Doors in Europe

This is an assortment of photos that I took while we were in Europe in June.

Doors are so fascinating.  No two are alike unless they are on the same building.

Some show their age but their old splendor is still evident like the one above in an alley in Budapest.

Wood or metal, many of these doors are massive structures.

Even the keyholes and door knobs are interesting.

Shapes are varied too.

The above door is fairly simple but the decor above is not and though the two doors are the same, only one is singled out for the decorations.

Who walked through these doors for all the decades they have stood as entryways and exits?

Do you have a favorite?  It's hard for me to choose.

Joining Tuesday Treasures

What's This? (17)

I haven't posted a "What's This?" post in ages.

When I took this photo on the Danube River Cruise, I knew it was perfect for this kind of post.

So "What's This?"

A giant coming up for air?

A burial where the nose didn't get covered?

What do you think?

With the gentleman sitting there beside it I realized the nostrils are big enough to enter.  Wonder what's in there or maybe I don't want to know.

Walking One of the Nearby Lakes

Another advantage of living here at Vantage House is the walking pathways.  There are two lakes I can walk around.  Today I went to Lake Kittamaqundi which is a jewel in the downtown of Columbia, MD.  It's 1.4 miles around it and .8 miles to and from Vantage House.  A good walk.

Here's a view of the lake from the farthest end.  Vantage House is not visible.

Below is the nice pathway maintained by the Columbia Association.  Crews were out on the lake with debris sweepers as I walked this morning.

Next time I should bring a proper camera to capture some of the flora and fauna.

College Park Aviation Museum

One of the wonderful things about living here at Vantage House is the organized field trips.  All I have to do is sign up and show up on time.  The Life Enrichment Coordinator does all the rest.  Tuesday was an organized trip to the College Park Aviation Museum next door to the oldest continuously operating airport in the world.

Arriving by Vantage House bus we were met at the door by two docents - one was in training.  The museum is filled with airplanes.  Since I recently read David McCullogh's "Wright Brothers" this trip was a great follow up to that.

Let me let the displays speak for themselves.

Large posters greet you in the front hall filled with old photos from the Wright Brothers' early days of flight.

 A copy of their glider is above your head.

Orville reincarnated as a robot spoke to us about their invention.

Once you step into the larger space you see it filled with early planes.

This is a Wright Brothers' plane re-creation.  As bicycle builders they used many bicycle elements in their first planes.  To dupe those who attempted to copy their plane they painted all wood to look like metal.

This plane the first helicopter.  It was designed by the inventor of the Victrola phonograph.

Notice the symbol under this Army aircraft's wing.  With the outbreak of war with Japan the symbol was changed since the red circle resembled the Japanese flag.

This is the Ercoup sold at Macy's.  Manufacturer expected everyone would want one.  It was easy to fly.

There were exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian on the importance of mail to US troops in every war.  Another room was set aside for hands on experiences and it was filled with children of all ages.

Afterward we had lunch at the Silver Diner then came home.

Great trip.  I'm looking forward to many more.