Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Tuesday Treasures #23 - Architectural Flourishes

More photos from the European Vacation in June.

Don't you just love the old architecture?  There's a touch of whimsey in the figures and flourishes incorporated into these old buildings.  Am I the only one to take photographs of them or do you do it too when you travel?

Enjoy these!
























Wednesday, August 24, 2016

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.


Friday, August 19, 2016

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.


Thursday, August 18, 2016

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.