Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

This past week I went to South Buffalo to visit the lovely Botanical Gardens.

This Victorian conservatory was designed by Lord & Burnham, based on the famous Crystal Palace in England. It opened in 1900.

Today, the Botanical Gardens is one of only 2 remaining Lord & Burnham conservatories incorporated into a Frederick Law Olmsted designed park.

You enter into this magnificent Palm Room. Isn't it gorgeous?

I love the earthy smell-so lush!

Isn't it gorgeous? I'm in the Florida Everglades, well, the Florida Everglades House.

This picture was taken in the Victorian Ivy and Herb House. The largest public ivy collection in the world is housed here!

There are over 400 ivy cultivars here. Whew! Time for a break.

These are just some of the flowers found in the Orchid House.

Always take time to smell the roses...or orchids!

This tree is just my size. It's part of the Bonsai collection in the Tropical House.

I'm standing next to some Crown of Thorns in the Desert House.

WOW! This 30 foot waterfall is located in the Fern House and Ancient Rainforest. I'm surrounded by banana trees. There are also koi living in the ponds here.

There are so many beautiful and interesting plants to be found here. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a jewel of Buffalo-and a must visit location!

Amelia Enjoys the Cayuga Lake Wine & Herb Festival

This past Sunday I went to the Cayuga Lake Wine & Herb Festival along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. At each winery you get an herb plant, food made from that plant, the recipe, and wine!
                              This fantastic view is from Goose Watch Winery.

Here I am with my souvenir glass enjoying the Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad at Goose Watch Winery!

Another gorgeous view of Cayuga Lake. The weather was just perfect!

I think there's wine in there! I'm at the Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery.

This is my new friend, Sam. I told him that I lived with a dog named Sam! This Sam lives at Buttonwood Grove Winery.

EEEKK! Wine tasting can be dangerous, especially for a rat at Thirsty Owl Winery.

I just had to take time to tip-toe through the tulips at Lucas Vineyards.

Here's a view from the East side of Cayuga Lake. I'm at Long Point Winery.

Isn't this old barn neat?

Look at the bounty! These are all the herbs...and a strawberry plant...that we got to take home. I love this wine trail event!

Tornado Damage

Several states are currently preparing for tornadoes, some have already experienced devastating storms-it's a scary situation. There have already been several deadly storms this year. In June 2011, Cabot visited Joplin, Missouri about 3 weeks after a category 4 tornado. Here are pictures of the devastation.

The building behind me is the destroyed St. John's hospital.

It's hard to believe that these pictures don't show the worst of the damage.

The massive damage is really indescribable.

If you notice, just behind me on the ground on the curb is a destroyed tornado siren. A new one has already been installed in its place.

All those who have dealt with tornadoes and those who currently have tornadoes in their path-we're thinking of you.

Holiday Decorations in Medina, NY

While driving through Western New York I stopped in Medina.

I love seeing towns decorated for the holidays. See the wreaths in the windows?

Who knew you could visit the North Pole while in Medina, NY?

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This past week I accompanied my friend as she got her annual mammogram. Every woman should get a baseline mammogram before she turns 40 and then get one once a year once she's 40, earlier if there's a family history of breast cancer.

Boobs: They could use your support!

Wheee! My friend's mammogram came back normal! Tell all your female friends to get their mammograms- save the ta-tas!

Cabot Stops in Coffeyville, Kansas

Coffeyville, Kansas was settled in 1869 and originally was an Indian trading post. At that time, what is now the state of Oklahoma, was the Indian Territory. The town was named after Col. James A. Coffey.

Coffeyville is probably most noted as the place where the Dalton gang was shot and killed in 1892 after they tried to rob 2 banks there simultaneously. Here I am in front of one of those banks that still stands today.

 

I'm in front of the Midland theater which up until 1998 still ran as a movie house. It was built in 1928.

The Midland Theater Foundation is endeavoring to raise funds to restore it to it former glory.

We stopped by the Brown Mansion, but it's closed on Sundays so we weren't able to go inside.

Completed in 1907 by W. P. Brown, the four-floor, 16 room Mansion contains the original furniture, wall and floor coverings. The main floor has nine rooms, including the dining room featuring a signed Tiffany chandelier. The second floor houses the sleeping quarters with five bedrooms and three full l baths, and a ballroom graces the entire third floor. A full basement features the butler quarters, laundry, heating system, walk-in ice box and storage spaces.

  

That's one big house!

On our way out of town we stopped to admire this old steam engine that was on display.

Too bad we can't take a ride.

Beer Bonanza!!

The little grocery store 2 minutes away from me had a beer tasting Friday night. How could I not attend?

Custom Brewcrafters is a local brewery. They were giving samples this evening.

Look at these lovely brews. This gentleman told me all about the different beers. Of the ones I tasted, I enjoyed Canandaigua Lake Ale the best.