No longer snow bound, I'm headed to work today. It was a fantastic snowy weekend with 2 feet of fresh snow to shovel. March can't get here soon enough.
21 December, 2009
06 December, 2009
Merry Christmas from Michael & Jerry
Hope you were good all year and that Santa brings you all the toys you were expecting.
05 December, 2009
The first snow
Welcome to winter. A few flurries turned into a couple of wet inches. Very pretty and great for making snowmen and maybe a snowball fight with little craig.
28 November, 2009
Deer Games
How many deer can you find in this picture?
This picture was taken on Thanksgiving Day in North Carolina. Everyone had a good time watching the deer eat their Thanksgiving dinner of dried corn.
This picture was taken on Thanksgiving Day in North Carolina. Everyone had a good time watching the deer eat their Thanksgiving dinner of dried corn.
14 November, 2009
American Purple Gallinule
Look at the feet on that bird? They look like chicken feet.
These Purple Gallinule were very curious and friendly. The crickets that Capt Fred had didn't hurt either. They love to eat crickets.
These Purple Gallinule were very curious and friendly. The crickets that Capt Fred had didn't hurt either. They love to eat crickets.
13 November, 2009
Green Heron (Butorides virescens) )
Our airboat driver Capt Fred was kind enough to turn around so that we could get a shot of the Green Heron. The picture is a little grainy because I had my camera set to "sports" mode because the boat was moving.
Anyway - it was a real treat to see this bird. The last time we saw one was in Costa Rica.
Here's one that we saw in Costa RIca: www.flickr.com/photos/michaelfowler/2336612688/in/set-721...
The green heron is sometimes called the green-backed heron. It is a small heron that is about the size of a large crow. It is a foot and a half to two feet in length. The green heron has a dark head with a small black crest. Its back and wings are dark gray-green to dark gray-blue. Its neck is rust colored. It has a dark bill and its legs are orange or yellow.
Green herons are shy birds so are rarely observed, although they may be quite common. They are active during the day. They have a characteristic slow, deliberate walk and in flight they have slow and steady wingbeats.
The green heron breeds in most of the eastern United States from the Canadian border south to the Gulf of Mexico
Anyway - it was a real treat to see this bird. The last time we saw one was in Costa Rica.
Here's one that we saw in Costa RIca: www.flickr.com/photos/michaelfowler/2336612688/in/set-721...
The green heron is sometimes called the green-backed heron. It is a small heron that is about the size of a large crow. It is a foot and a half to two feet in length. The green heron has a dark head with a small black crest. Its back and wings are dark gray-green to dark gray-blue. Its neck is rust colored. It has a dark bill and its legs are orange or yellow.
Green herons are shy birds so are rarely observed, although they may be quite common. They are active during the day. They have a characteristic slow, deliberate walk and in flight they have slow and steady wingbeats.
The green heron breeds in most of the eastern United States from the Canadian border south to the Gulf of Mexico
12 November, 2009
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Another bird photo from our trip on the airboat. This one was hunting in the shallow waters along the shore. He didn't seem to mind that we were watching him.
The Great Egret is partially migratory, with northern hemisphere birds moving south from areas with cold winters. It breeds in colonies in trees close to large lakes with reed beds or other extensive wetlands. It builds a bulky stick nest.
The Great Egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, feeding mainly on fish, frogs, small mammals, and occasionally small birds and reptiles, spearing them with its long, sharp bill most of the time by standing still and allowing the prey to come within its striking distance of its bill which it uses as a spear. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
The Great Egret is partially migratory, with northern hemisphere birds moving south from areas with cold winters. It breeds in colonies in trees close to large lakes with reed beds or other extensive wetlands. It builds a bulky stick nest.
The Great Egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, feeding mainly on fish, frogs, small mammals, and occasionally small birds and reptiles, spearing them with its long, sharp bill most of the time by standing still and allowing the prey to come within its striking distance of its bill which it uses as a spear. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
10 November, 2009
Spanish Moss
I've always been intrigued by Spanish Moss. They say it's a flower? Not sure I'd want all of my trees filled with it - but it is curious to inspect up close. Wikipedia says it grows in Maryland - but I've never seen it - but will now be looking for it.
Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) closely resembles its namesake but in fact it is not biologically related to either mosses or lichens. Instead, it is an angiosperm in the family Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) that grows hanging from tree branches in full sun or partial shade. It ranges from the southeastern United States (southern Virginia and eastern Maryland) to Argentina, growing wherever the climate is warm enough and has a relatively high average humidity.
Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) closely resembles its namesake but in fact it is not biologically related to either mosses or lichens. Instead, it is an angiosperm in the family Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) that grows hanging from tree branches in full sun or partial shade. It ranges from the southeastern United States (southern Virginia and eastern Maryland) to Argentina, growing wherever the climate is warm enough and has a relatively high average humidity.
09 November, 2009
Bougainvillea
Such a beautiful plant. We found plenty of it growing in Central Florida.
Bougainvillea is a genus of flowering plants native to South America from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina. The plant was discovered in Brazil in 1768, by Philibert Commerçon, French Botanist accompanying French Navy admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville during his voyage of circumnavigation.
Bougainvillea is a genus of flowering plants native to South America from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina. The plant was discovered in Brazil in 1768, by Philibert Commerçon, French Botanist accompanying French Navy admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville during his voyage of circumnavigation.
08 November, 2009
Sandhill Crane
Welcome to the neighborhood!
On our recent trip to Florida - we were greeted by these wonderful Sandhill Cranes. They've become quite accustom to their human neighbors which afforded me the opportunity for some great upclose shots.
The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) is a large crane of North America and extreme northeastern Siberia. The common name of this bird references habitat like that at the Platte River, on the edge of Nebraska's Sandhills in the American midwest.
The Sandhill Crane has one of the longest fossil histories of any extant bird. The oldest unequivocal Sandhill Crane fossil is "just" 2.5 million years old, over one and a half times older than the earliest remains of most living species of birds, which are primarily found from after the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary some 1.8 million years ago.
On our recent trip to Florida - we were greeted by these wonderful Sandhill Cranes. They've become quite accustom to their human neighbors which afforded me the opportunity for some great upclose shots.
The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) is a large crane of North America and extreme northeastern Siberia. The common name of this bird references habitat like that at the Platte River, on the edge of Nebraska's Sandhills in the American midwest.
The Sandhill Crane has one of the longest fossil histories of any extant bird. The oldest unequivocal Sandhill Crane fossil is "just" 2.5 million years old, over one and a half times older than the earliest remains of most living species of birds, which are primarily found from after the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary some 1.8 million years ago.
07 November, 2009
American Purple Gallinule
We took our fan boat ride with Captain Fred. captfreds.com/ and we were fortunate enough to see some American Purple Gallinule.
From Wikipedia:
This medium-sized rail is unmistakable, with its huge yellow feet, purple-blue plumage with a green back, and red and yellow bill. It has a pale blue forehead shield and white undertail. Resident in southern Florida and the tropics, but most American birds are migratory, wintering south to Argentina.
From Wikipedia:
This medium-sized rail is unmistakable, with its huge yellow feet, purple-blue plumage with a green back, and red and yellow bill. It has a pale blue forehead shield and white undertail. Resident in southern Florida and the tropics, but most American birds are migratory, wintering south to Argentina.
19 September, 2009
Capuchin Monkey - hanging out at the beach
The capuchins are the group of New World monkeys classified as genus Cebus. Their range is from Central America and South America as far south as northern Argentina.
The word capuchin derives from a group of friars named the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, an offshoot from the Franciscans, who wore brown robes with large hoods covering their heads.
Capuchins are considered the most intelligent New World monkeys. . The Tufted Capuchin is especially noted for its long-term tool usage, one of the few examples of primate tool use other than by apes. Upon seeing macaws eating palm nuts, cracking them open with their beaks, these capuchins will select a few of the ripest fruits, nip off the tip of the fruit and drink down the juice, then seemingly discard the rest of the fruit with the nut inside. When these discarded fruits have hardened and become slightly brittle, the capuchins will gather them up again and take them to a large flat boulder where they have previously gathered a few river stones from up to a mile away. They will then use these stones, some of them weighing as much as the monkeys, to crack open the fruit to get to the nut inside.
The word capuchin derives from a group of friars named the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, an offshoot from the Franciscans, who wore brown robes with large hoods covering their heads.
Capuchins are considered the most intelligent New World monkeys. . The Tufted Capuchin is especially noted for its long-term tool usage, one of the few examples of primate tool use other than by apes. Upon seeing macaws eating palm nuts, cracking them open with their beaks, these capuchins will select a few of the ripest fruits, nip off the tip of the fruit and drink down the juice, then seemingly discard the rest of the fruit with the nut inside. When these discarded fruits have hardened and become slightly brittle, the capuchins will gather them up again and take them to a large flat boulder where they have previously gathered a few river stones from up to a mile away. They will then use these stones, some of them weighing as much as the monkeys, to crack open the fruit to get to the nut inside.
17 September, 2009
Artist Palette
From the archives.... Jerry joined me in Las Vegas after a conference in December of 2007
A picture can not do this place justice. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals (red, pink and yellow is from iron salts, green is from decomposing tuff-derived mica, and manganese produces the purple).
