Where I've been...

My mom suggested that I also post a list of all the states I've been to, and I thought I'd just do an updated "Where I've been" map. Hopefully soon I will be adding to it, as I'm so close to states I've never visited before. here it is:

visited 27 states (54%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or determine the next president

I have finally arrived!

Part of the reason I planned my route through St Louis was so that I could isit the Gateway Arch. So sunday morning before leaving St Louis to head to Nashville, I went down to the Riverview park where the arch is. It took me a little bit to find the parking lot as it was down on the levy out of sight from the road. I finally parked (just barely getting the cheaper price of $4 instead of $6) and the walked up to the park. The Gateway Arch is so much bigger than I thought it was from the pictures! It was so huge, I couldn't hardly get it all in one picture. It was a beautiful day to see the arch. You can see some of my pics below, and more on myspace or facebook (if you are on my friends list). After that I didn't really pay attention to things around me, because all I really wanted to do was get to Nashville as soon as I could.

One thing I did on my trip was keep a running tab of state license plates to see how many different ones I saw... here is what I found:

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

North Dakota

Ohio
Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Washington

Wisconsin

Wyoming

I also saw these Canadian plates:

British Columbia

Manitoba

Ontario

Only 1.5 days to go!

Was just going to get directly on the freeway but then I saw a flyer for this cool-looking park in downtown Council Bluffs, so I decided to check it out. It had some really interesting structures in the center of the park. One was part of the fountain that isn't currently running (presumably because of the changing weather). It was a nice start to the day. (see pics below)
Finally I've had some change in scenery. Missouri has more hills and greenery (or rather trees changing colors), than western Iowa did.
Once I reached Kansas City area I noticed a definite change in humidity levels. Just east of Kansas City the sun disappeared behind a foggy haze. It continued until almost right before St Louis, and then the fog disappeared and the sun came out again.
I went through Warrenton, MO and noticed a distinct smell of Onions. I'm ready to be done with my trip. Now that I'm so close, I kind of just want to get there.

Beginning of the Last Half...

Most of this post is going to be random observations from my drive today...
Somewhere near a town called Java, SD I saw a massive gathering of birds out in an empty field. Not only were there tons of birds, but they looked to be of a variety of types. It was a very odd sight.
Saw a sign for a town called Eureka, SD... thought of Ian C (from Eureka, MT).
Passed Bowdle, SD which apparently has the tallest water tower in the state. I wouldn't have known except for the sign.
Thanks to Grandma D I had her famous Lemon Bread for breakfast on the road. Yum Yum!
What kind of fuel is 'E-85', and why is it only $1.79/gal in Ipswich, SD?
It seems like every little town in SD I've gone through has some sort of museum... that would be an interesting trip just to visit each one.
Another fuel question - Why is regular more expensive than plus? And what does it mean when 10% Ethanol is added?
I guess I will have to do some research ... and then post my findings.
I was really excited when I stopped in Sioux Falls, SD and only paid $2.25/gal!!
Unfortunately the scenery today has been almost identical to what I've already seen, so I don't really have any new pics... I will try to be more obliging tomorrow. :) I miss you all and hope you had a Happy Halloween!

Hometown Feel and Family History

When I was little I thought my Mom was morbid for taking pics of our dead relatives grave stones. She always said it was for Family History records, but I still didn’t get it. Now that I’m older and both of my Dad’s parents are buried here in SD, I found myself wanting to take pics of their grave stones too. This morning, at my request, Grandma D and I went to both local cemeteries where my relatives are buried. I took pics of my Grandpa H & Grandma B’s graves, and also my great-grandparents graves. Because my Grandma B died when I was only 2, I don’t remember her and have never really felt close to her. It was strange though… seeing her grave today and wondering how she would feel about her granddaughter moving cross country from the only home she has ever known, it seemed like I was closer to her. Hearing Grandma D (who is actually my Step-Grandma) talk about their childhood and the relatives that are still around has made me feel more a part of the secluded life here in Mobridge.
After visiting the Mound City cemetery Grandma D treated me to lunch at Calico’s where we enjoyed some real good German food. I tried the Cheese Button, bratwurst, creamy cucumber salad, and something called Fleiskeuchle (a beef patty wrapped in dough and deep fried). It was all very delicious! I’ve really enjoyed this time spent with Grandma, and consider it a true blessing.
on a side note – I saw another pheasant today, but it was a male this time. He had a beautiful green head and really long tail feathers.

Here is a couple pics I took today...the last one is of me and Grandma D.

To Grandma's House

Apparently eastern MT is big hunting country. There were several hunters staying at the hotel last night.
Most of my trip today was on Hwy 12 between Miles City and Mobridge, SD. The scenery was reminiscent of old westerns I used to watch with Dad and the boys when we were younger. Driving along this stretch of more nothingness I noticed a sign for a Historical Point. I turned where the arrow pointed. I got excited because I saw a cool old steel bridge ahead. (You see I have a slight obsession with photographing bridges.) Apparently the road I turned onto was a private drive and not the Historical Point after all. So I had to be content photographing the bridge from afar. It did seem somewhat out of place in this desert like area.
I went through this “town” called Marmarth, ND that seriously looked dead. All the trees lining the main street looked dead, and there were abandoned buildings that were probably active businesses at some point. The only places that looked open and alive were the convenience store at the end of town, and the Antique Auto Museum.
I also saw several different types of wildlife today… some live, some not. The list of noticeable roadkill included: a skunk, a rabbit, and a coyote. Besides several unidentified birds of prey, the list of living wildlife I saw today included: a coyote, and a pheasant (which I almost became roadkill).
Finally I arrived at Grandma D’s house and it was like we just picked up from where we had last left off. She doesn’t look much different after 4 years, just a few more adorable wrinkles but she is still Grandma.

Here are some pics from the road today... (note the second pic with my monkey road companion that was a gift from the ladies in my office :) )

Long stretch of nothingness...

I left Missoula at about 9 this morning, which was earlier than yesterday, but later than I had planned. I didn't sleep well last night. But I finally got off after getting my mocha at Starbucks where I met a girl originally from Seattle. (Ironic that she works at Starbucks eh? ;) )

After leaving Missoula, there were several places along I-90 that I saw signs for "Clark Fork" when crossing a stream of water. I remembered that I had seen several yesterday too... was this just one that keeps criss-crossing under the highway, or are there more than one Clark Fork's in MT? just a thought...

Today while driving the section between Billings and Miles City (this is where the nothingness comes in), I realized that I couldn't see anyone in front of me or behind me. This wasn't even because I was going over a hill, or around a curve! I was on a long straight flat stretch with no one in sight. Kind of a weird sensation.

I've noticed another unfamiliar thing while on my trip... with all these open fields close to the highway, there are political ads which are like billboards almost. They consist of several boards with part of a message on each and as you drive you can read each one as it comes. Most of them have dealt with ideas about using alternative energy sources. However, today I saw one that I was really confused by... it said: "Don't stick your elbow out the window too far... It might just go home in a different car." What the heck is that supposed to mean? and what does it have to do with Brad Molnar running for Public Service Commissioner?

During my hours of driving today, I was taking note of the extraordinarily nice weather once again... During the past couple months I have been trying to keep my eyes and heart open for signs that pointed towards the idea that I need to stay in WA. However, with each step I made to move, things went very smoothly. The wonderful weather just seems to be a continued blessing on my journey.

Here are a couple more pics from my journey today...

Leaving Home...

I've decided to try and keep a travel journal while travelling to TN. Since I'm doing this for myself, I thought maybe some of you would like to follow along as well. My posts will most likely just be random thoughts and notes not necessarily a consistent story...just so you know. :) Here is what I have from my first day on the road:

"I'm letting go of the life I planned for me and my dreams, I'm losing control of my destiny...

This is a giant leap of faith... the fear of the unknown beyond my comfort zone...

Giving into your gravity, knowing you are holding me... I'm not afraid." - I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli

Stopped to get gas at Fred Meyer... was posed this question by the pump: "would you like to use your $.10 /gal rewards discount?" This seemed like a really stupid question seeing as I was about to set out on a journey that will take me about 2500 miles away from what has been my home for over 23 years!

It has been a beautiful day for a drive... crisp and clear with the sun shining all day. Saw beautiful fall color crossing the Cascade Mountains and then again when crossing over the Mountains in Montana. There was a lot of gold colored trees in Idaho and Montana... and I wasn't sure what they were at first. I finally got close enough to some and decided they must be Larches, because they looked like conifers. The color was stunning and I was able to take some pic to share when I stopped at one of the rest areas. I also noticed a light scent of pine lingering in the air when I got out of the car. It was a nice addition to the feeling that I was in the middle of autumn there.

Once I got to Missoula (my destination for the night), I met a family friend for dinner next door to my hotel. The food was delicious and it was nice to catch up with her. After dinner, we were discussing how far from Missoula, Bozeman is, and ended up getting some helpful info from a waiter who had just ended his shift. I then started out to go back to my hotel room, and the friend came out after me and said she was going to drive me back to my hotel (even though it was just next door). Apparently the guy we had chatted with, followed me out of the resturaunt even though he still had half a beer left at his table. I was thankful for her concern, and took her up on the ride. Now I'm going to try to get to sleep, even though the next door neighbor is talking very loudly (on his cell phone presumably) and get an early start tomorrow morning.

Here are some pics I took today...hope you enjoy.

The first pic is of The Gorge at Vantage, WA. The second is of the fall color in Montana.

Life is changing... a lot.

I'm sure most of you know this by now, but I thought I'd share some thoughts about my impending move cross country.

Yesterday a friend and came and bought my two large bookcases and my bed. This is the first time its really hit me that I'm really moving. I know this might sound weird, but its true! I've been planning for several months now, but in my mind I still had a lot of time before I leave. Now its only 3 weeks away... and its hitting me. This is for real. I've been reassuring my friends of this fact, but apparently I hadn't convinced myself yet...

Bellevue Botanical Garden

Today I went on another garden outing with my friend MintClartha. We went to Bellevue Botanical Garden, which I had visited before but she hadn't. It was perfect weather for picture taking, and we were excited to get started. The garden is quite large with various different types of gardens inside it. We visited the Waterwise garden first, and moved on to the Perennial Border. The Perennial border is one of my favorite places here. We saw lots of interesting beetles and bees on our walk through the border.

As it is August, all the hydrangeas were blooming, and there were many different types to see. The further we went, each one seemed to be a more stunning shade of blue or purple. We also saw some pink and white hydrangeas. After a nice walk through the woods on the Loop Trail, we walked through the Native Discovery Garden alongside the Wetland Ponds. In the Native Discovery Garden we saw such Northwest natives as, Oregon Grape, Bunchberry, and various ferns. From there we went through the Yao Garden, which is a Japanese style garden. It was very peaceful there, and contained lots of maples, ferns, azaleas, and hostas. We continued on to the Rhododendron Glen where we found a nice little kiosk to look up some of the plants we didn't know. The next area we came to was called the Shorts Ground Cover Garden, which also showcased an impressive waterfall feature. One of my favorite plants in that area was the Black Mondo Grass, in combination with the low-growing Persicaria. The last area we visited was the Alpine Rock Garden, which reminded me of some areas I had seen on my camping trip last weekend. Except there were some very different plants used in this garden. There were several types of sedum, some Creeping Thyme and campanula. Overall it was a very enjoyable morning, and it was refreshing to visit the garden with someone who loves plants as much as I do.

If you'd like to see more pictures from our garden adventure click here.

New Place

Its true, I've moved out of my parents house. Yes its been 3 months already and I haven't posted about it.... I have finally taken pictures of my bedroom and bathroom which I am renting. So from now on you can picture me blogging from my bed, since that is usually where I sit to work. :)

I'm renting a bedroom and bathroom from friends who just bought their first house. Its a townhouse and we live right near the mall and only about 5 min from my work (which is great!). This bedroom is slightly bigger than my old room in my parents house, and the closet is bigger (!!). One of my favorite things about moving out, is that I don't have to share a bathroom with 3 brothers any more. I don't have to work shower schedules out, or worry about them not replacing the toilet paper, or even about the messes they might leave on the counter or sink. I've been enjoying my independence, and expect to continue enjoying it even though I have been experiencing "family withdrawals". I still get up to see my family quite often though. In fact the past 3 weekends have all been spent either at my parents house or with my family camping.

