Garvan Gardens again

I am a little behind in my blogging but am changing the dates to reflect the actual events. We almost missed the azaleas at Garvan Gardens but still found the place beautiful and serene.

I am usually just on the bridge but decided to explore from below on this day.

Oh, I think I was being watched!

Hot Springs and baseball

I have always been aware of the role that Hot Springs played in the development of baseball and the fact that before Florida this was the place for spring training. Recently the city decided to bring this history to the forefront with new plaques around town. We decided to take a look.

I am amazed that the remains of the concrete bleachers are still evident in the background. From this spot folks watched Babe Ruth hit his home run across the street into the Alligator Farm.

We picked up a brochure at the visitor's center and followed some of the trail around town. This should be of interest to baseball fans and is well done. Each plaque has a phone number to call and a qr code that gives access to information on a smart phone.

Adam' s Day

I was late for the Adam Brown 5k held at Lake Hamilton High School but with my ski injury to my toe there was no need to rush! It was such a treat to be there to honor a true hero who lost his life in Afghanistan. Adam was one of my student council kids and was quite often in the library visiting. His stories then of body surfing on the car or jumping off the bridge into the lake were amazing, but I am sure they paled in comparison to later ones.

Rachel was a fellow student who I suppose put this all together. Our football coach played his guitar and sang while we ate barbq after the run/walk along Adam Brown Road.

It is always a pleasure to visit with Adam's dad.

Many friends and fellow students showed up from near and far for this special day and what a delight to visit with them and meet their families.

The balloon release was a special moment that Adam's son and I seemed to capture on film at the same time.

We never knew what the future held for these teenagers when they were in high school. We only knew that each was special in his or her own way. I would not have imagined that Jeff and Adam, best friends, would one day stand together on the Afghanistan border or that I would only see one of them again.

Tulip Time

Garvan Gardens posted on their facebook page that the daffodils were past peak so we dashed out early this morning to survey the situation. The tulips definitely are not past peak!

I think this might be my absolute favorite time of the year in the gardens but it has gotten so hot so fast that everything is early.

I stopped along the way to reminisce at Pancho Rowe's bench.

The peacocks hang out by the door these days and are certainly not shy.

The blue, yellow and white hyacinths were putting on quite a show and the fragrance in the air was divine.

We comment each time we go how much use we get out of our season passes. Today was a quick 45 minute stroll but well worth the visit.