Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Tour

 BY SKEETER

It has been some time since I have blogged on a regular basis. I have had many obstacles to overcome in the past couple of years with two major deaths taking my life on a depressing spiral. Death is never easy but a totally unexpected death does not give us much time to plan a mourning process. My Sister in Law and best friend from middle school, Cindy had a massive stroke and slipped into a coma and never woke up again at the age of 51.

I was starting to get myself back on track when an awesome friend's cancer returned and I once again found myself in a state of depression. I did the best I could to be a friend to Bernie during this time, being at his side even when he took his last breath.

I think of myself as a tough person, that when knocked down, I can pick myself back up but these two events, really took a toll on me.

We took our Winter Cruise to the Bahamas this year. We take cruises during the winter to escape the biter cold of winter but I must say, this year, we have not had much of a Winter here in my GEORGIA GARDENS.

During this cruise, I took a lot of time to reflect on the past few years of sadness. I have come to the conclusion, that I can remain sad for the remainder of my life or I can get out from, in front of the TV and Computer games and get my life back on track.

Even though Bernie was not with us during the cruise like he has been for 5 previous ones, he was there with us in spirit. I saw him all over that ship and all those wonderful memories will remain with me until my time comes to say goodbye to this earth.

So today, lets go to Half Moon Cay and see what I saw last week which helped to lift me up. 

 Bright colored cabana's tucked in behind beautiful lush greens. 

 Some of the plants were labeled but not all so I shall just show the pics and name when possible.

 Pretty Sun flower maybe Wedelia but not sure.

 Bougainvillea of different colors.

 Pretty white blooms.

Moving out, you can see the bush of that white bloom. 

 Seven Year Apple. Hum, I do believe the white bloom above to be the apple blossom! It does not take 7 years for the fruit to mature but rather one. Mocking birds and butterflies enjoy this plant in the tropics. 

 The Saint and I stroll about the island finding beautiful scenes such as this. 

 And this. Oh La la...

 Golden grasses along the shoreline.

 Palms, grasses and green leafy bushes along the paved pathway. I do not know if these were planted for tourist or natural. But so pretty and do look natural.

 The walk we took was hunting Geocaches. Can you see the cache hanging in the tree? Center of pic you will barely spot it as it is camouflaged.  

 I loved the texture of the pine or spruce type tree behind the palm.

 And what is an island without a tall palm tree? Not a Tropical Island to me.

 The greens were so lush and happy.

 The sky was a really dark blue that morning but by the time we had finished our walk, the clouds had lifted and we played in the ocean a bit.

 Here is a long view of one of those neat spruce/pine trees. The bottom of it seem to have a bush or is that how it starts out?

 Zooming into the bottom here. I did not want to disturb the ground thus did not get any closer to examine. 

 Here we have a Rock Bush. The Saint felt it and said, Ah, that is why it is called a rock bush. I felt it and it was a stiff as a rock! 

 Seven Year Apple maybe? Not sure but could be at the yellow stage of life. 

 So mad at myself for not making sure these fruits were clear in the camera. When snapping photos in the bright light, it is very difficult to view. Sorry to even post such a blurry photo but these looked like some type of raspberry but who knows without a sign, I do not...

 Backing away, here is the bush to the red berries.

 Another bush filled with yellow blooms.

 Closer view shows the pretty yellow blooms. 

 The Strong Back tree or bush. 

 Sagebrush. 

 Darlin' Plumb 

 Simple garden guiding us to lunch. 

 Hibiscus.

There is a small chapel on this island for guests to enjoy during their day of stay.

 I knew this bird as soon as I spotted it. Mockingbird of the islands looks very similar to the ones I see in my GA gardens.

 The Saint spotted these tracks in the sand. Not the flip flops or tennis shoes but the long trail of the Curly tailed lizard, Corn Lizard or Chameleon Lizard.

 I recognized this from our cruise to Belize a couple of years ago.

The Saint poked it with a stick and sure enough, Termites in the nest.

I bet mama hen and her chicks enjoy eating them! The chickens and roosters begged at the table as we had lunch. We happen to accidently drop some rice for them. hee hee...

Most of these plants I have shown you are used as medicinal herbs and teas.

We ended up on the other side of the island from the beach goers and even ran into another Geocacher! We visited with her a bit then headed for lunch.  

My father told me to be on the look out for Pirates during our cruise. We did find this ship on the island.

But this was the only Pirate we saw the entire week and this guy had nothing on me. I took his sword away from him and had him walking the plank at HALF MOON CAY, BAHAMAS, In the Garden...

Bernie aka: Dragon was a commenter on this blog many moons ago when it first began through my hometown newspaper site. So in his honor, I would like to dedicate this posting to his memory.

Bernie Hopwood Feb 25, 1956 - Nov 19, 2016

Keep Breathing Fire my Dragon Boy until we meet again... 

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Arlington National Cemetery Part 2: UPDATED Jan 2017

BY SKEETER

Back at Arlington National Cemetery, we get a front view of "The Tomb of the Unknowns". I was captivated by the tree lined wall leading up to the site.

Backing off a bit, we see a fountain as well. Off for the winter of course but none the less making a beautiful photo. I only wish I had the Saint move our car up a bit (duh)  I do not know how to photo shop it out of the perfect picture.

The Wall of trees were stunning and I have no idea what type trees they could be. Does anyone have any information they can share on them?

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UPDATE: JAN 10, 2017

The Saint and I visited Arlington National Cemetery once again over Christmas vacation 2016. I have solved the mystery of the Wall of Trees along the Tomb of the Unknowns.

 Just as Janet from the Queen of Seaford said, they are indeed Linden's. Here is a photo of one of the signs posted along the Walled Route!

 And there are more Lindens "Littleleaf" in the area as well.

 Facing the Tomb, the trees to the right seem to have been damaged since our last visit 4 years ago. I can only assume ice or brutal winds, age and disease are the blame. So there you have it, Wait around long enough (in this instance 4 years) and I will have your mysteries solved, In the Garden...

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Zooming in a bit we can see the monument a bit better and a rare photo as no spectators are in view. An early arrival assured this view.

Zooming in a bit closer and you see the Guard at work.

And zooming in yet a bit more, you can see the "Tomb of the Unknowns". I have a simple little camera but it has a powerful zoom, I tell ya. Click HERE to learn more about the Tomb of the Unknowns.

We continued on up the hill to the Tomb. Green Grass, the tree lined wall, water fountain and evergreens in view.

 Upon the Guards turn, you can see the pretty flowers in the planter behind him. 

We witness the Changing of the Guard and also a Wreath Laying Ceremony complete with the playing of Taps. I had to hold back the tears with this touching ceremony with so many sad emotions taking over my body.

I spotted this Holly filled with berry's which quickly turned my mood around.  

This evergreen tree caught my eye as well. It reminded me of the Christmas trees of Germany.

 Blooms were popping open reminding me of life.

We visited John F. Kennedy's plot. 

Now we head up to Arlington House also known as Lee's House. That hill must be fun to mow. 

Views of downtown Washington D.C. from above. 

The side of Arlington House shows signs of gardens.  

 I have never been there during the summer so have no idea what the gardens are like. I must return during a warmer month.

The Kitchen Gardens are lacking this time of year as to be expected.  

Signs tell us they grew Asparagus, Lettuce, Tomato, Peppers and Cucumber. Strawberry Patch and Herb Garden as well. Chickens and Guinea Hens were kept on the property also. I am assuming they have a nice veggie garden in the summer months. 

Near the house one finds a small amphitheater.

Vines are growing up each support of the arbor.  

This tells me that the vines are Wisteria. I can only imagine the blooms in the spring.  

The setting for many Memorial Services. Click HERE to learn more.  

Zooming in just below the stage, I spotted Rose's.

I found a pathway that led to some stairs so I took them to get a front view of Arlington House.  

I was overcome by a stench and soon discovered these fruit all over the place.  

I looked up to the tree above to discover a huge tree! Upon further investigation I spotted these leaves telling me that I have found a Ginkgo Tree! I have talked about the large Ginkgo tree that I grew up with in my childhood home. Click HERE to read that blog. With that posting so long ago, people mentioned the bad scent of the Ginkgo tree which I had never experienced. A male/female thing and now I can say I have experienced that nasty scent so many complained about!  Imagine me discovering this in all places, Arlington National Cemetery!  

Pink Rose and Muhly Grass.  

Once leaving the House area, one is reminded of being in the middle of a cemetery and not a garden.

I spotted this oddly shaped monument and decided to get a closer peek.  

 This one touched home as my hometown in Clarksville, TN is connected with Ft Campbell, KY.

After reading this, I see why the shape of the monument to the fallen. 

At that very moment, a Military Fly Over took place above my head. Every hair upon my arms stood straight up! I knew someone had just been laid to rest near by. This really got my attention and reminded me of all the sacrifices made for us here in the United States of America! I have never walked on such sacred grounds as ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, In the Garden...


Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden