Home Sweet Home!

Magnolia
I find it interesting that the Magnolia is the state flower of Louisiana. I had no idea, when I took this photo outside of our hotel. The pistil looks quite comfortable nestled in between the towering white petals. The state flower of Florida is the Orange Blossom and I must say that it is good to be home. We traveled for almost twelve hours yesterday without an overnight to sleep in our own beds. Home sweet home, it is so good to be back! Have a wonderful Day!


This post is linked to: http://www.lgordonphotography.com, http://arosynote.blogspot.com

Things I Have Enjoyed!

All Along the Way
My wonderful husband brings me to the best places to eat. Actually the food here was delicious. Well off the beaten path, it came highly recommended.
I have learned words such as, dat, y'all and N'Arlins and may be developing a slight drawl. I have met such wonderful people along the way. There was John, Reggie, Terrance, T Bone, Ian, Wayne and Mike. Each had a story and Judy says I just seem to attract them. There was the young pregnant woman who I let in front of me, waiting for the ladies room. She told me that she was expecting triplets and homeless. My heart just bled for her.
I learned to eat jambalaya, gumbo, grits, white gravy, beignets and had a lesson on how to eat crawfish. Crawfish are just mini lobsters, looks like someone shrunk them in the dryer!
 I took my first horse and buggy ride, rode the trolley, drank a Hurricane, which is a wonderful mixture of rum and fruit juices. I listened to jazz and the blues, took a steamboat ride on the Mississippi while it was cresting at it's highest level in years. Visited many galleries and shops and enjoyed learning about local art and artists. I now have a new favorite and will purchase a print of his online. The old cemeteries are awesome and no stay in N'Arlins would be complete without visiting at least one. 
I have witnessed who-ha's and ta ta's and pray to God that my grand-children don't visit Bourbon Street until they are at least forty!
Locals here are very nervous about the river cresting and wish never to relive the horror of Katrina. I pray that this magical place be spared and the farmers in the flooded areas be well taken care of. N'arlins an unforgettable experience! 
On the road again!

The Garden District!

The garden District
The Garden District is located within the city of New Orleans, I'm guessing about two miles from the French Quarter. We purchased a full day pass on the trolley to explore this magnificent place. Such fun to ride.
"The area was originally developed between 1832 to1900. It may be one of the best preserved collection of historic southern mansions in the United States. The 19th century origins of the Garden District illustrate wealthy newcomers building opulent structures based upon the prosperity of New Orleans in that era."~google search~ 
Everywhere one looked there was a gorgeous mansion to view. Block after block, one prettier than the next. I loved the intricate wrought iron lace along with the gingerbread trim on this particular house. Many had their gas lanterns lit and were surrounded by wrought iron fences, others by brick walls. Kind of like several mini plantations all condensed into a city block, there are approximately forty of these blocks. Each home maintained to perfection. I later learned that this house belongs to actress, Sandra Bullock. Very good taste in houses, Sandra!!!
So much history here, there is so much to learn, one could go on forever! I love this city and will return someday. The natives are grateful that the tourists are back and we were treated extremely well by everyone. Off to the cemetery today to learn the history of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen. Scary but fascinating, don't worry, I won't be buying a doll anytime soon! Maybe just a couple of magic potions, one for weight loss would be great! Have a great one!

The Mighty Mississip!

The Mighty Mississip
"Surely, if Mother Nature had been consulted, she would never have consented to building a city in New Orleans."~Mortimer Zuckerman~
The Mississippi crested at 17 feet yesterday, with a fast moving current of seven knots. The city spared once again, fortunate for tourists but unfortunate for others.
No one seemed at all nervous that the river was swollen and cresting at it's highest level since 1973.
The steamboat Natchez, paddled down river as usual with hundreds of passengers aboard. The ride was uneventful and we enjoyed viewing the city from another angle. We later walked the levee along the Riverfront, experiencing all that New Orleans has to offer. Meandering about the city we photographed many of the old structures and intricate wrought iron that adorned some of the houses. New Orleans is a feast for the architectural eye, one could spend weeks or months photographing here. Today we are off to the Garden District and maybe a horse and buggy ride later on. Isn't photoshop wonderful, with a few clicks I can age a photo just like magic. Love it, just got to love it! Have a wonderful day!

A Very Magic Kingdom!

Jackson Square
“New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin.”~Mark Twain~
Kind of looks like a photo of the, Magic Kingdom, doesn't it? It's actually a photo of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans. My wildest expectations of the French Quarter, have been exceeded. The architecture, food, sights, sounds, and the finest specimens for people watching, from every walk of life, gather here, with or without most of their clothes on. Bourbon Street, yikes! The entire experience, simply, sensory overload. Life on steroids, so to speak. Not sure if anyone sleeps here at all. 
It is definitely not a city for the faint of wallet but somehow worth every penny.
We meandered thru the French Quarter, taking in the sights, for the rest of our first evening.
The wedding processions are awesome. Bride and groom led by a jazz band, followed by family and friends, on to their reception. Sounds like a plan for our next big anniversary, a few years down the road.
Our hotel in the French Quarter, was built in 1733 and I am convinced, haunted, but that's a post for another time. So much for ambience! Now in more modern accommodations, my husband is very happy, we even have hot water for one third the price.
We went to the Cafe Du Monde for their famous beignets, sinful just sinful. The mixture of cultures have produced some of the finest flavors I have yet experienced. I was told there are over 1000 restaurants here, where to eat next, our biggest decision.
 We took a city bus tour yesterday and today a Mississippi, Paddle Boat Cruise, with a jazz band for entertainment. Corny, but safe!
The city of New Orleans, truly a very magical kingdom.

Speechless!

New Orleans
I am rendered speechless!!!

The Decision!

America the Beautiful 

Driving southeasterly from Hot Springs, Arkansas to Biloxi, Mississippi was a big decision for us yesterday. Should we avoid New Orleans altogether? We chose to drive to Biloxi as it is east of the Mississippi and closer to home for a quick escape if need be. No cresting predicted for quite a few days, we drove parallel to the Mississippi for a short while. The drive was beautiful and the vastness of our country truly amazing. 

Acres of corn, peppers, beans, wheat, and cotton grew in harmony on perfectly manicured farmland for miles. The noble job of the farmer, well done. We drove thru small towns with names such as, Eudora, The Catfish Capitol, Tallulah, Millikin, Gassoway, Transylvania and many more for a total of 370 miles, arriving at our destination around 6PM. Biloxi is a beach like community bordered by the gulf, still recovering from Katrina. Casinos seem to be the main draw  and I must say, very well attended. A beautiful place to spend the night and discuss our next move. 

Well, a decision was made, we are going to pack John's, brand new Volvo, once again and backtrack to New Orleans, today. His car has the ability to chime to the tune of the Lone Ranger, when you cross the median strip, one to many times without using your directional. An icon of a coffee cup flashes and warns one to stop for a break. So much for the covered wagon and pioneer woman theory.

I am very excited as I consider this to be the highlight of our trip. My sense of direction seems to be returning rather nicely, must be that coastal internal compass thing!

Have a wonderful day!

Sweet Memories!

Sweet Memories

“Legends tell us warring tribes would lay down their arms to bathe in the healing waters in the Valley of the Vapors. For centuries, this misty Ouachita mountain valley was revered by Native Americans as a place of neutrality where all tribes could bathe in peace. In 1832 Congress set aside the natural hot springs site as a federal reservation, making Hot Springs National Park the first federally protected area in the national park system.”~google search~

Visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas will always be for me, a very sweet memory. At first glance it could be anywhere small town, America. In my minds eye I thought the hot springs to be a series of outside pools containing hot spring water, bubbling up from the ground. I really had no idea what to expect. I was truly amazed by the learning experience that would befall us. Wealthy, generations past, would come here to heal in the thermal waters. Due to the popularity of "The Golden Age of Bathing"  large and very elaborate bath houses were erected in a row, thus Bathhouse Row, now part of the National Park Sytem. The above photo is a small glimpse of their extravagance. Today, along with modern medicine they have lost much of their medicinal appeal. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience the relaxing warm waters in one of the two remaining, working bathhouses. The others are now office space, galleries and museums. I love to visit a place I have never been before and take away the ambience of an era. Retirement, an ongoing learning expedition!
On the road again today!

Bathhouse Row

Maybe Tomorrow!

UGH!!!

I sure am likin, Hot Springs, Arkansauce! 

Wonder what I did with that, Dale Evans, lunch box, anyway???

Maybe I can write about this tomorrow???

The Backroads of America!

The Backroads
Driving from Branson, Missouri to Hot Springs, Arkansas, was an interesting, leisurely expedition! There was a bit of a change in our plans, as the roads to Memphis are still flooded in some areas. John and Judy, have a passion for photographing old barns and I have a passion for photographing almost anything, so it all worked out very nicely. We stopped several times along the way and came across an antiquated amusement park. Many of the structures had collapsed, the area was secured, no trespassing signs were posted. At first glance, I thought it might be an old mining town. Judy found signage that suggested otherwise. Will, kept a sharp eye out for Cowboys, Indians and fast vehicles. This shot was taken from a two lane highway, around a bend and he had to warn us several times to step back! 
We were atop the Boston Range of the Ozark Mountains. Boston, an Ozark term for largest. Almost, rosary bead height!
It was a bit overcast, slightly hazy, perfect for photographing, the air still smelled of morning dew, warm and comforting. We passed many old structures and I couldn't help noticing that countless, rusted old cars come here to lie their silent engines to rest. Farm equipment was plentiful and stood proud, their job well done. Rural America in so many ways a place where time just seems to take it's time, truly appreciating the full flavor of everyday life.
Soon, I will be referring to myself as a Pioneer Woman, I do believe that I am beginning to develop a slight southern drawl! An interesting combination, very complementary to my already, Boston accent!  Off to the Bath Houses, today. See you-all tomorra, ya hear!

It's Raining in Memphis!

It's Raining in Memphis
Noah! Noah! N O A H! Yes Lord, how can I serve thee? Tell those idiots to turn around, it's been Raining in Memphis for forty days and I haven't decided to throw them a rainbow yet. The rivers are cresting and the streets are flooded, I knew they were coming!!!
Not funny to the people who live there but there's that little vacation dilemma thing going on again and our impeccable choices. We have survived, political uprisings, tornados, the assassination, of he who shall remain nameless and now the floods. With little time and resources to build an ark, yet, another decision must be made.
So we have decided to go to Little Rock, for a couple of days, then to Hot Springs to mine for quartz. Yes you read that right! Mine for quartz! It is the stone for positivity, maybe if I collect enough, I could send a box on up to DC. It's all that Judy's idea! Her sister is right, she is a little goofy! That's probably why I love her!
Then on to Memphis, the forecast is somewhat promising.
Not a very good photo today but you get the point!
On the road again! 
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world be turnin' our way
And our way!~Willie Nelson~

A Side Trip to Heaven!

 Christ of the Ozarks
"Christ of the Ozarks is the third-tallest Jesus in the world. Already perched at an altitude of 1,500 feet, it stands 67 feet tall. According to rumor, or legend, it originally had feet, but they had to be removed to lower the statue to its current height, otherwise Jesus by law would have had a red warning beacon bolted to his head."
(for air traffic)~google search~
We took a side trip yesterday to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, home of the misfits where the misfits fit in. I have to tell you I was very comfortable there, although my internal compass, still amiss! They say this statue of Christ is erected, north Eureka, I am still asking for direction in more ways than one. There are natural healing springs here, it is a mystical place, populated by a very large artist community. Small boutique type shops lined the streets where artists sold their wares and the like, I was in visual heaven. I purchased an artsy pair of earrings to satisfy my earring fetish. No matter what I eat on vacation they are still going to fit when I get home! A very safe and practical purchase!
Driving the backroads from Branson to Eureka, I couldn't help noticing that Jesus, is King here. Small churches dotted the landscape frequently, crosses attached to traditional and untraditional structures beckoning the faithful to worship. In my minds eye I could envision country folk attending church fairs and could smell the apple pie, a very sweet way of life. 
The Ozark Mountains are reminiscent of the Berkshires in Massachusetts, I didn't have to close my eyes or pull out the rosary to ride their crest. 
It was warm and sunny day and a gift to be with such great friends. We haven't managed to p _ss one another off yet or least I don't think so???  Off to another show tonight, can't wait to see what I can see! How lucky am I!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day
The things you never forget as a mom are the weight, length and time of your child's birth, no matter their age. Their first tooth, steps, words, bandaging boo boos, licenses, graduations and the first time they left home. Wow, where does the time go? Watching them go thru the teen years, young adulthood and finally finding their way had it's challenges and triumphs.
Standing behind them no matter what and loving them unconditionally is what mother's do best. To be there in their time of need if need be! To watch my daughter with her children is such a wonderful gift. She is the mother of three. I never knew I could love so much!
Sometimes I tease that they turned out OK in-spite of me! I guess as mother's we can only do the best that we can.
The two above are my greatest works of art, they are the masterpiece, of my life. I am so proud that they call me mom, but I am most proud, that they are two really nice human beings!
Happy Mother's Day to my mom and mother-in-law, they still tell me they love me every time we speak! That's what mother's do!

On The Road Again!

Need Gas?
On the road again! Talk about a fish out of water! I have no clue where we are! Best I can tell, we are somewhere mid country, south of Canada! They tell me we are in the Ozark's. Wasn't that a TV show? Take me away from the coast and my sense of direction, poof, gone. Moving to Florida from Massachusetts was never a big deal for me, I consider Florida an overflow of Massachusetts, having two coasts. My sense of direction always in tact.
So, as bodily functions would have it, I needed a rest room. John suggested, Kum & Go, where they sell gas as well. Now close your eyes and think about that for a moment...... Maybe I was a little punchy, but I have to tell you I was absolutely hysterical. Come and go where they sell gas? I realized it was spelled differently later!
I have learned so much about food and how it is prepared here. There is no shortage of fried food, vegetable, fish poultry or game. You can order a whole plate of hog jowls, smothered in white beans and they throw in a King Edward cigar or Big Red chewing gum, as a side! 
SAY, WHAT! Maybe we crossed the border or something when I was napping???
All kidding aside, we are so fortunate to have such a beautiful country. The history here is bathed in the richness of tradition. Discovering this area for the first time is like seeing it thru the eyes of a child. We are in Branson, Missouri, and our biggest decision is to pick what show we are going to attend tonight. Hear they like country music in this part of the country. How lucky am I?

The King of Beers!

The King of Beers

"The history of Anheuser Busch brewery started in 1860, when Eberhard Anheuser took over a brewery that was already located in St. Louis but was not at the time prosperous. Through the years, his family strengthened the popularity of the company, and today the brewing company is one of the largest producers of beer in the world. Its two most popular beers, Budweiser and Bud Light are two of the highest grossing beers available in the world.

The Busch family gained success in its first years by being the first beer company to use pasteurization to keep the freshness of the beer, the first to use artificial refrigeration for beer, and the first company to use refrigerated railroad cars to keep beer cold during transport. The Budweiser brewery was also the first brewery in the company to bottle beer extensively to send to outbound markets."~google search~

We took a tour of the Anheuser Busch Brewery, yesterday. The grounds are beautiful and  meticulously kept and the red brick architecture is magnificent and ubiquitous. The clydesdale horses are part of the tour and were an awesome sight. Who would have thought that brewing beer could be so interesting. The tour is free and and we received two complementary beers upon completing the tour. Music to a senior's ears.

1300 bottles and 2000 cans are produced each minute. This is a photo of their assembly line.

The Gateway Arch!

The Gateway Arch
The St. Louis Gateway Arch is an elegant monument to westward expansion in the USA. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri, the 630-foot tall stainless steel arch rises above the city skyline. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse. Construction of the arch began on February 12, 1963, and was finished on October 28, 1965. It was opened to the public on July 24,1967.~google search~
So do I go to the top or not? We did! What an awesome experience. You are placed in a round metal chariot with four other people. It has one tiny window and you are locked in. Kind of like a group MRI, but not quite as noisy. Up thru the middle of the structure you go, it takes about four minutes to the top. 

View from the pinnacle. Busch Stadium visible.
You can read more at: http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/info/arch.fact.aspx

Meet Me In St. Louis!

A Gorgeous City

Just to add to the drama of our trip, you all know who met his demise and heightened airport security all throughout the land. I'm telling you I'm really beginning to think that it's us! Our flight was delayed for an hour, a small price to pay for safety. My wish for him is, twelve hairy virgins, stuck in the midst of menstrual hell with no Midol for all of eternity. Amazing how those thoughts came to me forty thousand feet in the air.

On a positive note we had a feast waiting for us at the home of Judy and John's daughter and son-in-law. What a beautiful young family. Their two grand-children are adorable and loads of fun. So much to be proud of as parents. We thank them kindly.

Our hotel is old and grande and I can't wait to see more of it. We are visiting several sights today and I promise more photos tomorrow. Have a wonderful day!

More on Nicely Blended People!

Character
"Character is higher than intellect."~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
 When I find these quotes, they can really challenge me, especially the short ones, like the one above! So to simplify it in my mind.... an intellectual man is not necessarily a man of character. A man of character is not necessarily a intellectual man. So I guess it boils down to which one you would rather have. Yes I agree that character is higher than intellect, but wouldn't it be nice to find a human with a nicely blended combination. A human that always does the right thing when no one is looking and is smart enough to know that the consequences are his alone if he doesn't.
When I photographed this old pump I was amazed by it's character. I loved that it wasn't perfect. I loved that it is weathered and has served it's purpose well. I loved that it is an uncomplicated piece of metal that is understood no matter the intellect of the person using it.

So lets retract for a moment, throw all these points into a blender and I think we will find a person with just some plain old common sense. Yes, I like that, common sense! Now doesn't this theory just tie things altogether nicely. Common sense, there seems to be a shortage sometimes. I wonder if you can get some good old fashioned common sense at the pump? A small price to pay for integrity!
I do know of such a person, with the perfect combination. Happy Birthday. It is my father-in-law's 87th birthday today. We love you Dad!


See you all in St. Louis later on today!

Traveling Vines!

New Guinea Trumpet Vine
I took this photo at the Naples Botanical Gardens. I have never seen this species before, being familiar only with the more common vines. It grew ravenously around a column, along side an entrance door. As you can see it made quite a statement in it's full glory of bloomdom.
I cropped the photo and added several textures, rendering it old and vintage like. I just love those old linen, vintage fabrics.
Since vines love to travel, now is as good a time as ever to discuss our trip. I am beginning to wonder about our choices and certain destinations that we have chosen. Our first destination was a Mediterranean Cruise, that went to Egypt, visited the pyramids, a dream of mine, and we all know what happened there. Luckily we were refunded our money.
So let's stay in the United States and see more of our country. This is no time to travel abroad we thought. Sounds reasonable???
Our dear friends, John and Judy drove up to Illinois to see their new grand-baby and we are flying into St. Louis, meeting them and driving back down the middle of the country stopping in, Branson, Little Rock, Memphis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, The Panhandle, Cedar key and wherever the wind blows us. OK so, we all know what happened in St. Louis, don't we?
Wow do you think the travel angels are trying to tell us something?
Our decision is to go and enjoy and we are looking forward to our trip. Yikes!
I will be posting everyday, and can't wait to see what my instrument of capture will capture?
 "On the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way and our way."~Willie Nelson~
Willie Nelson, now talk about vintage!
Submitted to: http://www.lgordonphotography.com

Happy Birthday to our beautiful grand-baby, she is twelve today! We love you sweetie!

A Season in My Life!

Hydrangea

"In China the hydrangea is associated with enlightenment. It is said that when observing the plant, someone can get lost in its abundance of beautiful petals very easily. 

This also connects to becoming lost in one's thoughts, and reaching enlightenment. Others suggest that this plant is a symbol of gratefulness and heartfelt feelings."~Wiki~

The very first picture I ever posted on this blog was that of a hydrangea, November 9, 2010. Check out the archives to the right if you would like to see it.

I have had an on going love affair with these blooms ever since I can remember. Even as a child they fascinated me. Their mere shape looked like so much fun.
They graced our yard in New England in five varieties for many years and a fresh bouquet was sure to find it's way to our kitchen counter, frequently. I loved sharing them with family and friends. If there was a bridal or baby shower in the family my hydrangeas were sure to adorn each table. Flower arranging an on going passion. I began propagating them with rooting powder, peat moss and a vermiculite mixture. I could never seem to get enough of their beauty. Loyal, they gave the yard color from mid June, sometimes into the middle of November, depending on the frost. I also dried them and made wreaths, enjoying them thru the winter as well. I am so grateful to these beautiful gems their abundance kept me enlightened and it was with sadness that I left them behind. A season in my life. I wish my green thumb had followed me south, somehow it seems to be busy holding a camera these days along with stemware that encompasses the juice of the grape, fermented for a while! A new season in my life for which I am grateful!


Submitted to: http://twoscoopz.com/category/focus52/