Car Shopping

The time has come for me to get a new car. I currently own a 97 Mazda Protege that has over 100k miles on it. I have been doing lots of research online and getting price quotes from local dealerships through email. Within the last 2 weeks I have test driven a 2008 Ford Focus, Nissan Versa, Mazda 3 and a 2009 Toyota Corolla. My favorite so far is the Mazda. Oddly enough it was the first car I drove. Controls for wipers, lights etc are in the same places as my car. It was very comfortable to drive, and a nice quiet ride. I did notice that it was easy to quickly be over the speed limit because it accelerates so smoothly I didn't hear the shift changes as much. Next I drove the Focus, which was running for a great price. This year Ford has added a lot of cool extra features to the Focus. If you get the SES it has the Microsoft Sync system, which is a hands-free voice recognition system. I have to say this is a really awesome idea, however it seemed a little over-the-top for a car like the Focus. More important features like comfortable seats, location of the shifter stick and emergency brake were lacking. Last night I drove the2009 Toyota Corolla which has been re-vamped this year. I really like the look of it on the outside, and it drove pretty smooth too. The seats weren't the most comfortable, and I don't think any of my tall friends would have enough head room. Toyota is a reliable company, and the Corolla gets great gas mileage which is a huge benefit of late. The Nissan Versa is a sporty little car. It was smooth to drive and had quite a bit of getup and go. When sitting in it, I felt I was higher than in any of the other cars. I not only liked the look of the hatchback, but I also felt I could see out the back better. Overall I liked it a lot, and I've had several people recommend this local dealership. The low price makes it very tempting even though I like the Mazda best.
I'm finding that this decision isn't as easy as I thought it could be. Thinking about all the different aspects of buying a new car has been somewhat stressful, and I can't wait for it to be over. However it is fun to drive all these different cars! :)

NW Flower & Garden Show update

hello everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that if you'd like to see more pics from the show you can look at my web album here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/leah.liebelt/2008NWFlowerGardenShow

NW Flower & Garden Show

This last weekend I went to the NW Flower & Garden Show at the convention center in Seattle. I went with a fellow garden-lover from church, Martha, and we had a wonderful time! She just recently moved to the area and had never been, so it was a new experience for her. This was my first year to actually spend a whole day at the show, and go to any seminars. I really enjoyed it even though I was exhausted by the end of it.

We began by viewing the Display Gardens. This is the most amazing part, because there are these gardens which make you feel like you are outdoors not in a big convention center. Martha and I decided that if we took our pictures just right, people wouldn't be able to tell we were inside at all. There were several I really liked, but my favorite was called "Weekend Adventures". It was a small camping/picnic scene in what looked like a native Northwest woodland setting. All the plants they used were natives or variations of natives to Western Washington. Another favorite was a fall harvest themed garden that incorporated a flower garden and a veggie garden together.

After we looked at all the Display Gardens, we walked through one of the three rooms of booths and then went to a couple seminars. The first seminar was "Part 1: Containers 101" and the second was "Part 2: Plant Palettes" both by Wendy Welch. Wendy Welch is a Container Designer who teaches classes at Swansons Nursery in Seattle, and at Edmonds Community College (where I went to school). I really enjoyed her seminars, she explained things in a very easy-to-understand way. In part two of the seminar, she showed several slides with ideas for plant combinations which I always find helpful.

We then ate lunch and continued our visit by looking at the container competition. Different designers and nurseries had each put together a grouping of containers with specific themes. One of my favorites was using succulents and bright colors. Another really neat one had a miniature theme. They made miniature garden scenes in their containers. Each was very creative. We finished off our time by walking through the remaining area of booths which included nursery booths with live plants for sale.

Overall I really enjoyed the show. The display gardens had some great ideas in them, and hearing Wendy talk about making containers made me want to get back into that.

Starting Fresh

Hello friends, family, and strangers,

Some of you may remember that I had a blog from a while ago called The Garden of Thought. If you do, then you also remember that I wasn't very good at keeping up with it. Eventually I lost my info for signing in etc and now I've decided to start fresh. I'm not completely the same person as I was before, and now that I've graduated college, I'm dealing with new issues, concerns, and excitements.
I hope that you help me in this new endeavor to share, by adding your 2 cents to my posts.