A picture can not do this place justice. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals (red, pink and yellow is from iron salts, green is from decomposing tuff-derived mica, and manganese produces the purple).
24 August, 2009
Belltower @ Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau with some snow gently falling
The Palace of Fontainebleau, located 55 kilometres from the centre of Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The palace as it is today is the work of many French monarchs, building on an early 16th century structure of Francis I. The building is arranged around a series of courtyards.
Today part of the château is home to the Écoles d'Art Américaines, a school of art, architecture, and music for students from the United States. The school was founded by General Pershing when his men were stationed there during World War I.
The Palace of Fontainebleau, located 55 kilometres from the centre of Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The palace as it is today is the work of many French monarchs, building on an early 16th century structure of Francis I. The building is arranged around a series of courtyards.
Today part of the château is home to the Écoles d'Art Américaines, a school of art, architecture, and music for students from the United States. The school was founded by General Pershing when his men were stationed there during World War I.
23 August, 2009
Playing around this morning with FlickrToys
You can convert your picture to a painting and even virtually frame it. How cool. I wonder what just the picture would look like printed.
22 August, 2009
Ground Zero of the Mid Atlantic Ridge
This view was captured near the site where the original Viking settlers held their annual parliament. It also happens to be geologically important because it is the rift between two separate continental plates that are drifting apart by approximately 1.5cm per year.
Here's a little more on the annual Parliment:
After only 50 years of Viking settlement, a national assembly, the Althing, was established in Tingvellir. With no monarch or ruler this was a unique governing structure of the Middle Ages and the oldest parliament in Europe. Meeting only two weeks every summer, the assembly, comprised of both men and women from all around Iceland, passed new laws and settled disputes. The Althing held no power to implement punishment or change, this was left up to the individual, and individual’s obligation to society is a main theme of the Sagas.
Here's a little more on the annual Parliment:
After only 50 years of Viking settlement, a national assembly, the Althing, was established in Tingvellir. With no monarch or ruler this was a unique governing structure of the Middle Ages and the oldest parliament in Europe. Meeting only two weeks every summer, the assembly, comprised of both men and women from all around Iceland, passed new laws and settled disputes. The Althing held no power to implement punishment or change, this was left up to the individual, and individual’s obligation to society is a main theme of the Sagas.
21 August, 2009
Donkey Ride?
One of my favorites. How about a donkey ride in Paris? Yes you can - in Jardin De Ranelagh. It's just steps away from the Monet Museum.
Howard Street Bridge
Howard Street's twin steel arch-style bridge that crosses over the Jones Falls Expressway. The 979-foot (298 m) long bridge was built in 1938 by the J. E. Greiner Company to replace an earlier 19th century iron arch bridge.
20 August, 2009
19 August, 2009
Washington commanding Lafayette
An interesting perspective that I've never noticed before. A monument to Lafayette directly below the Washington Monument in Baltimore. From this perspective it appears to me as if Washington is commanding Lafayette. Makes me wonder if it was an intentional design consideration of the monument and the park layout. Read more on Wikipedia
Dreaming of Sunsets and Deep Blue Oceans
Pictures are a wonderful way to capture a memory. I can't remember what Jerry was talking about - but it might have been the sunset.
Anyway - I'm sitting here this morning thinking about the jungle, monkeys, birds and the warm surf.
Anyway - I'm sitting here this morning thinking about the jungle, monkeys, birds and the warm surf.
17 August, 2009
Honfleur Harbor - France
Wonderful place for an evening dinner and stroll
Honfleur has a picturesque 17th-century harbour ringed with 15th- and 16th-century buildings. The town dates from the 11th century and changed hands many times in the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) between England and France.
Honfleur has a picturesque 17th-century harbour ringed with 15th- and 16th-century buildings. The town dates from the 11th century and changed hands many times in the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) between England and France.
16 August, 2009
Courtyard at Český Krumlov Castle
A little rainy - but still very beautiful
The existence of the fountain on the IInd Courtyard of Český Krumlov Castle was first mentioned in the year 1602. The exact time of its foundation is unknown but it can probably be connected with the so-called Buchhalterie construction in 1578 (Castle No. 59 - New Burgrave\'s House).
In 1746 it was noticed that the water leaving the fountain was damaging the Mint building\'s foundation due to faulty structure. The decision was made to move the fountain farther from the Mint.
In 1996 the fountain was reconstructed with a renewed water regime, and has become a refreshing element of the IInd Castle Courtyard, especially in hot summer days.
The existence of the fountain on the IInd Courtyard of Český Krumlov Castle was first mentioned in the year 1602. The exact time of its foundation is unknown but it can probably be connected with the so-called Buchhalterie construction in 1578 (Castle No. 59 - New Burgrave\'s House).
In 1746 it was noticed that the water leaving the fountain was damaging the Mint building\'s foundation due to faulty structure. The decision was made to move the fountain farther from the Mint.
In 1996 the fountain was reconstructed with a renewed water regime, and has become a refreshing element of the IInd Castle Courtyard, especially in hot summer days.
14 August, 2009
The impressive Oberammergau
The town is filled with these Lüftlmalerei. Makes for a wonderful afternoon stroll.
Oberammergau is famous for its "Lüftlmalerei," or frescoes, of traditional Bavarian themes, fairy tales, or religious scenes found on many homes and buildings. Lüftlmalerei is common Upper Bavaria and its name may be derived from an Oberammergau house called Zum Lüftl, which was the home of facade painter Franz Seraph Zwinck (1748–1792).
Oberammergau is famous for its "Lüftlmalerei," or frescoes, of traditional Bavarian themes, fairy tales, or religious scenes found on many homes and buildings. Lüftlmalerei is common Upper Bavaria and its name may be derived from an Oberammergau house called Zum Lüftl, which was the home of facade painter Franz Seraph Zwinck (1748–1792).
10 August, 2009
View of Hohensalzburg Fortress
The 900-year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress, the city's chief landmark, is the biggest and most fully-preserved fortification in Europe. Best viewed from the world-famous Mirabell Gardens
Hohensalzburg Fortress - Museum
Construction of the fortress began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein. Built 400 feet above the Salzach River. The city and fortress were never take by force. Although they did surrender to Napoleon.
In the museum you'll find this enactment of a scene in a defensive maneuver, with pieces of armour and weapons
In the museum you'll find this enactment of a scene in a defensive maneuver, with pieces of armour and weapons
09 August, 2009
Wieskirche - Shapes
The Wieskirche (or "church of the meadow'), in open country near Fussen and Oberammergau in southern Bavaria, has an undistinguished exterior. Inside is a miracle of light and color and swirling all encompassing decorative motifs, giving the visitor coming through the door an extraordinary feeling of welcome and joy.
- - A world history of art By Hugh Honour, John Fleming
- - A world history of art By Hugh Honour, John Fleming
08 August, 2009
The finer details at the Wieskirche
A superb example of Rococo.
Rococo is a style of 18th century French art and interior design. Rococo rooms were designed as total works of art with elegant and ornate furniture, small sculptures, ornamental mirrors, and tapestry complementing architecture, reliefs, and wall paintings. It was largely supplanted by the Neoclassic style.
The word Rococo is seen as a combination of the French rocaille, or stone garden (refering to arranging stones in natural forms like shells), and the Italian barocco, or Baroque style. Due to Rococo love of shell-like curves and focus on decorative arts, some critics used the term to derogatively imply that the style was frivolous or merely modish; interestingly, when the term was first used in English in about 1836, it was a colloquialism meaning "old-fashioned". However, since the mid 19th century, the term has been accepted by art historians. While there is still some debate about the historical significance of the style to art in general, Rococo is now widely recognized as a major period in the development of European art.
www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Rococo#encyclopedia
Rococo is a style of 18th century French art and interior design. Rococo rooms were designed as total works of art with elegant and ornate furniture, small sculptures, ornamental mirrors, and tapestry complementing architecture, reliefs, and wall paintings. It was largely supplanted by the Neoclassic style.
The word Rococo is seen as a combination of the French rocaille, or stone garden (refering to arranging stones in natural forms like shells), and the Italian barocco, or Baroque style. Due to Rococo love of shell-like curves and focus on decorative arts, some critics used the term to derogatively imply that the style was frivolous or merely modish; interestingly, when the term was first used in English in about 1836, it was a colloquialism meaning "old-fashioned". However, since the mid 19th century, the term has been accepted by art historians. While there is still some debate about the historical significance of the style to art in general, Rococo is now widely recognized as a major period in the development of European art.
www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Rococo#encyclopedia
07 August, 2009
Wieskirche
Can a picture ever capture the moment? Wieskirche is very special.
From wikipedia:
The pilgrimage church of Wies (German: Wieskirche) is an oval rococo church, designed in the late 1740s by Dominikus Zimmermann, who spent the last eleven years of his life in a nearby dwelling. It is located in the foothills of the Alps, the Steingaden municipality of the Weilheim-Schongau district, Bavaria, Germany. In 1738 tears were seen on a dilapidated wooden figure of the Scourged Saviour. This miracle resulted in a pilgrimage rush to see the sculpture. In 1740 a small chapel was built to house the statue, but it was soon realized that the building would be too small for the number of pilgrims it attracted, and thus Steingaden Abbey decided to commission a separate shrine. Many people who have prayed in front of the statue of Jesus on the altar have claimed that people have been miraculously cured of their diseases, which has made this church even more of a pilgrimage site.
Construction took place between 1745 and 1754, and the interior was decorated in stuccowork in the tradition of the Wessobrunner School. "Everything was done throughout the church to make the supernatural visible. Sculpture and murals combined to unleash the divine in visible form"[1].
A popular myth claims that the Bavarian state had planned to sell or demolish the rococo masterpiece during Secularization at the beginning of the 19th century, and that only protests from the local farmers saved this jewel of rococo architecture from destruction. Available sources however document that the state commission in charge clearly advocated the continuation of Wies as a pilgrimage site, in spite even of economic objections from the Steingaden abbot.[2]
The Wieskirche was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 and underwent massive restoration in 1985-91.
From wikipedia:
The pilgrimage church of Wies (German: Wieskirche) is an oval rococo church, designed in the late 1740s by Dominikus Zimmermann, who spent the last eleven years of his life in a nearby dwelling. It is located in the foothills of the Alps, the Steingaden municipality of the Weilheim-Schongau district, Bavaria, Germany. In 1738 tears were seen on a dilapidated wooden figure of the Scourged Saviour. This miracle resulted in a pilgrimage rush to see the sculpture. In 1740 a small chapel was built to house the statue, but it was soon realized that the building would be too small for the number of pilgrims it attracted, and thus Steingaden Abbey decided to commission a separate shrine. Many people who have prayed in front of the statue of Jesus on the altar have claimed that people have been miraculously cured of their diseases, which has made this church even more of a pilgrimage site.
Construction took place between 1745 and 1754, and the interior was decorated in stuccowork in the tradition of the Wessobrunner School. "Everything was done throughout the church to make the supernatural visible. Sculpture and murals combined to unleash the divine in visible form"[1].
A popular myth claims that the Bavarian state had planned to sell or demolish the rococo masterpiece during Secularization at the beginning of the 19th century, and that only protests from the local farmers saved this jewel of rococo architecture from destruction. Available sources however document that the state commission in charge clearly advocated the continuation of Wies as a pilgrimage site, in spite even of economic objections from the Steingaden abbot.[2]
The Wieskirche was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 and underwent massive restoration in 1985-91.
05 August, 2009
The Dome of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Prague
The interior of St. Nicholas is finely decorated with statues, paintings, and frescoes by leading artists of the day. Particularly impressive is the dome fresco from Franz Palko, showing The Celebration of the Holy Trinity, filling the 70m high dome.
Kilian Ignaz further expanded the interior by adding a huge dome supported on paired columns and vertical pendentives, extended on three sides by shallow transepts and choir. Part of a large Jesuit complex, the church stood within a large space. Christoph's undulating facade dominated the square on one side, while on the choir end, overlooking the Charles Bridge and the Old Town, Kilian Ignaz constructed a bell tower, asymmetrically, next to the dome. This unique combination creates an urban ensemble in which dome and tower dance about one another as they are experienced from different locations within the city.
The dome was completed in 1751, shortly before Kilian Ignaz died.
Kilian Ignaz further expanded the interior by adding a huge dome supported on paired columns and vertical pendentives, extended on three sides by shallow transepts and choir. Part of a large Jesuit complex, the church stood within a large space. Christoph's undulating facade dominated the square on one side, while on the choir end, overlooking the Charles Bridge and the Old Town, Kilian Ignaz constructed a bell tower, asymmetrically, next to the dome. This unique combination creates an urban ensemble in which dome and tower dance about one another as they are experienced from different locations within the city.
The dome was completed in 1751, shortly before Kilian Ignaz died.
A view of Charles Bridge
As you can see it's a VERY popular foot bridge. This photo was taken as we walked down a footpath from the Prague Castle.
The Charles Bridge s a famous historical bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava (Moldau), the Charles Bridge used to be the most important connection between the Old Town, Prague Castle and adjacent areas until 1841.
The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, erected around 1700.
The Charles Bridge s a famous historical bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava (Moldau), the Charles Bridge used to be the most important connection between the Old Town, Prague Castle and adjacent areas until 1841.
The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, erected around 1700.
04 August, 2009
Church of St Nicholas of Mala Strana in Prague
Another statue from St Nicholas. Additional history that I found on another website.
