Category: Place

Place – Conservatory Gridlock/Longwood Gardens

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Photographs, Place2 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Grid.” This week, let’s take the humble grid out of the shadows, and make it the star.”

When I think of grids I think of conservatories. My favorite public garden is a perfect subject for this week’s Daily Post photo challenge. Most often, the flowers and plants are the stars of my visits to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. This post features the bones, or the grids, that hold the thousands of glass panes in place.

IMG_6244

You will find grids and grates wherever you look in the Longwood Gardens conservatory. The fragility of the flowers and foliage is protected by the strength of the metal, while the glass panes let in the life-giving light.

IMG_6242

The view looking up reveals even more grids and glass.

IMG_6291

Grids are used outdoors also as a support for vines and other plants. This is a row of spectacular clematis vines that were on display this year.

IMG_6287

Steel grids and cement are the base for the reconstruction of the fountains that is going on at this time. Take a look at the Online Fountain Exhibit at Longwood Gardens.

Place & Photograph Challenge – Salt Marsh in Monochromatic Hues

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Place4 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Monochromatic.”“This week, share with us your monochromatic images. Be calculating and creative in choosing your subject and focal point; resist the urge to simply take a photo of something with a single color range.”

Salt Marsh in Greens with Texture. My photograph is a close-focus capture of a salt marsh on the Atlantic Coast in New Jersey, taken along the Delaware Bay. I have also included several panoramic shots and additional close-ups of the various plants and herbs that make up a salt marsh.

IMG_7938

“A salt marsh or saltmarsh, also known as a coastal salt marsh or a tidal marsh, is a coastal ecosystem in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and open salt water or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides. It is dominated by dense stands of salt-tolerant plants such as herbs, grasses, or low shrubs. These plants are terrestrial in origin and are essential to the stability of the salt marsh in trapping and binding sediments. Salt marshes play a large role in the aquatic food web and the delivery of nutrients to coastal waters. They also support terrestrial animals and provide coastal protection.” ~ Wikipedia

Can you make out the gigantic bird nest atop one of the trees in the photo below?
IMG_7942

IMG_7930

IMG_7926

IMG_7915
Moore’s Beach

Place & Pond – Longwood Gardens and Canna Plants

On By TimelessladyIn Place, pond12 Comments
Longwood Gardens Cannas Plant Growing In Conservatory
Longwood Gardens Canna Plant Growing In Conservatory

On a fine June day this year, my husband and I visited Longwood Gardens.

Water lilies at Longwood Gardens
Water lilies at Longwood Gardens

We enjoyed walking around the outdoor water gardens. The water lilies grown at Longwood are spectacular.

Giant Victoria Water Lilies
Giant Victoria Water Lilies

The large platter-like water lily pads are called Giant Victoria Water Lilies. The lily pads in the photograph are only beginning their growth. By the end of the growing season they will be six feet across.

Lotus Flower and Cannas in Water Gardens
Lotus Flower and Cannas in Water Gardens

While we admired the water gardens I noticed that the pond had cannas plants growing in the water. (The cannas are in the distance, the yellow plants in the background) Up to that point I didn’t know cannas would grow in water. I immediately envisioned them in my pond, and happily, found one on sale at a local fruit stand.

My garden pond cannas blooming.
My garden pond canna blooming.

I took the canna home, weighed it down with rocks, and was delighted that all seemed well. My smile of success soon disappeared when I checked later in the day and found that the plant had overturned, fouling the water with dirt and perlite. I scooped out what I could and took the canna out of the water. I found all the dirt had floated away. I decided to give the canna a try anyway and completely filled the pot with small and medium rocks. My canna has thrived. The yellow flowers have been blooming non-stop for about two weeks now. If you have a water feature in your yard, consider planting a canna plant.

IMG_6288

That’s me sitting on the Longwood Gardens Queen Bee Throne. Seriously, I did not plan my outfit and sunglasses to match the throne so perfectly. Funny! I must be a bee at heart…if not a queen.

