FALL 2024

In early November I was in Philadelphia for my aunt’s 100th birthday. While we were there, my cousins and I explored Longwood Gardens which has over 1100 acres of gardens and walking paths.

Hundreds of people must be involved in caring for the property, they are the most spectacular gardens I’ve ever seen. I have no idea what the difference is between a tulip and an orchid but for anyone who enjoys taking pictures, this is what you would call a target rich environment. Seeing so much life bursting with color was very uplifting.

Pierre DuPont (Dupont Chemical Company) was an expert gardener and oversaw much of the early construction of the gardens. When he died in 1954, his will included a trust to preserve the gardens and opening the grounds to the public.

Parts of the indoor gardens feel like a tropical paradise, others feel like you’re in a desert. Keeping track of all the different climates must be an imposing task.

Statues and fountains are everywhere.

It was fun to see the kids exploring the gardens. I particularly enjoyed this young girl cleaning the gargoyle’s teeth.

After our visit to Longwood Gardens, we decided to take a walk around a local park. It always amazes me the things that people feel a need to have warning signs about, like the danger of being killed by a rogue frisbee on a disc gold course.

Or a no swimming sign with a 100-year-old life preserver.

Our neighbors a few doors down put on quite a Halloween show with dozens of zombies, ghoulish sounds, and smoke in the air.

Our display was nowhere near as impressive.

Barb has joined a senior walk/bird watching group. These are some pictures from Cool Creek Nature Preserve.

This is my aunt surrounded by her kids and assorted nieces, nephews, and spouses. We decided we’d get together for a celebration any time a family member reaches 100.

As we often do, we’ll close with some words of wisdom from our travels.

Hope all is well with everyone!