Category Archives: USA

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Glorious glass

We visited Winter Park, FL specifically to see the Tiffany exhibits at The Morse Museum which houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), including the artist’s  jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows.  Especially magnificent is the chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After his Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall, burned many of the salvageable pieces and architectural objects were transported to Winter Park thanks to the initiative of his daughter who wrote to Jeannette Genius McKean, who had long appreciated Tiffany’s art. Her husband Hugh McKean, had been an art student at Tiffany’s Laurelton Hall estate in 1930.

 

 

 

 

 

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A few days on the west coast (FL)

East coast or west coast? I am fascinated by trying to determine how people figure out which they prefer. Both have pros and cons, of course.

So we drove from Fort Pierce to Port Charlotte by way of Rte 70 via Okeechobe and Arcadia. It is absolutely unnecessary to turn the steering wheel a degree, and one could possibly believe that you’d been transported to Texas or Oklahoma! It has a very strong western feel with lots of cattle and horses grazing in pastures,  and cowboy hats, jeans and boots are the common attire.

I immediately fell in love with our Airbnb rented loft in Port Charlotte where we stayed for three nights.

We made a little trip up to Osprey to meet up with friends for lunch at Casey Key Fish House which was lovely – sitting outside on the deck at the water’s edge.

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Viewing the sunset at Port Charlotte Beach Park.

A long walk on Punta Gorda’s Harbor Walk.

A couple of hours at the beach on the Gulf.

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Another good day in the Sunshine State

This morning was fresh and clear after yesterday evenings rains and the perfect day to get out on the trails. Before that, though, we made a stop at the Navy SEAL Museum which gives a very good insight into the successes and mission of the SEALS from World War II to present and how their equipment has evolved over the decades.

The coastal hammock trail in Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.

Lunch in the most beautiful of settings on such a gorgeous day – overlooking the marina – at Harbor Cove Bar & Grill.

Lucy was parked in the shade during lunch and wondered what we brought her!!

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The day wrapped up with a long walk on a mostly empty beach – heavenly sand between the toes, washed away by lapping surf.

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Beach and Botanical

Lucy wants everyone to know how much fun she had yesterday. We call her a “beach loving surfer girl” and she lives up to the name every time she hits a beach! Running, running, running in the surf; barking with joy at little shorebirds, the water, and anything that gets in her way.

 

Today we spent some time at Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce. They have a particularly lovely display of bonsai, and otherwise it was enjoyable being in the gardens after last evening’s rainfall.

I love all the different textures…

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A weekend in Fort Pierce and beyond

Saturday morning was spent in Fort Pierce at the farmer’s market, which is really much more! In the lovely waterfront and downtown location it was busy, busy and Lucy did extremely well with the crowds of people and other canines.

On Sunday we took at drive down to Lake Worth to check out the Street Painting Festival which was even more spectacular than I’d imagined. 600 artists – professional and amateur – take part over the weekend creating masterpieces in a 10×10′ space on the downtown streets. This, a fundraiser, is in its 22nd year, has raised money for art scholarships.

Food vendors, crafters, and others were also there ..

We also enjoyed some of the local neighborhoods with the quaint little Florida cottages.

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A day of exploration

We are exploring this area from Sebastian to Stuart called the Treasure Coast, and were happy to find a little downtown area in Stuart with a lovely river boardwalk.

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Daytona stop

It was a quick drive down from Maine to Jacksonville in 21/2 days, and so it was especially sweet to take the time to conclude our journey to Fort Pierce with a meander through Daytona Beach. Enroute we came across the funky burger joint/lounge Daytona Brickyard. The place was non-stop with activity – people arriving, being greeted, attentive waitstaff and patron; bikers, black and white checkered floors and table covers; oh yes! And biker chicks with their braids and bandanas! The burgers were really good too!

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Weather and whatnot!

IMG_0156We’ve enjoyed a quiet time of being home and catching up on reading, doing taxes, and other fun things! (Like installing a long awaited stove vent hood!) Travel plans are completed (stay posted) and seed catalogues have been perused.
The weather has been mild, for the most part, and we’ve been able to enjoy walks, but today was the first time we’ve needed snowshoes! and that following Punxatawney Phil’s prediction of an early Spring!

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A little slice of Germany

A short trip to Waldoboro took me back down memory lane – more than 40 years! and my time spent in Germany. It’s always fun to visit Morse’s for a browse around their store stocked with european food items, and enjoy a hearty lunch in their little restaurant.

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An afternoon in Providence, RI

A walk around an historic district of Providence, and Brown University on a brisk late October afternoon followed by dinner at a family run Portuguese restaurant where the locals spoke both languages and local wine is served cheaply and plentifully! What we love!