St. Nicholas Cathedral (Chram sv. Mikulase) from the Lesser Quarter in Prague has put its name into Czech and European Baroque era and is now Prague number one church of this kind. Its history is linked to Czech re-catholisation process that followed the defeat of the Hussites in the Battle of the White Mountain (1620).
The beginnings of the imposing Cathedral that we see today go back to the year 1283, when the place of worship started its existence as a parish church under the name and protection of St. Nicholas. With the change of authority in the 17th century, Baroque era began also for the Lesser Quarter and its buildings. In 1702 Kryštof Dientzenhofer himself designed the plans for the new Prague Baroque pearl. After his death it was his son, the famous Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, who completed the work and designed unique vault and robust dome that later became one of the Prague’s main landmarks. Another of his masterpieces is St. Nicholas Church in the Old Town Square, decorated with a superb crystal glass candelabra.
The Cathedral was added two new wings, Chapel of St. Barbara on the left of the entrance and Chapel of St. Anne on the right. The whole construction was finished in 1752 with the 80 meters high bell-tower, modified by Anselmo Lurago. Both the greenish Dome and Bell Tower are now symbols of Prague and most prominent figures of the Lesser Quarter.
St. Nicholas Cathedral (Chram sv. Mikulase) from the Lesser Quarter in Prague has put its name into Czech and European Baroque era and is now Prague number one church of this kind. Its history is linked to Czech re-catholisation process that followed the defeat of the Hussites in the Battle of the White Mountain (1620).
The beginnings of the imposing Cathedral that we see today go back to the year 1283, when the place of worship started its existence as a parish church under the name and protection of St. Nicholas. With the change of authority in the 17th century, Baroque era began also for the Lesser Quarter and its buildings. In 1702 Kryštof Dientzenhofer himself designed the plans for the new Prague Baroque pearl. After his death it was his son, the famous Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, who completed the work and designed unique vault and robust dome that later became one of the Prague’s main landmarks. Another of his masterpieces is St. Nicholas Church in the Old Town Square, decorated with a superb crystal glass candelabra.
The Cathedral was added two new wings, Chapel of St. Barbara on the left of the entrance and Chapel of St. Anne on the right. The whole construction was finished in 1752 with the 80 meters high bell-tower, modified by Anselmo Lurago. Both the greenish Dome and Bell Tower are now symbols of Prague and most prominent figures of the Lesser Quarter.
Church of St Nicholas of Mala Strana in Prague
There are countless beautiful churches in Prague. This is just one of them.
St Nicholas's was the result of work by an architectural dynasty: Christoph Dientzhofer built the nave, then his son, Kilian Ignaz, oversaw the construction of the dome and choir stall. His brother-in-law, Anselmo Lurago, made the steeple and interior decoration. The dome (1750) and steeple (1755) are the same height at 74 metres and look similar to the steeples of Martinville of Prague, playing hide-and-seek depending on where you look at them from. All the architects' work consisted in reducing the perspectives: concave and convex alternate from the facade in a clever mixture of lines with horizontal splits, while the pilasters, columns and niches hold statues giving vertical perspectives. The interior is in unison: the pillars are oblique, there are many trompe-l'oeils, the nave ceiling is painted ( Apotheosis of St Nicholas), the cuploa has frescos ( Glory of the Holy Trinity), as does the St Cecilia Chapel, not forgetting the statues by Platzer. Everything here shows the art of the Jesuit Counter-Reform with a richness that is breathtaking, and an ostentatious image of spectacular proliferation, that of the omnipresent and omnipotent God.
St Nicholas's was the result of work by an architectural dynasty: Christoph Dientzhofer built the nave, then his son, Kilian Ignaz, oversaw the construction of the dome and choir stall. His brother-in-law, Anselmo Lurago, made the steeple and interior decoration. The dome (1750) and steeple (1755) are the same height at 74 metres and look similar to the steeples of Martinville of Prague, playing hide-and-seek depending on where you look at them from. All the architects' work consisted in reducing the perspectives: concave and convex alternate from the facade in a clever mixture of lines with horizontal splits, while the pilasters, columns and niches hold statues giving vertical perspectives. The interior is in unison: the pillars are oblique, there are many trompe-l'oeils, the nave ceiling is painted ( Apotheosis of St Nicholas), the cuploa has frescos ( Glory of the Holy Trinity), as does the St Cecilia Chapel, not forgetting the statues by Platzer. Everything here shows the art of the Jesuit Counter-Reform with a richness that is breathtaking, and an ostentatious image of spectacular proliferation, that of the omnipresent and omnipotent God.
03 August, 2009
The view from the Tower
There are a 162 steps to the top of the Tower at Český Krumlov Castle. This window was near the top and offered a fantastic view of the town and St Vitus Church
02 August, 2009
Venus Grotto
Would you like to go for a ride in a grotto on a boat shaped like a shell?
The building is wholly artificial and was built for the king as an illustration of the First Act of Wagner's "Tannhäuser". Ludwig liked to be rowed over the lake in his golden swan-boat but at the same time he wanted his own blue grotto of Capri. Therefore 24 dynamos had been installed and so already in the time of Ludwig II it was possible to illuminate the grotto in changing colours.
The building is wholly artificial and was built for the king as an illustration of the First Act of Wagner's "Tannhäuser". Ludwig liked to be rowed over the lake in his golden swan-boat but at the same time he wanted his own blue grotto of Capri. Therefore 24 dynamos had been installed and so already in the time of Ludwig II it was possible to illuminate the grotto in changing colours.
01 August, 2009
Beinhaus (Bone House) - Hallstatt Austria
The Beinhaus (bone house) in Hallstatt dates back to twelve century AC. There are over 1200 skulls in the charnel, of them 610 have been painted in flowery designs, they are neatly stacked in rows along with next of kin and have the date of decease written on them. Since the cemetery is so small without the possibility to expand and due to the fact that cremations were in former days forbidden there was just not enough space. The graves were opened 10 - 15 years later and the skulls were removed along sometimes with other bones. The skull was cleaned and exposed to the sun and moon light for weeks until they were bleached ivory white. As one would decorate a grave with flowers the skulls were painted symbolically with a crown of flowers. This tradition began in 1720 AD. The last skull to go into the Beinhaus (Bone house) was in 1995. It is directly beside the cross. The woman died 1983; it was her last request to be stored in the Beinhaus (Bone house)
30 July, 2009
The many doors of Parliament
From the archives. I dug up this old favorite from our trip to London. This view is from the backside of the Houses of Parliament - also known as the Palace of Westminster
28 July, 2009
Mirabell Garden
The world-famous Mirabell Gardens were built along a north-south axis and oriented towards the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salzburger Dom cathedral. The original gardens were re-modelled according to plans by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach under the reign of Prince Archbishop Johann Ernst Thun in 1689.
Only some decades later, Franz Anton Danreiter altered them again in 1730, shaping what is now considered to be one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens of Europe. In the 19th century, the Mirabell Gardens were changed once again, several parts were destructed, such as the original Zwergerlgarten (dwarf garden), some arcades facing Mirabell square and the so-called Sala terena in the Northwest of the Mirabell Castle.
The "Grand Parterre" is the oldest part of the Mirabell Gardens that is still preserved. If you enter the parterre from the Markartplatz (where Mozart′s living house and the Doppler birthplace are), you will encounter an inner and outer balustrade that is flanked by copies of the two Borghesian fencer couples from the late 17th century. The inner couple was made by A. Götzinger, the outer one by M. B. Mandl.
Only some decades later, Franz Anton Danreiter altered them again in 1730, shaping what is now considered to be one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens of Europe. In the 19th century, the Mirabell Gardens were changed once again, several parts were destructed, such as the original Zwergerlgarten (dwarf garden), some arcades facing Mirabell square and the so-called Sala terena in the Northwest of the Mirabell Castle.
The "Grand Parterre" is the oldest part of the Mirabell Gardens that is still preserved. If you enter the parterre from the Markartplatz (where Mozart′s living house and the Doppler birthplace are), you will encounter an inner and outer balustrade that is flanked by copies of the two Borghesian fencer couples from the late 17th century. The inner couple was made by A. Götzinger, the outer one by M. B. Mandl.
27 July, 2009
Outer defense walls
Trausnitz Castle is a medieval castle situated in Landshut, Bavaria in Germany. It was the home of the Wittelsbach dynasty, and it served as their ducal residence for Lower Bavaria from 1255–1503, and later as hereditary rulers of the whole of Bavaria. The castle was founded in 1204 by Duke Ludwig I.
It was a short walk to the top of the hill where we found the parking lot!! HA HA HA Loved the intact defensive walls though.
It was a short walk to the top of the hill where we found the parking lot!! HA HA HA Loved the intact defensive walls though.
25 July, 2009
Zugspitze Sunset
Sun slowing fading on a cool, early evening in the heart of Tirol. The last remnants of snow have nearly melted. The mosquitos will soon take over.
23 July, 2009
Hover
Standing on top of the world. Wind blowing stronger than you can imagine and these birds are hovering in a standstill.
