A Tower and a Bridge

The New Patient Tower at Salem Hospital

The Red Cross drives this van to help at disaster sites

Yesterday, after a fabulous breakfast at Word of Mouth, Al and I visited 1 place where we hope to spend very little time and another that we plan to see often. The first place was the new patient tower at Salem Hospital. There were nurses and techs stationed throughout emergency, cardiology, radiology, surgery and patient rooms to explain the procedures and equipment and answer questions. It's a lovely hospital (isn't that an oxymoron) with original artwork and huge windows and all the latest technology. They have even structured the patient rooms with accommodations for the family. I guess studies have shown that people heal better if their loved ones are near-by. It is good to know that we have such a modern hospital in the city...I just don't want to go there again..ever!

Since 1914 there has been a railroad bridge over the Willamette near downtown Salem . Many years ago it was abandoned and closed, only to be used by delinquent kids (and you know who you are) as a place to hang out with friends and smoke cigars. Finally the city has refurbished it and it is now a beautiful bike and pedestrian bridge that links Riverfront Park and Wallace Marine Park in West Salem. Al and I took a stroll across it and enjoyed the warm weather and great view of the river. We joined families with strollers, kids and their dogs, spandex clad bikers and elderly folks for a delightful walk in the sunshine. It's so nice to have a beautiful park and walking path only 15 minutes away and I hope we go there often this summer.