Lilypads at Kew Gardens

Founded in 1840, Kew Gardens in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is the world's larges collection of live plants.  It's also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  It's a massive park and needs many trips to actually see everything there is to see.  I've mentioned before that is a magical place for a camera lens.  We spent a leisurely afternoon there last fall capturing all of the colors and textures. 

The Waterlilly House had to be my favorite place in Kew Gardens.  It's a warm and humid iron and glass building with a large shallow pond as the centerpiece.  I loved the way the iron work reflected on the water, the perfect circles and straight lines of the ironwork were mimicked romantically and softly by the circular lilypads and the stalks of the plants. 

I've said that in everyone of these photo essays from Kew, but these are some of my favorite.

 

We're back from the most amazing week in Egypt.  Probably one of our top three trips.  I can't wait to tell you all about it.  But, first I have some catching up to do with Norway and Nice.  No more trips on the near horizon so I'll have plenty of time for blogging and editing photos.  

Have you been to Kew Gardens with your camera yet?

 

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Green at Kew Gardens (and grandbaby news)

Do you remember this post that I wrote about Jessica and John's beautiful wedding?  All of the emotions.  It's the most special post that I've ever shared on this blog. It was an incredible day.

Today marked another milestone in my sweet baby girl's dreams coming true.  It's a boy!  Jessica and John are going to have a sweet baby boy.  At 14 weeks it is early to know, but they had the Panoramic genetic test done and everything came back perfect. Jess told me a week ago it was a boy.  A momma just knows.

Obviously, I cried when I found out.  Nothing brings tears to my eyes quicker these days then thoughts of my grandbaby.  Knowing the gender just clicks everything into a bit sharper focus.  I can picture him more clearly now.  I can almost smell that intoxicating baby smell.  I can't wait to kiss his feet.  I'm madly in love already. 

Now that I'm pledging into the Nana Gigi Grandma Sorority, I have a whole new insight into the women I know who are grandmas.   Wow.  How do you ever utter a sentence that is not about your grandbaby?  This is going to be a thrill!  I wonder if GrandMummy blogs will be the new thing.  I'll try to refrain, although it will be difficult.  

In other, much less important news, we are packing for another adventure.  I'm packing bright colors and dangly earrings, flip flops and maxi-dresses and even a swimsuit.  Goodbye, London!  We're off to a Red Sea resort in Hurghada, Eygypt.  But, it won't be just lazing about in the sun, although mostly.  We're taking an excursion to Cairo and Luxor.  I'm actually going to see the great pyramids.  Pinch me.

I'm a bit giddy today, I must admit.  So with thoughts of babies and beaches rolling around in my head, I'm going to share a few more photos from our day in the Kew Gardens.  If you have a camera, run don't walk to Kew Gardens.  It's a feast for the lens.  

These are some of my favorite photos from that day, because green is my favorite color.  Although I say that about all the photos I've edited from that day.  Oh, there are more.  

I hope to be instagraming from Egypt if you like to follow along.   And a huge thank you to everyone who's sent such sweet words and thoughts about the new addition to our family.  We're obviously over the moon already.  

What's got you over the moon lately?

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Balmoral Castle, Scotland

I can't believe it's been almost eight months since my dad and brother were here and we took our jam packed road trip.  I thinks it's time to finish up the posts from our trip. My blog schedule is getting backed up.  Luckily I use post it notes in my blogging calendar and they're easy to move forward as needed.  So, lets' talk about one of my favorite stops during the week, Balmoral Castle in Aberdeen, Scotland. 

I sure do miss this guy. 

"All seemed to breathe freedom and peace, and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils".  Those were the words Queen Victoria scribbled in her diary when she first visited sprawling estate. 

So her sweet Valentine Albert purchased it for her in 1848.  It was a private purchase which means this property doesn't belong to the Crown but rather to the Royal family.  It's been a favored residence of the family since then.    

I don't think I would ever want to leave this Highland retreat.  Queen Elizabeth spends several months each year here amongst the deer and grouse.  We strolled the gardens and walked through the ballroom which is the only interior space open to the public. 

Like all castles, it's straight out of a fairytale with incredible views in every direction.  Rolling lawns and majestic trees. 

Even with people milling about it was the most relaxing and quiet place.  Incredibly peaceful.  I can see that it must be such an oasis for a family that is usually in the middle of a whirlwind of activity. 

As majestic as it is, it felt like a home and there was an elegant casualness to the gardens.  I would highly recommend a stop at Balmoral if you are in the area.  Oh, those views.  The colors of Scotland, purple and green.

Happy Valentines Day!  Okay, I didn't get a castle from my love but I did get a new Nikon camera which I'm thrilled about.  I can't wait to see what kind of photos I'll get out of her.  She will soon be featuring prominently on the blog.  Although the D90 will always be my first love. 

 

Where's your favorite castle?

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