Jewish Community Center

Many good thoughts here.

Happy Birthday

This blog is one year old today.  I began it six days after I retired, when I finally had the time to take pictures when not on vacation.

Thanks to all who look at it, whether occasionally or regularly.  Special thanks to those who offer their support and constructive thoughts in comments and emails.  I had no expectations when I began.  Imagine my surprise to discover a community of friendly people and great photographers, in all corners of the globe.

Susie wants me to tell about the plate. Her aunt gave it to us 20+ years ago. When someone has a birthday, or a graduation, or an award or other honor, they get the You Are Special plate at dinner.

Here is my first post from July 6, 2010.  It will surprise no regular viewer to see that it was a photo taken in Elizabeth Park.

Blue Hydrangea

Hydrangeas in blue or pink or white are a common (and welcome) sight in early summer.

Independence Day

This is a detail from John Trumbull's 1832 painting of Independence Day, one of eight historical scenes about the American Revolution painted by Trumbull.  Four of the paintings in the series are in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building in Washington.

Trumbull painted copies of the five scenes late in his life but ill health prevented him from completing the series.  The five completed paintings were purchased after Trumbull's death by Hartford merchant Daniel Wadsworth as a gift for the new museum he had just built in Hartford, the Wadsworth Atheneum.

Happy Independence Day to the USA viewers.

Bandstand

Every New England town used to have a "green" or "commons," where the cows grazed and the townspeople met.  I read recently that there is only one Connecticut commons where agriculture is still actively practiced.

This is the bandstand on Canton's town green.  There is no agriculture here.  A busy state highway runs to the right of the commons.

Perennial Garden

The perennial garden in Elizabeth is near its peak.  This garden is a favorite place for engagement and wedding photographs.  I took these shots at 8 a.m. on Friday morning, before the garden started to fill up.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Rock Garden

The rock garden in Elizabeth Park is a peaceful, contemplative plot behind the perennial garden and adjacent to the annual garden.  Most of the plants are foliage plants that show off a variety of greens.

The theme for July for City Daily Photo bloggers is The Color Green. 

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants