Oak Alley Plantation near New Orleans, LA

We had a wonderfully relaxing afternoon here.  After the hour-long tour through the Oak Alley Plantation, we strolled the grounds sipping our mint juleps and marveling at the 300-year-old Southern Live Oaks.

If "seeing a southern plantation" is on your bucket-list, this is a good one to see.

dining room

Master bedroom

Matt at the front of the plantation

The plantation at the end of the alley of Southern Live Oaks 

Aren't they awesome?

National Museum of Funeral History Houston, TX

"Unique national treasures and the country's largest display of funeral service memorabilia."

Really it was not macabre!

This is what Matthew learned during his visit to the museum--
(I will type his comments...)
1. I learned about the Pope after he dies.
2. I learned about the small pistol used by John Wilkes Booth.
3. I learned that President Abraham Lincoln's body was sent home to Illinois by train.
4. I liked the money casket.  I liked the Ghana coffins.
5. I saw Snow White's glass coffin.
6. I watched a video by a little person in the movie Wizard of Oz.  She talked about the death of the wicked witch.

There was quite a variety of information and materials related to death rites.  The museum scored a 4.8/5 on google review--I agree with the rating!

National Museum of Funeral History

Silver hearse on the top left, carried Princess Grace's body.

These old carriage hearses are original.

Ghana coffins--leek, fish, crab, chicken, motor..

Matthew's favorite--money coffin (It did have $1000.00 in currency on and in the coffin.  Someone stole a panel, so it now has $630.00 some...)

More flowers for Mary

Matt has reduced his complaints to an eye-roll and a questioning, "Really?"   

I respond with smile and a nod, jump out of the van, and start snapping pictures.  It is just too difficult; I must take photos of this amazing explosion of color!

(Smiles...I did confuse one older man who stopped to see if I needed some assistance.  Oddly, he didn't seem pleased when I held up my camera and said, "Thank you, but I am GREAT!"  Wonder what that was about?)

Hear tell from some Texans, Lady Bird Johnson is responsible for the prolific roadside wild flowers.

Seems they are right...Lady Bird deserves the credit!

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

I too love these flowers, Mary!  Yesterday, I took close-ups... Today, I took photos of the colorful carpets of flowers--

I hope you are all enjoying spring!  

(I wonder on what subject I should next focus my camera?  What would be best to vex the lad?  Any suggestions?)

Not to forget the gorgeous berries...

National Museum of the Pacific War and Home of Admiral Nimitz Museum

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!
One of Matthew's and my favorite museums!  It was exceptional!  The huge museum was "divided" chronologically, by battle, and by area.  For each, there were photos, original items/materials, oral histories, large military equipment, videos, computer inter-actives, and audio machines to summarize the glut of information provided.  Matthew and I wandered for over 5 hours.  It wasn't enough time.  Luckily, the tickets are good for 48 hours.
We both learned so much...I thought I "knew" quite a bit about WWII Pacific War.  I was wrong.  I particularly enjoyed listening to soldiers ruminating about particular experiences during the war.  (While waiting for Matthew, the woman at the information desk told me that they were still actively gathering stories from veterans.  A living and growing museum--I like that.)
Matt's favorite, of course, were the videos and large military equipment.
This museum was worth the drive!

Matthew with the statue of Admiral Nimitz

Door from the USS Arizona--with damage

Fredericksburg, TX

Flowers

Spring is coming!  On the way to Austin, much to Matt’s chagrin, I would pull over to take close-up pictures of flowers.  Although it is still too early (and too dry) for the “carpet of colors across the desert landscape”, the flowers on the roadside are gearing-up for the big event!

Okay, this was more a "throw rug" of color...

(I wrote too soon...the flowers are in out!  We've had a couple of slightly wet days and the flowers have responded with enthusiasm.  If Matt can live through a few more pull-overs-and-photo-taking, I will get some mixed-color flower pictures to share.)

The trees are also spring-ready.  They are either in bud, or they are showing-off their young lime-green-colored leaves.  These photos were taken in South Llano River State Park, TX.  Texas has so many great state parks; we bought an annual pass. 

Matt The Hiker

Bisbee, AZ

Bumper stickers proclaim—“Bisbee is Mulberry on acid”

I disagree!  Is it an easy-going, laid-back, small town, kind of “Mulberry”?  YES!  Does it harbor people who live alternative, new-age, or old-hippie life-styles?  You betcha!  But, it is also necessary to add “old west” qualities to the description--honest people, tradition/manners, and warm hospitality.

You were right, Nancy!  Matthew and I enjoyed this small town just north of Mexico!  I would like to go back some day, just not on a Thursday.  On Thursdays, the majority of the town stores are closed.

Town and buildings (many were late 1800/early 1900)

Bisbee Museum

Post office

Queens Hotel

"Castle"

Abstract art store

Row of galleries 

Mural on a side street

Bisbee, AZ--from our campsite near the mine 

Queen Mine Tour

Matt LOVED this tour!  We wore cool mining gear--hat, vest, belt, battery/light pack, AND got to go into the mine!

Matt and "the mining tour gear" 

Matt saddling the trolly

Yep, we went down there...

Biosphere 2

One of the 50 "Must See Wonders of the World!"
It really was interesting...I am curious about what it would've been like to have been one of the eight biospherians locked-in for two years.  The tour guide didn't detail that time period.  The focus now--research.
biosphere's website

Largest building in the Biosphere

Matt entering the lock/biosphere

Fruit trees and agricultural experiments 

The rainforest

The ocean

Research project in the desert biome