This is an impressive volcanic lava flow that somehow did not escape the top vent that we usually associate with a volcano but hit a heavy layer of rock and cooled in site. But more interesting than the how is how striking it is rising from the surrounding landscape. It is composed and many 4, 5, 6 and even 7 sided columns that are compressed together but not solid, you can see this where some have fallen. More on this National Monument (the first such designation) later.
Buffalo at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit /
These are truly amazing beasts. They enabled the northern plains Indians to survive with warmth, heat, food and more. This one was in the grasslands that make up much of the Theodore Roosevelt NP. I really liked the northern unit of the park, very remote and beautiful. Plus this is Sunday’s opponent.
Sunday Scripture: Photo is from Custer State Park, South Dakota. /
Lark Sparrow (3 photos) /
This was my first encounter with a Lark Sparrow and, of course, it added to my life list. This bird was photographed in the grasslands near the Missouri River in Eastern Nebraska. The Lark Sparrow has a beautiful song.
Some Interior shots of Falling Water (see Tuesday's post) (4 Photos) /
F. L. Wright designed the furniture and most of the color choices. His signature “red” can be seen on the window frames.
Big Horn Sheep /
This sheep was photographed in the Badlands National Park. He was still losing the winter coat in the early spring. This park had a lot of wildlife and stunning scenery.
Ready for a close-up! /
Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt, Lincoln - the four presidents of Mount Rushmore.
Classic View - Classic Home /
This is Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home, Falling Water, built in the 1930’s for the Kaufmann family of the Kaufmann Department store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This mountain retreat home for them is near Ohiopyle in the Laurel Highlands of PA. Built with an initial budget of 20 -30,000 dollars, the final cost was 155,000 plus landscaping, plus furnishings and more. Don’t expect FLW to meet your budget he literally did not care. He also built the house over a waterfall instead of where the family wanted the house so they could see the waterfall. Wright told them they would get bored of the view! I guess if you get a genius to design your home you get mainly what said genius wants. The house is quite amazing and has just undergone extensive work to support portions of the almost 100 year-old icon. Some of the work is not complete but when we were there the scaffolding had just been removed. I will share some additional photos of the house later this week. If you want to read more about it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallingwater
Patience /
These two Turkey Vultures in the Badlands National Park are waiting. What for, you ask? Perhaps the next unprepared hiker! This is in South Dakota and really dramatic scenery with lots of wild life. Would love to spend more time here.
Sunday Scripture: Photo is from Western Pennsylvania about 8 miles from my hometown. /
Carnegie Windows (2 Photos) /
These are in the cathedral in Dornock, Scotland and were given to the church by Andrew Carnegie, the Pittsburgh Steel founder, as he often vacationed in the area. The church, built in 1224, is no longer a cathedral but keeps the name because of historic connections. Now it is a parish church of Scotland. The building was significantly damaged in the 1500’s and rebuilt in its present form in 1835. Dornock is a small town with a charming main street of shops and restaurants.
Yellow /
Once again at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh. The year for the mum show, the theme was Japan, where mums originated. This room was a visual feast of color and design.
Quiet Beauty /
This is on a seventh generation family owned dairy farm in Iowa.
Exercise /
This thoroughbred horse is out for an early morning light run with one of the many riders who work the horses each day. This is at Keeneland Racetrack near Lexington, KY.
Veterans Day /
The photo is from the USS Yorktown a magnificent ship with a storied past. You can tour her across the river from Charleston, SC. Worth the walk down the flag lined pier. Remember to thank a veteran today!
One of my favorite photos /
I took this in the Shenandoah National Park one brilliant fall day. I am on the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Massenutten Range just below splitting the Great Valley. The Allegheny Mountains are in the distance. The first ridge is in Virginia, the second is in West Virginia.
Sunday Scripture: Photos is from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park /
Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh, PA /
The Phipps is a gem located in the Oakland district of Pittsburgh near Carnegie Mellon and Pitt Universities, Schenely Park and the Carnegie Library and Museum. It was opened in December of 1893 and now includes 14 ornate glass exhibition spaces and 23 outdoor gardens over 15 acres. This winter’s theme is mums. This is one of the many varieties we saw from hanging baskets to single blooms and much more all with a Japanese theme.
Floating /
This is a Greater Yellowlegs on a log in the Potter Marsh south of Anchorage, Alaska. This is the breeding territory of the Yellowlegs.
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Light /
Two kinds of light here, the glow of the lamp from the lighthouse and the beautiful sunset behind the whole scene. This is the Bodie Island Light Station on the Outer Banks of NC.
