Seen around town this weekend. The clan all got together for the Fire and Ice tour in the downtown this weekend.., our lesbian branch from Rehoboth Beach came for the event even. Cards on the table, while we did see some of the ice sculptures placed all around town, it was more an excuse to get together for some fun times, have a few cock-a-tails and pub hop and enjoy some good food. Granted, I didn't arise before 1pm today. That's beside the point. A good time had by all. And the above is one of the shop windows of the Dame's Flower Shop. It was pure coincidence the ice sculpture mimicked the windows. Some of the sights... I liked the homes and street art more...
In the mall where our Bloomingdales is located, I very seldom venture into the mall. I have never been much of a mall shopper, opting for in town shopping. Very few stores in the malls I shop except for maybe 3 or 4 clothiers I frequent. The only time I go into the mall is for my second morning coffee and then head back to work to my shop in the store. I did however venture out when we got quite before Christmas to go and sit and watch the carousel our mall has indoors. The carousel has been refurbished from the old amusements park that used to sit on the grounds of the mall today. Pretty neat, and it's nice to see the magic the carousel still holds for the kiddies. It was always fun trying to get to ride your favorite animal, if it wasn't all horses....
The giraffe was always my favorite if it wasn't all horses.
But on Friday MM #1 FAN came for the weekend, and we went to Elmwood Zoo for a few hours where I fulfilled a Christmas wish...I fed a giraffe!!!!!
I already want to go back for a up close and personal tour with the giraffe's. And note...they slobber... a lot. but not as much as some men I've been with.
I was going to post this sooner today, but got caught it in a fabulous performance of the Philadelphia Orchestra's Sounds of Christmas concert with guest conductor Bramwell Tovey. It was a great listen and a hat tip to Cello Josh for alerting me to listen in! Bravo!
I had the opportunity about a week ago to go visit the exquisite Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square on a day off. Longwood Gardens has a rich and varied history. For thousands of years, the native Lenni Lenape tribe fished its streams, hunted its forests, and planted its fields. In 1700, Quaker farmer, George Peirce, purchased 400-acres of the English-claimed land and began developing the property. His decedents eventually created an arboretum of some of the finest trees in the nation. Unfortunately, as years passed, heirs lost interest and the land suffered decades of neglect until 1906, when it was obtained by Pierre du Pont - entrepreneur, businessman, philanthropist and member of the prominent du Pont family. Pierre and his wife's passion and vision created the groundwork for what is now Longwood Gardens - home to many spectacular botanical collections spread across 1,083-acres. One of the volunteers who was pottering in the gardens, told me it is all wonderfully maintained by a staff of 1,300 employees, students and volunteers. We have Pierre du Pont and his love of arbor and being a naturist to treasure this gem today. At Christmas it is truly magical.
The conservatory or Orangery is the most iconic of spaces at Longwood. The stately greenhouse garden features an ever-changing display of flowers and foliage that exude color and fragrance.Built between 1919 and 1921, the Orangery was originally filled with citrus fruit trees. The citrus was eventually phased out and flowering plants surrounding manicured lawns became the focal point, a design approach used to this day. The DuPont's also had their ballroom located here.
This beautiful tree is made of green stained glass pieces all hand hung individually to create this tree look. Truly amazing.
Grapefruits in bloom
This is from the bonsai room. This art form always amazes me. This one was started in 1905.
The ballroom tree.
My first visit to the reading room, which isn't always open. Truly stunning.
A wreath made entirely of book pages
This tree was creative. made and shaped of stacked books!
I have no idea how they did this? But how cool is that?
The beautiful floating trees over the pond.
A orchid tree in the orchid room.
Caught the train on the way over to the DuPont house. Not literality though.
Built in 1730 by Joshua Peirce, the Peirce-du Pont House is the oldest structure at Longwood. The core of the original brick house is an outstanding example of Federal-style architecture. It was the homestead of the Peirce family until 1905 and borders Peirce’s Park, the arboretum founded in 1798 by Joshua and Samuel Peirce.Pierre S. du Pont purchased the house in 1906 and personally directed its renovation. He eventually doubled its size in 1914, adding the conservatory that became Longwood’s first ‘winter garden.’ A must see while there. At Christmas, I love the huge tree and all the bottle brushes.
But at night...…
If you plan to go if your local, or for out of towners, I recommend planning a whole day there, and also go online and get tickets ahead of time, you will be able to get right in. They also have great eateries with excellent food, and even offer wine and beers. It was by far my favorite things I did for myself this season. In closing here's a recording from the victrola in the DuPont house. I loved it's sound.
