Some of you may know how much I love gardening, flowers, and the fragrance of some flowers and the bounty of colors provided by a beautiful garden.  So we decided to head down to Washington DC to the 98^th National Cherry Blossom Festival®.  In a word, wow!  It was beautiful and truthfully some of the blossoms had already fallen, but what we saw was spectacular!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival® annually commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, honoring the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and celebrating the continued close relationship between our two cultures.

In 2012 the Festival will be celebrating the centennial anniversary of the gift of trees.  If you haven’t visited DC during this spectacular time I would highly suggest making the trip!

Of course there is a lot of history in Washington D.C.  Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States, founded on July 16, 1790.

There is so much to see while visiting Washington D.C. that you should plan on at least 3 days.  We were thrilled to see a few of the more well knows sites including:

The Capitol Building – The United States Capitol is no doubt the most architecturally impressive buildings I have ever seen.  Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.

Capitol-Building-at-dusk

The Lincoln Memorial is my personal favorite.  For me, standing at the top of this massive, all inspiring memorial looking out at the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument was breathtaking.  As an enduring symbol of freedom, the Lincoln Memorial attracts anyone who seeks inspiration and hope.

Abraham-LincolnAbraham Lincoln MemorialAbraham-Lincoln-Memorial-Wall-Inside

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial brought chills to me.  I lost my cousin in the Vietnam War so this was especially heart warming for me.  The silence was somewhat eary yet at the same time was our way of showing respect for our fallen military members. 

The-Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial-Sign

The-Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial-WallThe-Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial

When you think of visiting a cemetery the word beautiful doesn’t normally come to mind I don’t believe, yet when visiting the Arlington National Cemetery, beautiful was one of the first words that came to our minds.  This is truly metery the most peaceful resting place I have ever visited. As we entered the Memorial Entrance, we were honored to show our respect and thank those that now rest in this cemetery, including:

Arlington-Cemetery-Memorial-Entrance

President John Fitzgerald Kennedy 

President-John-Fitzgerald-Kennedy-Eternal-Flame-at-Arlington

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial 

Robert-F.-Kennedy-Memorial

Edward M. Kennedy

Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial 

Space-Shuttle-Challenger-Memorial

Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial 

Space-Shuttle-Columbia-Memorial

We have all seen the famous picture of The Flag Raising (the most reproduced photograph in the history of photography) at The Battle of Iwo Jima yet seeing this The Marine Corps War Memorial before me, I again stood in awe. 

Iwo-Jima-Memorial

While we did not get to actually visit The National Air Force Memorial, the spires were another beautiful site.  My father was in the Air Force so for me, seeing these 3 spires reaching upward into the sky had a special meaning.  James Ingo Freed, one of America’s finest architects, gave the nation a design that truly honors the men and women of the Air Force. Featuring three stainless steel spires that soar skyward, the tallest reaching a height of 270 feet, the Memorial’s design is truly representative of flight and the flying spirit of the Air Force. The three spires impart a sense of accomplishment in command of the sky, and evoke the image of the precision “bomb burst” maneuver performed by the United States Air Force Thunderbird Demonstration Team.

r-Force-Museum

The three spires also represent the three core values of the Air Force – integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all that is done – and the Air Force’s total force – active, guard and reserve.

A poem about this soaring “monument to victory” was inspired by these 2006 dedication events. Click here to read and experience this moving tribute to our Nation’s Airmen.

White-House

Like I said, there is so much to see in DC.  It is well worth the trip!  As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today!

More photos click here

Helpful links:

http://washington.org/

http://www.thedistrict.com/

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

On one hand, we were amazed and how crowded (because of the “recession”) and on the other hand we expected many people enjoying quiet time reading under a tree or walking through the gardens as we were. 

