1/13/13

Baltimore


This morning we drove through the fog up to Baltimore and finally visited Fort McHenry, site of the infamous battle in 1814 that Francis Scott Key observed from the Patapsco River as a captive aboard a British ship, inspiring him to write The Star-Spangled Banner.

As you approach the fort and visitor center, a large statue of Orpheus gazes across the land.


Despite our close proximity to downtown Baltimore, the fog was so thick that you could barely see the water from the fort walls.  The sea salt in the cold air was refreshing, however, and since it was early in the morning we saw few visitors other than ourselves.





After a satisfying lunch at Broadway Diner, we drove to Druid Hill Park and visited the small conservatory and botanical gardens.



 





1/1/13

New Year, New Adventure

What better way to start 2013 than by planning our next trip? 
The west coast Spring Break Vacation is booked! 

12/15/12

Holidays at the White House (Part 2)

I usually re-size my pictures pretty small for posting, but this time, for your viewing pleasure, I only brought them down to 33% instead of the usual 20-25%.

I towed the SLR camera along today, and since I had fresh batteries I spent a good long hour snapping over 200 pictures as I made my way through the building.  Enough narrative:

Let's get straight to the pictures!

 I like the one with the wreath because you can see the National Monument in the middle.  More of the Visitor's Foyer.

 Detail of the beautiful globe-like ornaments, meant to create a child's wonderland.
 
 Center Hall

 Library

Vermeil Room

 China Room

Let's go upstairs!



The East Hall and its sumptuous decoration 

 
 The Green Room's trees had ornaments that were miniature terrariums with real plants!



The only piece of Blue Room furniture that was not removed for the great big tree.
It's back was rounded to fit the oval shape of the room. 

The ceiling isn't really crazy-slanted like that, it's just an effect of the camera lens

This ornate table in the Red Room is inlaid with marble




 
State Dining Room and gingerbread/white chocolate White House

 Cross Hall details

 First Lady tribute tree details

 
Kids singing carols in the Entrance Hall

 Ho ho ho!  That's all, folks!