Place – Delaware Bay Part II/Bivalve, New Jersey

On By TimelessladyIn Place2 Comments

IMG_6473

“New Jersey and oysters. It’s not widely known now, but in the first half of the 20th century, Delaware Bay was home to an abundant oyster population and a significant fishing industry to capitalize on it. A vibrant business community settled in Shellpile and Bivalve to harvest and process oysters, shipping them in long freight trains to markets in New York and Philadelphia.” ~ Hidden New Jersey Blog – Find more on the blogspot: Hidden New Jersey

We recently revisited the town of Bivalve, just a mile or two from the center of Port Norris, New Jersey. The museum surprised us, we had no idea Bivalve had a museum dedicated to the history of the Oyster Industry.

IMG_6474

We enjoyed the displays. My two favorites were the old gallon-sized oyster cans and a natural weaving on the dock walls.

IMG_6477

IMG_6491

I fell in love with the swallows swooping among the rafters of the docks.

IMG_6479

I just happened to take a lucky shot of one swallow at the same moment a Coast Guard boat passed by the docks.

IMG_6493

If you are in Southern New Jersey, along the Delaware Bay, visit the town of Bivalve.

IMG_6489

Place – Delaware Bay Part I/Fortescue, New Jersey & The Landing Cafe

On By TimelessladyIn Place10 Comments

IMG_6465

Fortescue, New Jersey is one of our favorite local destinations to visit in warmer weather. The beaches are a terrific place to fish. While we were there the couple we were watching caught a Croaker.

IMG_6466

Croakers are a good fish for eating. My husband and I have a goal this year to go fishing a few times along the Delaware Bay.

IMG_6471

Lunch at the nearby Landing Cafe at Sundog Marina in Newport, NJ was our next stop. We love their delicious crab bisque soup.

IMG_6470

We enjoy our weekend outings alongside the beautiful Delaware Bay.

Place – Riding the Boards

On By TimelessladyIn Place7 Comments

IMG_6417

I played “hookey” today and had some fun riding the boards and walking the beach. The photograph was taken on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey, while riding my bicycle.

People & Place – Mark Hirsch and “That Tree,” An Update

On By TimelessladyIn People, PlaceLeave a comment

In January of 2014 I wrote a post on Mark Hirsch and “That Tree.” Imagine my delight and surprise yesterday when the subject of my post, Mark Hirsch, commented on the post. He gave me a few updates about his project.

“I am tickled that your sister shared my project with you. Thank you for sharing it on your blog. My book That Tree was published in October of 2013 and can be found at independent book sellers throughout the midwest. It is also available through my website at “THAT TREE” Shop.
I am still finding time to document and experience life in and around my magical bur oak tree. You can see and follow my ongoing posts at That Tree on Facebook.“

Here is the original post and video:

My sister recently sent me a terrific link. I had mentioned to her that I was photographing a pathway into a nearby woods once a week. *** I thought it would be fun to post it in a blog page (The link to “The Path” can be found in the top left sidebar of this blog) I love the link she sent me in return of “That Tree,” the oak that Mark Hirsch photographed with a smart phone for 365 days in 2012.

*** I photographed my “pathway” for several weeks, and then due to a vacation and bad weather let the project end. This has re-inspired me, perhaps in April, when this terrible winter weather clears up a bit, I can once again find a path or special spot to photograph weekly. Why don’t you give it a try too?

Place – Elk Neck State Forest and Turkey Point Lighthouse

On By TimelessladyIn Place2 Comments

My husband and I camped last weekend in the Elk Neck State Park in Maryland. It is a favorite of ours. The Elk Neck Forest lies between the Elk Neck River and the Chesapeake Bay. We were able to take in the changing colors of Autumn as we hiked along the trail to the Turkey Point Lighthouse.

All men are just boys at heart! My husband taking a swing on one of the thick vines along the trail.

IMG_3840

Here’s a quick minute slideshow of our hike to the Lighthouse.

When we reached the Turkey Point Lighthouse we came upon a group of bird watchers. It was fascinating to eavesdrop a bit on their conversation. They had spotted a blue-headed vireo in the trees. We tried to see the bird by looking in the direction they indicated, but without good binoculars it was impossible.

blue headed vireo

Blue Headed Vireo Photograph Courtesy of Flickr and Andy Reago/Chrissy McClaren

The drop off the side of the bluff is a high and a bit dizzying. There are NO GUARDRAILS whatsoever, and only a very few warning signs. I don’t know if I would take children to this area without having them firmly attached to my hand at ALL times. For a stunning look at the area watch this amazing video filmed by a drone. Spectacular! You will realize when viewing why I say hold onto your children.

IMG_3916

The trail is surrounded by dense forest and undergrowth. The brambles provide shelter for hundreds and hundreds of birds. I said to my husband as we walked, “This place is atwitter with birds.” Hopefully due to the efforts of conservationists, banding and studying of the birds, their numbers will only increase over the coming years.

IMG_3910

Perspective & Place – Red Bank Battlefield State Park

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, PlaceLeave a comment

I’m sure many of us have seen this poem, but it is one we should read periodically to remind ourselves to take a break and enjoy our lives.

Dust If You Must
Author Unknown

Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better,
To paint a picture or write a letter,
Bake a cake or plant a seed,
Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there’s not much time,
With rivers to swim and mountains to climb,
Music to hear and books to read,
Friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
With the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come ’round again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it’s not always kind.
And when you go and go you must,
You, yourself, will make more dust.

Yesterday I did as the poem advises and took a day to relax and enjoy a riverside stroll at National Park, New Jersey. Here are a few of the sights at the Red Bank Battlefield.

IMG_3125

IMG_3126

Monuments, cannons and trenches are all a part of the park.

IMG_3143

The City of Philadelphia is visible across the Delaware River.

IMG_3130

A long staircase leads the way down to the river walk.

IMG_3124

It’s interesting to watch the boats and barges pass by on the Delaware.

IMG_3139

Small islands provide picnic areas for boaters.

IMG_3133

I love this photograph  of a beautiful yellow butterfly “puddling.” (drinking salts from the sand) It was a happy moment to see the beautiful creature. We have had few butterflies this year due to last winter’s constant snow.

IMG_3137

As always I couldn’t stop myself from taking a picture of some gnarly, sun-bleached wood. Beautiful!

IMG_3148

Scavenger that I am, I found some “river beans” or floating seeds along the shoreline. Of course I pocketed them and brought them home to try and grow.

IMG_3147

I also couldn’t stop myself from having a hot dog and Coke from a stand set up in the park. Yum…sorry, the photo isn’t the best, catches me mid-chew. 🙂 A lovely day…I could have been cleaning or weeding or cooking, but I chose to have a little fun instead. Enjoy your Sabbath Day.

IMG_3149

 

Place – Jamaica/Treasure Beach

On By TimelessladyIn Place2 Comments

IMG_2728

The South Coast of Jamaica is much dryer than the north. Treasure Beach is a beautiful destination, but you must drive close to two and a half hours from the Montego Airport. There are two ways to go, over the mountains, or along the coast. After experiencing both ways I would definitely recommend the coastal trip. I felt like I was on a runaway rollercoaster pretty much the whole trip over the mountains.

IMG_2733

The waves are very large and rough in Treasure Beach. This is not a place for inexperienced swimmers. You can count four rip tides in the picture above. The water is beautiful though, and incredibly warm. If you love to collect seashells and other beach drift, you will be thrilled. I can’t tell you how many sea urchins we found, most we left on the beach…we also found a few sand dollars.

IMG_2712

IMG_2706

IMG_2729

One of my favorite aspects of Treasure Beach were the neighborhood dogs. Jamaican dogs have a unique look, as do the cats. Their fur is very short, and their ears very large. I loved one little fellow I named Bob; he was so friendly and sweet. I wanted to bring him home with me, but even if I could, how could you take a creature out of paradise? I loved watching Bob enjoy his surroundings.

IMG_2702

Place – Jamaica/Montego Bay and the Glass Bottom Boat

On By TimelessladyIn PlaceLeave a comment

IMG_2819

A glass-bottom boat ride on the Caribbean sea is a terrific experience. Captain Poly and Paula, of Montego Bay, Jamaica, took us out on the Miss Poly. Captain Poly pointed out different fish, sea urchins and types of coral to us. A few of the “brain” coral are so large they probably have been growing for hundreds of years. We also enjoyed seeing the shoreline of Montego Bay from a new perspective. This was our fourth trip to Jamaica. It is a beautiful place. This visit we were fortunate to stay on both the South Coast and North Coast. I’ll post a few pictures of the South Coast tomorrow.

IMG_2761

Captain Poly

IMG_2789

The view from the glass bottom.

IMG_2838

Captain Poly took a few moments to clean the glass off for us.

IMG_2814

Snorkeling is terrific in Montego Bay.

IMG_2839

On our way back to the dock.

Places – Steel Pier, Atlantic City, NJ

On By TimelessladyIn Place5 Comments

IMG_2402

Yesterday my husband and I, after living in southern New Jersey for most of our lives, did something for the first time…took the train into Atlantic City. In the past, anytime we’ve been to this famous beach town the trip has been taken in a car. Yesterday we had a great time doing something old and familiar in a totally new way. It was good to walk on the crowded boardwalk, have lunch at “Hard Rock Cafe,” and people watch as we ate at an outside table. Before we left for home we walked out on the New Steel Pier.

The last time I was on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey, I was in sixth grade participating in “Safety Day.” Not safety as in staying safe, but as a member of the School Safety Patrol. Remember the yellow bands worn across the chest? I am dating myself I think. That was close to forty-five years ago. I can remember the day perfectly, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap were the performers. I am pretty sure they sang the song “Young Girl.” Uh-oh, I’m dating myself again. 🙂

Although the original Steel Pier burned in 1982, the new pier is full of old-fashioned rides such as the ferris wheel and carousel.

IMG_2406

The Carousel is a Double-Decker. The history of it can be found here: Double Decker Carousel

IMG_2409

A staircase leads up to the second level. I can remember riding on horses just like these as a child, and also in the large canopied sleigh too.

IMG_2410

Carnival games line the entrance and border the pier. New-fangled daredevil rides are present too for those not too faint of heart. There are helicopter tours available on the pier that will carry you along the beachfront or over the city.

The casinos loom large on the other side of the boardwalk…

IMG_2412

…but even in the midst of the most modern of settings, Steel Pier still has an old-fashioned charm.

Prose, People & Place – The Dirty Life/Kristin Kimball Blog/Essex Farm

On By TimelessladyIn People, Place, Prose2 Comments

life on farm:

Okay, I’ll admit it, I am only on page 51 of The Dirty Life. Why am I already raving about this book in a blog post? Well…because…oh the joy of it…I found a blog written by Kristin Kimball and I wanted to share it here: Kristin Kimball Blog

I am enjoying the book, much as a person who is hungry devours a perfect meal. The book is leaving me with an uplifted spirit after each reading. As I read through the first chapters, it was easy to imagine myself, along with Mark and Kristin, on a hunt for the perfect farm. In the next section, titled “Winter,” I will be reading about the planning stages of the farm.

When I searched Google Images for photographs of the farm, oh happy day, I found the blog. I can’t wait to explore some of the posts. Visit the Essex farm today, either through the book, or the blog, or both. You won’t be disappointed.
 

Place & People – Normandy France

On By TimelessladyIn PlaceLeave a comment
NormandyPhotograph courtesy of Pampe/WetCanvas Reference Library

Today is the anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy. Gratitude should fill all our hearts today for those who served. You can read a brief history of Normandy here: Normandy

Place, Perspective & Peace – If Rocks Could Speak

On By TimelessladyIn Peace, Perspective, Place6 Comments

IMG_0122

In my opinion, if these rocks could speak, they would admonish all who listened to their words to strive for peace.

