Brookgreen Garden South Carolina from November

The Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales, Florida.
This garden located at 300 feet above sea level;
the recorded highest point in Florida .

The Singing Tower built in 1927-1929 houses the Carillon
made up of 60 bronze bells, weighing 16 lbs to 11+ tons.

The Carillon (60 bells) reside at the very top of the tower

behind these lovely tiled grilles.

Heron and Eagle sculptures were craved in place
at the top and base of the tower.

Edward Bok's study was at ground level complete with a large fireplace.
He is buried not far from the front entrance.

The tower was not in the original 250 acre garden plan
that surrounds the structure.
In all the natural beauty of the Gardens,
Bok believed something was missing.
Remembering the glorious sound of carillons in his native Netherlands,
he decided to build a beautiful Singing Tower
as the focal point of the Gardens.
Architect, Milton B Medary was commissioned to design and build
the majestic Singing Tower.

A Tropical place

The Camellia trees were just starting to bloom in Early November.

Spanish moss drapes and decorates nearly every tree.
We learned at the Orlando History Center that it was also
worn by the women of the Timucua Indian tribe.

The orange groves were just starting to ripen their fruit.
It was really something to see mile upon mile of orange trees heavy with fruit.

We flew to Florida just as 22 inches of snow arrived in NH.

An afternoon stop at Cocoa Beach.

We spent a relaxing week taking in the beautiful weather and tropical fauna.
Glad we weren't home in New Hampshire with heavy snow creating power outages.
We only lost three large oak limbs in our yard.

Was away, got a nasty cold, visit from Irene...everything is back to normal

We went to St. Louis for of a National Tax Conference. It took place at the Hyatt which is right on the park. Just a walk across the road to the ARCH. Well, I failed to take any good pictures of the arch. It's actually so massive that it is quite a challenge to get a good shot. This one is actually taken in the negative.
And of course you can't be in St. Louis without visiting the Anheuser Busch brewery. Just a few miles down the road. This is the original Brew House from 1891 still in operation today.
On our first day in the city we had beautiful 80 degree weather and headed for the Missouri Botanical Garden. We walked for a good two hours and then had lunch in the new cafe.
This fence surrounds the formal rose garden. I love these fun blown glass rays of sun. And we saw other blown glass pieces incorporated through out the garden.

This is the Jewel Box located in Forest Park, home of the 1904 World's Fair.

Half way through the week I got the head cold. I'm guessing I just was not careful enough about washing may hands while in the airport and plane. Coming home on the plane I was so congested that the pressure in my ears was unbearable. When we landed at 1am I couldn't hear out of either ear and that lasted for two days.

We escaped any major hit from Irene. She just left 3 inches of rain and leaves everywhere.
And we are happy to report that our daughter & son-in-law are fine in coastal Stella NC they are now waiting for the power to come back on.

Innisfree Garden, Millbrook NY

On our way to Gettysburg PA for a family reunion we stopped
at this 150-acre public garden for a break from the highway traffic.

A 40 acre glacial lake occupies the center of the cup
at the Innisfree garden estate.

Shelburne Vermont

Round Barn

Shelburne Farm Inn

Guarding the Lake

We wandered up to Burlington Vermont for the Fourth of July.

Lots of catching up, but I'll make it short

Of course, more renovations!
this time putting a pipe up thru the floor, counters, cabinets, ceiling & into attic

THANKSGIVING IN NEW YORK CITY!

Relaxing after the busy Holidays.

SHE'S BACK...after a summer internship at Epcot.

We're celebrating her return to New Hampshire.

Our daughter on her last day as a Culinary Intern At Epcot.

Leaving was easy, saying Good-bye was tough.
Roommates for a summer.

Niagara Falls, Canada

We stayed at the Sheraton over-looking the falls.
The view was magnificent.

View from the balcony.


Millions of gallons of water come over the falls per second.
You can feel the power of the water when you're there.

Out and about ....the month goes quick.

Gardens in Niagara Falls Canada

Gardens in Hershey PA

Canons in Gettysburg

Cats waiting for our Return.

Sky watch: Take me away

A quick stop before board the plane. Fort Lauderdale.

Just a few flowers from Key West

Falling flower.

No idea what they are. Aren't they beautiful!
Great eye-candy...
A little pick-me-up from a day filled with snow here in New Hampshire (8 inches).