A Family Blog
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
California - 2009
Philip's deck at Redwood Estates. Great spot for birding and relaxation.
California poppies grow wild and are scattered all along the coast . Mixed with other wild flowers makes a spectacular view along the coast line.Ano Nuveo State Parks shoreline. Just below these cliffs you will be able to see elephant seals during the spring.
Two male elephant seals claiming their spot on the beach.Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
PARIS - OCT 2008
BASILIQUE DU SACRE-COEUR
The Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart Church) was started in 1875 and finished in 1915. It is built of travertine stone which exudes calcite keeping the building white. It is located north of Paris and is the highest point of the city - Montmarte. We took the Metro from our hotel and arrived 15 minutes later. This area also has many local artist displaying their work:
The above pictures are in Montmartre Village just around the corner from Sacre-Coeur. We are working our way down the hill to Moulin Rouge. There are many outside markets in the Montmartre Village. I was really excited about the fish market.
We finally arrived at Moulin Rouge which is located down the hill from Montmartre Village. Moulin Rouge was built in 1889 and is located near the red light district. It is well known for the can-can dance and also for the 2001 film "Moulin Rouge" starring Nicole Kidman.
After touring around in the Montmartre area and Mouling Rouge we took the Metro to Pont Neuf and had a wonderful dinner at a cafe near the bridge, the name of the cafe slips my memory. After dinner we boarded the river cruise boat and cruised down the Seine to the Effiel tower which was illuminated in blue lights and then cruised up the river beyond Notre Dame. It is easy to see why they call Paris the "City of Lights" The river cruise is operated by "Veddets Cruise Line" at Pont Neuf bridge. The cruise is about an hour in duration and around 15 Euros.
After departing our friends at the river, Maureen and I walked backed to our hotel which is about 1.2 miles from the bridge. We stopped at Cafe Delmas which is on Mouffetard Street in the Latin Quarter. The picture shows the outside cafe and this was taken around 10:30 in the evening on a week night, but it seem like it was in the middle to a weekend day by the number of people drinking, eating and walking around. The following day (Thursday - Oct 09) we took the high speed train to Giverny - Monet's home. Pictures will follow.
The above picture was taken in front of Monet's home in Giverny. We arrived in the morning after taking the high speed train from Paris. Giverny is about 45 miles northwest of Paris and with the train traveling at 90-100 mph we were there in about 30 minutes. The train stopped in Vernon and we took the bus to Giverny which is about 2 miles from Vernon. The following picture is Monet's home. The upper window on the far right was his bedroom and below on first floor was his studio.
The following picture was taken from the front entrance of house and looking down towards the garden and the pond beyond. It was a warm day and the color of the flowers were vibrant.
The following photo shows one of the many small gardens on his property. Many of them have flowers of just one color.
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The above pictures are in Giverny and shows the typical homes in that area, it is a beautiful area and understandable why he choose to live there. More pictures to follow later.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Conor's Football Game & Good Morning America
We attended Conor's first game in North Adams. His team called the "Chargers" won with a score of 16 - 6. On Monday Sept 15th Good Morning America started their 50 state tour by rail in Stockbridge, MA. The first photo is of James Taylor performing on the porch of the Red Lion Inn. 2nd photo is of Diane Sawyers, Robin Roberts & Chris Cuomo shortly after their arrival by train at the Stockbridge station and arrived at the Red Lion Inn by trolley. Last photo is of the many posters for our presidential candidate..have to say most were for Obama or Norman Rockwell.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Grandchildren April 2008
First photo is the grandchildren ready to board the ferry at Woods Hole to Martha Vineyard. Had lunch in Vineyard Haven, walked around and returned to Falmouth. Last photo is Meaghan on the bicycle path to Woods Hole. The Woods Hole Coast Guard Station is in the background. We had lunch at Pie in the Sky.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Summer @ Cape Cod - 2008
First photo is Conor with a small Striper that we caught casting from the boat on Eel River, he caught a total of seven with sizes from 12 - 17 inches. Second was taken at Heritage Park in Sandwich. Their car museum has some beautiful antique cars. Stephan's family enjoyed sitting in the Ford Model T. The 3rd is in the Pirate's museum, these pictures were taken in June. 4th is Lily with her 4H ribbon that she won for her chicken "Missey". The last is Michael's family taken at the chart room where we had dinner.