The title I originally chose and typed for this post was, “Place – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.” Those who live in the US will realize that the rock in the photograph lies in the area where a Civil War battle was fought. A battle where young boys and men, over 50,000, died or were horribly wounded. The rock lies on the grounds of the Gettysburg Visitor Center and Museum. History of the Battle of Gettysburg can be found here: Battle of Gettysburg

The rocks are haunting to me, creating a heaviness of heart as I gaze at them. It is not a hard stretch of mind to imagine a young man, mortally wounded, lying behind or atop this rock.  According to the National Park Service, this type of rock is very resistant to weathering and probably looks very much the same as it did 150 years ago in July of 1863. A description of the rocks and boulders of Gettysburg can be found here: Geologic Formations of Gettysburg

I also felt a deep sadness as I viewed a wall of solemn faces within the museum. One thousand men, five hundred from each side; all killed, seriously wounded or imprisoned during the Battle of Gettysburg. I’m the mother of two sons, I could only imagine the consuming grief of the thousands of parents, wives and children who lost their dear ones in this terrible war. The wall of 1000 faces, along with more photographs from the museum, can be found here: 1000 Faces

Peace is my theme word for March. Each month, through my daily Bible devotions, I choose a word of character that I hope will become an unshakeable facet of my spirit and life. I also use this theme word in my choice of verses and quotes for the right hand sidebar of this blog.

Those in power around the world do not seem to take heed of the lessons of the past. In fact, rather than seeking peace, it seems there are more wars and rumors of wars just about everywhere. What can we do? The best response is always to pray and have peace within. “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” is a beautiful song by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller. The first line says, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” That is my hope for my life; I hope it is your hope too.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

Place, Peculiarities & Phun- Block Island Mud on Clayhead Beach

On By TimelessladyIn Peculiarities, Phun, Place2 Comments

Block Island 2013 278 One of our very favorite beaches on Block Island, Rhode Island, is Clayhead Beach. The bluffs on this beach are one of the first sights you see when you approach on the Point Judith Ferry. Within these bluffs is a clay that gives the beach its name. Those who pass by often take a handful of the clay and spread it on their bodies. Clay packs draw out toxins and are beneficial to your body. These girls were so sweet and allowed me to photograph them as they applied the clay. Block Island 2013 279

Here are the girls again before their walk back up the shoreline to Mansion Beach. Cute!

Block Island 2013 280

Here is a bit of information about Clayhead Beach and Preserve: Clayhead Beach and Preserve

Photographs and Place – Block Island Getaway

On By TimelessladyIn Photographs, Place2 Comments

Block Island 2013 178

My husband and I have just returned from our yearly vacation to Block Island. Block Island is a gorgeous island off the coast of Rhode Island. This beautiful butterfly was photographed outside of the cottage we rented on the island. You can find more information on “The Cottage” and “The Upstairs,” at this link: The Upstairs at Block Island. We love this spot on the island, secluded, yet the center of town is only an easy walk or bike ride away.

Block Island 2013 303

This butterfly bush on the property kept me fascinated. Each time I passed by I found a beautiful winged creature to admire and photograph.

Block Island 2013 054

This gorgeous hummingbird moth visited the butterfly bush every day. What an amazing sight, imagine my delight when I spied two of these beauties on the same bush. Here’s a bit of information about Hummingbird Moths: Hummingbird Moths

Block Island 2013 107

Sweet little skipper butterflies also stopped by the bush.

Block Island 2013 057

Although their season is almost over, the wild roses are still putting on quite a show. This one was photographed beside “The Cottage” where we stayed the week.

Place – National Park, New Jersey

On By TimelessladyIn PlaceLeave a comment

National Park 037

National Park, New Jersey, Red Bank Battlefield

“The Red Bank Battlefield is located along the Delaware River in National Park, New Jersey. It was the location of the Battle of Red Bank in the American Revolutionary War on October 22, 1777.”-Wikipedia

Red Bank Battlefield is an interesting piece of history located along the Delaware River across from the City of Philadelphia.

National Park 007

The park has a long stretch of walkways along the Delaware giving those strolling beside the riverbank a good view of passing ships, tugboats and barges.

National Park 013

The piers also provide a perfect view of airplanes taking off from the Philadelphia International Airport.

National Park 024

Red Bank Battlefield Park has a great picnic area with pavilions and playgrounds for children. For more information and directions to the park check out these links:

Red Bank Battlefield Park
Red Bank, National Park, New Jersey

National Park 027