he thought he saw some black sand. 

Using his auger to dig some sand

Washing the sand

 He's not sure, but thought he saw glints of gold in the sand. Very fine pieces if it's truly gold. We packed up the gear and headed for the bridge to see the Stanislaus from another angle.

Looking north

Looking south

A moment of exuberance!

Back in the car to visit the South Grove.

The Sierra Redwood (also known as giant Sequoias) has a unique covering. The bark is spongy.

I believe this is called The Lone Sequoia

Dogwood blossoms

In the 1950s a railroad spur was cut in this part of the park for some lumbering. Hundreds of seeds from a nearby Sequoia were able to germinate in the soil exposed by the railroad, thus naming the giant tree the "Railroad Tree."

The Railroad tree

At the beginning and end of our hike we passed over the Beaver Creek footbridge.