St Louis Botanical Gardens

**click on picture to enlarge**

Henry Shaw's dream lives on 150 years later. This year, 2009 marks The Sesquicentennial of The St. Louis Botanical Gardens. The words, awesome, incredible, magnificent, beautiful, and wow all come to mind when I think of the visits we've had there. An Englishman, Henry Shaw felt there was more then just beauty to flowers and plants. He understood their importance and felt the science of, the study of to be necessary. His home was the beginning of this dream. He had an exotic orchid collection.

The St. Louis Botanical Gardens covers 79 acres, is opened all seasons with a wide variety of activities for all, regardless of age and interest. You can purchase your tickets on line, park free and rent a motorized scooter if walking presents a problem. The entire garden acreage is disability friendly, accessible for all to enjoy. Ticket prices vary based on age, whether or not you're a member, and a St. Louis county or city resident.

The list of activities to enjoy there is long. You can walk for exercise from 7-9 am, tour on your own, join a guided tour, line up a birthday party, take an educational class, experience special festivals; or summer evening concerts.

Every year 100,000 new specimens arrive at the gardens. The scientific exploration, preservation, and identification that Henry Shaw started so long ago has grown to a global effort. A temperature controlled vault and complete catalog of plant species is something the casual visitors doesn't see, but one that carries forward the importance of Shaw's dream. Plants and flowers provide more than just beauty for our eyes to behold, they improve the air quality we breath, provide medications, keep our soil from eroding. They sustain us in many ways.

I encourage everyone to put this on their list of things to do. I plan to return again, and again.

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Marion, Ohio

President Warren G. Harding's Memorial. I know I have other pictures; but am in need of organizing. Lost thousands of photo's that were on my computer at this time yesterday. So, please bare with me as I post things as I find them. I must reload from memory stick, and CD's and get organized. Painful. However, that doesn't lessen the fun I had as a child here at this Memorial. I lived within walking distance, and biking distance. The grounds are gorgeous, a bit hilly and an awesome place to play, to run, to roll down hills. All things we did there as kids. We enjoyed sledding there in winter. Plus, there's a park right across the street. Not to diminish showing proper respect for this man, who was our President; but this would be a good outing for people of all ages. History for Mom and Dad to enjoy, a park for the children and the pets to stretch their legs. Plan a picnic with the park right there.
Facts and items of interest:

• He was born during the Civil War (1865)
• He became President after WWI with a campaign slogan of "return to Normalcy"
• He came from a large family
• His Mother was a midwife who later received her medical license
• His Father was a teacher
• There has been speculation that his great grandmother may have been or had African-American Blood, some records indicate that was a rumor made to discredit him during the election.
• He died of a heart attack/stroke
• Was in The Ohio Senate, served as Lt. Governor, served as US Senator
• Republican
• Won with the largest popular vote landslide
  
• Was a Darkhorse during the convention
• Owned and operated the Marion Daily Star Newspaper
• Like to play poker

He wanted a simple grave, to be buried outside under the stars and trees. He loved nature. At one time a tree adorned the memorial; but was hit by lightening. His simple grave was altered, funding in part by huge donations of dimes from school age children. Though he did get his wish to be out in the stars. The memorial was restored in 1980. It's 103 feet in diameter and stands 53 feet in height. One can wind around the columns which is great fun for children.

His house can be toured and is 1.5 miles from the memorial. It was from this front porch that he often spoke, and thus became known for the front porch campaign.

Local's spread the rumor that his dog, Laddie Boy was buried there with he and his wife, Florence; but documentation indicates that is not the case.

**On a personal note, my great grandfather, Charles Frederick Mader played in a band with President Harding. In fact he taught music, and taught him to play the cornet. That was before he was President, naturally. My great grandfather was a band director.

Marion is 50 miles north of the state capital, Columbus.

The Many Faces of Vegas

Vegas has many faces, though I think the first word that comes to mind is gambling, there are other things to do there. This is my collage to show some of the different faces I saw while in Vegas.

Left to right:

1. The architecture is fabulous, both inside and out. The buildings are beautiful. Some representing buildings/places that exist around the country, some represent locations around the world, such as The Eiffel Tower.
2. Hoover Dam, not far from Vegas has a fabulous tour you can take and learn all about the building of the Dam. The views from that area are a photo must.
3. Art. Art in many forms abounds; but my favorite would have been The Chihuly glass pieces.
4. The flowers inside and out are breath takingly beautiful, and always in bloom. You never see a dead flower, or plant in need of pruning.
5. The lights, the nightlife, the water fountains, and water shows are awesome.
6. The pretend skies make you forget you're not outside. The view shown is in a shopping mall. The ski actually changes with the time of day to look and feel realistic. I'm not a shopper, but for those that are...bring your wallet! All the high end designers have wares here and the shopping malls are gorgeous.
   

There was a period of time when they tried to make Vegas a family place with rides and entertainment for young children; that was a big mistake in my opinion. It is indeed a very adult location. Entertainment is adult, the gambling is for adults, and the mix of people you see in various stages of dress or undress is most definitely adult. I'm not a prude, but I would not recommend this as a family vacation location. Save this trip for you and your adult friends.

Vegas is fun, though can be pricey depending on where you stay, and where you eat, and how much you gamble. I'm not a gambler and spent less than $50.00 while there for 4 days gambling. I enjoyed watching the people, and seeing the sites. The pools are spectacular if you want some down time. In my opinion, 3 or 4 days in Vegas is about the right amount of time. If you're wanting to take a weeks vacation add other locations to your itinerary.

**Thanks to all who took the time to follow my link and read my memorial post to my parents.
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Traveling down Memory Lane/ a Dedication

Today, I'm asking you all to travel with me down memory lane. Today would be my parents 62nd Wedding Anniversary. After much difficulty due to compatibility issues between my new computer and my photo's and scanner, I finally have a memory post. Please, please visit me here to help me on this special day.

Click on the word here above or click on the badge on my side bar, Sandy's Space.

Many thanks.

Monticello, Virginia

Monticello, in a word; BEAUTIFUL! A house 40 years in the making. Take a drive and see how fast houses go up these days, quite different indeed. Thomas Jefferson's house was continuous. He designed it, began building and constantly added to and made alterations; and thus it was 40 years in the making. You can tour the inside and the grounds surrounding the house. Various ticket prices are available based on whether you buy on line ahead of time, the day of, or purchase a combination ticket. March through October the visiting hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm with reduced hours the other months. A statesmen, a farmer, a President, an inventor. Many of his inventions still exist in some form today. He loved books, visiting his library is a must. The most interesting thing to me were the separate book shelves. Each shelf was made independent of those it sat on or under. Because Thomas Jefferson traveled a great deal and always wanted to take books with him, each shelf was separate so it could be picked up and packed as a separate unit.
You'll see extensive and beautiful gardens throughout the property. Jefferson believed plants, be it The Grove, Orchard, Vineyards, vegetable or flower gardens were a botanical laboratory.
Visit Mulberry Row, now a long line of much needed shade trees; a beautiful lane as you learn about the slaves who lived and worked the land in the 1700 and 1800's. This small spot measures 20 1/2 feet by 12, is listed as stop #3. This is one of 5 cabins that stood on Mulberry Row, built with logs on a foundation of stone, with an earthen floor and chimney. These small quarters were inhabited by slaves.

Jefferson's Memorial is among many in this locked family burial ground. One can't get even a frontal view of the monument which marks the graves of Thomas Jefferson, his wife, his two daughters, and his son-in-law Governor Randolph. The monument we see is not the one designed by Jefferson himself; but one the US government placed here in 1883. Jefferson's school mate and friend Dabney Carr was the first burial in this graveyard. The two friends had a pack to be buried here under a large oak at the top of the hill.
A plague shows the graveyard layout, and lists who's buried where. This historic home is well worth the time to tour. It's beautiful, educational, and most enjoyable. Inside tours probably not well suited for little ones; but they can sure run and enjoy the outdoor areas. From this hill top you have panoramic views of Charlottesville, The University of Virginia, and the surrounding forests.

**hubby and I would like to return and spend more time here.
****Click here to read about The University of Virginia.

Pebble Beach, California

Pebble Beach, a golfers paradise, famous even among non-golfers. Seen by many of us when watching The US Open on our TV's. A scene of wind swept sand, waves crashing the beach along side a lush green golf course comes to mind. Pebble Beach in Montery County on the Monterey Peninsula is a gated community about 40 miles north of Big Sur.

