nature

Bellagio Conservatory is Transformed into Japanese Tea Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada 

Fragrant cherry blossoms, graceful pebble fountains, delicate origami cranes, and exotic koi fish in a tranquil pond are a few of the eye-popping elements in this vibrant display. At every turn, thousands of fresh tulips, daffodils, snapdragons, and spring flowers blanket the ground among botanical animals enormous in size. Overhead ethereal hand-painted parasols appear floating in air. Linger among the bonsai trees, note the abstract stone art of Mount Fuji, and be inspired by the karma of the Far East recreated in the Bellagio Conservatory at Las Vegas. 

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia in Bloom

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia in Bloom. Trees are budding, flowers are awakening from underground slumber, sunshine beckons those outdoors to sit and revel in the beauty of Spring. A picnic lunch from The Cheese Shop provides mile high sandwiches, loaded with quality ingredients, on freshly baked breads for dining al fresco. Well done, Colonial Williamsburg!

The Touchable Star

We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.”

~ Mother Teresa

Delta Dawn Tug-of-War

Warm ocean waters dance with a cool mountain stream at the tidal mouth of the bay. Unusual, yet captivating. This tug-of-war between salt water and fresh water changes the landscape of the beach every single day leaving one to wonder if the results were sculpted by a gigantic sandman while you were sleeping. Be aware. The waves from the sea in this spot are driven by the surf and the rainwater from the wettest mountain range on the island is powered by gravity. Oftentimes, the point where the two collide creates a momentary whirlpool. Entertaining to watch before the freshwater current rides the waves back out to sea. The bank is no different than a sand castle. It may leave you with a false sense of security believing the beach is more solid than it appears. One step can crumble the wall like squeezing the water out of a sponge. Another may leave you off balance sinking up to your knees in a quicksand-like soft bottom. Either way, it’s an enigma worth beholding. 

Palm Island Boardwalk Lives Up to its Name

A leisurely stroll on a winding boardwalk is perfect for daily exercise. One forgets about the 8-acre distance covered along the shoreline and through dense areas of native plants and trees simply because there is so much that catches the eye. Shaded pavilions offer the perfect stopping point to relax for a moment, soak up the view, or share a picnic. The solitude is therapeutic as well as the company of egrets, ducks, bullfrogs, and dragonflies. Well done, Mt. Dora!