Linn County Pioneer Museum

     Yesterday afternoon we embarked on an adventure.  This time we headed south (but only after stopping in Lyons for driving treats) to Brownsville to visit the Linn County Pioneer Museum.  Here's the link:

http://www.linnparks.com/pages/museums/historymuseum.html

     The weather was warm and sunny and there were lambs by the hundreds in the fields along the route.  We only sighted one bald eagle this journey.  Sort of a let down from the 8 we saw last year about this time.  I would love to visit Brownsville another day and enjoy a bit of antique and yarn store shopping.  Probably without Sarah.

 The original seat from the Brownsville train depot.  See Grandpa in the background?  Grandpa and Grandma Jacoby met us for the tour.  

 A genuine covered wagon that made the trip across the Oregon Trail.  One of 3 originals still in existence.

 Hmmm.  Looks a little familiar.  

Sarah liked this perambulator.

This was a model wagon that kids could pretend to pack.  Sarah played with this for a long time.  

     This is definitely worth the trip, though little kids won't be too entertained by the museum.  I think we all came away with some new knowledge about Linn County.  After all, isn't that what museums are for?

Silver Creek Falls

Is that what it's actually called?  Or is it just "Silver Falls"?  Hmmm.  I need to check into that.  Either way, we headed up to the park last week, with Grandma Pennick acting as chaperon, to enjoy the beautiful weather.  I'm sure I hadn't walked the falls since Jon was a baby.  It was a good day for an adventure.

 First view of the falls.  I am loving the new (don't know how new they actually are as I haven't seen them before) fence/barricade.  Feels much safer.

 Under the falls.

 In a "cave" of sorts.

 Just before the foot bridge.  Funny side note:  There was a warning sign and a temporary barricade that we walked over to get to this point and Jon was certain we would all perish or be arrested for ignoring the warning.  He's rather uptight.

 Jack walking over a fallen log, across the creek.  Crazy.

 A "castle" made from an old stump.  

 Just a pretty, little spring on the side of the hill.

Evidently Sarah did not win the race.  That would explain the face.

After the park, we drove on to Silverton to check out the chocolate store.  Here's a link:

http://www.silvertonchocolateboxshop.com/

Oh. My. Heavens.  This place is amazing!  After nibbling on some treats, we wandered into a few shops, got a coffee, then headed to.......

McDonalds!  

That was the hit of the day for the kids.  

Granola

 Here's the recipe.  The friend (and neighbor, I might happily add) I got this from is amazing, people.  Just last week she tracked an elk (uphill, through the woods), made the kill, gutted and hung the darn thing, then processed it herself.  Oh, and did I forget to tell you that she's 22 weeks pregnant?  And a Mama.  And a teacher.  And an amazing cook.  There is nothing this gal cannot do.  She's my hero.

Do yourself a favor and make it.  I added some extra cranberries, unsweetened coconut, and cinnamon to my batch.  I also substituted raw honey for the maple syrup.  While it was baking, my house smelled so good.

The Flu

And what we've done with it this past week.

Jon, then Sarah, then me.  Then Jack.  Now Madeline, though she seems to be getting off easier than the rest of us.  It starts with a day of feeling tired, proceeds into chest congestion, moves on to 24-36 hours of a 102 degree fever with horrible aches and chills, then ends in general malaise, coughing, and cold symptoms.  I've been sicker before, but not in many years.

We spent lots of time watching Netflix.  Too much time, probably.  I think I cruised through 26 episodes of Ugly Betty in 3 days.  I couldn't sleep at night so I just watched TV.  Have you watched that show?  It's funny.  No one seems particularly hungry so cooking (or lack of it) hasn't been an issue.  Fudgesicles, oyster crackers, and toast.  Oh, and lots of tea.

I did have to run to town on Friday morning for a Dr. appt. and to pick up a few groceries.  Don't worry, I only shopped at Winco and I figure after 4 days without the fever I was still probably healthier than most of the people there.  I used my hand sanitizer before I touched the cart (you're welcome) as well as after.

Funny thing:  After seeing all the hype on the news and in the papers about this "deadly flu season" I called our local Dr. and asked if they'd like us to come in and be tested for the flu in order to help with the CDC's tracking of this year's strain.  I was trying to be a good citizen.  I was basically told to toughen up, drink plenty of water, and leave the office alone.  So much for trying to help.

Hopefully we'll be ready to venture out into the world again this week.  The little kids were excited to start swimming lessons last week but had to put it off until now.  If the rain subsides I believe there will be plenty of outside time too.  We're all a bit stir crazy by now.