The Road Not Taken

Viva Italia...

2010-02-11T11:02:00.000-05:00

Destination: Italy
Departure: Monday, February 15, 2010
Return: Some time in March

You may have the universe if I may have Italy

~ Giuseppe Verdi ~

Reflection of the Palazzo del Captiano del Popolo and Sky in Orvieto, Italy-Skywatch Friday

2010-02-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Orvieto is a city and comune in southwestern Umbria, Italy situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe, rising above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone.

This capture is from my February 2009 trek to Italy. The Palazzo del Captiano del Popolo is captured in the window reflection. The Palazzo was built in 1157 as a palace for Pope Hadrian IV and has been remodeled over the years and served many different functions and presently it is a Conference Center. Popes were frequent residents in their Orvieto palaces as it was a safer place than Rome. The weather was absolutely perfect the day I was in Orvieto on the 24th of February 2009.

Be sure to check out all the SKYWATCH ENTRIES today, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is one of my favorite memes.

Sky Watching from the Top of the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis-SkyWatch Friday

2010-01-21T09:47:00.001-05:00

Today we are finally going up in the Gateway Arch. Yes, we are going up 630 feet or 192 meters to the top of this beautiful structure designed by Finnish-American Architect Eero Saarinen.

Passing through the doors, passengers in groups of five enter an egg-shaped compartment containing five seats and a flat floor. Because of the car shape, the compartments have sloped ceilings low enough to force taller riders to lean forward while seated (for this reason it's recommended that the tallest of the five passengers in the car sit in the center seat facing the door). Eight compartments are linked to form a train, meaning that both trains have a capacity of 40, and that 80 people can be transported at one time. These compartments individually retain an appropriate level by periodically rotating every 5 degrees, which allows them to maintain the correct orientation while the entire train follows curved tracks up one leg of the arch. The trip to the top of the Arch takes four minutes, and the trip down takes three minutes. The car doors have narrow windows, allowing passengers to see the interior stairways and structure of the Arch during the trip. I will say the pods are a tad claustrophobic and restrictive.

View looking out to the mighty Mississippi River that divides the State of Missouri and the State of Illionis. I like that I managed to capture a reflection of the arch in the River.

View looking toward City Garden and City of Saint Louis proper.

View looking toward Edward Jones arena where the Saint Louis Rams play football.

View looking toward Busch Stadium where the Saint Louis Cardinals play baseball.

I hope you enjoyed your view from the top of Gateway Arch today. These photographs were taken in August of 2009.

Please check out SKYWATCH FRIDAY and share in the new year's spirit. Skywatch Friday was created by Dot, and perfected by Tom and is now hosted by Klaus. Skywatch members are Wren, Sandy, Sylvia, Fishing Guy, and Klaus.

Be Sure to Look Down...Weekend Reflections

2010-01-15T20:22:00.001-05:00

My last morning in Florence, February 2009 afforded me this lovely composition right at my feet as I headed back to my hotel in the Piazza della Repubblica. Other than framing, and putting my blog logo on the photograph, this is SOOC.

This is my second entry into WEEKEND REFLECTIONS hosted by James. Please join in this wonderful meme.

Retired Presidential Helicopter-SkyWatch Friday

2010-01-14T08:28:00.004-05:00

One of the highlights of a trip to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is the chance to step aboard Army One--the helicopter used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Extensively restored and now on permanent display at the library, the helicopter presents visitors with a rare chance to see how presidents traveled aboard one of the most storied aircraft ever made.

The helicopter, which seats sixteen and cost a million dollars to construct in 1960, is a six-ton Sikorsky VH 3A "Sea King" model, bureau number 150617. During its presidential service, the helicopter was known either as Marine One or Army One, depending on whether Marine or Army pilots were operating the craft. President Nixon used it on more than 180 trips, including on overseas visits such as his summit meeting with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt in 1974.

Perhaps his most famous use of the helicopter was his last, on August 9, 1974. On that day, President Nixon resigned and flew in the helicopter from the South Lawn of the White House to Andrews Air Force Base, where he boarded Air Force One for a flight to his private residence in San Clemente, California.

The helicopter was retired from White House service in 1976 and later used for the training of Secret Service. After being put in storage, the helicopter's interior and exterior were restored, and it was installed on the grounds of the library in 2006.

The Sikorsky VH 3A "Sea King" helicopter is on loan courtesy of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Do stop by and visit all my friends at SKYWATCH FRIDAY and share in the new year's spirit. Skywatch Friday was created by Dot, and perfected by Tom and is now hosted by Klaus. Skywatch members are Wren, Sandy, Sylvia, Louise, Fishing Guy, and Klaus.

Alternative Transportation-My World Tuesday

2010-01-11T10:22:00.000-05:00

Sitting at a stoplight in Lancaster County Pennsylvania I spotted this shot. Needless to say, I whipped out my camera and snapped away. The other shot of the horses/buggies was taken at the market and the last shot taken on the road back to where I was staying (note cars crossing double line to pass the horses/buggy).

Mid September 2009 I attended the annual picnic hosted by the publisher of my two books in Atglen, Pennsylvania (located in the heart of Amish country). Stayed in an interesting bed and breakfast, better less said about it (which I will not stay at again) but, overall had a most wonderful time flitting about in the Amish countryside in the rain. So wishing the weather would have been more cooperative. It rained the entire time I was there until the day I left when beautiful blue skies appeared and, unfortunately, I had to travel non-stop home (a long drive back to Virginia).

Do stop by the fab meme MY WORLD TUESDAY and check out the many contributors from all over the world. That's My World is hosted each week by Klaus and the My World team, Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia. It's a wonderful place to see the world from the comfort of your home :)

Window View from Laclede's Landing in Saint Louis, Missouri

2010-01-05T12:40:00.000-05:00

Taken in August 2009 while in Saint Louis, Missouri. In the reflection you can see a bit of the Edward Jones Dome where the St. Louis Rams football team plays.

This shot was taken in Laclede's Landing area. Click on the link for more information about LaClede's Landing .

This is my second submission for Window Views and Doors Too . Please join in this fab meme hosted by the lovely Mary Tomaselli on Wednesday/Thursday.

Double Take...

2009-12-30T15:34:00.001-05:00

This is my first entry for Window Views and Doors Too . I took this shot last August in Saint Louis while walking along Citygarden trail (please see post below). I love the reflection of the old courthouse against the many window panes and the slight distortion.

Citygarden in Downtown Saint Louis-My World

2009-12-28T10:34:00.003-05:00

Untitled, Martin Puryear (2008) stainless steel

Big White Gloves-Big Four Wheels, Jim Dine (2009) a painted bronze

Samarkand, Jack Youngerman (1981) enamel on aluminum

Aesope's Fables, Mark di Suvero (1990) painted steel

2 Arcs x 4, Bernar Venet (1999) steel

This is Kiera and Julian Walking, Julian Opie (2002) LED

Citygarden is a project of the City of Saint Louis funded by Gateway Foundation. It is comprised of three acres in the heart of downtown. It features modern and contemporary sculptures, lush landscape, reflecting pools, a cafe' and a playful spray plaza. The Citygarden is free to explore. Enjoy

This is my contribution for MY WORLD-TUESDAY . Do stop by the fab meme and check out the many contributors from all over the world. That's My World is hosted each week by Klaus and the My World team, Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia.

Metro Travel ...Saint Louis Style

2009-12-23T13:44:00.000-05:00

La Clede's Landing Metro Stop...where the Casino action is!

View of Saint Louis Arch from LaClede's Landing Metro Stop...love this shot

More shots from Saint Louis trip. I just loved zipping around Saint Louis on the METRO. It was carefree travel all over the metro area. Now if I lived in Saint Louis, I would be a frequent rider.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY from Saint Louis, Missouri

2009-12-17T12:08:00.000-05:00

Taken from the Metro train in August when we were attending the Airport Purchasing Group Conference in Saint Louis. I really liked this shot of the stadium against the brilliant blue sky.

Be sure to check out SkyWatch Friday . It's where I go to visit skies from around the world on a weekly basis. Do stop by when you have a chance.

Highlights of Visit to The Nixon Presidential Library and Museum-Yorba Linda, California

2009-12-16T11:26:00.000-05:00

Fountain at entrance to the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Reflecting pond

The pergola that Tricia Nixon-Cox was married under in the Rose Garden of White House in 1971.

House where President Nixon was born in 1913. It has been fully restored.

Army One/Marine One

Helicopter was called either Army One or Marine One depending on who was piloting it

In 1972, I was old enough to vote for the first time. I was very active with the Republican Party in the 43rd Assembly District and worked as a Youth for Nixon campaigner. Not only did I work registering young voters, I attended many events and worked the precincts getting out the vote. The highlight of my summer was attending the Republican National Convention in Miami Beach. It was a momentious occasion for a young person and I met many of the movers and shakers of the day including: President Nixon, Vice President Agnew, Howard Baker, Henry Kissenger and Ronald Reagan. Somewhere in my historical paperwork I have a picture taken of me with both President Nixon and Vice President Agnew. A very nice Secret Service agent took the picture for me.

President Nixon's policy that opened the door with China encouraged me to travel there in the early 80s. Needless to say, it was a momentious trip that, I will never forget.

Brachiaosaurus Spotted in Chicago's O'Hare Airport

2009-12-03T11:00:00.001-05:00

I had the opportunity to fly through Chicago's O'Hare Airport three times this year. One of my favorite sights at the Terminal is the brachiosaurus in the B concourse of Terminal 1.

The brachiosaurus model is four-stories high and 72 feet long. It's on loan from the Chicago Field Museum (another favorite place of mine).

The View from the Other Side of the Mississippi River - Sky Watch Friday

2009-10-22T09:18:00.003-04:00

This image of the Saint Louis Gateway Arch was taken on the metrolink from the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Do click on it to enlarge. It is difficult to get a full on shot of the image as the structure is so large. Actually the Illinois side provides the best unobscured view(s) of the Arch whereas on the Missouri side you have the tall buildings encroaching on three sides and there is not enough room on the river side to capture the Arch, all 630 feet in its full glory. My apologies for the glare and dirty window of metrolink. For detailed information on the history of the Gateway Arch, please click through to my post Saint Louis-Gateway to the West .

For more skies from all around our wonderful world, please stop by and visit Sky Watch-Friday . It's a favorite stop of mine each week. I am sure you will enjoy photographs of the skies from around the world.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Morning Walk in Saint Louis....My World

2009-10-19T12:11:00.001-04:00

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On one of our morning walks around downtown Saint Louis we came across this little place. The view(s) were perfect so, we stopped for a bite to eat. It was quite delicious.

Be sure stop in and take a peek at other's My World posts this week. I so enjoy seeing what everyone has been doing. It's one of my favorite photograph memes.

Riding in the Sky... SkyWatch Friday

2009-10-15T11:36:00.004-04:00

A few more captures from the West Virginia State Fair. I so loved the skies the day we visited, the colors of the carnival rides popped against it. Do click to enlarge them.

