Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Father's Day
My Father’s Day was very enjoyable. It started with a phone call from Ray Jr. After wishing me a Happy Father’s Day we talked about how we where going to go to the Met game on Thursday, drive or take the train (I think we will drive).
In the afternoon Barbara, Louise and I went to Hedgerow Theatre ( www.hedgerowtheatre.org ) in Media, PA to see “Nunsense”. It was just very funny we all laughed through the whole play. For anyone who is interested here is a little bit about the play. It is set in the auditorium of Mount St. Helen’s School of Hoboken….
While a small group of the Sisters where at an Episcopal Bingo the other Sisters ate a soup which turned out to be poisonous and they all died. When they got back and discovered this they had enough money to bury all but 4 of the dead Sisters, Mother Superior had bought a TiVo with some of the insurance money. So while the remaining 4 sisters were cooling it in the freezer the remaining sisters put on a variety show to try to raise the enough to bury them…
You knew it was going to be funny when Mother Superior came down the aisle and put a paper napkin across the chest of a woman in the audience who had too much cleavage showing.
After the play we went to Applebee’s for dinner and then home. A great Father’s Day.
In the afternoon Barbara, Louise and I went to Hedgerow Theatre ( www.hedgerowtheatre.org ) in Media, PA to see “Nunsense”. It was just very funny we all laughed through the whole play. For anyone who is interested here is a little bit about the play. It is set in the auditorium of Mount St. Helen’s School of Hoboken….
While a small group of the Sisters where at an Episcopal Bingo the other Sisters ate a soup which turned out to be poisonous and they all died. When they got back and discovered this they had enough money to bury all but 4 of the dead Sisters, Mother Superior had bought a TiVo with some of the insurance money. So while the remaining 4 sisters were cooling it in the freezer the remaining sisters put on a variety show to try to raise the enough to bury them…
You knew it was going to be funny when Mother Superior came down the aisle and put a paper napkin across the chest of a woman in the audience who had too much cleavage showing.
After the play we went to Applebee’s for dinner and then home. A great Father’s Day.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Art
Well I went back to the Art Class (I am a glutton for punishment) put on by the Ocean County Parks and finished one painting and had started on another. I have also joined the Ceder Glenn Lakes Art Club and I finished the painting I had started in art class. Now if I want to continue going to art club I have to come up with another project (not really but I will). Enjoy the pictures of my last three attempts at art (let me know if you see any improvement).
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Birthday and Christening
This weekend started off with Saturday evening and a pizza party to celebrate Louise’s 91st Birthday. Barbara made a chocolate truffle cake, this cake has over 1 pound of Chocolate in it and just about as much butter (see picture), total sugar overload. Louise’s great niece and grand nephew came from Ohio for the occasion; a good time was had by all.
Sunday morning Barbara and I packed up some clothes and some provisions and headed to Makayla’s Christening. It was a 3 hour drive to the Church at Hemlock Farms in Tafton, PA. As we where driving north on route 206 through Sussex county close to the school where Barbara taught, a black bear crossed the road two cars in front of us. At the church the minister made all the young children in attendance feel comfortable about what baptism is all about and what it represents. Back at young Larry and Laura’s house all the kids had lots to do, they have a pool and trampoline. There was plenty of good food and good talk; I think everyone had a good time. Barbara and I left and drove to Scranton, PA to our hotel. We where all set to go for a swim in the indoor pool, but someone had thrown some chairs and plants into the pool so it was closed. The room was clean and comfortable and we had a good nights sleep.
In the morning Barbara and I went to the Electric City Trolley Museum ( www.ectma.org ) in Scranton. It is a very nice museum that tells the story of the trolley systems that ran in and around the Scranton area. They even had commuter rails that ran from town to town.
After leaving the trolley museum we drove to Norristown, PA to the Elmwood Park Zoo ( www.elmwoodparkzoo.org ). The animals they have on display are all from the Americas. The animal program we saw was very good, I liked the tarantula best.
After seeing all the animals in the zoo we headed home.
Sunday morning Barbara and I packed up some clothes and some provisions and headed to Makayla’s Christening. It was a 3 hour drive to the Church at Hemlock Farms in Tafton, PA. As we where driving north on route 206 through Sussex county close to the school where Barbara taught, a black bear crossed the road two cars in front of us. At the church the minister made all the young children in attendance feel comfortable about what baptism is all about and what it represents. Back at young Larry and Laura’s house all the kids had lots to do, they have a pool and trampoline. There was plenty of good food and good talk; I think everyone had a good time. Barbara and I left and drove to Scranton, PA to our hotel. We where all set to go for a swim in the indoor pool, but someone had thrown some chairs and plants into the pool so it was closed. The room was clean and comfortable and we had a good nights sleep.
In the morning Barbara and I went to the Electric City Trolley Museum ( www.ectma.org ) in Scranton. It is a very nice museum that tells the story of the trolley systems that ran in and around the Scranton area. They even had commuter rails that ran from town to town.
After leaving the trolley museum we drove to Norristown, PA to the Elmwood Park Zoo ( www.elmwoodparkzoo.org ). The animals they have on display are all from the Americas. The animal program we saw was very good, I liked the tarantula best.
After seeing all the animals in the zoo we headed home.
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