We were visiting at the beginning of the BBG’s Cherry Blossom Season which is April 3 – May 2. We are planning a trip to DC next weekend to visit during the National Cherry Blossom Festival so we choose to pass on walking through the early blooms of these cherry trees.  Instead, we headed to the left side of the gardens and leisurely strolled along.  First walking along the brick path passing Shakespeare Garden, which wasn’t yet in bloom but still beautiful and peaceful. 

Fragrance Garden

Then it was on to the wonderful Fragrance Garden.  The BBG proudly recognizes this as “the first garden in the country designed for the sight-impaired.”  The fragrances will capture your senses and take your mind wondering to a tranquil place that we can, for a movement, forget all the worries of our lives.  

Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden

Continuing along we wandered into the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden.  The garden was the first Japanese garden to be created in an American public garden. According to BBG, “it is considered to be the masterpiece of its creator, Japanese landscape designer Takeo Shiota (1881-1943). Simplicity and “harmonious asymmetry” are important principles in Japanese gardens, making them more beautiful than most to me. 

Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden

Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden

Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden

Judith D. Zuk Magnolia Plaza

When I say spectacular, I mean spectacular!  I was surprised to learn there are some 17 varieties of magnolia’s.  Magnolia Plaza is both breath taking and fragrant.  An elegant formal garden of magnificent trees spread in front of the beaux arts Administration Building. The sweet scent and showy blossoms of magnolias are among the early signs of spring at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. In March, the star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) bloom, covering the trees.

Judith D. Zuk Magnolia Plaza

Then on to Daffodil Hill which filled the hillside with bright yellows sure to put a smile on anyone’s face, including ours! 

Daffodils on Daffodil Hill

Just down the steps past the magnolia’s we approached Lily Pool Terrace.  

Jenkins Fountain at Lily Pool Terrace

 The centerpiece of Lily Pool Terrace is the Jenkins Fountain, directly in front of the Palm House. Two large pools are situated to its north and south, bordered on the west by the mixed perennial border, and on the east by the annual border.  Two large pools are planted with nearly 100 varieties of hardy and tropical water-lilies and sacred lotus—a stunning attraction in July, August, and September. 

A Day at Lily Pool Terrace

Then we stopped and enjoyed a great lunch at the Terrace Café.  The café offers delightful outdoor dinning with a “wonderful” menu of gourmet lunches & beverages from spring to early fall.  How special lunch was when we sat with another couple that is also planning on visiting the DC area next weekend for the final weekend of the National Cherry Blossom Festival; maybe we’ll see them in DC!

 Now for all you shopaholics, no trip (be it a “day-trip” or week long vacation) is complete without some shopping, but of course!  The BBGarden now has two shops, both located on Lily Pool Terrace.

The Gift Shop carries some unique stationery, personal accessories, and items for your home. Many items are exclusive to the Garden, including signature products featuring the Garden’s distinctive logo. Several products that utilize the artwork of Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Florilegeum Society are also available.  If you can’t get to the garden, consider visiting the online Garden Gift shop. 

The Garden Shop carries everything for the garden, books, and gifts for children. New York Magazinewrites that “the (garden) shop has an amazing selection of plants … and features one of the most extensive selections of bulbs and seeds in the city.” The shop, located in Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s spectacular Steinhardt Conservatory complex, carries just about everything a gardener could want, from plants to tools to garden supplies, as well as an extensive collection of gardening books.

We had a great afternoon at the BBG and if you love flowers, gardening, strolling along pathways or simply enjoy nature and the outdoors, we encourage you to consider making a visit too. 

As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today!

Beautiful!Persian Fritillary-Lily Family

Alpine Squill-Hyacinth Family

My Valentines 2010 Roses

I was treated to long stem roses and a wonderful brunch at Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain for Valentine’s Day! 

SUNDAY BRUNCH OVERLOOK LODGE at BEAR MT

The food was delicious as we enjoyed a grand view overlooking the Hudson River and its winter background. 

Our view while having brunch

Sunday Brunch @ Overlook Lodge at Bear Mt

My Healthy Brunch-egg white omlete-fruits and veggies

After a wonderful Valentine’s Brunch at Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain, we headed south for a long weekend in the sunshine state; FL. 

