Autumn in The Pocono Mountains

The fall foliage was really poor this year around Pittsburgh. It was too long too late and the fall colors were sporadic. So I had to return to the vault to find a good image of the Autumn. This was takn a few years ago in Pike County Pennsylvania.

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Pocono Wetlands

Roseate Spoonbill at The National Aviary

Each time we visit the National Aviary we find something new. Last visit The spoonbills were hiding in their nest and the brown pelicans were flying around. This trip was a flip flop. The pelicans were hiding and the Roseate Spoonbills were flying around and squawking. The spoonbill is a beautiful but odd looking bird.

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Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill

All Gave Some…Some Gave All

It’s time to pause and give thanks to all of those who serve and defend our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Happy Veterans Day and thanks to all for your service.

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Independence Day

Yet Another Beautiful Orchid

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden is one of the premier conservatories in The United Sates. We are members and visit a lot yet each time I visit the Orchid Room I see an orchid in bloom that I have never seen before like the one pictured below

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Yet Another Beautiful Orchid

The Tropical Rain Forest at The National Aviary

Last week we visited the National Aviary and saw the remodel of the Tropical Rain Forest Exhibit. I first time i visited the Aviary was in the 1970’s but since returning to Pittsburgh we have become members and attend frequently. I have never seen the waterfall working in the Tropical Rainforest and the change in the exhibit was astounding. It now sounded and looked like a tropical jungle!

They also replaced all the 1952 plate glass with special LEED certified glass and the difference in light is transformative. The staff and birds seem to like it as much as the visitors. Well done Pittsburgh!

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The Tropical Rain Forrest

The Tropical Rain Forrest

Kristallnacht

Americans have some dates burned in their memory. September 11 and December 7 are two notorious dates where Americans were attacked, killed and suffered extreme hardships. It is important as Americans to remember these dates and honor the fallen. However, as citizens of the world we MUST remember today as well because it is the 76th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Tonight were the first attacks on Jewish homes in Germany. At least 91 Jews were killed in the attacks, and a further 30,000 arrested and incarcerated in concentration camps. Jewish homes, hospitals, and schools were ransacked, over 1,000 synagogues were burned and Jewish businesses destroyed or damaged. Millions of others experienced death and torture by the lunatic Hitler. We must never forget and always honor this day. Things are much better in Europe now for Jewish people that have remained or returned over all these years. However, recently when visiting Italy I saw it was still necessary for soldiers to guard the synagogue in Milan and heavy fences kept out even curious tourists like myself.

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Synagogue in Milan Italy

The Cathedral in Autumn

We live in Regent Square so we see this building regularly. It is easy to take it for granted. The Cathedral of Learning, is a Pittsburgh landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A gray day with a splash of color adds to the Cathedral’s magic.

It is 42 stories high and was construction was finished in 1934 although classes were first held their in 1931. It is the second tallest gothic style building in the world that is not a church. A proud symbol of the University of Pittsburgh and the city it represents.

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The Cathedral in Autumn

Phipps Fall Flower Show

The Fall Flower Show at the Phipps had a little something for everyone. The model railroad and fairytale rooms for the children, halloween rom for the the ghouls and plenty of fall colors for plant enthusiasts. The show ended last week to make room for the annual holiday extravaganza. A few scenes below from our journey through the conservatory.

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Autumn at The Phipps

Autumn at The Phipps

Autumn at The Phipps

The Orchid Room at The Phipps Conservatory

We are members of the Phipps so we visit a few times a year. Every time I visit the Orchid Room I find something new. I have never seen this one before. It almost looks like the Fisherman”s Basket wildflower but is even more delicate.

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Spectacular Orchid

My Final Entries in The 2018 Smithsonian Photo Contest

I submitted 25 entries in to the 2018 Smithsonian Photo Contest. You can review my entries by following this link There were 49,000 entries from 155 countries so my chances of winning are about same as the Powerball lottery.

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From The Speakers Balcony