This was our 2nd time to the top of the Zugspitze and hope to get a 3rd chance.
hov·er (hvr, hv-)
intr.v. hov·ered, hov·er·ing, hov·ers
1. To remain floating, suspended, or fluttering in the air: gulls hovering over the waves.
2. To remain or linger in or near a place: hovering around the speaker's podium.
3. To remain in an uncertain state; waver: hovered between anger and remorse.
This was our 2nd time to the top of the Zugspitze and hope to get a 3rd chance.
hov·er (hvr, hv-)
intr.v. hov·ered, hov·er·ing, hov·ers
1. To remain floating, suspended, or fluttering in the air: gulls hovering over the waves.
2. To remain or linger in or near a place: hovering around the speaker's podium.
3. To remain in an uncertain state; waver: hovered between anger and remorse.
20 July, 2009
Our new friends and neighbors
Actually - they live with us - so not sure that calling them neighbors is accurate. As you can see from the picture, they are extremely tame .
19 July, 2009
Dragonfly
He was huge! We have plenty of blue dragonflies - but this yellow guy really stands out. He wasn't as friendly as the blue ones - much more bashful.
Hydrangea
I was very fortunate to catch the lighting just right. No edits. A hydrangea from our back garden along the woods.
View of St. Vitus in Český Krumlov
Taken from the castle at Český Krumlov. I thought this was a great view of the church and surrounding country side.
The construction of the Church of St.Vitus began in 1340 under the guidance of the German master-builder Linhart of Aldenberk, and was completed only after the Hussite wars. In 1439, it was consecrated by Bishop Nicholas of Passau.
The Church of St.Vitus has three naves with a long five-sided presbytery, oblong two-storey sacristies on both sides, with the Chapel of Resurrection and of St. John of Nepomuck and a vestibule on the northern side. In the western part there is a tower that is decorated on the ground floor with tiny Romanesque windows, on the upper floors is octagonal. The top floor of the tower was built in the Pseudo-Gothic style in the years 1893-1894.
The construction of the Church of St.Vitus began in 1340 under the guidance of the German master-builder Linhart of Aldenberk, and was completed only after the Hussite wars. In 1439, it was consecrated by Bishop Nicholas of Passau.
The Church of St.Vitus has three naves with a long five-sided presbytery, oblong two-storey sacristies on both sides, with the Chapel of Resurrection and of St. John of Nepomuck and a vestibule on the northern side. In the western part there is a tower that is decorated on the ground floor with tiny Romanesque windows, on the upper floors is octagonal. The top floor of the tower was built in the Pseudo-Gothic style in the years 1893-1894.
17 July, 2009
St. Nicholas (Kostel sv. Mikuláse) at night.
I love Flickr. Somone just helped me identify the name of this church.
St. Nicholas (Kostel sv. Mikuláse) is a Baroque church, historical sources mention this place of worship as early as 1273, but it wasn't completed in it's Baroque style until 1735.
We were walking back from dinner on a very chilly evening and I thought this would be an interesting shot. Glad it came out as good as it did. I didn't have a tripod in my pocket.
St. Nicholas (Kostel sv. Mikuláse) is a Baroque church, historical sources mention this place of worship as early as 1273, but it wasn't completed in it's Baroque style until 1735.
We were walking back from dinner on a very chilly evening and I thought this would be an interesting shot. Glad it came out as good as it did. I didn't have a tripod in my pocket.
14 July, 2009
On top of the world looking down on creation
or almost.....
It's always a strange feeling to be in the clouds or looking down on them.
View from the Salzwelten - Hallstatt Austria
http://www.salzmanufactur.com/cont/salzwelten/en_salzwelten_hallstatt.aspx
It's always a strange feeling to be in the clouds or looking down on them.
View from the Salzwelten - Hallstatt Austria
http://www.salzmanufactur.com/cont/salzwelten/en_salzwelten_hallstatt.aspx
13 July, 2009
Alpine Meadow
On the path to the Salt Mines near Hallstatt Austria - not sure I've ever seen wildflowers this dense before.
08 July, 2009
An evening stroll
A trip to Europe would not be complete without a picture of Jerry walking in a garden.
Here's the original inspirational shot that I took many years ago in France.
www.flickr.com/photos/michaelfowler/97374365/in/set-92794/
Here's the original inspirational shot that I took many years ago in France.
www.flickr.com/photos/michaelfowler/97374365/in/set-92794/
Cow's in the Meadow
We took the ferry from Dolní Vltavice and when we reach the other side we expected to be in Austria within 1-2 km. What we found instead was a 1 lane road with minimal signage. I think we ended up paralleling the border for about 30 minutes. It was spectacular. It's the favorite part of vacationing in a strange land. The ability to be lost and not worry about it.
Along the way we met a few cows too!
Along the way we met a few cows too!
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