Ruminations from the Temple

Yom Ha’atzmaut is the celebration of Israel’s independence on the 5th day of the month of Iyar. It commemorates the declaration of statehood (May 14th 1948). The rebirth of the Land of Israel marked the first time in 1900 years that the Jewish people had a free and independent homeland. On the 5th of Iyar, Israel celebrates her independence with joyous festivities. Jewish people around the world join in the anniversary celebrations with their own community celebrations. In Israel Yom Ha'atzmaut is a national holiday. Government offices, banks, educational institutions, and most commercial establishments are closed for the day. In the synagogues Yom Ha'atzmaut is marked with the recital of the Hallel prayer (Palms of Praise), and around the country the Israeli government and local municipalities conduct official ceremonies. Yom Ha'atzmaut is concluded with the ceremony of granting the "Israel Prize" recognizing individual Israelis for their unique contribution...

Here are some of my favorite shots from our Journey to Tillamook...enjoy! To continue, click here please.&DontBotherMeAgain=Don't bother me again&PleaseWait=Please wait..."/> If you would like to view the album on Fotki, here's the link: A Journey to Tillamook

photo by Lisa Well, we are back home. As I type this, Padawan is heading home to her family and some unknowns. We had a terrific day yesterday driving to Yachats and then boxing up the coast; I think we managed to get six or seven boxes total on this trip. That may not seem like much, but there was quite a bit of other activities going on, as well, since it was my parent's anniversary trip. The weather was absolutely breathtaking - sunny and warm. We just sat on the rocks at Neptune Beach and soaked up the turquoise blue waves breaking into white foam and rushing onto the beautiful, brown sand then crashing beneath our black perches. Lisa looked for tide pools, but they were only slimy...it must get too much wave action here for any critters hang out. I wish I could describe how beautiful it was... We actually left Tillamook at 7:30-ish in the evening, heading north toward home. It was about then that we got a distressing phone call from Jacob, Lisa's son, who was home b...

Today is the last day we get to spend on the beautiful Oregon Coast, then we are headed north. We are definitely not in any hurry to get back, to be sure! We have so much to do this next week, with the wedding of our friends Bill & Lisa, but for today, we are driving south... The DO-LIST: letterboxing in Yachats laughing taking pictures breathing in the ocean air looking at a lighthouse or two enjoying the journey along Hywy 101 eating someplace that we know is really good! not having any obligation or schedule more laughing playing music rather loud perhaps singing... squeakin' the most fun out of this last day as possible!

Today we will be enjoying all that there is to enjoy in the wonderfully unique coastal town of Cannon Beach...woohoo! If you know me at all, you know full well that Cannon is a town that is one of my all-time favorites and that I absolutely love to visit all the ghosts that wait for me there...so much history! But, before we take in the lovely little boutiques, book stores, candy shops, gift & clothing stores, we are going to try to snag a couple of letterboxes. We will be accompanied by our friend, Connie, who is traveling with my parents on this vacation. Connie, who lost her husband a year or so ago, is pretty excited about hangin' out with a couple of Jedi for the day. I hope we don't wear her out! lol! My parents will be spending today with my brother, Dan, who arrived last night with his two boys, Zekiah and Matthias. We had a good time with them last night, even doing a little lightsaber sparring with each of the boys - not too shabby! Zekiah has a red saber, however...

Today, it is sunny, gloriously sunny! Some hazy clouds, but dry and wonderful *smile* It is my parent's anniversary today, so we will be spending the day with them exploring the Three Capes Loop, the Cape Meares Lighthouse and anything along the way that calls to us! Cameras are at the ready, to be sure. My brother and his two boys will be arriving later this afternoon, and we are planning on having a small celebration in my parent's room with champagne, munchies and memories. I have to say that the hotel, the Best Western in Tillamook, is very, very nice. The beds are dreamy with memory foam mattress toppers, down comforters and luscious pillows (they said I could take one home with me!). The rooms are good sized and the breakfast is even good with lots of food my Dad is just loving (biscuits & gravy...bleh!). The computer runs a little slow, but that's OK... Oh, and there is a cute little coffee shop with great lattes for only $3 a piece - no tax! We love Ore...

We made it safely in Tillamook, after a very long day in the vehicle...well, not just our vehicle, but in a tow truck, as well... In short, we drove from Puyallup to Kelso, stopped at a McD's for a sweet tea and bathroom break, and the van (affectionately known as Artee) wasn't cooperating. It turned on fine, but would not go into reverse without dying. Managed to limp it into another parking spot away from the main doors of the restaurant, but could not get it further than that. :-( Called AAA, met Scott, the sweet tow-truck driver, and we entertained him with Star Wars trivia all the way back to Puyallup...straight to the dealership! Anyway, upon loading our stuff into the loaner, now named the Rattlecan, we made our way back south. After starting our journey at 9:00am, we arrived in Tillamook around 6-ish in the evening. No boxing on the way, either...oh well! So, all's well that ends well - for today, anyway. We will find out more on Monday about Artee...::sigh:: ...