Arboretum joys

I have limited stamina for walking about. But I do keep on going as best I can.

Our trip to the Arboretum last week started with a few "oh No's" which then changed to "I think I can's" and then a few "Thank the Goddess's"  An event was being held in the lower parking area...lot of tents and we learned there was a plant sale. But we had wanted to park there, being the closest to the gardens.

We looked briefly at the auxiliary parking lot, much further away. We even drove through it and came back out hoping we could find something better...we even said if we could find a handicapped spot we'd be willing to pay the fine (well I was willing to pay half of it!) My friend also offered to drop me off and then come back and park.

But we continued to drive around to look at the lot closest to the gardens which was not being used for the plant sale. There were the empty handicap spots. And then just two spaces down, there was an empty slot. We were ecstatic!  My friend mentioned how she knew someone who could always find parking places. I said I was so very thankful we had been able to do so!

We liked how these plants started with green leaves and stems, then switched to this purple farther up when blooming!

We had missed the indoor display on Frederick Law Olmstead...so were glad to read this little sketch of his landscape designs. He designed our local Biltmore estate gardens as well as Central Park in NY.

There were just 3 plants in the quilt garden. They were not very bright in their blooms, which we attributed to the heavy rains all the day before our visit.

The quilt garden from the look out.

Looking back up to the lookout above the quilt garden.

The roses had really been tattered by the rain. I found a bud that was pretty though.

Scratching my head about this one...now why did I take this?

Today's quotes - more from Albert Einstein!

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

“We are souls dressed up in sacred biochemical garments and our bodies are the instruments through which our souls play their music.”

Some outdoor enjoyment

 

Suzanne and I had our quiches outdoors in a sunny spot a few weeks ago.

The Four Sisters Bakery is located behind a popular B&B...and was doing a brisk business on a warm October morning.  Unfortunately my diet usually precludes baked goods that have high fat content...but I did need sustenance!

While waiting in line to early vote, I spied this pretty tree. The bank who owns that property has signs that nobody but bank customers may park there. Those who wanted to vote at the next door library were walking blocks from where they could find parking. And this bank currently has no walk-in customers, just the drive-through window. Thus they won't allow voters to park in an empty lot, on threat of being towed. A small gesture to dissuade voters. It didn't work, as we had more early voting than ever before. Incidentally, the long white buildings across the street belong to a funeral home, which also wouldn't allow parking by voters in their lot.

On a recent walk around the neighborhood.

My friendly violets greet me each morning!

A Facebook post of a waterfall and the fall colors.