For more skies from all around our wonderful world, please stop by and visit Sky Watch-Friday . It's a favorite stop of mine each week.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

The Train Shed at St. Louis Union Station...circa 2009 - My World

2009-10-12T11:57:00.005-04:00

Saint Louis Union Station is a stop on the MetroLink and a favorite stop for lunch and dinner of many sports fans coming into the downtown area to attend games. All three stadiums are located in downtown Saint Louis. Busch Stadium (Cardinals baseball), Edwards Jones Arena (Rams football) and Scott Trade Center (home of the Saint Louis Blues)and located off the MetroLink.

I had a bit of trouble photographing inside the Train Shed. The bright sky, the shadows, the glass, the water, the massive beams, all seemed to contribute to my problems with clarity. Including the koi! The water was merky or I would have shared a shot of the many koi. Here's a few of my better captures:

In August 1985, after a $150 million renovation, Union Station was reopened with a 539-room hotel, shopping mall, restaurants and food court. The hotel is housed in the headhouse and part of the train shed, which also houses a lake and shopping, entertainment and dining establishments. Omni was the original hotel operator, followed by Hyatt Regency Hotel chain and now Marriott Hotels as of December 2008.

The Midway, once serviced more than 100,000 rail passengers a day. The 610-foot-long and 70-foot-wide concourse was connected to the massive Train Shed, where passengers lined up to board trains through one of 32 boarding gates. The Midway was constructed with a light steel trussed roof of glass and iron. Today it serves as a passageway filled with an array of shops and restaurants.

The Train Shed, 11.5 acres of sweeping arches, was the largest single-span train shed ever constructed. It once covered the greatest number of train tracks (32) than any other station in the nation. Measuring 606 feet wide by 810 feet long, the Victorian-engineered shed soars to 140 feet with its massive space divided by five structural bays. The Shed currently houses retail and restaurant facilities, a portion of the Marriott Hotel, the lake, event and parking areas.

Please do stop by and take a peek at other participants My World submissions this week by clicking My World . I so like seeing what everyone else is up to around the world. Enjoy.

Sometimes You Need A Superman...

2009-10-09T15:52:00.004-04:00

The Grand Hall of Saint Louis' Union Station-My World-August 2009

2009-10-05T11:56:00.004-04:00

From its magnificent 65-foot, barrel-vaulted ceiling in the Grand Hall to its Victorian-engineered train shed totaling more than 11 acres, St. Louis Union Station remains one of our nation's true architectural "gems." Built at a cost of $6.5 million in the 1890s St. Louis Union Station was designed by German-born architect Theodore C. Link of St. Louis who won the prized project in a nationwide contest.

Union Station was split into three main sections; the Headhouse (where the Grand Hall was located featuring mosiacs, gold leaf details and scagliola surfaces); the Midway (which was the main concourse measuring at 610 feet long by 70 feet wide); and finally the Trainshed which featured 32 tracks on nearly 12 acres of ground for the dozens of trains calling there.

A building of mammoth proportions and elegant ornamental decoration, St. Louis Union Station was intended to accommodate thousands of travelers and workers daily. The monumental head house featured numerous amenities including a luxurious hotel, a saloon, a dining hall, lunch rooms, gender-oriented lounges, a ticket office, several offices for the Terminal Railroad Association, and the world's first barrel-vaulted train station concourse, or "Grand Hall."

A most impressive feature of the Grand Hall is the "Allegorical Window," a hand-made stained glass window with hand-cut Tiffany glass strategically positioned above the Station's main entryway. The window features three women representing the main U.S. train stations during the 1890s -- New York, St. Louis and San Francisco.

The architecture of St. Louis Union Station is an eclectic mix of Romanesque styles. The Station's interior and exterior details are a combination of both Richardsonian Romanesque tradition and French Romanesque or Norman style.

In fact, Link modeled the grandiose Station after Carcassone, a walled, medieval city in southern France. These designs are most evident when entering the Station's Headhouse and the impressive Grand Hall, with its sweeping archways, fresco and gold leaf detailing, scagliola surfaces, mosaics and art glass windows. One can imagine the incredible impression the room created in 1894 on opening day. Today, the Grand Hall continues to awe visitors as the Marriott Hotel's lobby and lounge area

I will share some a few more photographs from Union Station in my next post.

Please do stop by and take a peek at other participants My World submissions this week by clicking MyWorld . I so like seeing what everyone else is up to around the world. Enjoy.

All Aboard-Saint Louis Union Station-Skywatch Post for October 2, 2009

2009-10-01T11:37:00.005-04:00

Today, I am sharing some more of my recent visit in August to St. Louis with you. Hope you enjoy.

St. Louis Union Station, a National Historic Landmark, is a former passenger train terminal in St. Louis, Missouri. Once the world's largest and busiest train station, it was converted in the early 1980s into a luxury hotel, shopping center, and entertainment complex. Today, it is one of the city's major tourist attractions and an easy trek on the Metro from downtown. (please click on photographs to enlarge them)

Union Station's headhouse and midway are constructed of Indiana limestone and initially included 32 tracks under its vast trainshed terminating in the stub-end terminal.

At its height, the station combined the St. Louis passenger services of 22 railroads. At its opening, it was the world's largest and busiest railroad station and its trainshed was the largest roof span in the world. In 1903, the station was expanded to accommodate visitors to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

In the 1940s, it handled 100,000 passengers a day. The famous photograph of Harry S. Truman holding aloft the erroneous Chicago Tribune headline, "Dewey Defeats Truman," was shot at the station as Truman headed back to Washington, DC from Independence, Missouri after the 1948 Presidential election.

As railroad passenger services declined in the 1950s and 1960s, the massive station became obsolete and too expensive to maintain for its original purpose. With the takeover of national rail passenger service by Amtrak in 1971, passenger train service to St. Louis was reduced to only three trains a day. In 1978, the last train left St. Louis Union Station. Amtrak trains are now located one block to the east in St. Louis' Gateway Transportation Center which houses Amtrak, Greyhound Buses, and inner city Metro Buses and subway and rail.

I will post more photographs in the future of the area that was once the trainshed and housed the tracks that now has restaurants and shops . The Metro rail drops you off across the street and many a sports fan stops off here prior to sporting events. The day we visited there was an early afternoon Cardinal baseball game and many of their avid fans were stopping off for lunch. Busch Stadium is located two stops down the line toward downtown.

For more spectacular and unusual SKYWATCH posts do stop by. Click on this link and you will be whisked away to all of the other participants this week - SKYWATCH.

The Roberts Orpheum Theater ... My World August 2009

2009-09-28T10:38:00.011-04:00

The Orpheum Theater was constructed at the corner of 9 th Street and St. Charles in 1917 by St. Louis self-made millionaire Louis A. Cella. The lead architect was Albert Lansburgh, and artist Leo Lentelli was responsible for the ornate sculptures that are still magnificent today. Lansburgh had already designed seven previous theaters for the Orpheum franchise. Lentelli had began working in Rome in the early part of the twentieth century before moving to New York City where his works were commissioned for many projects, including Rockefeller Center. Please click on photographs to enlarge.

When it joined the more than two dozen theaters of the national "Orpheum Vaudeville Circuit" on its Labor Day opening, the $500,000 "Parisian style" theater was considered an "architectural masterpiece and technological wonder."

With the end of vaudeville in the mid 1930s, the theater was leased to Warner Brothers as a movie house, and subsequently Loews assumed its management. In the 1960s it underwent a reincarnation as a performance venue and was re-christened The American Theater.

The venue has played host to a vast array of entertainment , including plays, musicals, and concerts. Many of the great names in American theater graced its stage in the, including Alfred Lunt and Lynne Fontanne, Julie Harris, Cary Grant, Eartha Kit, James Whitmore, Eli Wallach, Liv Ullman, John Gielgud, Paul Robeson, Mae West, and Henry Fonda, to name just a few.

In the early 1980s, The American became primarily a venue for special events (corporate events, weddings, and private parties) and occasional rock concerts. Acts such as Pearl Jam (who filmed a video in the theater), Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alicia Keyes, Dave Mathews Band, Tori Amos, and Nelly appeared on stage.

Then, in December, 2003, St. Louisians Mike and Steve Roberts purchased the theater from Charles Cella, grandson of the visionary who built it. They undertook a major rehabilitation of the theater, bringing it back to its former splendor. Reverting to the original name, The Roberts Orpheum Theater returned to full operation to host a wide variety of events including concerts, theater, dance, lectures, and movies, as well as corporate events, conferences, and private parties.

I will have to add that I loved downtown Saint Louis. It was a visual delight and I am so wanting to return and walk it block by block and photograph it all. It was compact and full of amazing architectural details. Our hotel was located around the corner and down a couple of blocks from The Orpheum.

Please do stop by and take a peek at other participants My World submissions this week by clicking MY WORLD . I so like seeing what everyone else is up to around the world.

Saint Louis-Gateway to the West

2009-09-18T12:05:00.003-04:00

The Gateway Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West, is an integral part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and the iconic image of St. Louis, Missouri. It was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel in 1947.

The cross-sections of its legs are equilateral triangles, narrowing from 54 feet (16 m) per side at the base to 17 feet (5.2 m) at the top. Each wall consists of a stainless steel skin covering a sandwich of two carbon steel walls with reinforced concrete in the middle from ground level to 300 feet (91 m), with carbon steel and rebar from 300 feet (91 m) to the peak. The interior of the Arch is hollow and contains a unique transport system leading to an observation deck at the top. The interior of the Arch also contains two emergency stairwells of 1076 steps each, in the event of a need to evacuate the Arch or if a problem develops with the tram system.

The Arch is the tallest monument in the United States at 630 feet.

Construction began February 12, 1963 and the last section of the Arch was put into place on October 28, 1965.

The Arch is a structure known as a catenary curve, the shape a free-hanging chain takes when held at both ends, and considered the most structurally-sound arch shape. The span of the Arch legs at ground level is 630 feet, the same as its height.

Each year, approximately a million visitors ride the trams to the top of the Arch. The trams have been in operation for over 30 years, traveling a total of 250,000 miles and carrying over 25 million passengers.

The Arch weighs 17,246 tons. Nine hundred tons of stainless steel was used to build the Arch, more than any other project in history.

The Arch was built at a cost of $13 million. The transportation system was built at a cost of $3,500,000.

In order to ensure that the constructed legs would meet, the margin of error for failure was 1/64th of an inch. All survey work was done at night to eliminate distortion caused by the sun's rays. Since the Arch was constructed before the advent of computer technology, relatively crude instruments were used for these measurements.

The Arch sways a maximum of 18" (9" each way) in a 150 mph wind. The usual sway is 1/2".

Meet Me in Saint Louis-My World Tuesday August 24, 2009

2009-08-24T08:40:00.006-04:00

I am off to Saint Louis tomorrow morning to attend a Conference. Thought you might enjoy a few factoids about Saint Louis.

