Down Under: Arrowtown

IN ARROWTOWN We drove from Manapouri on Wednesday, after our overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, to Arrowtown, which is about half an hour from Queenstown. It wasn’t a long drive, but it rained much of the way and the last 45 minutes or so were on the now familiar narrow, winding roads around the mountains. …

Down Under: Wellington in the Sun

TRAMPING AROUND WELLINGTON Botanic Garden Thursday was clear and almost cold (50 degrees), but a good morning to walk. Our first destination was the cable car up to the botanic garden. Interestingly, since the incline is very steep, some affluent individuals have their own private cable cars to deliver them to their homes. This public …

Musings from Maine

GOOD TIMES WITH GRANDDAUGHTERS. We were delighted to have our son and family with us for several days. With our lively granddaughters, 5 and not quite 1 ½, in residence, reading, writing, and other activities were shelved. E and I made blueberry pancakes (a tradition and each year she is more capable and engaged in …

Suncoast Scene

CHAGALL IN THE GARDEN Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota is celebrating Marc Chagall’s art and his depiction of flowers in it.  Several areas of the outdoor gardens are planted in the French style, the conservatory has stained glass screen reproductions as backdrops for orchids, and Payne Mansion has a handful of some original Chagall paintings.  …