If you wondered about how the affluent live behind those gates communities, take the 17 mile sometimes scenic Pebble Beach Tour. A fee of $9.50 per car is charged to take this tour. Sometimes you get a glimpse of an elaborate house, though often they are completely out of sight due to large stone walls, or privacy landscaping. Sometimes you see a scenic view of the beach and ocean as you wind your way along. Here you see seals dotting the beach landscape, a house barely visible up in the trees.
The US open has been held here in 1972,1982,1992, 2000 and is scheduled again in 2010.
The famous Ben Crosby Clambake tournament began here in 1937 and continues today, though now named AT & T National Pro-Am. The property was once owned by DelMonte, was sold to a Japanese businessman, then purchased again by a group of investors lead by Clint Eastwood and Arnold Palmer to name a few. No surprise then to learn there are 7 public golf courses, and 18 Private Golf Clubs.

The lone cypress tree, twisted and bent withstanding the strong winds, salt air has become the symbol for the city. This is perhaps one of the most photographed trees around.

Take a stroll on the boardwalk, stop for a picnic and enjoy the view. We didn't stop for a picnic, I think these pictures tell you why.



Should add for all my furry friends, those traveling with furry friends, and or children. Look at all places to walk and explore along the beach.

Russia

Feeling adventurous? Want to take a different type of vacation? Now you can. No longer is traveling to Russia, the former U.S.S.R. off limits. What to see, what to do; start making your list. For ten years the agency has been placing happy customers in apartments. cheap kiev apartments An American-Russian agency since 2001 at your finger tips. From the comfort of your computer chair you can select an apartment, determine it's price and availability.
Business travelers, families, as well friends traveling in groups will find a range of affordable, cozy and relaxed accommodations ranging from small studio's to 1-2-3-4 and even 5 bedroom deluxe apartments. Short and long term rentals with cleaning service every 3-4 days available for your comfort.
Spend the day touring galleries, cathedrals, museums. Ride the metro, take a tour on the water, visit The Peter The Great Memorial, Victory Park, St. Basils Cathedral, Red Square. Photograph the spires and domes in all their colorful splendor and opulence. These are sites you'll see anywhere else. Traveling with children, don't despair zoo's, parks, and circus's will entertain the young or the young at heart. Perhaps you don't speak Russian and feel a bit intimated? Ask for a personal driver, an interrupter the agency can help with all your needs with their 24 hour a day customer service. Tool free phone numbers, as well as on line support are available for your ease in planning your excursion. While many areas require cash only payments, Welcome to Russia offers secure on line payments through your Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover Card. Additional services available are transportation from the airport to your apartment and back, body guard, a personal cook, and assistance with obtaining your travel Visa.
Avoid the extra expense and book your apartment, you'll be glad you did.

Richmond, Virginia

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The American Civil War Center is located at The Historic Tredegar Iron Works at 490 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Truly this is in downtown Richmond, from the center you can see the downtown skyscrapers. The sign welcoming you to The American Civil War Center is on a large Arch from one of the original buildings. "To Bind up the Nations Wounds" Stature seems most appropriate. The museum shows 3 different perspectives of the cause and effective of The Civil War. Three vastly different perspectives are that of The Union, The Confederate, and The African American. The center is open 9-5 daily except special holidays. Entrance fees are $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for students and seniors, and reduced to $2.00 for children; with those younger than 6 free. Tredegar Iron Works was founded in 1836 and named after a Welsh town.



In 1847 it was producing cannons for The US Government and armor plates for The Navy. The Foundry produced many other things such as trains, locamotives, wheels, spikes and more. Pictured above are Cupola's from The Virginia State Penitentiary, and a 12 pound Mountain Howitzer manufactured in 1862. The foundry produced items for The Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, and The Korean War.

Situated on the James River in downtown Richmond it operated on water power. It employed a huge number of employees, 5 of the original buildings still stand. This is a National Historic Landmark, owned and operated by The National Parks. A visitors center, expansive museum, and gift shop are among the many things here to enjoy.

I highly recommend this as a must stop for people of all ages, even those who aren't history enthusiast. The area is quite pretty, a good place for the kids to run off some energy. Picnic areas exist, so take a break and relax.

Other Virginia Posts:
Ford's Colony, Williamsburg
University of Virginia

Big Sur, California, Forest Fires

This picture has not been doctored to appear yellow, the yellow shows you our proximity to the Forest Fires that ravaged much of California last summer. Some of the areas we had planned to travel to were off limits. Some areas were smoky, some were yellow from the flames, some streets and cars had ash from fires, carried sometimes for miles. This pretty but very eerie scene was around Big Sur. We traveled quite a ways, only to find out we couldn't get throw and had turn around and head back. We were then able to approach some of the area the next morning from the other side.
The sun did come out a few times, tried hard to burn away the smoke, fog, smog etc, but was unable to. This is one of the few times we actually saw the sun. We passed a staging area for the fireman, a fire camp loaded with equipment before we had to turn around.
We spotted planes that were making drops of chemicals and water on the fires in several locations. Normally Big Sur is crowded is with fisherman, hikers, campers, as well as those that come to shop, eat in the many lodges. A beautiful area in the central California Coast area bordering the Santa Lucia Mountain Range.

Bixby Bridge, about 13 miles south of Carmel, one of the worlds tallest single span bridges is also one of the most photographed. You can see why.
Big Sur Light Station...hard to see I know but it's there way way on top of this large outcropping. We were looking at this from the main road. Off to the left is a narrow rode leading up, though it it was not open to visitors during this time. It is possible to tour this lighthouse with advanced reservations. It's listed as one of the top 10 haunted lighthouses in the US, is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Limited numbers are permitted to tour the facility in this ghost town. The light station was opened in 1899 and the last keeper left in 1974, when it became automated. Parts of the park area in Big Sur were closed, other parts had signs suggesting volunteer evacuation, and no one new was permitted in. Shortly after we existed the park, it was closed due to the fire.

Dedication Page

Today, I'm venturing away from my typical travel information to ask a favor. I'm posting a dedication page for my niece, Janet. Janet was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma just before her 16th birthday. She underwent multiple surgeries, endured massive amounts of chemotherapy, and spent a year of her young life in the hospital. I'm happy to report she's currently doing quite well. She's a very special young lady. She's an honor student about to begin her Junior year in College. This dedication page is part of the Lance Armstrong Project, Live Strong. Please visit and sign her dedication page.

Thank you in advance for helping us support her and so many others in the fight against cancer.

Sandy

Join me in a couple of days as we continue to explore the California Coast.

St. Augustine, Florida

Old photo's from the "Oldest City". St. Augustine in Florida is the first permanent European settlement in the U.S. (These old poor quality photo's are from the dark ages, my honeymoon back in 1972, taken with a little Instamatic then scanned).

There is so much to see and do here in this beautiful city. Spanish influence is most apparent as you tour the city. Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon first came ashore here in 1513. Though the word here has broad meaning. The exact location really isn't known, but thought to be in this area. He didn't come with a mission to make a settlement, rather his mission was to explore. The area wasn't well thought of, poor land, infested with insects and alligators, humid uncomfortable weather and hurricanes. Ponce de Leon continued on to other places in his explorations.


French Huguenots attempted to colonize the area in 1562, unsuccessfully as they ran out of food and pulled out. The French tried again in 1564 with a larger more well equipment group that included women. Trouble between France and Spanish ensued. I could tell you more about how Menendez rooted out the Spanish, was imprisoned and.......but, instead let me suggest that you schedule a trip to this fascinating city and find out first hand.

A wonderful place for families with beaches to enjoy, parks for those traveling with pets, Lighthouses to explore, Missions, Museums, and lets not forget the Fort. Ft Mantanzas is a National Monument, all children love cannons. History truly comes alive in St. Augustine.


As we continued on up the coast we spotted Ponce de Leon Inlet Light. This lighthouse is 175 feet tall, the tallest in all of Florida. It's located between St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral Light. Though it's history began in 1835, that structure was in a slightly different location, and was burned down during one of The Seminole Wars. The newer structure was constructed in 1883 and in 1998 was noted as a National Historic Landmark.

Golden Gate Bridge, California

Crossing The Golden Gate Bridge is quite an adventure whether you drive your car, ride a bike, or walk. We opted to drive the car over due to the time of day and the weather.

You feel almost like you're in a tunnel, and as you look up you feel quite small. When it was built in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Looking across you get a feel for the size and strength of this structure. Though no longer the longest, it ranks 9th. It's ranked the 5th most favorite Architecture in the United States according to Wikipedia.