Meet Me in St. Louis is a 1944 romantic musical film from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer which tells the story of four sisters living in Saint Louis at the time of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition World's Fair in 1904. The film was directed by Vincente Minnelli, who met his future wife, Judy Garland, on the set. In the film, Garland debuted the standards "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" which became hits after the film was released.

The backdrop for Meet Me in St. Louis is St. Louis, Missouri on the brink of the 1904 World's Fair. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis was one of the major Victorian-era World's Fairs. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904) aka the St Louis World's Fair celebrated the United State's of America purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1804. The Fair lasted 215 days, covered 1,272 acres, & drew 18,317,457 visitors. The Palace of Fine Arts by Cass Gilbert, now the St Louis Art Museum is the only remaining building.

It was delayed from a planned opening in 1903 to 1904 allow for full-scale participation by more states and foreign countries. The Fair opened April 30, 1904, and closed December 1, 1904. Of notable interest is that St. Louis had held an annual Saint Louis Exposition (1884) since the 1880s as agricultural, trade, and scientific exhibitions, but this event was not held in 1904 due to the World's Fair.

The Fair's 1,200 acre (4.9 km²) site, designed by George Kessler, was located at the present-day grounds of Forest Park and on the campus of Washington University, and was the largest fair to date. There were over 1,500 buildings, connected by some 75 miles (120 km) of roads and walkways. It was said to be impossible to give even a hurried glance at everything in less than a week. The Palace of Agriculture alone covered some 20 acres (324,000 m²).

Exhibits were staged by 62 foreign nations, the United States government, and 43 of the then-45 U.S. states. These featured industries, cities, private organizations and corporations, theater troupes, and music schools. There were also over 50 concession-type amusements found on "The Pike"; they provided educational and scientific displays, exhibits and imaginary 'travel' to distant lands, history and local boosterism (including Louis Wollbrinck's "Old St. Louis") and pure entertainment.

A number of foods are claimed to have been invented at the fair. The most popular claim is that the waffle-style ice cream cone was invented and first sold during the fair. However, it is widely believed that it was not invented at the Fair, but instead, it was popularized at the Fair. Other claims are more dubious, including the hamburger and hot dog (both traditional American foods), peanut butter, iced tea, and cotton candy. It is more likely, however, that these food items were first introduced to mass audiences and popularized by the fair. In 1904, Lazenby and O'Hara introduced Dr Pepper to almost 20 million people attending the 1904 World's Fair Exposition in St. Louis and puffed rice made its premier appearance as well. A minor hit as a novelty, it also caught the eye of an unnamed executive of the Quaker cereal company in the process

Iced tea had been available for a few years prior to the fair, but it was popularized at the fair. The invention of iced tea is generally believed to have occurred in America in 1904, although some evidence has been presented that it may have been drunk in the South well before that. Like many great inventions, iced tea was created completely by accident. It was a sweltering day during the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, and Englishman Richard Blechynden's tea concession was not doing well. Thinking quickly, Mr. Blechynden added ice and created a beverage that has since become an American favorite.

Have a great week everyone and I will share my adventures with you next week providing the weather cooperates; I am really looking forward to going up in the Saint Louis Arch.

Be sure to stop by our wonderful That's My World meme. We had over 100 participants last week. I personally enjoy visiting other blogs from around the world. Enjoy.

Lewisburg, West Virginia-The State Fair of West Virginia-SkyWatch Friday

2009-08-20T08:29:00.011-04:00

Continuing with my SUMMER themed photographs I thought you would enjoy these fab shots of carnival rides from the Fun Zone at the West Virginia State Fair. We spent last Saturday afternoon in Lewisburg, West Virginia at the Fair.

The first event to be called the State Fair in West Virginia occurred in Wheeling on February 1, 1881. The Lewisburg fair evolved from local events that date back to 1854. In 1941 the state government declared it to be the official State Fair. However, World War II forced cancellation of the event until 1946.

Here's a video clip from the film STATE FAIR (circa1962) featuring the Rodgers and Hammerstein lyrics below:

Our State Fair is a great state fair
Don't Miss it don't even be late(our state fair is great)
It's dollars to doughnuts at our state fairIt's the best state fair in the state
-chants-OUR STATE FAIR IS A GREAT STATE FAIR IS A GREAT IS A GREAT IS A GREAT STATE FAIR HEY!!
Our State Fair is a great state fair
Don't Miss it don't even be late(state fair is great)
It's dollars to doughnuts at our state fair
It's the best state fair.. in our state
Artist - Rodgers and Hammerstein

Do stop by and visit SKYWATCH FRIDAY. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job. We had over 300 participants last week. Come on and join in the summer fun!

Abingdon, Virginia:Summer 2009-Skywatch Friday

2009-08-06T10:25:00.009-04:00

Abingdon, Virginia is a great day trip and is located about 132 miles southwest of my home off Interstate 81. It is a charming town and one that I have visited many times before moving to Virginia. I love its atmosphere and visits here never disappoint.

The area we now call Abingdon was first surveyed by Dr. Thomas Walker and the Loyal Land Company, in the years 1749-1750. There was no immediate effort to settle the lands; and the next mention of the area was in 1760, when Daniel Boone and his exploration party were camped at a spring near the ground where a fort would later be built.

The town of Abingdon was possibly named after Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England, the ancestral home of Martha Washington. Other possible origins of the name include Daniel Boone's home in Abington, Pennsylvania, or Lord Abingdon, friend of settler William Campbell.

Do stop by and visit SKYWATCH FRIDAY. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job. We had over 300 participants last week. Come on and join in the summer fun!

Let There Be Light - SkyWatch Friday

2009-07-30T10:42:00.005-04:00

I liked this shot as it captured both the natural and very beautiful sky light and, the soft glow of a gaslight fixture. So wish I could have cleaned the glass on the light fixture.

In the early 20th century, most cities in the United States and Europe had gaslit streets. However, gas lighting for streets soon gave way to electric lighting. Small incandescent electric lamps began to replace gas lights in homes in the late 19th century, although the transition took decades to complete. Gas lighting has not disappeared completely from cities.

Cities that retain gas lighting now often find that it provides a pleasing nostalgic effect. Similarly, gas lighting is also seeing a resurgence in the luxury home market for those in search of historical accuracy.

The largest gas lighting network in Europe is probably that of Berlin with about 44,000 lamps. Quite a few streets in central London, the Royal Parks and the exterior of Buckingham Palace remain gaslit as well as almost the entire Covent Garden area. The Park Estate in Nottingham retains much of its original character, including the original gas lighting network.

In the United States, Cincinnati, Ohio still uses gaslight in many of its residential neighborhoods, as do parts of the famed French Quarter in New Orleans and of Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood.

South Orange, New Jersey has adopted the gaslight as the symbol of the town, and uses them on nearly all streets. Several other towns in New Jersey also retain gas lighting: Glen Ridge, Palmyra, Riverton, and some parts of Orange. The Village of Riverside, Illinois, still uses its original gas street lights that are an original feature of the Frederick Law Olmsted (a distant relative of Gaelyn at GEOGYPSY) planned community. Do click through to read more about him and Riverside, Illinois. Thanks for letting me know this Gaelyn...it should have clicked you might be related but, I did not think to ask.

The most popular gas lighting fixtures today are made from copper, a sustainable and durable metal that ages and patinas to protect itself from the elements. Gas Lights today are also used with electronic ignition systems that allow the lights to be controlled from an ordinary light switch. With energy conservation a pressing issue today, these systems can also allow gas lights to be placed on a timer or photocell so that they are not running continuously, only when needed. Today gas lights are widely used for creating ambiance and to accentuate a property's design.
(taken from Gas Lighting)

Do stop by and visit SKYWATCH FRIDAY. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job. We had over 300 participants last week. Come on and join in the summer fun!

Summer Memories from Laguna Beach, California-That's My World

2009-07-27T09:30:00.011-04:00

When you talk about the history of the Laguna Beach area, the Hotel Laguna is first and foremost in any discussion. Join me on my little lunch excursion to one of my favorite beach towns in Southern California and where I spent a lot of my youth.

Hotel Laguna was the first hotel in Laguna Beach and the first substantial business building. It remains today the most known structure. It is picturesque, romantic and has quite an intriguing past. It has given over 100 years of almost continuous service.

The original structure burned to the ground 60 days after opening and was rebuilt in 1888. The hotel did well providing rooms for the many visitors who streamed into California during the travel boom. Unfortunately, a depression came about in 1896 and the hotel was sold twice before it began to make a profit again.A Mr. Yoch now owned the hotel and, after purchasing the Arch Beach Hotel which was located south of the Hotel Laguna, moved the two hotels together at the present site, Laguna Avenue and Coast Highway. He called this building the "New Hotel Laguna." It proved highly successful and was visited by many dignitaries, including Madam Modjeska (the canyon was named after her) and James Irvine, who was said to be the life of the party circa 1900.

In 1928 the hotel was demolished on speculation that its bat and hoard construction was considered a fire hazard. Work started on a more modern establishment, which was dedicated in 1930. This is the hotel we know today, painted white with side Spanish arches in relief and featuring a bell tower (it never held a bell!).At one time there was a huge neon sign on the top of the hotel proclaiming "Hotel Laguna" to all those traveling north and south on the Coast Highway. It was a beacon to all but finally gave way to a 1966 ordinance law.

In 1985, the hotel was purchased by Mr. Claes Andersen who refurbished the interior and exterior of this "Grand Old Lady" and created an award-winning establishment with a European flair.People feel emotional about Hotel Laguna, probably because years of experiences and memories pervade its walls. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall are said to have visited and these days it is used as a hide-away by many dignitaries and movie industry people.Of the thousands of visitors that check in each year, few will know its historical significance but will simply enjoy the relaxation and escape provided by the Hotel Laguna.

What better way to cruise the coast than in a 1962 red CORVETTE! Look at those classic lines.
View from Hotel La Casa del Camino . Hotel La Casa del Camino is located a little ways down Pacific Coast Highway from the Hotel Laguna and Main Beach which are considered the main part of town. Entrance to the Hotel La Casa del Camino. A charming place with a very interesting history (do click on the link above to learn more). We ate at the Hotel's "The Rooftop" restaurant where the views of the Pacific are breathtaking.
This is Mrs. H, my deceased best friend's mother who has designated me as her adopted daughter for some 36 years now (i can't be that old). We stayed with her and Mr. H at their lovely home in Villa Park during our recent visit to Southern California. Her favorite beach is Laguna Beach, so we planned a lunch and walk about town one of the days we visited. Mr. Joe, my hubby taking in the warm California sun and gazing out at the fab ocean views from our rooftop luncheon spot.
A veggie burger...yummy food.
View looking west.

View looking south and west.
View looking up the coastline toward Corona del Mar and beyond.

The community of Laguna Beach is the second oldest city in Southern Orange County -- only San Juan Capistrano is older—and it exists for one simple reason. The area where Laguna is situated was considered to be so worthless that none of the large ranchos surrounding it cared to claim it during the land grab which ensued after California was wrested away from Mexico.
Settlers arriving after the Civil War found scarce amounts of land available for homesteading, and one such tract, known then simply as "the public lands" was the coastal strip from Laguna Canyon to Three Arch Bay. One family, the Thurstons, claimed the land in Aliso Canyon and during the 1870s built a house about a mile from the beach. Soon a small community, named Arch Beach, had been started just north of there at the mouth of Bluebird Canyon. By the early 1880s most of the land around its small Post Office and general store had been subdivided. At about the time that Orange County separated from Los Angeles County and became independent in 1889, the little community was caught in an economic downturn and failed.

When the economy renewed itself, the decision was made to relocate the town to the mouth of Laguna Canyon. This was possible because a dispute with the Irvine ranch over the public right to traverse Laguna Canyon had been resolved in the courts, allowing an additional means of access to the coast.

By 1900 Laguna Beach was occupied by five families of homesteaders struggling to farm land not well-suited to sustain them. They soon found an additional source of income by renting sections of the beaches to farmers from Tustin, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Riverside, and other inland communities who were eager to escape the summer heat. Thus began the tourist industry which is still a mainstay of the local economy.

In the early 1920s the area was discovered by a group of landscape painters who laid the foundation of the art community which is still thriving to this day. Subsequently, various groups have "discovered" Laguna Beach and added incrementally to the town's diversity. Show business people from Hollywood, retirees, gays, hippies, yuppies, and most lately the very-well-to-do have made Laguna Beach their home and added to the local culture.
The region was originally known to the Spanish as "La Cañada de Las Lagunas" which means "The Canyon of the Small Lakes", in reference to two lakes found near the head of Laguna Canyon. However, in confusion with the word "Lagoon", Laguna Beach was nearly misnamed "Lagoona" by the State of California. While it was still an unincorporated community, the Postmaster, Nicholas Isch, journeyed to Sacramento to rectify the mistake, and the original Spanish spelling was retained.

Laguna Beach was incorporated as a General Law City in 1927 and has experienced a slow but steady population growth since that time.

Be sure to stop by our wonderful That's My World meme. We had over 100 participants last week. I personally enjoy visiting other blogs from around the world. Enjoy.

The Colors of Summer-Sky Watch Friday

2009-07-22T15:26:00.010-04:00

The colors are so summer beach cottage, don't you agree? The beautiful cloudless blue sky, the aging white paint on the 16 pane dormer window and, the worn and weathered green tin roof. And, check out the functional and decorative pieces at the end of the roofline and how they add a bit of whimsy to it all. To me they look like little bird wings. And you will of course notice that all lines are pointing upward, drawing our eyes to the sky.

Do stop by and visit SKYWATCH FRIDAY. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job. We had over 300 participants last week. Come on and join in the summer fun!

The Ferris Wheel at Balboa Fun Zone-Newport Beach, California-Skywatch Friday

2009-07-16T08:16:00.000-04:00

The Ferris Wheel was introduced to the world at the World's Colombian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. It was built to rival the Paris creation of the Eiffel Tower, a landmark exhibition in 1889 in France. It is interesting to note that the first Ferris Wheel was built by bridgemaker George Ferris. His knowledge of struts, beams and supports, as well as a skilled mastery of foundation and balance of larger constructions made him the man for the job.

Ferris conceived the idea of the Wheel by looking the a structure of the Merry-go-Round. A popular part of the carnival, it seemed to generate large revenue, with a relatively simple structure. In reponse to the Eiffel Tower, Ferris knew that his invention had to be very large. Ferris concluded that a vertical wheel would make the same splash as a horizontal one, and he set about drawing up plans for a wheel that would make every wheel known to man look small.

The Ferris Wheel cost $380,000.00 to make and stood at 264 feet. After its execution, however, it grossed twice as much in ride sales, making it a very profitable member of the exhibition.

The diameter of the wheel was 250 feet, making it the largest known wheel in American at the time. It also contained an axle of 45 feet, which was unheard of. he Ferris Wheel was powered by 2,000 engine worth of horsepower, and it contained 36 wooden cars that were suspended by iron clamps to the structure of the Wheel and axle.

Each car held 60 passengers. When full, the ferris wheel held 2,160 passengers and stopped on every second revolution to let a new group of people in its cars.It was built by the Detroit Bridge and Iron works, and it ran at .50 cents a ride.

The Wheel weighed 2,079,884 pounds and when carrying the maximum live load of 2,160 passengers a weighing, say, 140 pounds each, the total weight in motion would have been 2,382, 244 pounds or 1,191 tons.

It was transferred to St. Louis for another Exposition in 1904, and after that, the world's first Ferris Wheel was taken down and sold to various metal dealers.

I hope you enjoyed a bit of history of the Ferris Wheel and my photographs of the Ferris Wheel at the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach, California.

Do stop by and visit Skywatch Friday. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job. We had over 300 participants last week. Do join in the summer fun!

Angels Flight:Los Angeles, California-June 2009 That's My World

2009-07-13T10:36:00.005-04:00

I can remember riding on the original Angels Flight in the late 50s, early 60s, when I was a little one, with my dad. I always enjoyed a trip to downtown with him. Downtown Los Angeles was a great adventure in those days. So today I am sharing a little bit of it with all of you.

Built in 1901 as the Los Angeles Incline Railway, running northwest from the west corner of Third and Hill Streets, Angels Flight consisted of two carriages pulled up a steep incline by metal cables powered by engines at the top of the hill. As one car ascended, the other descended, carried down by gravity. The two cars were named Sinai and Olivet.

The first Angels Flight was a conventional funicular, with both cars connected to the same haulage cable. Unlike most more modern funiculars it did not have track brakes for use in the event of a cable breaking, but it did have a separate safety cable which would come into play in case of breakage of the main cable. It operated for 68 years with a good safety record.

The railway was closed in 1969 when the Bunker Hill area underwent a total redevelopment which transformed it from a declining community of mostly transients and working-class families renting rooms in run-down buildings to a modern mixed-use district of high-rise commercial buildings and modern apartment complexes. All the components of Angels Flight were placed in storage in anticipation of the railway's restoration and reopening.

After 27 years in storage, the funicular was rebuilt and reopened in 1996 a half block south of the original site. Although the original cars were used, a brand new track and haulage system was designed and built, a redesign which had unfortunate consequences five years later. As rebuilt, the funicular was 91 meters (298 feet) long on an approximately 33-percent grade. Car movement was controlled by an operator inside the upper station house, who was responsible for: visually determining that the track and vehicles were clear for movement, closing the platform gates, starting the cars moving, monitoring the operation of the funicular cars, observing car stops at both stations, and collecting fares from passengers. The cars themselves did not carry any staff members.

Angels Flight was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 13, 2000.

On February 1, 2001, Angels Flight suffered a serious accident that killed passenger Leon Praport, 83, and injured seven others, including Praport's wife, Lola. The accident occurred when car Sinai, approaching the upper station, reversed direction and accelerated downhill in an uncontrolled fashion to strike Olivet near the lower terminus.

Several reopening dates have been announced, but none have come to pass. In early 2008, the railway president indicated that the railway would open soon. The Automobile Club of Southern California reported that Angels Flight would open in late 2008.

On November 1, 2008 both of the repaired and restored Angels Flight cars were put back on their tracks and, on 16 January 2009, testing began on the railway;however Angels Flight has not yet reopened to the public.

The decorative Beaux-Arts archway entrance and station house were added around 1910. The original archway was a simple cast iron pipe structure with a two-feet-high cherub and the name Angel's Flight (with an apostrophe) above it.

The correct name for the railway is Angels Flight, which is grammatically incorrect as there is no possessive apostrophe before or after the 's'. The film of the same name, however, does include an apostrophe.

The initials that appear on the archway, 'BPOE', stand for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, who once had a lodge in a large building adjacent to the top of the original flight.

Be sure to stop by our wonderful That's My World meme. We had over 100 participants last week. I personally enjoy visiting other blogs from around the world. Enjoy.

Summer Beach Blues at Balboa, California-June 2009 - Skywatch

2009-07-09T12:15:00.006-04:00

Catching a wave in the beautiful blue Pacific.
Looking up the coastline toward Newport Beach Pier.
Looking down the Balboa Peninsula coastline toward Corona del Mar. Bikinis, surfboards, skateboards and beach cruiser bikes. Summer has arrived.

Do stop by and visit Skywatch Friday. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job. Join in the summer fun and post your best SKYWATCH photos.

Courtyard Fountain at Pasadena City Hall-My World in June 2009

2009-07-06T11:15:00.002-04:00

Pasadena City Hall, completed in 1927, is currently the tallest building in Pasadena and a significant example of the City Beautiful movement of the 1920s. In 1923, the people of Pasadena approved a bond measure issuing $3.5 million towards the development of a civic center. City Hall was to be the central element of this center. The San Francisco architecture firm of Bakewell and Brown designed the City Beautiful and California Mediterranean influenced City Hall. It was completed on December 27, 1927at a cost of $1.3 million. It measures 361 feet (110 m) by 242 feet (74 m), and rises 6 stores. There are over 235 rooms and passageways that cover over 170,000 square feet (16,000 m2). The defining dome, located above the west entrance, is 26 feet (7.9 m) tall and 54 feet (16 m) in diameter. On July 28, 1980, Pasadena City Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The courtyard has a strong Spanish Colonial atmosphere. The focal point is the cast stone Baroque fountain. 22.5 feet tall with a basin 25 feet in diameter. Paths of crushed granite define the flower beds and cloistered arches paved with red Padre tile surround the courtyard. California live oak trees provide shade for the azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendron and beds of annuals that are planted on a rotational basis.

I do hope you enjoyed a visit to one of my favorite California cities.

Please stop by and visit the MY WORLD MEME hosted by the fab team of Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise. We had over 100 visitors last.

Riding the Balboa Island Ferry: Newport Beach, California - Skywatch Friday

2009-07-01T09:12:00.012-04:00

Come on, let's take a ride on the Balboa Island Ferry. This is one of my favorite beach spots in Southern California and where I spent much time during my younger days. We had the chance to spend a few hours here during our recent visit. The tall buildings you see off in the distance in the fourth photograph is Fashion Island where last week's image is from. The weather was perfect during our entire visit and of course as you can see from these captures the skies clear and blue.

