365 project day 7/29

I've seen the catalog for this spice store, but had never been in one until today. Makes a nice gift for someone (which this will be)

365 project day 7/28

Daughter #1 has job here and we've been enjoying the grand opening festivities. Think I'm hooked on this place...

365 project day 7/27

OK - I'll admit I'm cheating. I did not take this photo today, but it is just perfect for a hot summer day, don't you think?

365 project day 7/23

This is the most photographed home in Avon. It has graced many many magazine covers over the years. My friend recently posted a photo of the house on her blog, and I decided to do the same. Thanks Kath!

365 project day 7/22

Dowses Beach, Cape Cod at sunset

365 project day 7/21

Feeling the need to give back. Started doing "Meals on Wheels" in Farmington, Ct. This is the 3rd state I've been a volunteer for this organization. You meet some very interesting folks!

365 project day 7/20

Had to get an early start this morning - the fog was so thick I pulled over. Luckily I had my camera with me and hoped that it could convey how beautiful it looked in real life. The grass behind the fence literally melted into mist.

365 project day 7/19

Grampa and Nana enjoying the grandchildren at the beach.

365 project day 7/18

Fiona is enjoying a summer afternoon in the backyard of Nana and Grampa's house.

365 project day 7/17

A simple shell held in a tiny hand is one of the best things about summer.

365 project day 7/16

Conroy kids playing at Dowses Beach after supper. Some traditions never die.

365 project day 7/15

I love to take photos of kids wherever I go. These two (I imagine them to be sister/brother) are no different than my own three at that age. During a particularly dry commentary from our tour guide in Cesky Krumlov, I was distracted my these two running out of that dark doorway whispering and plotting some adventure for the day!

365 project day 7/14

This message on wooden board is beautiful to see in the middle of Bohemia.

365 project day 7/13

One great view after another is fine, but sometimes you gotta see things from a different perspective!

365 project day 7/12

There were so many cool statues on the top of buildings in Prague. This is one example.

365 project day 7/11

This enormous nest looked fake. I pulled over and about 30 seconds later the bird moved!

Czech Band.mpg

Click here to view this video

this was my life a week ago. I'm still on a high. Great Czech band.

365 project day 7/9

Bud, Jon and Dad. He is doing so well at his new "digs", we couldn't believe how wonderful the staff was and how he is settling in.

Europe Slide Show 2010.mov

Click here to view this video

365 project day 7/8

I bought czech beads in every color. These fun necklaces are in every shop in Prague. A girlie souvenier for me and my relatives.

365 project day 7/7

The desserts of Vienna lived up to all the hype! I had been looking forward to indulging in the famous "sacher torte", but when I saw this spread, I HAD to have the layered hazelnut cookie filled with coffee whipped cream, sprinkled with chocolate shavings!! That and an ice coffee was lunch one day!

365 project day 7/6

Chalk this up to being in the right place at the right time. We were just walking around the grounds of the Hofburg Palace waiting to get into Mass to see the Vienna Boys Choir and out of a car popped these little singers all ready in their classic sailor outfits for their performance. We had seats located above the front of the church and looked down on the alter, with a small view to the left of the Choir and the boys.

365 project day 7/5

We drove from Vienna, Austria into the Czech Republic bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Its main attraction is the Gothic Castle that looms over the whole town. It is the most culture shock I've ever had in my life. These eastern european people are a serious group and we found few that spoke any english at all. The scenery was breathtaking and effects from WWII were still evident in some of the original buildings. The remainder of this cobble stoned hilly town has been restored in a colorful hues. We got lost in the alleys and winding lanes of this medieval town.

365 project day 7/4

The Hundertwasser House is one cool building. Mike turned us on to Hundertwasser during his trip to Vienna 3 years ago. After walking for what seems like forever, we found the house and enjoyed some relaxing moments taking in all the funkiness of this "green" architect. His philosophy was to utilize round shapes, plant material and the environment in our building structures. His dream did not take off with the general public, but this talented artist is very interesting to see.

365 project day 7/3

Our 3 hour tour of the Jewish Quarter section of Prague was one of the highlights of my trip. Our guide was a 23 year old grad student studying Jewish Culture. We visited the Old-New Synagogue, the Maisel, Spanish, and Pinkas Synagogues. The Pinkas holds the names and dates of all 80,000 jews who were victims of the Holocaust. The most heartbreaking room was the "children's drawing" room - concentration camp children drew pictures of their fears, hopes, dreams and feelings of their futures. This photo is the Jewish cemetary, where Franz Katfa, famous writer, is burried. The bodies are burried 10-12 layers deep due to the fact that the Jews were not given enough land to bury their dead.

365 project day 7/2

This dripstone wall creates stalactites in many strange shapes, including these grotesque faces. The wall is in the beautiful Wallenstein Garden. Koi ponds, white and blue peacocks and manicured hedges and paths are a relaxing stop right in the heart of the castle district. Bud ran from our apartment in and around this park daily. One day he came face to face with a blue peacock early one morning. They are beautiful birds, but they produce a blood-curdling scream vocally.

365 project day 7/1

This photo of the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn was our view from our apartment window in Old Town, Prague. Old Town is the hub of the city and was where everyone congregated to watch the World Cup Soccer games.