Exploring the Lake!

After a good night's sleep we awoke to another beautiful day! 

While the hubby was in meetings, I met the spouses and we headed out on the Miss Dixie 2 for a cruise on the lake

The lake was calm and it was fun watching the boats and jet skis zipping around

I was amazed at the cobalt blue water and beautiful views.

We even had an osprey nest sighting...

With the Mama nearby!

It was the perfect way to spend a beautiful morning!

Around Town in a Daze

 We had 2 full days(and two half days) in Tahoe. The first day I spent mostly in a jet lagged daze. We had arrived in the area late the previous evening, and were trying to get back to California time(we were three hours earlier than Ohio time). I spent the day wandering around the tourist area of Heavenly.

  Instead of transporting hikers, the gondolas transported hikers and sightseers up and down the mountain.
Primarily a ski resort, I was surprised on how crowded it was during the summer!

I didn't get a chance to explore the trails, but a couple of Ed's coworkers who run in the morning attested to the beauty of Lake Tahoe's nature. They even saw a Mama bear and her 2 cubs!

 

 I saw these carvings all over the village.

 Wooden carvings have always been a favorite of mine and these were no exception!

  

 Plus, they looked so beautiful against the blue sky!

 Speaking of blue, stay tuned tomorrow for a look at the lake itself!

151/365 Hotel Snaps

For the past 6 summers we have been blessed to be invited to some wonderful locations by Ed's workplace for their annual retreat. This year was no different and we visited Lake Tahoe(on the North Shore). We spent three days at the Marriott Grand Residences.

Although we didn't spend much time in the room, it was spacious and had a full kitchen and dining area.  The service was friendly, and we were greeted by this cute little towel animal!

The weather was gorgeous and, if I had another couple of days, I may have found the time to relax by the pool and enjoy the wonderful views.

But I had other places to explore!

150/365 Lake Tahoe

After Ohio, and before heading home, we had a brief 3 day stop over in Lake Tahoe for Ed's annual work retreat. Stay tuned for some Tahoe fun over the next few posts...

Fluttering Fun

 I thought I would wrap up our visit to Stan Hywet Gardens with a trip to the Butterfly House!

 When we were visiting, we saw mostly Monarch Butterflies in all stages of development.

 From caterpillar

Who were much fun to watch as they went on their leave tasting trips....

...and then spinning their cacoon...

...and encasing themselves in their chrysalis

I love the splashes of yellow!

 ...and then emerging into butterflies!!

 ...or moths ;-)

Aren't their markings beautiful!!

Hans Christian Anderson said it best, didn't he??

 

 I could have stayed here for hours!!

Thanks for joining me the past few days on my tour of Stan Hywet Gardens! 

 If you are ever in the Akron/Cleveland Area, make sure to take a morning or afternoon and spend sometime smelling the flowers!

149/365 Hanging Around

 I'm glad we saw this garden protector during the day...

He looks more like a scarecrow from a horror film than the friendly Ray Bolger type in the Wizard of Oz!

Tomorrow I'll be wrapping up the Stan Hywet Gardens series with a crossover Flower Friday...with Rosy handling the flowers and My Looking Glass looking at a special fluttering part of the Gardens!

148/365 Hiding in the Shadows

Saw this little lily hiding in the shadows when we made our way back to the main gardens after lunch

147/365 - Back After Lunch

 We originally stopped by Stan Hywet Gardens as a "time filler". We had an hour to pass the time before meeting an old friend for lunch.

 We had passed a sign on the freeway for the gardens and decided to drive over and take a walk around the grounds.  We had no idea we would find so much beauty to appreciate.

 I took these pictures as we rushed back to the car to head to lunch.

But don't worry, I'm not done with the garden pictures yet. We liked it so much we came back after lunch!

146/365 Garden Buzz

 Just a collection of bees...

 Buzzing around

 ...and collecting pollen

 ...to redistribute...

...at Stan Hywet Gardens

145/365-A Closer Look

 Welcome to the English Garden at Stan Hywet Gardens currently maintained by the Akron Garden Club

With its beautiful secluded courtyard feel, one can't help but soak in the serenity...

The Garden of the Water Goddess. as this statue is named, sits watching over the serene reflecting pool.

144/3655- Into the Garden

We spent our last day in Ohio roaming around 

Stan Hywat Hall and Gardens

 (where Grace was banished by her parents)

Final Friday Fiction - A Letter Home

 My Dearest Sister,

I have arrived at the estate and it is everything you said it was. The stately brick castle with its towering chimneys is almost regal. I have strolled through the flowers with the humming bees as my only companions. Although banished here by Mother and Father, the beautiful grounds are a perfect distraction from the sorrow I feel in missing my beloved Charles. I feel as if my heart is breaking, but you said, and I reluctantly agree, if this love was meant to be it will be.

I had the romantic notion that, even at the young age of 14, Mother and Father would be thrilled I had found love. Little did I know, instead of acceptance, they would be inclined to send me to Aunt Belle's beautiful estate in Ohio for the summer.

 

They say we are too young for such a serious relationship, and perhaps a summer away will put a damper on our love.

Although now I do what pleases our parents,  I know in my heart Charles and I will find each other again when the cool winds of Autumn arrive.  

For now,  I will explore Aunt Belle's estate and accept her hospitality. She is such a cheerful soul and it is hard not to smile when she is around.

I look forward to the day when I return to our home and see you and my beloved again.

Your Loving Sister,

Grace

Approx 242 words

From Page 87 of Robert Heinlein's 

Stranger in a Strange Land

8)But you said

12) romantic notions

16)now I do what pleases