Winterhur

The drawing room with hand painted wallpaper from China

The Solarium

Hand painted wallpaper in an alcove

Only a glimpse at all the azaleas in bloom

Yesterday I visited the Dupont estate Winterhur at the beautiful peak of the azaleas  in bloom. I had no idea how fabulous the whole estate is. I took a tour of the mansion with its world renowned collection of American decorative arts. A tour bus takes you around the grounds with plantings from all over the world. I must go back. It is one of those places that cannot be taken in in one visit. There is an outdoor "fairy" garden for children, a museum and library - all of which I would like to see.

This next photo was taken right here in Haddonfield. Japanese maples are very photogenic. Here is one backlit in the afternoon sun.

Exercise!

Rory was two April 16

I am starting to notice a small increase in flexibility and energy since participating in my twice a week exercise class.  Yeah for me!  Now lets see if the advent of Spring and exercise will make me a more energetic retiree.

Here is a pix of Rory taken last week. Spending time with her at the playground is a joyful way to celebrate Spring.

Like Father!

My granddaughter at 22 months has climbed out of her crib. Her worried mother is trying to find a solution.
I am not one bit surprised. Last month I took Rory to a children's museum and she spent every moment running or climbing. Every photo I took looked like this one:

Energy In Motion

This is proof positive of a major hereditary occurrence  of her father's genes. Well do I remember his toddler adventures which kept me on edge and frantic as soon as he could walk.

Finally!

I finally finished my first sweater. I learned a lot and am actually enjoying the work on the new sweater I am knitting.  I am only posting this beginners first effort to show my knitting friend in California that I am on my way.

and here is Rory 

Chasing the sun

My plans for the beach are set and the NJ winter can continue because I have am escaping to the sugar white sands of the Florida Panhandle. Too bad it is weeks away but I have to finish the U Penn course I am taking.  The Penn program for Mindfulness is an examination of our emotional life with an exploration of stress management through meditation, yoga, and examining our inner resources.
Another trip to California, long talked about with my friend Carol, would also brighten the horizon.

I said I wouldn't do snow photos but anyway just to show how the mind thinks about the beach and California -------

well you see how it is!

I say balmy!

I'm not taking any photos of the snow because I am tired of it. Besides, I keep telling myself  what we have here in New Jersey is a pittance compared to other parts of the country. I just added a new blog I am following from a wonderful artist, knitter, farmer, from Massachusetts, Kristen Nichols'. Getting Stitched on the Farm.  Thanks to my friend and fellow blogger Carol for posting the great photos and info on her blog and all that yarn 
     When I look of Kristen's winter photos I know that New Jersey is practically balmy.

Welcome 2011

Snowbound today and sending a big thank you to Steve Jobs and the folks at Apple for my BFF my IPad.
I know there was a headline that said 2010 was the year we stopped talking but I am stuck at home and very content reading a book by David Rakoff, Half Empty.  I heard him on public radio last night and with snow predicted  I downloaded from my Amazon app.

When I finish this I want to buy his previous book with this engaging title

Don't Get Too Comfortable: The Indignities of Coach Class, The Torments of Low Thread Count, The Never- Ending Quest for Artisanal Olive Oil, and Other First World Problems.

Messed UP Email

Somehow - and it may be because I have too many internet devices to play with - I messed up my email and my access to my blog.   Whenever I have a computer melt down I make an appointment at the Apple store and they fix it like it is the most basic computer glitch that even a child could avoid.   The store has been closed to recover from the Christmas rush  so my appointment is for tomorrow.

My Sister's Tree

Eureka! I fixed the email glitch myself while sitting around during Rory's nap. Now I can post something new. How about a Christmas photo?

I am posting my sister's tree. Mine was a two foot little thing that the cat and Rory pretty much demolished. I only used the unbreakable ornaments.

Waiting for the cable guy

Yes: They can keep us at home for hours on end. He did show up and fixed the snow on the screen by replacing THE BLACK BOX. I left for the local coffee shop while it was still daylight.  While waiting and computer occupied I found a new blog to add - The Lunatics Asylum. I am not surprised I was drawn to it while waiting -  actually it has been six days since I called and the first time my guy could be scheduled was today. The author of the Lunatic Asylum is stuck at home taking care of his mother - and she is a piece of work.  He is a minefield of black humor - I think he is funny. Tomorrow is the shortest day of the year - not a good time to be without cable or computers.

December Brr!

It is bundle up to walk the dog weather. Thankfully the snow I see on TV is far away. New Jersey may not be basking in mild weather but I have a fireplace and no excuse not to knit. I have found a good group of knitters who meet every Tuesday evening at a local coffee shop and that has been fun. My new friend Linda, a retired teacher has been knitting since she was a Brownie - and has graciously taken on the task of being my personal knitting trainer.

Will have to take a pix of my two foot tall Christmas tree to liven up this blog.  Christmas last year I was in Mexico and i do miss that warm weather. The photo at the top of the blog page is one I took on that trip.