Thanks To You

Riverfront Park

101 Front St NE

Salem, OR 97301

My very exact sentiments every Wednesday. Inspite of my best recycling efforts, I still do need to have the garbage haulers of Marion County remove a can of refuse each week. For their achievements, I do give thanks.

Our Historical Theater

Elsinore Theater

170 High St SE

Salem, OR 97301

First opened 1926.

Watering Hole

Pete's Place
356 State St.
Salem, OR 97301

Salem's longest running drinking establishment, lining 'em up so Salemites can knock 'em back since 1860.

Kiss Me

Al's Garden Center
1220 N Pacific Hwy (99E)
Woodburn, OR 97071

Interesting ceramic planters.

Cobalt Blue

The Daue House Gift Shop

Historic Alexander Daue House

1095 Saginaw St. S

Salem, OR

One of my favorite past times, especially during the wet, cold, blustery season, is antiques shopping. Today, neither wet or blustery, was just as good day as any to browse through the gift shop for additions to my collections. This shop is maintained by the Assistance League of Salem, a non-profit organization that supports various community programs, and housed in the 100-year old Daue House.

Below, colored glass merchandise for sale along the bay windows of the converted dining room.

Bubble Gum Pink

Al's Garden Center

1220 N Pacific Hwy (99E)

Woodburn, OR 97071

Al's Gardens grows over 50,000 and over 50 different varieties of poinsettias each year. A large portion of the annual crop go to worthwhile school, church and hospital fundraisers throughout Oregon and Washington. I did resist the urge to bring holiday cheer in mid-November. I promise to return and pick up my favorite Bubble Gum Pink Poinsettias after all the Thanksgiving leftovers are eaten.

Meet the Newest Seasonal Addition

Riverfront Carousel

101 Front Street

Salem, OR

This palomino's name is Happy Holiday, he's only visiting for the winter. Salem's Riverfront Carousel just underwent a makeover, changing decorations from harvest to yule tidings, the installation of a brass ring dispenser and the addition of Happy Holiday. I'm terribly impressed by the craftmanship of all the hand carved animals, the bright color of the carousel and the all smiles the ride seemed to bring to each child's face. I must confess, though, that I wasn't able to muster enough courage to go for a ride. Things that go round and round take its toll on both my head and the contents of my stomach. I wasn't in a gambling mood.