Showing posts with label Outdoor Wednesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outdoor Wednesday. Show all posts

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Glory, Glory, Morning Glory


September has arrived!

Earlier this summer

I came across this lovely fence . . .




Where Morning Glory vines were twining

their way in and out among the

ornamental fleur de lys.



Delicate blue bell shaped flowers opened to the morning sun,



And peeked from within the mass of heart shaped leaves.



Morning Glory ~ September Birth Flower

Welcome September!

Wishing all a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Joining











Saturday, August 13, 2011

Ahhhh Summertime in Maine

Bear Island Lighthouse, Built in 1839


Lighthouses & Steep Rocky Shores




Nesting Osprey & Deep Cold Waters




Acadia National Park



Simple Summer Cottages




Doors of Welcome




Seaside Vistas



Comfy Spots




Cool Summer Gardens




Queen Anne's Lace




Quiet, Sleepy Harbors




Shore Birds



Foggy Mornings



Steamed Clams




Lobster Traps & Buoys




Friendly Lobstermen




Loads of Fresh Lobster




Evening Bonfires on the Beach


Ahhhh yes, summertime in Maine.

Joining












Friday, August 5, 2011

Tour de Duck


~ A Bus ~ A Boat ~

A Big Pink Duck




In search of cooler temps, we flew off to the eastern shore . . .




And spent a few days in Boston before heading north to Maine.



Come along as the pedicab winds

its way through the streets of Boston . . .



To our destination at the

corner of Beacon and St. Charles . . .



and a favorite spot,

The Boston Public Garden.



The first public botanical garden in America, The Boston Public Garden was designed for meandering with paths through grassy lawns, beautiful blooming beds, and a charming lagoon where one can still ride the Swan Boats.



Created over 100 years ago specifically for The Lagoon, the Swan Boats are still operated by their originators, the Paget family.



The grassy banks along The Lagoon are

the perfect spot to linger on a warm summer day.




The Lagoon is home to many live ducks . . .



And graceful swans.



And the Public Garden is home to

the famous Mallard family of

MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS.



The bronze sculpture by Nancy Schon was created for the Garden in 1987 as a tribute to Robert Mc Closkey and the book that introduced Boston Public Garden to children around the globe.




Robert Mc Closkey published his now famous children's classic in 1941. It was awarded the 1942 Caldecott Medal for Mc Closkey's exceptional charcoal drawings.



Mrs. Mallard proudly leads her

caravan of eight ducklings along the Boston cobblestone.



Jack



Kack



Lack



Mack



Nack




Ouack



Pack



Quack



One of my favorites, MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS, is a classic that I think belongs in every child's library. It offers children a "duck's eye" view of Boston and child-like behaviors to which children easily relate. Click here to read about another famous city park with a wonderful statue in tribute to ALICE IN WONDERLAND.



You can find MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS, here on Amazon.

Robert Mc Closkey published eight books for children.

His work often reflected his island life in Maine.

Three More Favorites:

BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL

ONE MORNING IN MAINE

TIME OF WONDER

Come back soon for a peek at our trip to coastal Maine.

Click the links below to join:







Wednesday, July 13, 2011

La Fête Nationale



Bastille Day ~ July 14th ~ La Fête Nationale

This French holiday commemorates the anniversary 

of the storming of the Bastille on this date in 1789.

Like the 4th of July here in the US,


Bastille Day is a time to celebrate independence; 

the storming of the Bastille represents the 

beginning of the French Revolution.


Patriotic festivities and parades are held throughout the country of 

France and also in many cities here in the US and other countries.

 Paris is the sight of a grand military parade on the Champs Elyées

and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.





Some day I'd like to celebrate Bastille Day on the Champ de Mars 

beneath the Eiffel Tower and a sky filled with fireworks. 

But here in Austin, one can still celebrate in style with Bastille Day 

festivities at the French Legation

This year marks the 16th annual Alliance Française Bastille Day.





Native French men, women, and children living here in Texas and 

francophiles, such as myself, will gather in celebration of this 

historic French holiday.



There will be lively French music . . .





And delicious food, including French crêpes, both savory and 

sweet, and of course a selection of French pastries. 

 Click here to see a complete menu as listed on 

the Alliance Française d'Austin web site.



Face painting, petanque, and other

games will entertain old and young alike.



In the past vintage French cars 

have been on display.




And of course there will be live music

and dancing under the stars.



It's hot here in Texas so ice cream 

is a good way to cool off.



Official Poster from the Alliance Française d'Austin

Proceeds from the Austin event benefit the 

Alliance Française d'Austin's 

Frederique Moinard Scholarship Fund. 

 For tickets and more information click here.





Click here for a previous post on

the historical Texas French Legation.

Happy Bastille Day to all.


Thank you to the following hostesses this week: