Places to go, things to see!

Last weekend, we were privileged to have our niece Kari spend most of the weekend with us. Besides all the visiting that we enjoying doing, we also try to squeeze in something new. Recently, we have been seeking out places in our city that are relaxing and recreational, i.e parks and walking trails! Several months ago, when driving home after work, I discovered that we have a picturesque little lake right here in the center of our city. So on Friday, in the late afternoon, the three of us headed out for a relaxing walk around the lake.

The park area hosted many ducks and other birds. It reminded us of our walks around Lake Alice when we used to live in Minnesota. When I started to approach the edge of the water where these ducks were, they all came waddling toward me. I guess they thought they were going to be fed! But we obeyed the signs that said, Please do not feed the ducks... And the best part of this walk around the lake-- no mosquitoes--unlike Lake Alice!

We loved the look of this stately old tree.

After our walk around the lake, we headed for Hillcrest Park. It is a huge park with many interesting paths that take one to several different areas of the park.

The park is located on the crest of a hill that overlooks several cities surrounding us. We plan to walk in this park during the winter months so we can get some excellent pictures of the snow-capped mountains that wrap around our basin.

Sorry, the pictures are a little dark because it was twilight. The evening was so pleasant, though, and it was just nice to be outdoors and enjoy our time together.

On Saturday morning, Kari and I decided to visit the Nixon Library. This was my third visit to the Library, but I learn something new each time I go.

My other visits to this place have been during the winter months, so the flowers and plants on the grounds were not as beautiful as they are during the summer.

There was lots of see and read... (for more info see Kari's blog)

Kari observing the great folks of the past: Anwar Sadat and Golda Meier. These statues are life-sized and were made from plaster, then clothed (with real clothing) and bronze-painted. The were awesome.

Because the former president spent alot of time trying to heal US relations with China, he was given many gifts from that country. This gift of an embroidery of a cat is so fascinating. The piece of art took over a year to create and each fine, silk thread is carefully placed so that the cat is absolutely perfect from both the front view and the back. That certainly took alot of patience!

A view of Nixon's birthplace

The rose gardens were so beautiful.

a palm tree

A sundial that was the correct time!
The room that is a replica of the East room was being prepared for a wedding reception that evening. It was the first time that I'd seen this room so beautifully transformed!
A table just outside the East room that held all the place cards of the coming guests

That evening, Jim joined us for a delicious meal at one of our favorite restaurants Roscoe's Deli.
We enjoyed a lovely time together on the back veranda. Thanks Kari for a fun weekend!