Memorial Day Parade

Yesterday we went to Vergennes, Vermont to see the Memorial Day parade. It's a favorite each year among the locals, including us.

My Dad had always called this day Decoration Day, and it was a time to decorate the graves of loved ones. In fact, that's what Memorial Day had first been officially called. It all started in Arlington National Cemetery a few years after the Civil War when thousands of people gathered to pay honor to soldiers who had died in battle. Memorial Day is now a day of remembrance nationwide each year, to recall the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Geo found a good spot for us on Main Street to view the parade. 

Near the beginning of the parade came the flag bearers.

I always enjoy seeing people who looked just like they stepped out of history and into our times.

Revolutionary and Civil War time periods. 





Governor Shumlin of Vermont was in the parade, as well as Senator Bernie Sanders and other politicians.



There were lots of tractors, but I saw only one Case tractor. (My Mom used to work for Case's in Wisconsin.)

I thought these kids were quite stylin'!

Many people brought their pets.

This sign was on back of one of the floats.

This is a popular license plate in Vermont (ever since the state was severely hit with destructive flooding after tropical storm Irene). This was on one of the military vehicles.

And after the parade it was time for lunch. We headed to 3 Squares Cafe.

Grilled chicken with bacon, avocado, bleu cheese, and tomato! A great meal after a wonderful parade.

It's a Short Season

The rain comes, the wind blows, and the flowering trees lose their blossoms.

I wanted to capture some Springtime beauty before it's on to another season.

Mother's Day Nature Hike

When Geo heard there would be a nature hike in one of our favorite local parks, he signed us up. Turned out to be a sunny Spring day - no rain.

We gathered at the lower wetlands area.

Everyone was eager to hit the trail.

It's so refreshing to see signs of Spring after our long winter.

We hiked along the Browns River. This is a great spot for Brook Trout.

Along the trail we looked for wildflowers. Most are not yet in bloom, but we did find a few, including a deep burgundy trillium.

There must have been a robin's nest nearby.

We checked out a beaver dam. (The beavers were not at home.)

These looked like the fiddlehead fern, very popular on Vermont Spring menus.

We had a great time. When we come again, we'll plan to bring a picnic lunch.

                                                                        

.On the way home, we spotted this!

A tasty finish to our hike. Yum!

It's Vermont Restaurant Week

Vermont Restaurant Week is April 25 - May 4. It's a time to celebrate the food culture of Vermont and our wonderful dining places, especially those that feature food and beverages that are locally produced.

We like to go to some familiar and favorite restaurants and also venture out to try new places we may not have been before. Each participating restaurant has a special menu for the week.

Tonight we went to Shanty on the Shore in Burlington. It's a favorite place because of the great views of Lake Champlain. This restaurant features fish.

For one price, we chose from a menu of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. When I heard "lobster," there was no doubt what I would choose!

We started with cole slaw and rolls. The came the P.E.I. mussels (that's Prince Edward Island). I expected just a few, but we each received a huge bowl of mussels in broth with lemons, tomato, and spinach.

Then came the entree!

Cracking the shell is always a challenge for me. Oh, but the lobster was so sweet and good, dipped in melted butter. What a treat! It was served with a baked potato and sour cream.

To top it off came dessert - banana cream pie for Geo, and key lime pie for me. Melt-in-your-mouth creamy and good.

I asked Geo what he thought about our meal, and he said, "Excellent." I agree. Definitely, a "10."

Supercool Glass

With the construction of the Pizzagalli Center, the Shelburne Museum in Vermont is now open year-round. On exhibit in the new building, besides New Blooms nail art, is Supercool Glass. It's a fascinating display of glass objects and artwork from the 19th Century through contemporary times. What I really enjoyed seeing is the beauty of the glass enhanced by reflections of light.

These everyday objects are completely encrusted with chips of glass.

  Here's a closeup look:

"Mirror, mirror, on the wall..."

In the center of the room is a huge glass chess set.


Contrasting with the colored glass is an arrangement of clear glassware with their very prominent shadows.

It was rather unusual seeing a skull on display. The colors are striking.

I loved the windows, and kept going back to look through them. It was fun seeing the distortion of images on the other side.

This amazing exhibit will continue until June 8, 2014.

Nail Art

Nail art - not as in "manicure," but as in 12 inch spikes - bent, welded, hammered, and displayed as an exhibit in a museum.

John Bisbee's artwork is on display at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont until May 26, 2014. We've had the opportunity to see this exhibit - New Blooms - three times. Fascinating!

The hardness of nails is fashioned into the delicacy of flowers.

Walking along near the panels, with the lighting directed on the art, one gets the sense of the art being in motion.

Here are some museum-goers getting a closer look.

 
There are also some

free standing exhibits.

J Bisbee, the artist, entertained at the opening reception.

At the reception, everyone enjoyed tasty treats provided by Shelburne Museum.

We enjoy the many changing exhibits at the Shelburne Museum year-round.

(If you found me here, please check out my newest blog RESOLUTIONS. Thank you!)