Missouri Botanical Garden

 This landmark structure is known as The Climatron, and is often thought of as the iconic symbol of the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri.  It is described as the first geodesic dome to be used as a conservatory, incorporating the principles of R. Buckminister Fuller, inventor of the geodesic system.   The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw, and is the oldest botanical garden in continuous operation in the United States.   It is one of the few gardens to achieve National Historic Landmark status.  Besides being a stunning greenspace in the city of St. Louis, the Garden is also a  place of research, conservation, and learning. 

 Likewise, the Japanese Garden secton of the Missouri Botanical Garden has a special place in the hearts of many, because it has been the setting of so many memorable weddings and family celebrations.

 The lake in the Japanese Garden is surrounded by various landscaping attributes that make it pleasing to the eye, as well as serene to the inner soul.

 The Great Garden Adventures brochure that is free in the Visitor Center, lists fitness facts about walking, a map of the walking paths within the garden, and the estimated time it takes to complete each path.  Although I usually prefer to explore by walking, the temperature was a record-setting 105 degrees on the day of my visit, so I opted for the  narrated Tram Tour that takes you to the "back forty" of the Garden, and has various stops where one can get off and reboard the next tram.  It was well worth the four bucks it cost me! ( It is notable that wheelchair-friendly tours are available that are free with admission.)

 One of the tram stops is the Tower Grove House, which was the home of Henry Shaw in the 1800's.  Since it is not open every day, I was thrilled to see that it was open and available for touring (at no additional cost) on the day of my visit.  Plus, it was air conditioned!  There were docents inside that gave background on the home, its former occupants, and its furnishings.

 Adjacent to the Tower Grove House is this historic building, which used to be the museum on the property.  Its current use is for housing the restrooms in the basement, that are available to garden visitors.  The tram narrator indicated plans call for renovation of the structure, so that it could be rented out for special events.

 This beautiful Victorian Garden is located next to the Tower Grove House.  It is especially enjoyable to view from the second story of the home, because its colorful symmetry is more readily apparent from a higher elevation.

 Another tram stop is the Center for Home Gardening.  It was busy with activity on the day of my visit, not only because it was air conditioned, but also because there were groups of young people there, who were participating in some of the regularly scheduled youth activities the Garden offers.  You can log on to their website, http://www.mobot.org/ , to see a complete listing.  I was surprised that some of the opportunities included overnights at the Garden, and the opportunity to actually climb into the tree tops of some of the ancient trees there!

 Other aspects of the Center for Home Gardening that I thought were well done, were the living examples (along with plant identification labels/explanations) that showed which types of indoor plants do best in which type of window---north, south, east, or west.  In addition, there were  volunteer Master Gardeners on site to answer questions.  Computers were also available to visitors to look up references on the Internet.

 There are multiple dining opportunities at Missouri Botanical Garden.  I tried out the Sassafras Cafe (photo on the left), and had a delicious Cobb Salad there.  The photo on the right side shows the Terrace Cafe that is located in the Center for Home Gardening.  Another restaurant offers Sunday brunches. 

 This collage shows just a few of the hundreds of items available in the Garden Gate Shop, located in the Visitor Center.  They stock plants (including a gorgeous collection of orchids!), seeds, fine gifts and clothing, collectibles, and garden accessories.  All proceeds benefit the Garden.  One can visit the Garden Gate Shop at any time during Visitor Center hours, even without a paid admission to the actual garden.  The same is true for the Sassafras Cafe. 

 There are special "Signature Events" that attract thousands of visitors to the Garden.  The first time I visited there was a few years back, when there was a special exhibit called "Chihuly in the Garden".  Some of the works of the famous American glass artist, Dale Chihuly, have become permanent installations.  The yellow "sunburst" hand-blown glass spires are outside on a garden archway, and the incredible blue chandelier is in the entry way of the Visitor Center. 

 The reason for my visit to the Garden last week was the Lantern Festival, which will be going on through August 19.  This amazing dragon "lantern" is the first installation you see, when you drive into the parking lot of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

 One of my favorite lantern scenes was the one called "Lotus Flower" near the entrance.  When I looked up information on Wikipedia about Lantern Festivals, I learned that there are many different beliefs about the origins of the Lantern Festival.  However, all of the theories had to do with celebrating positive relationships, both with one's fellow man, and with their "Higher Power".  For me, as a Christian, I was reminded of the Bible verse in John 8:12 which states  " Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, 'I am the light of the world.  If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light...' "

 Since the mission of the Missouri Botanical Garden is a commitment to sustainability and conservation, the lantern is this photo shows what can be done by recycling plastic water bottles.  The structure consists of thousands of empty water bottles, lined up in such a way as to represent the traditional Chinese ship design.

 This lantern was located in the Central Axis of the Lantern Festival, and showed off its beauty above the water, as well as in its reflection ON the water.

 The Central Axis was also the location of the Porcelain Dragons.  Periodically throughout the evening, the two dragons would engage in a "battle" where they sprayed "smoke" at each other, and moved their heads from side to side.

 Spraying smoke, and motion, would not be so unusual, except for the fact that the massive dragons were make from real porcelain (what we call "china"!).  Through an amazing network of wires and twine, porcelain plates, saucers, cups, and soup spoons had been strung together to create this remarkable sculpture!

 There were various Chinese-themed entertainment options available, in addition to viewing the lanterns.  One that I had never witnessed before was called "Sand Painting".  This was held in the Visitor Center's theater, where spectators were able to see on the large projection screen, the work that the Chinese artist was creating (using only his hands and sand) on the specially-designed electronic device, shown in the lower left of this collage.  The scenes that the sand artist created represented landmark images of places around the world where this particular type of Lantern Festival has been held.  According to the press releases, the one in St. Louis represents the first time such a Lantern Festival has been held in the United States. 

 There was SO MUCH to see and do at the Missouri Botanical Garden that my visit lasted longer than one day.  So therefore, I would like to tell you about a TERRIFIC place to spend the night in the area.  I stayed at the Crown Plaza in nearby Clayton, Missouri, (http://www.cpclayton.com/ ) where the amenities/accommodations were fantastic!  An overnight stay will give you an opportunity to see the myriad of attractions this metropolis offers, and you can start planning your next visit by logging on to http://www.explorestlouis.com/.  St. Louis boasts more free visitor attractions than any other city of its size in the United States!  So don't let a sluggish economy keep you from traveling!  Get out there and enjoy MILES OF SMILES!  Tricia

Expedition (aka Pilgrimage) to America's First Cathedral

( When doing the research to publish this blog post, I learned that the more accurate definition for a journey to a place of spiritual significance is called a "pilgrimage", rather than an expedition.  So perhaps, I should start another blog entitled "Pilgrimages by Patricia", but for the time being, I am sticking with the current title that uses the expedition word!) This photo shows the front of the Baltimore Basilica, also known as America's First Cathedral.  The Baltimore Basilica is also ranked #2 out of the top eight National Shrines of the United States Catholic Church.  In addition, it holds the rank of Minor Basilica, a Marian Shrine, and a National Historic Landmark.

 The Basilica is the design of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who was America's first professionally trained architect.  He was also the architect Thomas Jefferson used to design the U.S. Capitol.  The construction was done under the direction of America's first Catholic Bishop, John Carroll.

 The front has a classical Greek portico with ionic columns.  The tops of the columns are covered in spikes to keep birds from nesting there.

 However, there are no spikes on the portico, and this visitor had taken refuge under it, to get out of the rain that was falling on the morning of my visit. 

 The Basicilica is located in the Mt. Vernon district of Baltimore, which might be considered a cultural "mecca" in downtown Baltimore because of the numerous museums, public library, and statuary found there.  To learn more about the Mt. Vernon district, as well as the many other neighborhoods of Baltimore, log on to http://www.baltimore.org/  for detailed information. 

 Visitors to the church may take a guided tour with a docent, or a self-guided walking tour.  Of course, when Mass is being held, or other events such as weddings, baptisms, etc., visitation is restricted.  You can check their website at http://www.baltimorebasilica.org/ to get details of hours of operation, location, and parking.