The ferry boats travel under 1,000 feet from Balboa Island to the Balboa Peninsula (Fun Zone area) and vice versa, reaching a top speed of four miles per hour. The speed limit in the harbor is 5 miles per hour, and the ferry docks about every 5 minutes. A full time captain will dock the ferry at least 22,500 times every year, traveling at least 3,200 miles every year.
In 1919, Joseph Beek obtained the rights from the city of Newport Beach to provide a ferry service between Balboa Island across the Newport Harbor to the Balboa Peninsula. Before starting the ferry service, Mr. Beek owned "The Ark". The Ark consisted of a giant rowboat and a small engine. Joseph Alen Beek used the Ark as his first ferry vessel. The Ark carried oars in the event of engine failure. There was no regularly scheduled service; customers telephoned Beek when they needed a ride across the harbor.
In 1919, Mr. Beek charged a nickel (5 cents) per person. Three years after commencing operation, Mr. Beek built the "Fat Ferry". This vessel held twenty passengers. Joseph Beek further built a small, one car, barge. The Fat Ferry pushed the barge across the channel between Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula.
In the 1950s, Mr. Beek built three double-ended wooden boats for his ferry service: the Admiral, the Commodore, and the Captain. These three boats are still presently in service and have transported over two million persons. Each ferry holds three cars and 75 people.

As of 2007, the Beek family charges $1 per adult, $2 per vehicle, $.50 for children ages 5-11, $1.25 for adults on bikes, $.75 for children on bikes, $1.50 for motorcycles, and children under the age of 5 are free.

The ferry boats need constant maintenance, but this does not usually interrupt the ferry service. For two weeks in 2008 the ferry service shut down for an extended period, for the first time in 50 years, to rebuild the automobile ramp leading to the boats.

Currently, Mr. Beek’s three sons all run the business. It has been in the family for close to 100 years.

Do stop by and visit Skywatch Friday. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job.

Heigh Ho...It's Home from Work We Go: Anzio, Italy-My World

2009-06-29T08:55:00.009-04:00

Walking along the beachwalk in ANZIO this past February I came on this lady throwing breadcrumbs to the seagulls. You can see her legs on the left of the photograph behind the trash bin. And, the gulls were swarming about. I took several shots before I captured this one...gulls are not the easiest thing to capture when they are dive bombing bread...

Acrobats in the Sky at Fashion Island, Newport Beach California - Skywatch Friday

2009-06-25T08:04:00.004-04:00

This bronze sculptural piece was designed by Aristides (Aris) Demetrios. The three figures are on 27 foot concrete columns. The piece was installed in 1967 when Fashion Island - Newport Beach was officially opened.

Fashion Island was ahead of its time when it first opened as an outdoor shopping mall and featured anchor stores: Buffums, Robinson's, The Broadway and JC Penney. The Spanish architectural theme and the view of the Pacific Ocean were dreamy to me as a teenager. Many changes were to come in the years ahead. Today the anchors are: Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Bloomingdale's Home Store, and Macy's, and in Spring 2010 Nordstrom. At the time Bloomingdale's was opened, it was the first on the west coast.

I will share more scenes from this most wonderful spot in upcoming posts.

Do stop by and visit Skywatch Friday. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job.

A Visit to Chinatown Los Angeles-My World Today

2009-06-22T09:35:00.007-04:00

On a sunny Saturday on June 25, 1938, California's Governor Merriam and a host of dignitaries dedicated Los Angeles Chinatown's Central Plaza in a gala Grand Opening ceremony. One of the Nation's first malls and certainly the first modern American Chinatown, owned and planned from the ground up by Chinese, Central Plaza would provide a magnificent hub and lexus for growth into the famous colorful, vibrant Chinese American community we all know today.

Originally, New Chinatown consisted of many notable restaurants, shops, an herbal store, a grocery store, a bean cake factory, a Chinese deli and offices. In 1938, these long-time establishments were all moved from Los Angeles' Old Chinatown, not quite a mile away. What led to this sudden mass relocation into Los Angeles' Little Italy, and the need for establishing a new Chinatown?

The first Chinese was recorded to be in Los Angeles in 1852. Continuous settlement began in 1857. By 1870, an identifiable "Chinatown" of 200 or so was situated on Calle de Los Negros - Street of the Dark Hued Ones - a short alley 50 feet wide and one block long between El Pueblo Plaza and Old Arcadia Street. These early, mostly male, Chinese were mainly laundrymen, market gardeners, agricultural and ranch workers, and road builders. Despite the heavy discrimination in the late 19th century, Chinese held a dominant economic position in the Los Angeles laundry and produce industries for several years of this period. Consequently, old Chinatown flourished, expanding eastward from the Plaza across Alameda Street and eventually attaining a population of over 3000. The Exclusion Acts inhibited any real growth for many years.

In a typical experience, Chinese became lessees, subleasees or tenants of a major land or property owner, such as Apablasa. Laws prohibited most from citizenship and hence, property ownership. The Chinese densely settled a major part of Old Chinatown on the Juan Apablasa grazing grounds and vineyards, controlled by his old widow. Inability to gain ownership in large measure would have dire consequences later.

Old Chinatown in its heyday, 1890 to 1910, could count 15 or so streets and alleys, and perhaps 200 building units. It had sufficient size and sophistication to boast of a Chinese opera theater, three temples, a newspaper (for a while), and later, its own telephone exchange. Old Chinatown was a residential as well as commercial community. The slow increase in the number of women would lead to the establishment of families with children. During this time, most of today's leading Chinese family and district associations, Chinatown institutions were founded, and church missions were organized, which began the process of community acculturation. Old Chinatown, with restaurants, curio shops, and "strange" entertainments, even became an attraction for the early, pioneering breed of American tourist.

Reprinted from The Los Angeles Chinatown 50th Year Guidebook, June 1988: The Golden Years of Los Angeles Chinatown: The Beginning by Suellen Cheng and Munson Kwok, Chinese Historical Society of Southern California

I visited my favorite shops and restaurant and bakery last week while in Los Angeles. I so miss this part of my native State.

Please stop by and visit the MY WORLD MEME hosted by the fab team of Klaus | Sandy | Ivar | Wren | Fishing Guy| Louise. We had over 100 visitors last week.

Balboa Fun Zone-Skywatch Friday

2009-06-18T08:00:00.003-04:00

The Balboa Fun Zone is one of Southern California's oldest and last great coastal amusement areas. It is located on the Balboa Peninsula of Newport Beach and since 1936, the Fun Zone's ferris wheel has been a day and night landmark on the Newport Harbor scene, beckoning all to join in the fun. The ferris wheel was completely rebuilt from the ground up in 1986.

Hubby and I spent last Friday, Saturday, Sunday and most of Monday in Southern California. I am a native Southern Californian and was very happy to get back to my home turf. It was a breath of fresh air.

What Happens When You Park Where You Shouldn't - Rome, Italy - My World

2009-06-08T08:24:00.010-04:00

I find it interesting that the locals in Rome get quite creative(well, I suppose you would have to) when it comes to parking their vehicles. Space is at a premium and every one owns a car, or so it seems. This is the first time I have seen this contraption physically removing a car from a space where it should not have been parked. I thought it worthy of a photograph or two. Taken on the Viale Trastevere near the Piazza Ippolito Nievo.

Two Views from Assisi, Italy for Skywatch Friday

2009-06-04T09:28:00.003-04:00

This is a view from the Piazza Santa Chiara in Assisi, Italy.
This tree was in the Piazza at the Assisi train station. I loved how they trimmed it up and of course the moss growing on it added a little extra something and, the branches are reaching toward the beautiful sky above. Enjoy.

Reflections of My World in Orvieto, Italy-February 2009

2009-06-01T11:39:00.004-04:00

I loved the reflection(s) in these two captures. The sky was beautiful and filled with huge and billowy clouds when I visited Orvieto, Italy in February. I thought you might enjoy. Aren't the painted poppy platters gorgeous? I was so tempted but, refrained.

Let's Hit the Beach - Skywatch Friday Post from Anzio, Italy

2009-05-28T12:56:00.004-04:00

This shot was taken in Anzio, Italy in February 2009. I love the composition, the swirl of the beach and water and of course the gorgeous sky over the Mediterranean Sea. Do click to enlarge.

COLOR MY WORLD BOLD - ANZIO, ITALY

2009-05-25T14:59:00.003-04:00

This very colorful art was at the Anzio Train Station. The entire station both inside and out was covered in graffiti.

Please take a moment when you have a chance and stop by and visit others blogs this week. The My World meme is hosted by Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise and they do a great job.

Fence Against the Sky - Orvieto, Italy-Skywatch Friday

2009-05-21T10:38:00.006-04:00

This was taken near the Fortezza dell'Albornoz in Orvieto, Italy in February this year. I love the wrought iron fencing against the blue sky and cloud background; it definitely highlights the stunning sky from this hilltop perch.

Fontana di Nettune - My World Tuesday

2009-05-18T08:10:00.007-04:00

The Fontana di Nettune (1574) was designed by Giacomo della Porta and is located on the northern end of the Piazza Navona. He also designed the Fontana del Moro (1576) located in the southern end of the Piazza Navona.I am always in awe when I visit these fountains...the muscles, the hands, the feet and the expressions carved out of a slab of marble. Unfortunately the fountains were being cleaned during my visit in February, so I was unable to capture them in their full glory. DO click to enlarge the photographs.

Please take a moment when you have a chance and stop by and visit others blogs this week. The My World meme is hosted by Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise and they do a great job.

Sky Watch Friday - Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

2009-05-14T12:53:00.004-04:00

This week I share with you Piazza Navona in Rome. The Piazza is an immense public space and features sculptural and architectural creations by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers, 1651) stands in the center and is pictured above; and the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone designed by Francesco Borromini and Girolamo Rainaldi that is also pictured above. I just loved the angle of this shot and the cloudless blue sky. Do enlarge it...the details pop when you do. Enjoy.

My World - Blue Shutters

2009-05-11T09:57:00.003-04:00

I liked this capture, so many pieces of the whole appealed to me. The time worn bricks, the blue shutters, the moss covered roof tiles, the aspargus fern hanging over the side, the peeling aged plaster and the Arno River below with the Ponte Vecchio Bridge framing it. This was My World in Florence in February 2009.

Please stop by and visit others blogs this week. The My World meme is hosted by Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise and they do a great job.

Sky Watch Friday-Ponte Vecchio-Florence, Italy

2009-05-07T14:19:00.006-04:00

The sky was bright blue and the reflection on the Arno River at the Ponte Vecchio was sheer perfection. Ponte Vecchio translates to Old Bridge. I just loved this capture and had to share it with you. I so hope you enjoy another photograph from my February 2009 adventure.

Views from Ponte Vecchio-Florence, Italy-My World

2009-05-04T11:18:00.009-04:00

Today I am featuring some window and building photographs from the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy. I just loved the way the water and light worked together in these captures.Don't you just love the peeling plaster exposing the bricks beneath? And, the rusting wrought iron work? These are the backs of the businesses that face the bridge walkway. I think some of the shops are also configured as living quarters as well. Of course, the sea gulls had to do a fly by for me and I was lucky enough to capture them.