Please take time and pay homage to the Navy and Merchant Marine Memorials. The Lone Sailor Memorial was dedicated in 2002 and is a replica of the one in Washington D.C.






I highly recommend taking time to site see here, dress warm and prepared to wait your turn to get pictures, and to use the bathroom.

Sadly this beautiful location is a suicide destination, the most popular in fact in the United States. No exact figures were listed however. The feeling is, many bodies aren't found once they do jump due to the strong currents in the waters below.

Bucharest Romania, Luxury Vacations

Imagine yourself in the midst of this picturesque scene.Bucharest apartments ,luxury apartment accommodations await you, the ultimate savvy traveler. Regardless of your needs, business travel or family vacation you can bask in luxury and comfort with superior accommodations. Two or three room suites/apartments available with fully equipped kitchens in the heart of the city. These luxury apartments are privately owned, spacious, and have all the modern conveniences you could ever possibly require. Wide screen TV, wireless internet service, 24 hour concierge service are just a few of the amenities that will make your stay memorable.

Transportation to and from the airport are available for a minimal fee. Maid service is available, because after all, you're on vacation!

Treat yourself to a special vacation and enjoy private, secure and luxury accommodations in historic Bucharest; on par with a 5 star hotel for half the cost. Enjoy the nightlife in Bucharest, a city coming alive with excitement, a rebirth. Visit the museums and see the marks left behind from communism. The Village Museum, Romanian Peasant Museum just to name a few will give you the history of this country in a way a book can't. Walk in the history in an area considered to be bridge between East and West. Bucharest is often referred to as "Little Paris", shopping, dining, entertainment, and culture to make your days full of activity. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When I think of Romania, the first thing that comes to mind is Nadia Comaneci, 3 times Olympic Gold Medalist. Experience her homeland, tour the Romanian Athenaeum.
Try traditional Romanian dishes meat, cabbage rolls, sausage and stews. Much of what is now considered traditional Romania food comes from its history of neighboring countries.

Check for corporate specials for pricing, and date availability. Choose from four languages, English, Romanian, Hebrew, and French as you explore the webpage to schedule your trip. Your satisfaction is guaranteed, 100%. Our staff will meet your every need.

Lunch travel in Chillicothe, Ohio

Lunch time travels. You migh not think of going to lunch as traveling; but it can be. My Dad and I traveled about 50 miles to take care of some family business (dealing with my Mother's Death), and had lunch here, Cross Keys Tavern. We ventured there because my cousin works there. However, once there I became fascinated with it, love historic places, old buildings and often wonder when they were built, what happened there etc. I knew from an old photo this was an historic building in downtown Chillicothe. Chillicothe was the state's first capital and is filled with historic happenings.

Currently, it's an Irish Pub with live music. Dixieland music some nights. In fact it holds a bit of a record. After some research here on line I found that it has the 2nd longest continuously playing house of Dixieland music in the country! It's been a tavern since the early 1900's. I asked my cousin what had been upstairs, she laughed and said maybe a bordello. Don't know if thats true, more research is needed. The tavern is on the ground floor, the upstairs I was asking about is where you see the white porch area.

The Goosetown Astonishers is a band in it's 35th year. The name alone tells some history of the area. Chillicothe has a very strong German history. The Goosetown Astonishers was a name of one of the early newspapers, if memory serves me correctly--the one that was written in German. Much of the states early German immigration began in Chillicothe. Many of the houses still show evidence of that influence.

This tavern has been investigated by The Buckeye Paranormal Society. The locals site evidence of ghost activity, primarily in the basement area. Locals say "Harold" makes noise, breaks glasses, turns on and off lights. One story supporting the possible reason for this is a man was murdered behind the tavern in the small ally. Though no one knows when, or why or even what the name of the man murdered was, the ghost has been given the name of Harold. Many of the old downtown buildings in Chillicothe are connected with a series of underground tunnels dating back to the 1800's which this building is or was a part of. Perhaps something happened in those tunnels and thats the cause of higher activity in the basement. Perhaps it's due to the underground railroad?

The Cross Keys Tavern is located at 19 E. Main Street in Chillicothe, serves daily lunch specials of good homemade food. Many of Courthouse employees eat lunch there, as it's just across the street. Years ago I read where someone was hung in front of the courthouse, where the sidewalk now is. I believe it was the States' first hanging.

I've traveled and had lunch here at The Cross Keys twice. I highly recommend it.