 I was told the red and yellow structure is called the "Papal Umbrella" .   ( In fact, Pope John Paul II visited the Baltimore Basilica twice.  The pontiff, who came to Baltimore in 1995 to complete his formal visitation of a pope to a basilica, had also been there in 1976.  At that time, he was known as Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, and he came with 17 other Polish bishops. )  The Papal Umbrella originated in Italy for the simple purpose of providing shade for the Pope, when he was outside.  These days it is more a symbol of ecclesiastical heraldry, and is the insigne of a basilica, usually displayed to the right of the main altar. 

 In my research, I learned that a shrine is a sacred place devoted to a specific saint, martyr, or ancestor, at which they are venerated.  A shrine at which votive candle offerings are made is called an altar. 

 The beauty of the interior is most conducive to a spiritual experience where one can meditate in silence or join with others in worshipping God.

 When the beautiful pipe organ shown in this photo is playing, it is probably an audio example of the verse in the Bible that says "Come, let's shout praises to GOD, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!  Let's march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!"  (Psalm 95:1, The Message)

 Another famous person that visited this Basilica was Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  Her visit was in 1996, and this photo depicts a remembrance of her.

 Outside the basilica is a gift shop, that stocks a myriad of faith-based gift items and inspirational writings.  Some of these are described on their website, and can be ordered without actually making a visit to the basilica gift shop in person. 

 Adjacent to the Baltimore Basilica, is the Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden that opened in 2008. 

 This is one of the simplest, yet most meaningful, garden gates I have ever photographed.

 The centerpiece of the garden is a statue of the Holy Father with two children, that was based on a photo taken during his 1995 Papal visit to Baltimore. 

 The garden provides pilgrims and visitors with an outdoor spiritual retreat within the city, while paying homage to Pope John Paul II, who has been described as one of the 20th century's true visionaries. 

 The large wall mural of flowers is poignant with meaning as they represent the flowers associated with Mary.    The rose (on the right) symbolizes the Virgin herself (early Rosary beads were made from compressed rose petals).  Next to the rose, the marigold was called "Mary's Gold",  by early Christians who placed the flowers around statues of Mary, because they had no coins to leave as offerings.  Next to the marigold is the lily, which is a symbol of the annunciation, and Mary's purity.  Above the large lily, is the flower "lily of the valley", which is also called "Our lady's tears" (it was said to have grown where Mary wept).

 The iron fence that surrounds the prayer garden, is described as a modern interpretation of the one that surrounds the basilica.  I especially liked the design of the cross in it.  I read that an overhead view of the garden reveals that it is in the shape of a fish, reflecting the image often associated with Jesus throughout the Bible.

 The banner near the front of the basilica was proclaiming the "Fortnight for Freedom", currently in progress.  One aspect of that celebration calls for Christian churches across America (not just those that are Catholic) to ring their bells at high noon on the Fourth of July.  The purpose of this is an audible reminder to all within earshot of the important role that the churches of the United States of America have played in securing and maintaining the many freedoms that we as Americans enjoy.  So Americans----ring your bells at noon on Wednesday, July 4, and as Martin Luther King, Jr.,  proclaimed "Thank God Almighty" for our freedom!!  Thank God for the freedom you have to travel, and experience miles of smiles across the U.S.A.!   Tricia

Bicentennial Expeditions !

To plan your expedition to one of the hundreds of events scheduled over the next three years, go to http://www.ourflagwasstillthere.org/   .  That is the official website of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration for the U.S. Navy and its partners.  This site provides a wide range of information about the bicentennial of the war, including up-to-date information about the Navy's Bicentennial events from 2012 to 2015, plus historical and educational resources and links to important sites.  In addition you can check out their page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Navy1812 and/or Twitter handle:  http://twitter.com/#!/Navy1812    (note to self:  The book of Proverbs is the "Twitter" of Biblical times---terse and to the point!)  When your ship is loaded with all the information on these websites, you will be ready to "set sail" for expeditions around the country!  BON VOYAGE and MILES OF SMILES!  Tricia 

A VERY ADMIRABLE EXPEDITION!

t To commemorate the War of 1812, the United Kingdom's First Sea Lord/Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope (on the right) and the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert (on the left)  hosted a media event and reception onboard the United Kingdom's Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus, this past week in the Baltimore, Maryland, Harbor.

 During the event, Stanhope and Greenert spoke on lessons learned during the War of 1812, and the changes seen within the countries' navies over the past 200 years. 

 As a preliminary to the "Enemies to Allies" ceremony held later in the week at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, the two admirables chatted "admirably" as media personnel filmed this historic occasion!  It is as if they were demonstrating what the Bible says in Matthew 5:24 when it says "First go and be reconciled to your brother...."

 The two navies that these men now lead, fought on the Chesapeake Bay at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.  It was that battle that inspired the national anthem. 

 In this photo, Admiral Greenert is shown pointing toward Fort McHenry (site of the original "Star Spangled Banner"), which could be seen a short distance from where the Argus was moored.  Go to http://www.starspangled200.com/  or http://www.baltimore.org/ to learn about all the Baltimore-area activities planned to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner Anthem in 2014. 

 Admiral Greenert is quoted as saying the War of 1812 "really signified our rebirth as a Navy and a nation."  The message in the press release from the U.S. Navy was, that studying the history of the War of 1812 will help us come away with a greater appreciation of how the U.S. Navy has been keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.  You can keep up with our Admiral on Facebook under the title "Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert" .

 Admiral Stanhope quipped that one of the major differences he can see between this historic meeting of the two navies, versus the one that occurred in the war of 1812, was that "this time we were INVITED into the Baltimore Harbor!"  :)   A video and transcript of parts of this interview can be seen at http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=17238 

 When the interview was over, the sailor who had been on his knees holding the microphones throughout the interview took a while to get straightened back up, as did I, who had also been sitting on the floor amongst the tripods, for the entire interview!

 Marine dealers (and even furniture stores)  advertise a design called "The Captain's Chair", but the seat located on the bridge of the Argus could be called "The Admiral's Chair" on this particular evening!

 After the dignitaries had left the bridge, I persuaded one of the sailors to take a photo of my sister and I, to prove that we had actually witnessed this historic "meeting of the Admirals"!

 The top of the Argus had a commanding view of much of Baltimore Harbor.  You can see videos of events held in the Baltimore Harbor for Sailabration at www.navyweek.org/baltimore2012/index.html    That site will also give you the cities where similar activities will be held during the next three years.  The Commemoration will continue with events marking the Battles of Lake Erie and Lake Champlain, and the Battle of New Orleans.  Local civic committees in each city are organizing events in which the Navy and its partners will participate.  Get details at http://www.navywarof1812.org/   

 This flight deck is set up for the reception that was held after the media event.  Although we did not attend the reception, there are photos of the "Ceremonial Beating Retreat" on Admiral Greenert's Facebook page.  

 With more than two thirds of the Argus length taken up by the flight deck, she has the ability to accommodate most helicopters, and to operate several at once. 

 The media used a VERY STEEP gangplank to get to the bridge of the ship where the interview was held.  However, didnitaries used the special steps set up within the scaffolding, covered by the British naval flag.

 Although no one told me this, I surmised that these were the vehicles and drivers for the very top distinguished guests attending the reception. 

 RFA stands for Royal Fleet Auxiliary.  It is a civilian manned fleet, owned by the Ministry of Defence.  Its main task is to supply warships of the Royal Navy at sea with fuel, food, stores and ammunition, which they need to remain operational while away from base. 

 There were security checks similar to airport security, for those going on board the RFA Argus.

 The RFA Argus (which is the big gray hull behind the USS Donald Cook in the foreground), carries a hospital facility.  I am thankful none of the media had to use the hospital facilities, especially considering we had to SPRINT up 10 flights of stairs in a very narrow stairwell, in order to make the scheduled interview!

 Although Sailabration 2012 is over in Baltimore, it is not too late for YOU to see a great gathering of all kinds of navy vessels at other locations around the United States.  Operation Sail, Inc., 2012, still has two more cities to visit.  They are Boston, MA from June 30 - July 5, and New London, CT, from July 6 - July 9.   Go to http://www.opsail.org/ to start planning your own version of "Anchors Away!" and miles of smiles!   Tricia