late july we took a vacation east. it started on the 21st, as we flew into cleveland, rented a car, and drove about 30 miles south to stow/stowe, ohio. the cleveland symphony orchestra's summer home is the blossom center, in the cuyahoga springs state park. this is a spectacular park, with an awesome outdoor theatre and sprawling lawn, where people can enjoy wonderful performances throughout the summer.

we heard the orchestra play the lord of the rings score, directed by its composer, howard shore. it was a wonderful evening... there was also an awesome choir and female vocalist... incredible!!!!

the next day, we flew into washington, d.c., and met up with our friends, ruth and stephen, and their two grandchildren, scottie and sami. we spent a couple of days sightseeing... mostly the smithsonian... and then headed south along the blue ridge parkway, to luray caverns... the most beautiful caverns that i have ever seen. from there, we went on to their home in mineral, va. for a couple of days. while there, we met their big and beautiful family, and spent a day at monticello... perfectly lovely!

then, we went south to myrtle beach, sc, for about a week. this was a fun and relaxing time... i got a bit hooked on sudoku...

what a great vacation! i will try to get some pics posted... thanks so much to ruth and stephen for being such gracious hosts, and showing us their corner of the country!!!