July 2009 (so far)

Seeing as July is more then half over I thought it might be a good time to update everyone with what has been going on. The early evening on July 4th was spent listening to The Garden State Philharmonic (http://www.gardenstatephilharmonic.com) at the Tom’s River Library. It was a wonderful concert. The following day we had our neighbor hood picnic over at Jack and Louise’s house. Once again everyone had a good time visiting and eating (can’t forget the eating). Then on July 9th our new front and back doors came to be installed, we love the new doors. Then there is Harry Wright Lake where we enjoy an afternoon swim. We have been to the lake about 6 times so far but as the weather gets warmer and more humid we will be going to the lake more. We met our old neighbors Helen and Jim in Freehold for lunch one day and afterwards Barbara and I went to Deep Cut Garden (http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.asp?agency=130&Id=2518 ). It is a lovely garden that is part of the Monmouth County Park system free to all. On July 12th we went to the Hedgerow Theater and saw a very funny play by Ray Cooney called One For The Pot (http://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/subSeries.php ). Last Friday I had a doctor’s appointment in Manahawkin so we decided to go over to Long Beach Island and go to the Viking Village for a tour of the fishing docks. Well it turned out to be a bit of a flop, stood in the sun listening to a gentleman talk about the different types of fishing boats that go out from there and what each of them catch. A bit boring we left after about 40 minutes. We then went to lunch in a local pub called Rick’s American Café, named for Rick’s in the movie Casablanca. We had a lovely lunch so the day was not a total waste. Don’t worry I am almost done. On Sunday Barbara, Louise and I went to Long Wood Gardens for the day (so what if we where just there 3 weeks ago). We went to the Italian Water Garden, Flower Garden Walk and had lunch in the Terrace Restaurant Cafe. After lunch we walked through the conservatory and spent some time by the water lily garden. When we got out of the conservatory we sat under one of the holly trees and waited for the fountain display. Even without the music and lights it is beautiful to see. Before we left we went over to the idea garden and then to the Chimes Tower for a Carillon Concert. It was a perfect weather day and a good time was had by all.

Anniversary Trip

Thirty four wonderful years ago… but I reminisce. Barbara and I went on our annual anniversary trip. We started out by driving to one of our favorite areas on the Delaware, Pennsylvania border. Our first stop was Winterthur museum and gardens. With our membership to the American Horticultural Society we got in for free, great investment. Anyone who likes gardens should look into joining; the membership gets you into gardens all over the country. We took the tram around the gardens and got off at the Enchanted Woods, a fairy tale garden for children of all ages (someone made a fool of themselves in the birds nest). We also took a short walk from there to the Quarry Garden. Then back up the small hill to catch the next tram to the house. We then walked past the Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens and up the stairs to the reflecting pool garden (this used to be the swimming pool when the Du Pont’s lived here but since has been turned into a reflecting pool). There we saw a frog in amongst the plants. After that we went back to the car and on to our next stop.
When we got to the Brandy Wine River Museum we had a picnic with riparian entertainment (those who watch Keeping Up Appearances will know what I mean). After our picnic we explored the museum. We then left and went to the hotel just down the street to rest up for the exciting evening ahead at Longwood Gardens.
Before going on to Longwood Gardens we had a very nice dinner at Applebee’s. Once at Longwood we walked through the Rose Arbor garden, past the Theatre Garden and down the Flower Garden Walk. After that we went to the outdoor theatre and found our seats for the concert by the Kennett Symphony of Chester County entitled Hooray for Hollywood. The concert was very enjoyable but the evening was not over yet. After the concert we strolled over to the main entrance of the conservatory for the Illuminated Fountain Show. This is one of Barbara’s and mine favorites. I did not have a tripod stand with me so I could not take any pictures this time so I got one from my archives and included it in the album. After the fountain show we went back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.
In the morning after breakfast we went back to Longwood to do some exploring. We decided we would explore the west end of the gardens. We found our way to the Chime Tower just as it was striking 11 o’clock. Then we went around that and down past the fountains for an up-close look at some of the nozzles and lights that where used the night before in the fountain show. It is just amazing to me that all the calculations for all the pipes and pump sizes where done by hand when these fountains where built. We then explored the Idea Garden which is always full of new and interesting plantings. We decided to have lunch before we left for home so we went over to the Terrace Restaurant where we decided to have a sit down meal instead of doing the cafeteria style, it cost a little more but it was our anniversary after all. For a map of Longwood Gardens see map at this address: http://longwoodgardens.org/docs/MapOutdoor2009.pdf
All in all we had a wonderful anniversary weekend trip.

Mets Game

On June 25th Ray and I went to the new Mets Stadium, Citi Field, to watch the Mets play the St. Louis Cardinals. We decided that I would pick Ray up at his apartment and then drive to Hoboken to park and then take the PATH and subway to the game. When we got to the city instead of walking under ground to a connecting subway line we went up to the street level where I saw one of the no drive sections of Broadway. New York has taken sections of Broadway and closed them to motor vehicles to make pedestrian only areas, see picture in album. We then walked to Grand Central Station to get the subway out to Citi Field (I still want to call it Shea Stadium). I do have to say the designers of the new stadium did a very good job. As you enter the rotunda you are met with a large open space dedicated to Jackie Robinson (see me in front of the giant 42) and when you get to the top of the escalator you get your first look at the field. They have put TV screens all over the place so you never have to be far from seeing what is happening on the field. Even out in center field where there are lots of different foods to choose from (not just Hot Dogs and Hamburgers anymore) and you are behind the score board there is a large TV screen there also. Just behind the seats is even a section where they have tables you can stand at to eat your food; you can even watch the whole game from there if you do not mind standing. Ray and I figured that you could buy real cheap seats and then never go to them, just watch from one of those tables. Well to make a long story and little shorter, Ray and I had a good time and the Mets won.