Destination Sequim

Sequim, Port Angeles and the Olympic Peninsula have so much to offer. Enjoy these recent promotional videos commissioned by our local community. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to come stay with us and enjoy all that the area has to offer.

George Washington, His Mother And A Colt

Washington's Childhood Home

You’ve heard of George Washington and the cherry tree. How about his mother’s young colt? The character of the mother, as well as that of the son, are shown in the following incident.

Mrs. Washington owned a remarkably fine colt, which she valued very much; but which, though old enough for use, had never been mounted; no one would venture to ride it, or attempt to break its wild & vicious spirit. George proposed to some of his young companions, that they should assist him to secure the colt until he could mount it, as he had determined that he would try to tame it. Soon after sun rise, one morning, they drove the wild animal into an enclosure, & with great difficulty succeeded in placing a bridle on it. George then sprang upon its back, & the vexed colt bounded over the open fields, prancing & plunging to get rid of his burden. The bold rider kept his seat firmly, & the struggle between them became alarming to his companions, who were watching him. The speed of the colt increased, until at length, in making a furious effort to throw his conqueror, he burst a large blood-vessel, & instantly died. George was unhurt, but was much troubled by the unexpected result of his exploit. His companions soon joined him, & when they saw the beautiful colt lifeless, the 1st words they spoke were, “What will your mother say-who can tell her?” They were called to breakfast, & soon after they were seated at the table, Mrs. Washington said, “Well, young gentlemen, have you seen my fine sorrel colt in your rambles?” No answer was given, & the question was repeated; her son George then replied- “Your sorrel colt is dead, mother.” He gave her an exact account of the event. The flush of displeasure which first rose on her cheek, soon passed away; & she said calmly, “While I regret the loss of my favourite, I rejoice in my son, who always speaks the truth.”

Taken from “Life of Washington” by Anna C. Reed, published by the American Sunday School Union, 1842

George Washington’s Lessons On Parenthood

Taken from WashingtonInn on Twitter

• Comment from @scm15010 – I love the quotes about his mother!
• George Washington referred to his mother as “revered mother” & “honored Madam”, in letters signing off as “Your most Dutiful & Obedient Son.”
• George Washington’s cousin wrote, “I was often there with George…of (his) mother I was 10 times more afraid than I ever was of my own parents.”
• She awed me in the midst of her kindness…even now I could not behold that remarkable woman without feelings it is impossible to describe.
• “Whoever has seen that awe-inspiring air & manner so characteristic in the Father of his Country, will remember (his mother) as she appeared…”
• George Washington’s mother: “the presiding genius of her well-ordered household, commanding & being obeyed.” Statement of GW’s cousin, Lawrence Washington
• “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw.” ~ George Washington
• “All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual & physical education I received from her.” George Washington
• http://twitpic.com/xcm2y – Joys & rewards of parenthood! Our son donned his “white coat” as a member of the USC School of Medicine Class of 2012
• http://twitpic.com/xcm02 – Our son with the dean of the USC School of Medicine at his Pledge of Commitment Ceremony.
• A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish man despises his mother. Proverbs 15:20

Reflections on the Past Year

George Washington Inn has once again hosted guests from around the world, enjoying an excellent increase in occupancy as “Mount Vernon West” completes its second year of operation. Providing first class accommodations that reflect honorably on the integrity of its namesake, George Washington, is of utmost importance.

As proprietors, who also serve as innkeepers, we have much at stake. Our guests, during their stay, have become like family and develop a definite kinship to this unique bed and breakfast inn. From the modest beginnings of an oceanfront hay meadow, our aim has been to share this magnificent setting with others. We strive to have a personal touch from the time a reservation is made to the follow-up when someone leaves a phone charger or some other belonging behind. Who else can say it better than our guests. Here are some of their comments over the past year:

George Washington Inn is quite simply the most delightful house to stay in. It is situated in stunning and peaceful surroundings with gracious hosts who have just one ambition; to make your stay as comfortable and hospitable as possible. If you are anywhere near here then we would not hesitate to recommend that you stay. We took home some of our fondest memories of Washington state from here. You will not be disappointed.

A first class inn which combines tranquility, a warm and gracious hospitality, and excellent facilities. Highly recommended!

Our stay at the George Washington Inn was incredible. It has a beautiful, unblocked and endless view of the Olympic Mountains on one side, and a peaceful Pacific Ocean view on the other. We stayed in the Presidential suite and loved the hot tub and fireplace. The service was unbelievable–the breakfast here was unlike others we had seen. The innkeeper baked eggs in glass dishes, had organic local granola parfaits, and fresh squeezed orange juice. She even gave us a bag breakfast since we were leaving at 5am the following day. We had a bike rack with bikes and the gardener helped us put it in their shed. I went for a run through the area (about a 3 mile radius) and the area is picturesque and serene; with brooks and farms and ducks crossing the street. I would recommend George Washington hands down!

Every aspect and detail was well thought out beautifully. We definitely felt at home and always comfortable. We will come back as soon as possible!

My wife, adult daughter and I just returned from two wonderful nights at GW Inn. It was unique and fascinating to stay in the Presidential Suite of an exact exterior replica (except for added front portico) of Washington’s Mount Vernon. The setting, with broad lawns and expansive view of Strait Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island, parallels Washington’s setting on the Potomac. The long entrance road flanked by white fencing and lavender plants is very dramatic. A large lavender field on the grounds adds color and pleasing aroma. Our room was beautifully furnished, very warm and cozy, with plenty of room for three of us. It had a kitchen and dinette table and opened to a broad rear veranda with deer on the lawn below and sweeping views. The innkeeper met us at the door as we arrived, showed us around the property and our suite, and was very helpful advising us about area attractions. The Inn is conveniently located between Port Angeles and Sequim, and we visited a restaurant in each for dinner. Olympic National Park headquarters, about 7 miles away, is the start of the drive to Hurricane Ridge, a spectacular view. Janet’s breakfasts were excellent and imaginative: baked oatmeal with regular and turkey sausage and cinnamon bread one morning; a ramekin of diced ham and baked eggs the next. Although we have limited experience staying at B&B’s, this was our best experience, and we heartily recommend it to anyone visiting the Olympic Peninsula.

I came to the Port Angeles area for only a couple of days to sightsee. Out of all the B&Bs on the web, I chose the GWI. Just driving up the long, lavender-lined driveway to the inn sets the mood for the grandeur of the place. Driving under the portico made me feel like a celebrity of some kind! My room was amazing and immaculate – the period furnishings, wall colors, window treatments and THE BED – oh my gosh, it was all so wonderfully overwhelming !! (that’s a good thing!). To have a beautiful view of both the strait and the Olympic Mountain is truly a treat. The food is great and nicely presented, the innkeeper is very friendly and gracious, the surroundings are quiet and offer all the ocean sounds and wildlife you can ask for. I most heartedly recommend the George Washington Inn to anyone looking for a special, one-of-a kind B&B experience!

Every year or so my wife drags me to a B&B that she has spent a huge amount of time researching. After all these years of sometimes wonderful and sometimes painful and everything in between this one makes it to the very top of the list of best of best. There are only four suites in the whole place and they have everything luxurious one can dream of. The view from the back is the Strait that looks across to Victoria, BC and is incredible in itself and the view from the front the Olympic Mountains. The entire back of the place is one very long room that serves as the breakfast room, if you are like me, I am around people nonstop and the last thing in the world I want is some chatty stranger yacking it up when all I want is to get away from it all…all this space …YES! In fact the place was so wonderful my wife said she wished we would have spent all our time sitting in a lounge looking out over the water and reading and forgot about driving the 900 miles around the Olympic Peninsula. To sum it up the last time I felt this way about a place was the Ritz but then You have to put up with all the help saying your name about a million times…

As George Washington once stated, “I shall most religiously believe that the finger of Providence is in it.” We strive to fulfill our calling in this place. We are merely stewards here in this corner of God’s beautiful garden, seeking to provide a wonderful experience for our guests and accommodations that are “fit for a president”.

Merry Christmas! Taken at dawn on Christmas Day 2009.

Memories

Enjoy photo memories of George Washington Inn’s builder, Brad Slocum, during the Grand Opening (February 2008), construction of the inn (summer 2006) and the construction of the Carriage House (summer 2004). You can click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

Brad and Cheryl Slocum

Ribbon Cutting at the inn's Grand Opening

Reading building plans at the inn

Building the cupola

Brad had a great sense of humor

Crowning the cupola

Enjoying a conversation with Gene Unger, the structural engineer

Building the Carriage House (Summer 2004)

His shirt tells the story (Summer 2004)

Related Links:

Brad Slocum’s In Heaven

Obituary

Brad Slocum’s In Heaven!

Last night on December 6, 2009 at 11:24 PM the inn’s builder, Brad Slocum, left behind his weary body and took to the skies. He joined the ranks of the angels and his Savior whom he loved and served faithfully.

Brad Slocum building George Washington Inn

Personally, I do not know of a man who I could trust more than Brad. We were classmates together in university, employed at the same place as married students, went to the same church and our wives worked together as leaders in the Student Wives’ Fellowship. After varied careers we both ended up back at the same place. How often does that happen in life?

Brad always sought out summer work as a faculty member serving at Bob Jones University. He tried to devote some time towards a mission trip, usually at a Christian camp, during the summers where he could show his students how to serve others. In the summer of 2004, I asked Brad if he could help build a small house which we later deemed as the “Carriage House”. In mid June, he came back with his crew of students from a mission trip to a camp in northern Saskatchewan and turned right around and drove all the way out to Washington with his family (my truck with his tool trailer) and three students, spending  6 weeks roughing in the Carriage House. That winter, during the Christmas break, he returned with his entire family and trimmed it out. Brad’s craftsmanship is a hallmark of that building. The staircase involved detailed calculations and cuttings that he enjoyed seeing to fruition.

Two years later, Brad came to me after several preliminary discussions about building a B&B inn on our Washington property. He told me that he had found the perfect crew, and it was his dream to build the inn. I hadn’t planned to build it until the following year, but decided that we could go ahead and make the commitment. He was excited about the challenge and we spent time together, working out the details on this complex project, a replica of George Washington’s home – Mount Vernon.

Brad once again took Cheryl, his wife, and their youngest son and drove completely across the country with truck and trailer in tow. He spent 12 incredible weeks with his crew of 6 students and transformed an oceanfront hayfield into the “talk” of the neighborhood. From a dusty field, a magnificent building was carefully constructed which today attracts people from all over the world. Cheryl cooked for the entire crew during that time. They worked together as a knit group, accomplishing even more than anticipated. Our early morning updates and planning sessions over the cell phone were always a time of excitement, at least on my part…the 3 hour time difference made it early out there! I don’t recall any issue of miscommunication or dispute. Brad was a man of his word. One nearby resident stated that he had never seen a crew work so well together. This neighbor would sometimes come by just to watch them all work. Two of Brad’s students stayed on to finish the inn.

Brad and Cheryl were invited back to be a part of the inn’s Grand Opening during President’s Day weekend in February, 2008. They were like family and kept a real sense of humor in the midst of an overwhelming grand opening experience. After the crowds subsided that evening we sat around the table and Brad’s hearty laughter filled the room as we recalled the experiences of that special day and over the years that we had built our friendship.

Over this past year Brad Slocum, with his faithful wife and true help-meet Cheryl at his side, suffered through the ravages of his fatal illness that took him across the valley of death. He is no longer a prisoner in his earthly body, but is singing in a heavenly choir with his signature bass voice and hearty barrel laugh…and I can only imagine he’s looking for a hammer! I’m sure he’s found his former student, Peter Smith, who worked with him that summer and completed the inn. I can imagine both of them looking down from the ramparts of Heaven on the inn, a part of their legacy that continues on.

Above the sarcophagus holding the mortal remains of George Washington at Mount Vernon, you will find the following scriptural passage on the wall: “I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:25,26). Brad Slocum knows the reality of that promise now.

Links:

Discover the secret of Brad’s faith and how it applies to your life today.

Brad’s struggle

Obituary

The Prayer Life of George Washington

The Prayer at Valley Forge

“One of the most inspiring portrayals of American history is that of George Washington on his knees in the snow at Valley Forge. That moving image personifies and testifies to our Founders’ dependence upon Divine Providence during the darkest hours of our Revolutionary struggle.” ~ Ronald Reagan, President (1981-1989)

From Twitter (WashingtonInn)

“With earnest prayers that you & all the worthy Patriots of America may long enjoy uninterrupted felicity under the New Government.” George Washington

“…We can but offer up our prayers to the Sovereign Dispenser of life & health…” ~ George Washington

“…Endeavor so to live & act as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights & Liberties of (your) country.” George Washington

Unbelief & ingratitude towards God makes one “worse than an infidel” and “more than wicked” according to our nation’s founding father.

Observations

George Washington ordered a custom-sized prayer book so he could carry it in his pocket & have it readily available at all times.

More than 100 different prayers (or references to prayer) were found in George Washington’s private & public letters.

“I do not believe, that Providence has done so much for nothing.’ ~ George Washington

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118:9

Prayer During the War

“One of the most inspiring portrayals of American history is that of George Washington on his knees in the snow at Valley Forge.” Ronald Reagan

“When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”

Throughout the war, as it was understood in his military family, George Washington gave a part of every day to private prayer & devotion.

A very moving and beautiful portrait of Washington : http://www.georgewashingtonmint.com/Mint_Gallery.html.

Contrast George Washington on his knees during the darkest days of the Revolution: http://bit.ly/2AyKAB.

Prayer at the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia

The first Continental Congress decided that its first official act would be to ask God for his aid. They met & prayed at Carpenter’s Hall.

Interesting story behind this piece of history…http://bit.ly/564qy0 “First Prayer in Congress” copy of a painting by T. H. Matheson

“It was enough to melt a heart of stone. I saw the tears gush into the eyes of the old, grave, Pacific Quakers of Philadelphia.” ~ John Adams

George Washington knelt w/ Henry, Randolph, Lee, Rutledge, Jay & others as Dr. Jacob Duche prayed fervently in Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia.

“Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection…” ~ George Washington

Personal Prayer

Prayer Journal of George Washington: http://www.constitution.org/primarysources/george.html

Thanks for the Bountiful Lavender Harvest

This was our second year of growing lavender. Sequim is the “Lavender Capital of North America” so it was a natural fit to develop our ten acre farm into what has become known as Washington Lavender, an important facet of George Washington Inn and Estate. We distilled almost seven quarts of pure lavender oil from approximately 500 two-year-old plants. A quantity was also hung in the inn’s basement for de-budding over the winter months. Imagine how nice the inn smells with the lavender drying.

Wedding At The Inn

This past Labor Day weekend a small wedding was held on the piazza of George Washington Inn. A beautiful rainbow appeared in the eastern sky shortly after the wedding.

Here’s a note we received from the wedding party: “Thank you again for an outstanding weekend.  The setting and your outstanding hospitality made the weekend that much more enjoyable for everyone.  We could not have thought of a better place to have our wedding.  We look forward to seeing you next summer. “

Click on the following thumbnails to enlarge.

Click here to go to the George Washington Inn website.

Anonymous American Patriots

A friend sent me these stories which I wanted to share. Growing up as a Canadian and living next door to the United States, I know the jokes that can go around about Americans. Ingratitude is a vice that is universal, and many have forgotten the sacrifice of those American patriots who were called to rescue victims of despots around the world and purchased their freedoms with great sacrifice.

JFK’S Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France in the early 60’s when De Gaulle decided to pull out of NATO. De Gaulle said he wanted all US military out of France as soon as possible. Rusk responded, “Does that include those who are buried here? De Gaulle did not respond.

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When in England, at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush.

He answered by saying, “Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders.  The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.”

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying “Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intend to do, bomb them?”

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: “Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?”

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, “Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?” Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, “Maybe it’s because the Brit’s, Canadians, Aussie’s and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.”

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry-on luggage. “You have been to France before, monsieur?” the customs officer asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. “Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.” The American said, ‘The last time I was here, I didn’t have to show it.” The agent replied, “Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France!”

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ”Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn’t find a single Frenchman to show a passport to.”

You could have heard a pin drop.

Our Founding Fathers And Liberty

George Washington and the founding fathers taught Americans the importance of their liberty. Today we have a constitution that is being tested by politicians and judges who want to change the definitions of our rule of law.

George Washington’s Wednesday Evening Prayer

Holy and eternal Lord God who art the King of heaven, and the watchman of Israel, that never slumberest or sleepest, what shall we render unto thee for all thy benefits; because thou hast inclined thine ears unto me, therefore will I call on thee as long as I live, from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same let thy name be praised. Among the infinite riches of thy mercy towards me, I desire to render thanks & praise for thy merciful preservation of me this day, as well as all the days of my life; and for the many other blessings & mercies spiritual & temporal which thou hast bestowed on me, contrary to my deserving. All these thy mercies call on me to be thankful and my infirmities & wants call for a continuance of thy tender mercies; cleanse my soul, O Lord, I beseech thee, from whatever is offensive to thee, and hurtful to me, and give me what is convenient for me. watch over me this night, and give me comfortable and sweet sleep to fit me for the service of the day following. Let my soul watch for the coming of the Lord Jesus; let my bed put me in mind of my grave, and my rising from there of my last resurrection; O heavenly Father, so frame this heart of mine, that I may ever delight to live according to thy will and command, in holiness and righteousness before thee all the days of my life. Let me remember, O Lord, the time will come when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise and stand before the judgment seat, and give an account of whatever they have done in the body, and let me so prepare my soul, that I may do it with joy and not with grief. Bless the rulers and people of this and forget not those who are under any affliction or oppression. Let thy favor be extended to all my relations friends and all others who I ought to remember in my prayer and hear me I beseech thee for the sake of my dear redeemer in whose most holy words, I farther pray, Our Father…

[William J. Johnson George Washington, the Christian(New York: The Abingdon Press, New York & Cincinnati, 1919), pp. 24-35.]

This is another prayer in a series of prayers attributed to the handwriting of George Washington, discovered in a small book that was found in a mass of relics offered for sale by Washington’s descendents after his death. It was later reproduced by a publisher who states, “This gem is all in the handwriting of George Washington, when about twenty years and is without exception, the most hallowed of all the writings. It is neatly written on twenty-four pages of a little book about the size of the ordinary pocket memorandum.”

Modern day skeptics have tried to argue about their authenticity, however most historians over the past two centuries have taken them at face value for what they originally claimed to be – mere relics that the Washington family provided from his collection. A rational study of the research can be found in Dr. Peter Lillback’s book, “George Washington’s Sacred Fire”, pp. 801-813.

The complete series of daily prayers from George Washington’s Prayer Journal.

George Washington’s Sunday Morning Prayer

Almighty God, and most merciful father, who didst command the children of Israel to offer a daily sacrifice to thee, that thereby they might glorify and praise thee for thy protection both night and day, receive, O Lord, my morning sacrifice which I now offer up to thee; I yield thee humble and hearty thanks that thou has preserved me from the danger of the night past, and brought me to the light of the day, and the comforts thereof, a day which is consecrated to thine own service and for thine own honor. Let my heart, therefore, Gracious God, be so affected with the glory and majesty of it, that I may not do mine own works, but wait on thee, and discharge those weighty duties thou requirest of me, and since thou art a God of pure eyes, and wilt be sanctified in all who draw near unto thee, who doest not regard the sacrifice of fools, nor hear sinners who tread in thy courts, pardon, I beseech thee, my sins, remove them from thy presence, as far as the east is from the west, and accept of me for the merits of thy son Jesus Christ, that when I come into thy temple, and compass thine altar, my prayers may come before thee as incense; and as thou wouldst hear me calling upon thee in my prayers, so give me grace to hear thee calling on me in thy word, that it may be wisdom, righteousness, reconciliation and peace to the saving of the soul in the day of the Lord Jesus. Grant that I may hear it with reverence, receive it with meekness, mingle it with faith, and that it may accomplish in me, Gracious God, the good work for which thou has sent it. Bless my family, kindred, friends and country, be our God & guide this day and for ever for his sake, who lay down in the Grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

[William J. Johnson George Washington, the Christian(New York: The Abingdon Press, New York & Cincinnati, 1919), pp. 24-35.]

This is the first in a series of prayers attributed to the handwriting of George Washington, discovered in a small book that was found in a mass of relics offered for sale by Washington’s descendents after his death. It was later reproduced by a publisher who states, “This gem is all in the handwriting of George Washington, when about twenty years and is without exception, the most hallowed of all the writings. It is neatly written on twenty-four pages of a little book about the size of the ordinary pocket memorandum.”

Modern day skeptics have tried to argue about their authenticity, however most historians over the past two centuries have taken them at face value for what they originally claimed to be – mere relics that the Washington family provided from his collection. A rational study of the research can be found in Dr. Peter Lillback’s book, “George Washington’s Sacred Fire”, pp. 801-813.

WashingtonInn’s Twitter Trail – August 6, 2009

“The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right…” George Washington

“…It is the indispensible duty of every patriot to counteract them by the most steady and uniform opposition.” George Washington

“You could as soon scrub the blackamore white as to change…a profest Democrat (who tries) to overturn the Government of this country.” George Washington

“In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude. Every man will speak as he thinks.” George Washington

George won’t be cutting down any more cherry trees. Check out Martha’s cherry and lavender jam recipe: http://bit.ly/8Bx0d

As a small businessman, paying taxes only keeps me from growing my business & restrains me from hiring & creating jobs for others.

On Sundays President Washington attended church; and in the evenings he read to Martha a sermon or some portion of the scripture.

“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early…” Isaiah 26:9

Go directly to WashingtonInn on Twitter

WashingtonInn’s Twitter Trail – August 5, 2009

Guest comment of the day: God is so good to have provided such a pleasant place to stay on our 50th anniversary.

Explore Mount Vernon this summer and discover George Washington:  http://bit.ly/gVEHZ

“…the pure and benign light of (the Bible has had an) ameliorating influence on mankind and increased (our) blessings…” -George Washington

“…the Christian religion…(is) the best security for the duration of free gov’ts.” Charles Carroll, last surviving signer of Declaration of Independence

“By me princes rule…even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” Proverbs 8:16,17

The english lavender crop hangs in the inn’s drying rm. Essential oil from the french lavender will be extracted by distillation next wk.

The wooden rail fence along the bluff is covered with wildflowers and frames a beautiful view of the strait looking across to Victoria, BC.

Last evening a guest who has traveled all over the world stated that she has never stayed in a more beautiful inn, not even in Switzerland.

Go directly to WashingtonInn on Twitter

WashingtonInn’s Twitter Trail – August 4, 2009

“Washington rode around among his army…and admonished…every one to fear God, to put away wickedness…& to practice Christian virtues.” Quote from the father of one of Washington’s generals and a pastor near Valley Forge

Taking no pay except expenses, General Washington vowed to serve his country for the cause of freedom. He later refused to be made king.

Someone has stated that “tyranny is always whimsical”. That’s why we don’t have a king, but rather a constitution with checks and balances.

“Without an humble imitation of the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, we can never hope to be a happy nation.” George Washington

“Since that happy hour when we made our pledges to each other, my thoughts have been continually going to you…” – George Washington to his wife, Martha

Go directly to WashingtonInn on Twitter

An Apology Is Needed

Why would the President of the United States wade into the Gates-Crowley issue? Here we have a professional policeman trying to do his job and an arrogant academic getting arrested for his own belligerence and disorderly conduct. Then we have a “beer summit” to cover up the President’s need to apologize to all the policemen in the country who he insulted at a news conference in the White House. Now who really “acted stupidly”? Is this where George Washington would have gone?

An apology is needed, not a "beer summit".

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” –George Washington

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Expulsion From The Army

Discipline is essential to the effective administration of today’s army just as it was in the days of George Washington. In fact, our founding father’s leadership and the discipline of the army during the extreme hardships that they faced, established the critical elements of our nation in its infancy.

Having just returned from my son’s graduation from officers’ training, I saw first hand the impact of the army’s discipline today. Their patriotism, as it was enthusiastically displayed, and the challenge of their leaders give us a lot to be proud of as Americans.

Unfortunately a colleague in their class was caught shoplifting in the final weeks of their training. These bright young soldiers are in medical school and are on army scholarships. They receive benefits that pay their tuition and expenses. This incident caused their colleague to be expelled from the army and requires the repayment of all sign-on bonuses and expenses that had been received during the course of the past year while in medical school. No doubt the episode provided a valuable lesson to all of these young soldiers that will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives.

Bad behavior and acts of crime have their consequences and our army holds to its mission by the discipline of its rank and file soldiers and their leaders. Truly it made me proud to see my son as an officer in our country’s elite and effective army.

Graduation Day - "A wise son makes a glad father." Proverbs 15:20

Recent Reviews

“I came to the Port Angeles area for only a couple of days to sightsee. Out of all the bed and breakfasts on the web, I chose George Washington Inn. Just driving up the long, lavender-lined driveway to the inn sets the mood for the grandeur of the place. Driving under the portico made me feel like a celebrity of some kind! My room was amazing and immaculate – the period furnishings, wall colors, window treatments and THE BED – it was all so wonderfully overwhelming !! (that’s a good thing!). To have a beautiful view of both the strait and the Olympic Mountains is truly a treat. The food is great and nicely presented, Janet (the innkeeper) is very friendly and gracious, the surroundings are quiet and offer all the ocean sounds and wildlife you can ask for. I most heartedly recommend the George Washington Inn to anyone looking for a special, one-of-a kind bed and breakfast experience!”

George Washington Inn from a lavender field

“Our stay at the George Washington Inn was incredible. It has a beautiful, unblocked and endless view of the Olympic Mountains on one side, and a peaceful Pacific Ocean view on the other. We stayed in the Presidential suite and loved the hot tub and fireplace. The service was unbelievable–the breakfast here was unlike others we had seen. Janet, the innkeeper, baked eggs in glass dishes, had organic local granola parfaits, and fresh squeezed orange juice. She even gave us a bag breakfast since we were leaving at 5am the following day. We had a bike rack with bikes and the gardener helped us put it in their shed. I went for a run through the area (about a 3 mile radius) and the area is picturesque and serene; with brooks and farms and ducks crossing the street. I would recommend George Washington hands down!”

A deer nurses its young fawn on the grounds

“George Washington Inn is perfectly situated between the Strait of Juan de Fuca on one side, and the Olympic mountains on the other. The views in both directions are breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable! Walk out on your huge 2nd story porch to see the stars as you’ve never seen them before, as well as the lights from Victoria on Vancouver Island across the strait. You’ve got to stay in GWI!! Thank you, Janet!”

The Olympic Mountains and a lavender field

“George Washington Inn is quite simply the most delightful house to stay in. It is situated in stunning and peaceful surroundings with gracious hosts who have just one ambition; to make your stay as comfortable and hospitable as possible. If you are anywhere near there, then we would not hesitate to recommend that you stay. We took home (Scotland) some of our fondest memories of Washington state from there. You will not be disappointed.”

An inn sunset on the Strait of Juan de Fuca

All-Out War For America’s Soul

“Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” –George Washington

Train up a child in the way he should go...

Some statements are in the realm of the obvious. Here’s one for you. “Schools remain the most important venue for teaching our kids who we are.” Yes, one would think so, and that is why every parent should be concerned about what goes on in the classroom. The statement comes from a third-grade text in Texas where a battle is brewing with history revisionists who are seeking to stamp out America’s Chistian history. Here’s an insightful article from the Wall Street Journal by Stephanie Simon.

The fight over school curriculum in Texas, recently focused on biology, has entered a new arena, with a brewing debate over how much faith belongs in American history classrooms.

The Texas Board of Education, which recently approved new science standards that made room for creationist critiques of evolution, is revising the state’s social studies curriculum. In early recommendations from outside experts appointed by the board, a divide has opened over how central religious theology should be to the teaching of history.

Three reviewers, appointed by social conservatives, have recommended revamping the K-12 curriculum to emphasize the roles of the Bible, the Christian faith and the civic virtue of religion in the study of American history. Two of them want to remove or de-emphasize references to several historical figures who have become liberal icons, such as César Chávez and Thurgood Marshall.

“We’re in an all-out moral and spiritual civil war for the soul of America, and the record of American history is right at the heart of it,” said Rev. Peter Marshall, a Christian minister and one of the reviewers appointed by the conservative camp.

Three other reviewers, all selected by politically moderate or liberal members of the board, recommended less-sweeping changes to the existing curriculum. But one suggested including more diverse role models, especially Latinos, in teaching materials. “We have tended to exclude or marginalize the role of Hispanic and Native American participants in the state’s history,” said Jesús F. de la Teja, chairman of the history department at Texas State University.

Social studies teachers from Texas are meeting this summer to write new standards. They can accept, reject or modify the six reviewers’ suggestions, all of which were made individually. The teachers’ recommendations are sent to the 15-member board of education, a conservative-dominated body that has authority to revise standards.

The three reviewers appointed by the moderate and liberal board members are all professors of history or education at Texas universities, including Mr. de la Teja, a former state historian. The reviewers appointed by conservatives include two who run conservative Christian organizations: David Barton, founder of WallBuilders, a group that promotes America’s Christian heritage; and Rev. Marshall, who preaches that Watergate, the Vietnam War and Hurricane Katrina were God’s judgments on the nation’s sexual immorality. The third is Daniel Dreisbach, a professor of public affairs at American University.

The conservative reviewers say they believe that children must learn that America’s founding principles are biblical. For instance, they say the separation of powers set forth in the Constitution stems from a scriptural understanding of man’s fall and inherent sinfulness, or “radical depravity,” which means he can be governed only by an intricate system of checks and balances.

The curriculum, they say, should clearly present Christianity as an overall force for good — and a key reason for American exceptionalism, the notion that the country stands above and apart.

“America is a special place and we need to be sure we communicate that to our children,” said Don McLeroy, a leading conservative on the board. “The foundational principles of our country are very biblical…. That needs to come out in the textbooks.”

But the emphasis on Christianity as a driving force is disputed by some historians, who focus on the economic motivation of many colonists and the fractured views of religion among the Founding Fathers. “There appears to me too much politics in some of this,” said Lybeth Hodges, a professor of history at Texas Woman’s University and another of the curriculum reviewers.

Some outside observers argue that curriculum analysts should be trained academics. “It’s important to have trained historians establishing the framework,” said David Vigilante, associate director of the National Center for History in the Schools at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The conservative Christian reviewers, in turn, are skeptical of the professional historians’ emphasis on multiculturalism, views stated most forcefully by Mr. de la Teja but echoed by Ms. Hodges. Reaching for examples of achievement by different racial and ethnic groups is divisive, Mr. Barton said, and distorts history.

The standards that the school board eventually settles on won’t dictate day-to-day lesson plans; that is up to individual teachers. But they will offer clear guidelines for educators — and also for publishers.

Nearly every state has its own curriculum standards, and there are scores of social studies texts to choose from at most grade levels, so what happens in Texas won’t necessarily affect other states. But the Texas market is huge, so most big publishers aggressively seek approval from the board, in some cases adopting the majority’s editing suggestions nearly verbatim.

While the battle in Texas is just heating up, the tug-of-war over how to present history dates back nearly 150 years, said Jonathan Zimmerman, a New York University professor of education. A single paragraph in a third-grade text might seem insignificant. But it is a powerful symbol, he said, “because schools remain the most important venue for teaching our kids who we are.”  (The Culture Wars’ New Front by Stephanie Simon)

“You do well to wish to learn our arts and our ways of life and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.” –George Washington