The whole family, including Sue's 94 year old mother, Birdie went to the beach for the weekend. The weather was good and the festivities were wonderful. We went to Manzanita, Or. for an old fashion 4th of July parade. The city of Manzanita has about 870 full time residents. At the time of the parade there were about 5000 people in the town. The parade lasts for about one hour and 15 minutes. It has to be a huge task for this small city to co-ordinate and pull off a parade of this size.
Grandma Sue and Saylor are part of the crowd that have lined the entire length of the town to watch the parade. Our other grandchild, Fischer is standing in the street trying to catch as much candy as possible from the different floats as they pass by. This is truly an All American way to spend the 4th of July. Everyone gets in the spirit if the holiday. Before the parade begins there is a national guard fly by on the entire coast from Astoria down to Brookings. To hear the jets and then see them overhead just wants to make you celebrate the 4th.
As you can see all the floats are homemade and have a patriotic theme. Most floats have children
throwing candy and waving to all their friends. The kids lined up along the parade route have a wonderful time trying to get as much candy as possible
After the parade we had a real 4th of July cookout at our daughter's house. Kimberley had about 40 people over and everyone enjoyed the afternoon. I would say there was about 20 young children and all were well behaved. A man called "The Voice" set up a stage and microphone and entertained everyone in the Frank Sinatra style of vocals. The crowd grew very large to listen.
Saylor and Fischer even did their bit to help celebrate. Saylor is five and Fischer is 7. What a treat they have been.
Sunday morning we went up to Astoria for the farmers market. I think it is the largest market in Oregon.
You can find crafts, food, plants , produce and flowers. I enjoyed looking at the different booths that featured photography. We had lunch at the food court and everyone got something different. You could choose Mexican, Bar-b-Que, fish and chips and assortments wine, beer or exotic lemonade's. All the food was good and all the food booths were busy.
From Astoria we crossed the Columbia River into Washington. The bridge is over 4 miles long. We ended up at Cape Disappointment where there are two lighthouses within 2 miles of each other. This is the only place on the entire coast of the United States that have two lighthouses so close together. The above shot is the north lighthouse.
This images was taken as we were leaving the north lighthouse and heading for the the gift shop and our car.
We drove a short distance to the south lighthouse. As you can see it is the perfect spot for a picnic. To the left is a small crescent beach that is perfect for wading and going into the water, but I have to tell you the water is cold. We had a full and wonderful 4th of July weekend. Sue and I feel blessed to live in such beauty.
Hello Sue: Hi, this is Joanne Durkin, Greg's aunt. I just came across your blog today, May, 2nd, 2010. Saw the great pictures of you enjoying the Fourth of July parade in Manzanita, and also Cannon Beach. Greg's cousin's, the Durkin clan have participated in this parade for about 8 years. 2 of his cousins, John, and Beth, have beach homes just down from the post office. Hope to see Greg and Camille at the family picnic this year, missed them last year. Oh, you are invited too, I think you would enjoy the setting and the company! Joanne Durkin
Posted by: Joanne Durkin | May 02, 2010 at 03:36 PM
What a beautiful picture. The water rushing over the bank. How beautiful. I do not5 have a camera of printer, nor money to get paints, accessories, but Susa, I dod order one of your books. i don't know what I am going to do with it without materials. So hard for me. I love all the pictures and seeing you with your husband and people you know. How lovely. I am 70 and never have had to instruction I needed or the materials I can but. Live on S.S. I bless you with your God given talents and griends. I am alone and grieve sometime. I want more before I leave this world.
Sue Moomaw
Posted by: Sue Moomaw | May 04, 2010 at 08:30 PM
I just noticed my typos. I'm sorry. The word not does not have a 5 after it. Plus your name is Susan, not Susa. I did order, nor dod. Not griendss, but friends. Sorry about my typos. Sue Moomaw
Posted by: Sue Moomaw | May 04, 2010 at 08:33 PM