The Magic of Lanterns

Every year in the Montreal Botanical Gardens Chinese Garden a celebration of light is presented. This years celebration is from September 11 to November 1. The lanterns created for the 2009 edition are inspired by classic images from Chinese astronomy and instruments from the Beijing Ancient Observatory. The Lantern Festival, as celebrated in China, is a tradition that dates back to the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.), the second and the longest dynasty in Imperial China. This evening celebration is held during the New Year cycle of festivities, as adults and children carrying lanterns stroll through the streets at dusk. Traditional motifs of plants, animals and mythical scenes, once fashioned from paper and silk, are now often made out of nylon and other modern materials. The sight of all these people out strolling with their own sources of light is splendidly festive. The lanterns at the Botanical Garden are handcrafted by skilful artists here and in China. They are designed in Montréal and produced in Shanghai, with traditional methods. Then they are brought by ship to Montréal and painstakingly arranged at the Botanical Garden to create an absolutely magical spectacle. Joan and I were fortunate to be in Montreal during the celebration. Although we were not able to be attend the evening show, we were there in the late afternoon and got an idea of the effect. Even at that time of day, the lanterns and displays were really beautiful.

Reno Balloon Races 2009

September 18, 2009 opening day 7:00 am at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno.

Just got back from a fun weekend chasing (and riding in) balloons. Justin Kingsinger is now flying his grandfather's balloon know as Bob's Cat, which is shown in the next 2 photos. Bob Kinsinger was one of the pioneers of hot air balloon meets in the US. He has flown his balloon in 32 different countries. We will have to wait and see if Justin can top that.

Bob's Cat.

Justin in on the right and he has 2 students from UNR flying with him.

The Mayflower balloon

This is Joey Little Bee. His sister Lilly Little Bee is close by.

The Energizer Hot Hare keeps on going and going and going.

Centre Stage presented by Wells Fargo Bank

This is a replica of the Breitling Orbiter 3, the first balloon to circumnavigate the globe. The original balloon was 180 feet high and used a combination of hot air and helium to fly.

I didn't get the name of this beautiful balloon.

Idaho waterfalls

We are on a trip thru Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon. These are pictures of some Idaho waterfalls.

Shoshone Falls is among the most spectacular of natural beauties along the Snake River. At 212 feet, the falls are higher than Niagara Falls.

Idaho Falls in the city of the same name is created by a man-made diversion dam used for hydroelectric power. Before the dam was created, this was just a bunch of small rapids. Now, the Snake River makes a drop of about 20 ft. or so over a width of 1200 ft.

Sculptures, Flowers & Fountains

Fountain at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe

Fountain at Squaw Valley

The Blues Brothers

These 2 horses are from Gallery Keoki in Squaw Valley

Lake Tahoe Views

Joan and I recently spent the weekend at Lake Tahoe to watch Bob Newhart's show on the one day he was appearing at Harrah's South Shore Room. Stayed at a hotel on the shores of the lake and the following pictures are views from the hotel beach and the pier. These short trips are a great way to get away from it all.

Be sure to scroll around to get the full view after you click on the picture.

Harrah's and Harvey's Clubs across the lake.

These are not rubber duckys!

A few Monterey peninsula scenes.

This is the requisite shot of the lone cypress tree on the 17-mile drive. Several million pictures have probably been taken by now.

Following are some of the sheep at Mission Ranch, which is owned by Clint Eastwood. You can rent rooms in the bunkhouse or stay in several of the old farm buildings.