Cruising to Capri, Italy - Skywatch Friday

2009-04-30T14:24:00.007-04:00

The Isle of Capri is located off Naples, Italy. It is a marvelous place to visit for the day. Be sure to bring your comfortable walking shoes as it is quite hilly. You travel from the harbor at Naples via boat and I recommend you sit towards the center as the ride can be quite choppy and lead to sea-sickness. I did ok coming and going and was thankful for that. I had planned to do the grotto tour but the sea was too choppy that day. You can see that we went out in the motor boat to the cave area and how the wind was whipping the waves about in a couple of the photographs. Enjoy.

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My World - Horsing Around in the Piazza della Repubblica-Florence, Italy

2009-04-27T12:31:00.003-04:00

This lovely carousel is located in the Piazza della Repubblica in Florence, Italy. I always make a point to stop by this lovely Piazza and have tea and watch the children on the carousel. This year was no exception. I think the horses are beautiful with the feather plumes atop their heads.

Sky Watch Friday from Fabulous Firenze, Italia

2009-04-23T09:03:00.009-04:00

Of course no visit to Italy is complete without a trip to Florence. You might wonder why I chose to visit Italy in February...well the best part of visiting Florence or any place in Italy in the off-season is: few to no touristas.

I captured this shot of the River Arno on Tuesday morning the 17th of February. I liked the shot as the fog is lifting and reveals a beautiful blue sky behind it. And, of course the added bonus, the reflections of the buildings and sky in the still water of the river.

Please check out Sky Watch Friday. Last week over 350 participants from around the world showed us their skies. Thanks to the Skywatch® Team:Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise for all their hard work in making this meme work so efficiently.

Windows – My World Reflected in Windows Around Italy

2009-04-20T11:37:00.004-04:00

Please take time to visit My World-Tuesday and see other participants posts. We’ve got a great group of people from all corners of the world posting. I know you will enjoy the many sights from around the world as I do.

Sky Watch - Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi, Italy

2009-04-16T10:10:00.008-04:00

The Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi (Saint Francis) is located in Assisi Italy in the province of Perugia. It is the birthplace of St. Francis who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208. The construction of the Basilica was begun in 1228 and completed in 1253.

An earthquake in 1997 caused some major damage to the Basilica when part of the vault collapsed, killing four people inside. Restoration and repairs took over two years to complete during which time the Basilica was closed.

Assisi is located some 186 kilometers from Rome and is reached easily by train. The main train line between Rome and Ancona has a station at Foligno (on the branch line to Spello, Assisi, Perugia and Lake Trasimene), so coming from Rome, take one of the nine daily trains on the line to Ancona, stop at Foligno (trip to this point takes approximately 2 hours), where you can transfer to a Perugia-bound train that stops in Assisi(this portion of the trip takes 10-15 minutes). Once disembarking the train, head for the Piazza in front of the Station where you can catch a public bus up the hill (cost 1 euro) and it will drop you at a designated point. It is approximately 3 miles up the hill. Bus tickets can be purchased at the newsstand inside the Station.

Please take time to stop by SKY WATCH today and take a peek at other's submissions from all over the world. You will find a great variety of photos. Last week we had over 350 participants from near and far.

My World Today - Piazza Bendetto Cairoli-Rome, Italy 2009

2009-04-13T10:27:00.009-04:00

Today I take you to a charming little Piazza that I passed by every day while in Rome enroute to my bus transfer destination at Largo Argentino. The Piazza Benedetto Cairoli is not a well manicured Piazza and perhaps that lends to some of its charm. It is a favorite of the pigeons and you will have to shoo them off the benches if you'd like to sit and people watch. I usually sit for a bit and soak in the atmosphere. Do click on the images to enlarge.

The building you see behind the fountain is the Palazzo Signori.

On the end opposite the fountain is a statute dedicated to Federico Seismit-Doda (1825-1893) who was involved in some of the early politics of the young Italian Republic and a member of the Venetian Volunteers. This group led a revolt against the Austrians in 1848.

The pigeons put on quite a show in the fountain. I thought this fellow quite pretty.

Let's sit down and chat a bit, watch the pigeons and plan out our adventure for today.

Do stop by MY WORLD and visit the other participants posts. We have quite a group from all corners of the world. I know you will find the photo essays very interesting.

Venice, Italy - My Skywatch Post

2009-04-09T14:00:00.002-04:00

Thought I would change our direction and travel north and east to Venice this week. These two photographs are probably my favorites of Venice. The weather was perfect this day, absolutely perfect. Be sure to check out Skywatch Friday for more terrific sky photographs from my e-friends all of the world. We had over 350 participants last week. I know you will enjoy.

Palazzo Vecchio and the Torre d'Arnolfo -Florence, Italy-My World

2009-04-06T08:43:00.013-04:00

View of the Palazzo Vecchio from the Piazza della Signoria

Close up of the Coats of Arms of the Florentine Republic.

Notice the Coats of Arms of the Florentine Republic.

Looking from the Arno River to the Palazzo Vecchio.

Located in the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) stands out. The Palazzo is the town hall of the City of Florence. This massive, Romanesque, crenellated fortress-palace is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo's David statue as well the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi, it is one of the most significant public places in Italy.

The Palazzo was constructed between 1298 and 1302 as the Palazzo della Signoria, the residence of the Signoria (govenment), it then became the ducal palace of the Medicis. And, during Florence's brief speall as capital of Italy (1865-71), it was the seat of the National Parliament. Today, most of the Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum however, since 1872 it has housed the office of the Mayor and City Council of Florence.

The Torre d'Arnolfo - bell tower atop the Palazzo is 308 feet in height. This tower contains two small cells, that, at different times, imprisoned Cosimo de' Medici (the Elder) (1435) and Girolamo Savonarola (1498). The tower is named after its designer Torre d'Arnolfo. The solid cubicle shaped building is enhanced by the simple tower with its Lederle clock. The large, one-handed clock was orginally constructed by the Florentine Nicolo' Bernardo, but was replaced in 1667 by a clock made by Vincenzo Viviani.

The cubical building is built in solid rustic stonework, with two rows of two-lighted Gothic windows, each with a trefoil arch. Michelozzo Michelozzi added decorative bas-reliefs of the cross and the lily in the spandrels between the trefoils. The building is crowned with projecting crenellated battlement, supported by small arches and corbels. Under the arches are a repeated series of nine painted coats of arms of the Florentine republic. Some of these arches can be used as embrasures (spiombati) for dropping heated liquids or rocks on invaders.

These photographs were taken in February 2009 during my recent vacation to Italy.

Please be sure to stop by and visit other participants from around the world at MY WORLD TUESDAY, you won't be disappointed. I truly enjoy the great variety of photographs from all around the world and hope you will find them as enjoyable.

Duomo of Orvieto, Italy-Skywatch Today

2009-04-02T13:37:00.005-04:00

The Duomo of Orvieto took some 300 years to build (begun in 1290) and is one of Italy's greatest cathedrals. The Gothic façade of the Orvieto Cathedral is one of the great masterpieces of the Late Middle Ages. The three-gable design is attributed to Maitani, who had clearly undergone some influence by the design scheme for the façade in Tuscan Gothic style of the Siena Cathedral by Giovanni Pisano (1287-1297) and the plan for façade of the Florence Cathedral by Arnolfo di Cambio (1294-1302).

The building was constructed under the orders of Pope Urban IV to commemorate and provide a suitable home for the Corporal of Bolsena, a miracle which is said to have occurred in 1263 in the nearby town of Bolsena, when a traveling priest who had doubts about the truth of transubstantiation found that his Host was bleeding so much that it stained the altar cloth. The cloth is now stored in the Chapel of the Corporal inside the cathedral.

Please click on the photographs to see more detail.

The most exciting and eye-catching part is its golden frontage, which is decorated by large bas-reliefs and statues with the symbols (Angel, Ox, Lion, Eagle) of the Evangelists created by Maitani and collaborators (between 1325 and 1330) standing on the cornice above the sculptured panels on the piers. The Lion

The Eagle

Be sure to check out all my e-friends from around the around the world at Skywatch Friday and, if you would like to join in and post your own photos, or just want to look at other sky pictures from all over the world, you can visit their site by clicking on the Skywatch tag on the right side of my blog.

I hope you enjoyed this installment from my recent trip to Italy. The day I visited Orvieto the sky was brilliant and oh so blue and the cathedral, as I have reported about in a previous post, sparkled like a jewel atop the hill.

My World-Basilica di Santa Chiara-Assisi, Italy February 2009

2009-03-30T11:13:00.021-04:00

Comune di Assisi is a medieval town located in the province of Umbria . Assisi is a little over two hours north and east of Rome by train. You have to transfer at Foligno for a 15 minute ride to the Assisi Railroad Station. Outside the Station you hop on a local bus (1 euro per way) that takes you up to the hill.

Assisi's notoriety throughout the world comes from Saint Francis of Assisi and is the burial place of him. I will share more about Saint Francis and the Basilica di San Francisco in a future post.

The Basilica di Santa Chiara (Saint Clare) pictured is dedicated to and contains the remians of Chiara Offreduccio(July 16, 1194 – August 11, 1253) - Saint Clare of Assisi, a follower of Saint Francis and, a founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, and known to today as the Order of Saint Clare.

The Church was built in 1257 in Italian Gothic Style (also known as Franciscan Style) and was consecrated in 1265. The simple facade consists of horizontal layers of pink and white stone, and there are two lions at the side of the portal.

The Piazza di Santa Chiara is lovely and welcomes visitors with a fountain and seating along a wall overlooking the valley below.

The Church has these great lateral buttresses, also known as flying buttresses and are common in medieval cathedral design. Under these and incorporated into the design are areas where the townspeople could get water which you can see in the photographs below. The water is cold and quite refreshing after a long day of exploring.

Of course I had to stop and grab a bite to eat and enjoyed a couple of sausages, they were quite tasty and, a bowl of country soup.

Be sure to check out all of the MY WORLD PARTICIPANTS posts at
MY WORLD . You are sure to find some interesting reads from all of the world.

Skywatch Friday-Scenes from the Roman Forum

2009-03-26T11:58:00.004-04:00

My SKYWATCH entries today are two photographs from along the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) in the Roman Forum area in Rome, Italy. I was in Italy the last two weeks of February.

These colums are part of what used to be the courtyard/loggia of The Temple of Venus and Rome circa AD 135 and designed by the Emperor Hadrian. I have provided links for you to click through should you want a little more detail on a particular item.

Be sure to check out all the SKYWATCH ENTRIES today, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

My World-Orvieto, Italy February 2009

2009-03-22T19:26:00.042-04:00

For My World today we are off to Orvieto, Italy. Orvieto is approximately 60 miles north of Rome and is easily reached by an Intercity train. Cost to travel round trip is approximately 15 euro and the trip takes about an hour. Please click on photos to enlarge (most will).

Upon arriving, we head out of the Rail Station and walk across the Piazza to the Funicolare. Cost to travel one-way is 1 euro.

A funicular, also known as a funicular railway, incline, inclined railway, inclined plane, or cliff railway, is a type of self-contained cable railway in which a cable attached to a pair of tram-like vehicles on rails moves them up and down a very steep slope, the ascending and descending vehicles counterbalancing each other.

After disembarking the funicular, and exiting the Station, I walked over to the area known as Fortezza del' Albornoz. The fort was began in 1353 near the town's cemetary. It was built to provide the church a secure site within the City. The Fort was originally known as the Rocca di San Martino. The view of the valley below and beyond is absolutely spectacular.

The Duomo of Orvieto is a jewel atop the hill and is reached by a small public shuttle bus or by walking up a long path to the top of the hill from where you are left off at the funicular. Traffic is restricted in the historic area to minimize congestion and damage to the historic structures. The Duomo took almost 4 centuries to be completed. The facade is embellished with mosaics that sparkle in the sunlight.

Off to the left of the Duomo is the Torre di Maurizo. The bell tower was built in 1351. It is known for its unusual bell and bell ringer that sit atop the tower.The tower you see in the rear of the photograph is the Torre del Moro or del Saracino (Moor or Saracen) The bell for this tower was cast in 1316 and bears the coats of arms of the 24 guilds who paid for it. It is 148 feet in height and was used as a look-out for Orvietan territory.

Located off to the right of the Duomo is the Museo Claudio Faina e Mueso Civico. It houses a nice collection of Etruscan items.
The Church of Saint Andrew is located in the Piazza della Repubblica. It's orgins date back to the 500sThere is a dodecagonal campanile adjacent to it on the right. The church adjoins the Palazzo Comunale and fronts the Piazza della Repubblica.

There is a flower market under the arched portico to the left of the main Church building.

The Palazzo del Captiano del Popolo was built in 1157 as a palace for Pope Hadrian IV and has been remodeled over the years and served many different functions and presently it is a Conference Center. Popes were frequent residents in their Orvieto palaces as it was a safer place than Rome.
There are frescos on two of the arched windows.

After a few hours of exploring Orvieto, it was time for a break in the Piazza behind the Palazzo.

Be sure to visit other participants in the weekly meme My World . You won't believe all of the wonderful places that participants share through photographs.

Skywatch Friday-View from a Southbound Train to Rome

2009-03-19T14:30:00.007-04:00

Traveling south on an intercity train to Rome after a delightful day exploring the hill town of Orvieto, Italy I spotted this great cloud formation hovering over another hill top town. Orvieto is located on a 934 foot plateau overlooking the valley below.

Do take time to check out more great Sky Watch photos by clicking SKYWATCH

My World Part II Mercato Centrale in Florence Italy

2009-03-16T19:36:00.011-04:00

Welcome back everyone. As promised here is a more detailed look inside the San Lorenzo Mercato Centrale in Florence, Italy which I visited a little over three weeks ago. This is my entry for MY WORLD today. I do hope you enjoy.

The fruits and vegetables are absolutely wonderful. I purchased apples and oranges while in Florence and they were delicious. All the items are grown in the region.
The meat and poultry selections were first rate. I was amazed at the chicken(s) with their combs still in tact(top right photo). Both male and female chickens have combs. Combs of different breeds may look different in shape and even in color. While most combs are red, some breeds have purple combs. The combs are not just for looks. They actually have a very important role for chicken because they cool the chicken down; blood circulates between the comb and the wattles.

There was an amazing variety of fish of all kinds including shell fish. My Uncle is a fresh fish affectionado and introduced me to different local dishes when I was in Rome.

Check out the beef and sausages.

More meat selections including rabbit, sausage, beef ribs and chicken.

And, here's some shrimp and octopus. One of the favorite dishes of some Italians is pasta with squid ink. My Uncle orders that dish at his favorite seafood restaurant in Rome.

Check out the dried kiwi, oranges and pineapples... an absolutely amazing variety of dried fruits of every kind imaginable.

and, fresh gnocchi, pasta of all kinds and rolls.

Look at these deli shops filled to the brim with hams, cheeses and wines from all over Italy. They will even make you sandwiches to order of your choice and prepare baskets to your specifications for your adventures into the countryside.

Of course there is no shortage of Italian candies and sweets and pastries. Very tempting and very hard to pass these goodies up. I usually purchase an assortment for tea-time.

I so hope you enjoyed our trip to the Mercato. Next week we will move on to another area in Florence.

Be sure to take a peek at my other blog The Good Life in Virginia as I have posted about another favorite spot of mine in Florence.

For more My World adventures from e-friends all over the world, please click here: MY WORLD

San Lorenzo Mercato Centrale - Florence, Italy - Part 1 is My World Today

2009-03-09T11:19:00.022-04:00

Come on, let's check out the San Lorenzo Mercato (market) ... it's this way.

The building was built some time between 1870 and 1874 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and it is thought that it was built in part to provide an alternative for those who had shopped in the area around Piazza della Repubblica (we will visit this site another day) which at that time in history hosted the City of Florence's major vegetable market. According to history, the area around the Piazza della Repubblica was undergoing a renewal during these years.

It is Europe's largest covered food hall and is a most wonderful stone, iron and glass building. Mengoni is also

responsible for Milan's celebrated covered shopping galleries.
It is difficult to appreciate the design of the Mercato though, one can imagine that in its day it probably was quite a site. The building's footprint is quite large and covers at least two blocks. The Mercato offers a huge variety of fresh items: produce of many kinds (from throughout Italy), fresh fruit, flowers, cheese of every imaginable variety, meats (including stewed boar, cow stomach and intestines), fish and seafood, poultry, pastas, dried fruits, porcini, spices, breads, pastries, dry goods, wines and truffles. There are also stands inside where you can have the vendor make you a sandwich and you can sit down at a little table and enjoy the atmosphere. It reminds me of a closed version of the Farmer's Market in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, California.

My Uncle informed me during my visit that Italians prefer "FRESH" produce and fruit and do not as a rule purchase anything but. He also said that Italians also prefer "organic" produce and fruit and "cage free" or "free range" eggs. I must say that I too prefer the same here in Virginia but, often have problems finding some items. The range of produce and fruit is absolutely unreal in Italy and I already miss that.

Along the street located at the front entrance of the Mercato are stands that sell scarves, purses, souvenirs, leather goods, jewelry, ties and such to tourists and locals.

Here's a shot of the inside of the building looking up at the ceiling. It was kind of chilly inside the Mercato, glad I had a jacket on.

I thought we'd start our trip through the mercato with the flowers. Thursdays are the main day for flower sellers (unfortunately I was unable to make it back as I was out of town on a day trip) but, I did manage to snap some photosgraphs the day I visited the Mercato. Aren't these just beautiful?

Hope you enjoyed Part 1 of our visit to San Lorenzo Mercato Centrale in Florence, Italy.

Be sure to stop by next week as we continue our visit at the Mercato Centrale. I can't wait to show you the meat and poultry stalls.

Please check out My World Tuesday. There's a great group of people from all over the world posting weekly, great photographs from near and far. It's one of my favorites.

A Special Skywatch Supplement-

2009-02-12T15:26:00.003-05:00

This morning, the sky was a perfect backdrop for my "LOVE" window. A very Happy Valentine's greeting to all my friends at Skywatch and My World! My main skywatch submission is below.

Please stop by and see more Skywatch Friday photographs from around the world.
Enjoy.

Scenes from New Castle, Virginia-Skywatch Friday

2009-02-10T20:26:00.019-05:00

Saturday was absolutely a gorgeous day, bright blue skies and no clouds and the temperature in the 60s. This photograph was taken just outside New Castle, Virginia at one of my favorite deserted houses. I like the bright blue sky just visible through the rotted out roof, it is a nice contrast to the aging wood.

New Castle is approximately 31 miles from my home and is the only "town" in Craig County (in Botetourt County where I reside there are no official "towns" or "cities" rather unincorporated areas).To get to New Castle from my home, I travel across Route 779 to Route 311 and turn right at the junction and proceed North. The drive is through farms, horse farms and the beautiful Jefferson National Forest.

Please stop by and see more Skywatch Friday photographs from around the world.

My World Today - Buffalo Buffalo at Hollow Hill Farm, Virginia

2009-02-10T17:58:00.000-05:00

Taken at Hollow Hill Farm in Paint Bank Virginia this past weekend. The weather was gorgeous and the snow was gone. Temperatures were in the 60s.

The American Bison (Bison bison) is a bovine mammal, also commonly known as the American buffalo. "Buffalo" is somewhat of a misnomer for this animal, as it is only distantly related to either of the two "true buffaloes", the Asian buffalo (or "water buffalo") and the African buffalo.

Bison burgers are served at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant where we lunched and, are from the herd that grazes nearby at Hollow Hill Farm.

Be sure to check out everyone's world at My World on Tuesdays. I am sure you will enjoy.

Skywatch Friday from Roanoke, Virginia

2009-02-05T14:26:00.003-05:00

We'd never know how high we are,

till we are called to rise;

and then, if we are true to plan,

our statures touch the sky-

Emily Dickenson

Please take a moment to visit Skywatch Friday and our many contributors worldwide.

Eagle Rock, Virginia is My World Today

2009-01-31T19:34:00.017-05:00

Though not a native Virginian I have embraced the Commonwealth and its history in the seven years I have lived here. I continue to explore the byways of this beautiful area and enjoy sharing my adventures with all of you.

Eagle Rock is an unincorporated community within the confines of Botetourt County and is located approximately 18 miles up US 220 North from my home. The area is also known as: Breckenridge, Eagle Mountain, Eaglerock, Rat Hole and Sheets to locals.

Eagle Rock is known for several things among those being the last lock of the James River and Kanawha Canal and the kilns for making lime. When approaching Eagle Rock northbound on US 220, one descends a long steep hill. This is locally known as Quarry Hill, and the old quarries are still visible on either side of US 220. Limestone was transported across the river via a tram system and then burned in the kilns to make lime.

The Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers converge in northern Botetourt County to form Virginia's greatest river, the James River. These headwaters, called the Upper James, provide some of the finest canoeing and freshwater fishing available in Virginia. A 16-mile (26 km) stretch of the James River between Eagle Rock and Springwood is the only part of the James River that has been designated a Virginia Scenic River.

The James is renowned for its smallmouth fishing, and the 45-mile (72 km) stretch that winds its way through Botetourt is becoming one of the most popular muskie sections of water in the state. The river also offers excellent rock bass, bream and catfish fishing.

Be sure to stop on by MY WORLD where oodles of people from all over the world share pictures and information about their worlds. It's a great place to visit!

Skywatch Friday - Revisiting the Little Church

2009-01-28T19:15:00.016-05:00

As you are traveling up Route 220 you will see a smallish sign on the right of the road indicating "Church". If you aren't paying attention you can pass right by it. And, if you have traffic tailgating behind you it is best to keep on going. The turn is sharp and the road down to it unpaved, rutted and narrow. But, this little gem lies at the bottom of the road.

Many of you had asked to see what the little church looked like (post of January 22, 2009). I do hope you enjoy.

Please take some time to visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from friends throughout the world.

My First Bloggie Award

2009-01-23T19:49:00.002-05:00

A heartfelt thank you to Lisa of Laughing Orca Ranch for this 'award', it comes with this story:

"This award is for those Bloggers who manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs. The Blog contents inspire; strive to encourage and offer solutions. There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures and Sciences and Beliefs. The Blog is refreshing and creative. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

I just love Lisa's blog. Right now she is recooperating from a fall from her dear painted pony Baby Doll and is itching to get back up and riding again. She's a hoot!

Thanks Lisa...

Skywatch Friday Aspirations...

2009-01-22T18:48:00.006-05:00

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead-Louisa May Alcott

Please take some time to visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from throughout the world. Thanks.

Icicles

2009-01-17T18:29:00.004-05:00

Temperature: 18 degrees
Time: Noon

Decided to take a road trip today. It does not take me long to get into the countryside...all of 12 minutes actually. But, today I decided to venture further up the road. Past Eagle Rock, past Iron Gate, Clifton Forge, Covington, Crows and into West Virginia. Yes, I ventured 60 miles. You can actually see the Allegheny Mountain Range from the highway as you are driving along Interstate 64. The Alleghenies are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. It has a southwest-northeast orientation and runs for about 400 miles (640 km) from north-central Pennsylvania, through western Maryland and eastern West Virginia, to southwestern Virginia.

Enjoy the icicles.

Skywatch Friday-Reflections from Lexington, Virginia-December 22, 2008

2008-12-24T20:32:00.002-05:00

Please take some time to visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from throughout the world. Thanks.

Skywatch Friday-Scene from a Disused Graveyard

2008-12-18T18:42:00.000-05:00

The living come with grassy tread
To read the gravestones on the hill;
The graveyard draws the living still,
But never any more the dead.

The verses in it say and say;
The ones who living come today
To read the stones and go away
Tomorrow dead will come to stay.

So sure of death the marbles rhyme,
Yet can't help marking all the time
How no one dead will seem to come,
What is it men are shrinking from?

It would be easy to be clever
And tell the stones: Men hate to die
And have stopped dying now forever.
I think they would believe the lie.
In a Disused Graveyard-Robert Frost

Please visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from throughout the world. Photographed at Godwin Cemetary, Fincastle,Virginia-December 6, 2008 in the howling wind and bitter cold. I laid on the grass to take this shot through the gravestone. The tree in the picture is over two hundred years old.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY-A Day in the Countryside

2008-12-11T19:38:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday the weather was freezing but the skies beautiful and blue. The wind was whipping and the temperature was in the teens but, I decided to brave the elements and hit the road. Traveled about 18 miles up the road and was blessed with many great photographic opportunities including this of a side channel of the James River near Eagle Rock. Please visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from throughout the world.

The James River is a 410-mile (660 km) long river, including its Jackson River source. It drains a catchment comprising 10,432 square miles (27,020 km2). The watershed includes about 4% open water and an area with a population of 2.5 million people (2000). It is the 12th longest river in the United States that remains entirely within a single state.

The James River forms in the Allegheny Mountains, near Iron Gate on the border between Allegheny and Botetourt counties from the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers, and flows into the Chesapeake Bay at Hampton Roads. Tidal waters extend west to Richmond, the capital of Virginia, at its fall line, (the head of navigation). Larger tributaries draining to the tidal portion include the Appomatox River, Chickahominy River, Warwick River, Pagan River, and the Nansemono River.

The navigable portion of the river was the major highway of the Colony of Virginia during its first 15 years, facilitating supply ships delivering supplies and more people from England. However, for the first five years, despite many hopes of gold and riches, these ships sent little of monetary value back to the sponsors. In 1612, businessman John Rolfe successfully cultivated a non-native strain of tobacco,which proved popular in England. Soon, the river became the primary means of exporting the large hogshead of this cash crop from an ever-growing number of plantations with wharfs along its banks. This development made the proprietary efforts of the Virginia Company of London successful financially, spurring even more development, investments and immigration. Below the falls at Richmond, many James River plantations had their own wharfs, and additional ports and/or early railheads were located at Warwick, Bermuda Hundred, City Point, Claremont, Scotland, and Smithfield, and, during the 17th century, the capital of the Colony at Jamestown.

Navigation of the James River played an important role in early Virginia commerce and the settlement of the interior, although growth of the colony was primarily in the Tidewater regions during the first 75 years. The upper reaches of the river above the head of navigation at the fall line were explored by fur trading parties sent by Abraham Wood during the late 17th century.
Although ocean-going ships could not navigate past present-day Richmond, portage of products and navigation with smaller craft to transport crops other than tobacco was feasible. Produce from the Piedmont and Great Valley regions traveled down the river to seaports at Richmond and Manchester through such port towns as Lynchburg, Scottsville, Columbia and Buchanan.

Today the river offers a variety of recreational activities including rafting, fishing and boating.

the chain-skywatch friday

2008-12-04T20:18:00.000-05:00

Listen to the wind blow

Watch the sun rise

Run in the shadows

Damn your love

Damn your lies

And if You dont love me now

You will never love me again

I can still hear you saying

You would never break the chain.

Listen to the wind blow

Down comes the night

Run in the shadows

Damn your love

Damn your lies

Break the silence

Damn the dark

Damn the light

And if You dont love me now

You will never love me again

I can still hear you saying

You would never break the chain.
-Fleetwood Mac-

Please visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from throughout the world.

Skywatch Friday-Giving Thanks This November 2008

2008-11-27T15:17:00.000-05:00

Photograph Taken at Stuart's Draft, Virginia-November 2008

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies within yourself-Tecumseh

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SKYWATCH FRIDAY from Stuart's Draft, Virginia

2008-11-20T19:38:00.000-05:00

Went to dinner last Saturday at the Eidelweiss Restaurant just outside Staunton, Virginia and some 8 miles from Stuart's Draft, Virginia. Had a wonderful dinner of schweinshaxe and shared a dessert of bread pudding with my husband. Leaving the restaurant I noticed the sky was spectacular and changing quickly as a storm was coming in. This photograph is untouched and was taken just outside Stuart's Draft. I thought the cloud formations and colors unbelievable.
Enjoy. Click on it to enlarge...

Please visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from throughout the world.

2008-11-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

Potts Creek at Paint Bank, Virginia

2008-11-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

Please click on photo to enlarge...makes quite a difference.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY from Virginia

2008-11-13T19:14:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken two weeks ago in Bedford County Virginia off Route 460. We were on our way to Forest, Virginia to visit a friend who owns an Italian restaurant. We met Joe seven years ago when we first moved to Roanoke and have kept in touch with him as he moved to Florida and again back to Virginia. Enjoyed visiting with Joe and his family and having a yummy meal.

I think the cloud formation very unusual and hope you enjoy. Reminds me of a twisted rope.

Please visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from throughout the world.

2008-11-11T19:17:00.000-05:00

There is no black-and-white situation.

It's all part of life.

Highs, lows, middles

Van Morrison

2008-11-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

Shades of grey wherever I go,

the more I find out the less that I know,

black and white is how it should be,

but shades of grey are the colors I see

Billy Joel

SKYWATCH FRIDAY-

2008-11-06T18:10:00.001-05:00

I just love the Virginia sky. The clouds are awesome. One of my few joys since moving East is the beautiful skies and countryside. Please visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs from throughout the world.

2008-11-05T08:22:00.000-05:00

Change is inevitable, except from vending machines...

thought this a great quote for the day after no matter what your party affiliation.

Let Us Remember as We Vote...

2008-11-03T20:03:00.000-05:00

We believe...that faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers, is essential to the moral fiber of the Nation.

Took this picture outside the social hall where I recently attended a baby shower. Did not realize how great the shot was until I was going through my photos at home. It actually is a very mystical depiction. I had saved it to post for election day as sort of a election-neutral comment but, one that expresses my faith as well and my belief in our Nation.

Paint Bank Virginia

2008-11-03T12:49:00.000-05:00

Had the opportunity to take a nice long drive in the country on Saturday and was lucky enough to come across these trout in a pond near the restaurant we had lunch at. Will be posting more photographs from my trip into the Virginia countryside in the days a head.

Happy Halloween-excerpt from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

2008-10-31T13:03:00.000-04:00

An opening in the trees now cheered him with the hopes that the churchbridge was at hand. The wavering reflection of a silver star in thebosom of the brook told him that he was not mistaken. He saw the wallsof the church dimly glaring under the trees beyond. He recollected theplace where Brom Bones's ghostly competitor had disappeared. "If I canbut reach that bridge," thought Ichabod, "I am safe." Just then he heardthe black steed panting and blowing close behind him; he even fanciedthat he felt his hot breath. Another convulsive kick in the ribs, andold Gunpowder sprang upon the bridge; he thundered over the resoundingplanks; he gained the opposite side; and now Ichabod cast a look behindto see if his pursuer should vanish, according to rule, in a flash offire and brimstone. Just then he saw the goblin rising in his stirrups,and in the very act of hurling his head at him. Ichabod endeavored tododge the horrible missile, but too late. It encountered his craniumwith a tremendous crash,--he was tumbled headlong into the dust...

Skywatch Friday-

2008-10-30T12:26:00.000-04:00

I took this photograph a couple months ago in the late afternoon. I love the power and intensity of the clouds, you can almost feel them. To me this is a glorious sky photograph.
Please visit Skywatch Friday for more fabulous photographs.

2008-10-29T19:38:00.000-04:00

Just before the death of flowers, and before they are buried in snow, there comes a festival season when nature is all aglow - Author Unknown

2008-10-28T19:04:00.000-04:00

I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind-Albert Einstein

2008-10-27T19:14:00.000-04:00

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all-Stanley Horowitz

2008-10-26T15:46:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known-Winnie the Pooh

Fall Color-Lake Moomaw Virginia

2008-10-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

Morning Sunrise-Skywatch Friday

2008-10-23T15:12:00.000-04:00

Took this lovely sunrise last Friday...loved the pink and orange sunrise.

Please visit Skywatch Friday.

2008-10-21T18:16:00.000-04:00

“Art is man's nature; nature is God's art”-Philip James Bailey

2008-10-20T18:56:00.000-04:00

2008-10-19T08:39:00.000-04:00

Where'er we tread 'tis haunted, holy ground-Lord Byron

Morning Has Broken...

2008-10-18T10:54:00.000-04:00

Morning sunrise and moon. I just love the pink sunrises.

2008-10-14T19:42:00.000-04:00

Went to one of my favorite spots this morning before heading off to work and hoping to capture a little morning mist. As you can see there is some in the background; I didn't want to walk through the field and get dirty so this is what I captured from the fence line... I just love the little pops of Fall color and the shot in general.