Longwood Gardens...An amazing combination of God's handiwork and Man's creativity!

Today I visited the beautiful Longwood Gardens just outside of Chads Ford, Pennsylvania, and close to the Delaware border. These Gardens were the dwelling place of the famous Pierre du Pont...yes, the duPont that is still the industrial mega giant today (still carrying the same company logo from the early 1900's).

This 1600 acre vista was transformed by du Pont into the most beautiful botanical garden and horticultural mecca in the country. It is internationally well-known, and is visited by tourists and dignitaries world-wide. I'm posting some snapshots taken with my relic camera (I must buy a digital camera...it's now a need and not a desire!!!)...the photos turned out better than expected.


Hydrangeas! My most favorite of all garden flowers...I bought myself one for Mother's Day and put it outside....the next day the blossoms were crispy....woe is me; I must take a class! These, however, are superior beauties!

Pansies on the left and orchids on the right; these were observed in the amazing covered conservatory on the grounds of the duPont estate.

Rachel and Angie (left photo) in front of the water gardens








Picture to the right...Angie standing next to one of hundreds of beautiful fuschia bushes. This one was growing from the grounds; several were hanging from the conservatory ceilings.

The conservatory on the left (and some of the hanging fuschias); the water show on the right. Sometimes the water sprays were higher than the stand of trees behind the fountains.

My hosts and hostesses for the day! Left to right, Mindy and Brandon W, Rachel and Michael V.

They are standing just to the right of the tower that chimes every hour, quarter-hour and half-hour.

Standing in front of the Topiary Gardens...amazing artwork!

An additional view of the topiary beauty is pictured below.





It's difficult to see....but that's a dog in the middle...a Scotty Dog!! A close-up is printed below.




Left...a brief stop for "sustenance" in the form of apple-blueberry crisp a la mode!




This was an amazing field trip! We spent over five hours touring the gardens, soaking in some clean air and sunshine, and admiring the colorful array of flora and fauna! More comments about my marvelous vacation on my next post.

It's All in the Family!

I find myself in the midst of extreme motherly pride! I've been on vacation and I'm having a marvelous time reveling in the success of all my children. Today Mr. and Mrs. Michael Vendsel received their Masters of Arts Degree in Religion from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Yesterday the lovable Mike and Rachel also celebrated their third wedding anniversary. Congratulations to these marvelous young adults.

Two days ago, I attended the Spring Recital for the students of Sarah Vendsel, at Caduk Conservatory on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN. I was blessed to meet the grateful parents of many aspiring young musicians...Mothers and Dads were very thankful to have their children under the tutelage of Sarah.

On Mother's Day a week ago, I was blessed to spend the afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. David Norvell (daughter and son-in-law) who were also celebrating 8 weeks of marriage...aren't they spendid in their horse-drawn carriage?

And now, I look forward to the remainder of my escape from routine. I'll be out and about until May 31st. More reports and pictures to come. In the meantime, here are a couple more photos taken yesterday and today while in the beautiful Jenkintown suburb of Philadelphia.


And this last shot is a miscellaneous one....breakfast at The Gaylord Texan the morning after Karen and Dave's wedding. Angie, Dee Dee, Sarah and Nan...left to right, of course!

Mother's Day 2006

I awoke this morning to a sermon by Skip Ryan on the radio. What a glorious way to start a Mother's Day Sunday. He spoke on believing in the resurrection. I still say I've never heard a more gifted speaker in this age.

Then I read my dear cards from Mike, Rachel and Sarah. I cried, laughed, and then cried again! I realize that all mothers must feel amazingly blessed, but I truly believe God has graced me with the most incredible children! I love having adult children...it's so wonderful to reflect back through their growing years...wondering what they would become, how they would face life's struggles, where they would live, who they would marry, what they would do with the gospel, how they would celebrate life's victories and learn through life's disappointments. They've all had their fair measure of each of these scenarios...and they've embraced them with trust, faith, sometimes tears and laughter, but truly with a committed heart and spirit. I love my children. I'm thankful to God for their maturity, their willingness to continue learning from those that have been placed in their circle of friends and acquaintances, for their devotion and love to me. I am truly honored; I am truly blessed....and I'm truly in tears again as I reflect on these amazing young adults!

Dave and Karen come today to take me to lunch. We will laugh together, share stories, eat fun food, and delight in each other's company. Mike, Rachel and Sarah...you will be with us in spirit! And I'll be with you in another week or so!

Thank you, Lord, for the incredible gift of offspring...the most treasured gift aside from your Son, Jesus Christ.