Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Wordless Wednesday ~ September 28th


Click on image to view it larger

[More about this window in my next posting: part 2 of the East End tour]

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Exploring the East End, Portland, Maine: Part 1 ~ September 25th

Recently my friend Jenifer treated me to a belated birthday present: a visit to the Portland Observatory followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant.




This was my first time visiting the observatory, which is the last remaining signal tower in the U.S. It's located on Munjoy Hill in the East End section of Portland Maine, just a short walk from Jen's house.



Luckily for us, it was a gorgeous day so once we got to the top, we were able to fully appreciate the lovely views of Portland and Casco Bay.


[looking up Congress Street toward the Eastern Promenade]

[looking toward Casco Bay]



[view of Back Bay]

[Jen snapping a photo]



[cruise ship at anchor in Portland]

[Jen at the top]

[me at the top]

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and his talk was an enjoyable way to pick up a little bit of local history.

[Munjoy Hill circa 1829]

The tower was designed by Captain Lemeul Moody.


The observatory, rather than having a basement, is anchored by large boulders on the bottom level. The tower is just over 65 feet high. It was built in 1807.

 [Model of the observatory]

My favorite part of the tower was the graffiti: names and initials that visitors have carved over the years in a particular spot inside the tower.










In my next posting, I'll tell you about some of the shops we visited and the fantastic lunch we had!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Seaside Saturday: Images of the Maine Coast ~ September 17th

Today I'm sharing a few more images from my birthday trip to the Coast last month. (Please click on each photo for a better view.)




In Maine today, it is might chilly -- a mere 45 degrees F at 10:00 a.m. I won't be walking on the beach this weekend, but hopefully I'll be back at my favorite spot very soon.

I am happy to tell you that I just won a giveaway that my good friend Silke had over at her blog, Metamorphosis. She gave away one of her lovely paintings, plus some little crocheted flower brooches that's she's recently started making. I've been admiring her flowers and am so very happy that I'll be able to have one to enjoy! Thank you, Silke! If you'd like to see the full range of these colorful flowers that Silke makes, please visit her Etsy shop.

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, I hope you have a wonderful Saturday!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Tiles for America ~ Sept. 11th







These photos were taken in 2007 at the Tiles for America memorial, located at the corner of Seventh Ave. and 11th St. in New York City. For more info on Tiles for American, go here.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday ~ September 7th

[portion of an advertisement from Life magazine, 1955]