Thursday, 23 August 2018

Dahlias

I was googling "late-summer flowers" to get inspiration for my garden, and came across these beautiful photos of dahlias.  I've never grown them because they intimidate me for some reason.  I love the depth of the colors and the texture and geometry of each blossom.  Does anyone have dahlias in their garden?



What's your favorite late-summer flower or plant?

Wednesday, 22 August 2018

Eastham Public Library

Two years ago, my little Cape Cod town opened their new library.  It took a very long time to get the library built. The biggest hurdle was the cost, though other obstacles included the library committee's firing the first project team after their design had been finalized, citizens' being outraged by the size and modern design of the chosen building.

This is a photo from 1905 of the original library, which opened in 1897.  Over the years, additions were added, but it was much too small for the current population.


The new library opened in November 2016, and is extremely well-loved by most everyone in town. Though it is much bigger than the old building, and was very expensive, the library is now so much more than just a library, it's used as a community center, hosting many local events, which the old building could not accommodate. It has also won many architectural awards for design and LEED designation (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, in other words, it is a Green Building).

I spent a few afternoon there this summer and can attest that it is spectacular.  The reading areas in the back overlook a beautiful pond (one of the cleanest ones in town and a heavenly spot for a swim).  While I was there, a number of people walked around looking at the impressive interior and views, while taking photos and talking about how wonderful the library was.

Here are some photos of the library, the entry and two of the reading rooms.









It's pretty nice, don't you think?


Tuesday, 21 August 2018

Andy Goldsworthy



One of my favorite environmental artists is Andy Goldsworthy.  We've seen his work here on the blog before but I think his work is deserving revisiting.  I was first introduced to Goldsworthy back in the 1980s, when my father gave me a book of his work.  I am so impressed with his creativity, and can imagine that the physical process of making his installations would be quite cathartic.  When I look at his work, I'm motivated to make my own landscape installations.

From Bored Panda:
   Andy Goldsworthy is a British sculptor, renowned in his field, that creates temporary installations out of sticks and stones, and anything and everything else that he finds outside. The son of a mathematician, Goldsworthy grew up working on farms before eventually getting his BA from what is now the University of Central Lancashire. “A lot of my work is like picking potatoes,” he told the Guardian. “You have to get into the rhythm of it.”
   Much of Goldsworthy’s work is transient and ephemeral, leading many to view it as a comment on the Earth’s fragility. But for Goldsworthy, the picture is more complex.
   “When I make something, in a field or street, it may vanish but it’s part of the history of those places,” he says in another interview. “In the early days my work was about collapse and decay. Now some of the changes that occur are too beautiful to be described as simply decay... ”

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.














Monday, 20 August 2018

Smiles

I thought it might be fun to hear from Pooh Bear and friends to start the week.























I hope you all have a great start to the week!

Sunday, 19 August 2018

Valley Pond


My brother is a shareholder at a small recreation area called Valley Pond.  There's a swimming pond with a dock for diving, though Valley Pond is the adjacent, larger "real pond" where you can borrow paddle boats, canoes, kayaks and sunfishes, which is so nice to do on a sunny day.  There are picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, grills, volleyball and tetherball for anyone's use.  It's such a relaxing, low-key place to spend the afternoon.


A couple of weeks ago, my cousin visited from Florida, and we had a impromptu picnic at the pond.  My sister and cousin took a paddle boat out for a spin...


Here's a snapshot of the cousins before we wrapped up our fun day.









Saturday, 18 August 2018

Let's have lunch

I have been getting together with a few of my cousins in recent months. My sister joins us when she can but she lives in Phoenix now so she is not always there in person. We keep her posted...
  Yesterday we met at a place called "The Red Dog Grill". It is located on the Illinois river in Ottawa, Illinois. My cousin lives in Ottawa. We had a great time, fantastic location and wonderful company.  So many laughs and fun conversations.










We ate on the outdoor patio and enjoyed looking at the beautiful marina. Dogs are allowed on the patio, I think a certain white dog might have enjoyed this!








We all had to try a drink. This one is Raspberry Lemon tea.




This was mine. Red Dog Punch!








Then we ate.. Two of us had Carnitas tacos. 




The other two, myself included, had the daily special, which was Fish and Chips.



Sufficiently stuffed, we then proceeded to talk and laugh for a couple of hours. Let's just say I have a few ideas for future blog posts! Thank you ladies. 😉



We all agreed to post this photo!






Friday, 17 August 2018

Boomers

It is Friday. Which means nothing now that I am retired... ; )

My sister and I are going to see the production of Boom tomorrow night. I managed to get tickets at 50% off so we decided to go. 

"Boom is an explosive solo performance that documents the music, culture and politics that shaped the Baby Boomers (1945-1969). Boom takes us through 25 turbulent years, and gives voice to over a 100 influential politicians, activists and musicians. It's a mind-blowing experience for audiences of all generations."

I am looking forward to going. I will give you a review afterwards. 

Some boomer funnies from Amy...

This is sooooo true!





Have a great day, everyone. 

Thursday, 16 August 2018

When in Japan...

This is the oldest hotel in the world, founded in the year 705, and still run by the same family: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan. The hotel in Kyoto has thermal spas, high quality cuisine, karaoke, and it's set in a peaceful wooded area, surrounded by mountains.