Moss Tree

Our trip covered over 500 miles in just 4 short days. 

It was an action packed fun filled weekend of visiting family and friends from coast to coast.  First stop, was an overnight stay on the east coast in Ft. Lauderdale.  Then early the next morning we headed to Delray Beach to have brunch with family.  Next, we set out on a 4 hour drive across the state to Bradenton on the west coast. While traveling across the famous “Alligator Alley” (I-75) we saw several alligator along the banks. 

Alligator along Alligator Alley in FL

Arriving in Bradenton late afternoon/early evening, we enjoyed dinner and an overnight stay with more family! 

Bradenton FL

Early next morning we were in the car as we set out for a 3 hour drive further north & west to our next destination of Dunnellon, FL. 

Dunnellon FL

Arriving in Dunnellon late morning we now enjoyed a wonderful lunch with even more family (yes, I have family and/or friends practically in every corner of the state LOL).  

After a restful night at my aunts in Dunnellon, we headed out towards Cedar Key for a day of fun in the sun! Cedar Key is a quiet island filled with nature’s beauty!  A place that allows you to stop, relax and enjoy the unique qualities of the coastal environment.  One of my “Top Picks” and a place we can’t wait to go back and vist and maybe spend a week or weekend!  The streets are lined with my favorite type of unique shops and great waterfront dining!  We had lunch at Kona Joe’s Island Cafe overlooking the gulf!

Kona Joe's Island Cafe Cedar Key FL

Strolling along the streets of Cedar Key FL

All in all, we had a great month and great trip to FL – even if it was one of their coldest winters in 40 years some of the locals told us. 

Pelicans & birds in Cedar Key FL

As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today!

Today was a blustery cold and windy day here in the lower Hudson Valley as we ventured out headed toward the Mid-Hudson Valley Region.  Traveling west on Bear Mt. Road was the most amazing views including massive ice draped along the mountain as if it were a blanket keeping the earth covered over until springs’ thaw.

Ice Draped Mountain along Bear Mt.

Continuing on our venture we headed toward Hudson, NY to “Olana“, the Persian style home of the famous Hudson River School artist Frederick Church.  This beautiful home sits high on a hill surrounded by the beauty and “wonder” of the Hudson Valley.  “Olana” is a derivative from Arabic, meaning “Our place on high” is located in some 260 acres of valley, woodland and meadows. 

Frederic Church's Olana

Artist Frederic Edwin Church was hugely popular during the mid nineteenth century.  He was very well know for his canvases of American and foreign landscapes. Mr. Church and his wife traveled all over the world, all the time collecting furniture, mementos and architectural ideas. When the Churches decided to build a house overlooking the Hudson River they initially hired society architect Richard Morris Hunt, who designed them a French chateau. Mr. Church nixed these plans with his own ideas to create the exotic Persian-style structure. Inside and out Olana, was designed to capture the breathtaking views surrounded by windows that were tinted and/or framed to showcase the beauty of the views. 

The most beautiful Arabic symbol meaning “Thou Art Welcome” adores the vestibule and welcomes guests.

Thou Art Welcome

So whether you like the Morris style or the Persian flare, there is no disputing the magnificent architectural design of Olana.  While we were not permitted to take pictures inside Olana, trust me that the inside reflected the same majesty yet with a more welcoming and home feeling welcomed you in each room. 

As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today!

Winter’s Passionate Sky

First on our list was a helicopter ride over RI by Bird’s Eye View.
Then the famous 10 mile drive along Ocean Drive – exploring the rocky shores, crashing waves and beautiful views.
Dining at Pier 49 was spectacular, a great band, wonderful sunset and delious food! We loved it.

The mansions are amazing…Newport was the home to many of the rich and famous–the mansions or “cottages” as they were known are breath taking from both the air and ground.

The only downside to this trip is that it was too short, I would highly recommend a visit to Newport.

rainy/foggy day--yet beautifully relaxing