Legion of Honor Museum, San Francisco

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7wiIgYlPXWqli0ArrqhgfUUcvkTqND-7jFddH3m-o3QFEcA_ZODEL_0YkLm50Hh_mzYer1kP5Kcf58rBlHIeA4Bu2fdO-4_nwRccWGIF55tAph4pKlGjhZO32nBJAefIc7bGS6byeGo/s1600/rodin+and+monet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7wiIgYlPXWqli0ArrqhgfUUcvkTqND-7jFddH3m-o3QFEcA_ZODEL_0YkLm50Hh_mzYer1kP5Kcf58rBlHIeA4Bu2fdO-4_nwRccWGIF55tAph4pKlGjhZO32nBJAefIc7bGS6byeGo/s1600/rodin+and+monet.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>While in San Francisco I visited one of my favorite museums which I see every trip to California, <a href="https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/">The Legion of Honor museum</a>.  While on this trip I went primarily to see the newly restored <a href="https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/legion/collections/european-decorative-art-sculpture/salon-dore">Salon Dore</a> and the coverage on its restoration, I was happy to revisit old favorites as well. (more on the Salon Dore in a later post).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wnLYbMe6BqR-HKMwX70bKudpOx8EJW2PZc3MMds281Dsdl2FOaAjr1vgCSt67b2KuOEeADP923NJzSuKhiMdFPR4_EtUXQl_setzNBTUp5Q-mgr6HkjymBFeoUsN8eAJNs1XMYtR7rw/s1600/Legion+of+Honor+Museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wnLYbMe6BqR-HKMwX70bKudpOx8EJW2PZc3MMds281Dsdl2FOaAjr1vgCSt67b2KuOEeADP923NJzSuKhiMdFPR4_EtUXQl_setzNBTUp5Q-mgr6HkjymBFeoUsN8eAJNs1XMYtR7rw/s1600/Legion+of+Honor+Museum.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This museum has everything going for it in my book; the architecture is modeled on the Hotel de Salm in Paris, the collections span everything from porcelain, Egyptian relics, decorative arts and paintings from the golden age of Europe, and the views of San Francisco and the bay from the hilltop location are stunning.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFeonTUsO3g7nTbuOxWalryUfeJkxX762ym4NjyNVeIKbEncl96yazr5vNfB5D329Ts2VagHOoHaw6BXbQLrAZZiOeunqXVoFKEmANoQ2rRmGPRmfGR0ighokt2dDT0zd1gagzt6_24A/s1600/Rodin+thinker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFeonTUsO3g7nTbuOxWalryUfeJkxX762ym4NjyNVeIKbEncl96yazr5vNfB5D329Ts2VagHOoHaw6BXbQLrAZZiOeunqXVoFKEmANoQ2rRmGPRmfGR0ighokt2dDT0zd1gagzt6_24A/s1600/Rodin+thinker.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> The entry is a long procession between the gallery wings past one of Rodin's 'The Thinker' sculptures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1q-VV-n_kF43y2W-cMQ53vTx0olheyKPNVeVsvhMBtJBJNGkTubnUZrTNo_lMjDkAnZ3ZjCBSBJJUrHDoLHvvHkRvSLI2Tt_41QhdVgmAEYFTx5k0s0RBbu1F-7lQ0zhCd1R160zDDY/s1600/Clement+XII+and+muse+of+love.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1q-VV-n_kF43y2W-cMQ53vTx0olheyKPNVeVsvhMBtJBJNGkTubnUZrTNo_lMjDkAnZ3ZjCBSBJJUrHDoLHvvHkRvSLI2Tt_41QhdVgmAEYFTx5k0s0RBbu1F-7lQ0zhCd1R160zDDY/s1600/Clement+XII+and+muse+of+love.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Inside each gallery houses a different genre of art so there really is something for everyone!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIo8q6LYo8FGTrJIDNoxN3YB0vrujS1XUwuwXrDvNyZxL0LBtoTMr0DEbx6o9qAUZvWMZnG2RSuCXR7_CxlAVvVvX4Q1gkIWy2oO4pA1C82Rkov4a2IrlPrNrC2joy_UQc20pdtR1vxo/s1600/layers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIo8q6LYo8FGTrJIDNoxN3YB0vrujS1XUwuwXrDvNyZxL0LBtoTMr0DEbx6o9qAUZvWMZnG2RSuCXR7_CxlAVvVvX4Q1gkIWy2oO4pA1C82Rkov4a2IrlPrNrC2joy_UQc20pdtR1vxo/s1600/layers.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>Each gallery also has its own color scheme -the English Country house room is a striking red.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw67eQa3YY2dbPlD1VsjK4N23bcVV8PqfvEEz_XXZQ_GSXcW4-RlknEYmOBFY2iRuelLCcbh8ecXMP6BOlCg9QJUZ-ZOd0_YBJFm0YV8aA0AdStZM9WYpoKggpK-CWNlhQcKfg00M9dM/s1600/french+paneling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw67eQa3YY2dbPlD1VsjK4N23bcVV8PqfvEEz_XXZQ_GSXcW4-RlknEYmOBFY2iRuelLCcbh8ecXMP6BOlCg9QJUZ-ZOd0_YBJFm0YV8aA0AdStZM9WYpoKggpK-CWNlhQcKfg00M9dM/s1600/french+paneling.JPG" width="290" /></a></div> One of the period rooms featured excellent natural wood and gilded boiseries.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3G2IIckqpXrCAZlMOw4y-v-gdhUMwV-5mNiz2N4ZLRU8ICfAWZQej_SXAhybTxt-dLpJcPJaewkMeUYoqQ5h4nW3Hd6VlT03a6jMq7fotzHP6We-DztSyR3EWfSxI-sSBMEdFl-HmKo/s1600/Rock+crystal+chandelier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3G2IIckqpXrCAZlMOw4y-v-gdhUMwV-5mNiz2N4ZLRU8ICfAWZQej_SXAhybTxt-dLpJcPJaewkMeUYoqQ5h4nW3Hd6VlT03a6jMq7fotzHP6We-DztSyR3EWfSxI-sSBMEdFl-HmKo/s1600/Rock+crystal+chandelier.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>The stunning Italian rock crystal chandelier dates to 1730 and was a gift to the museum from Madame Jacques Balsan, nee Consuelo Vanderbilt.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpKvixDZtcRMIdOYEKRqVOhy_bo0hzmznopFJAqWCh01Ap49PIdI66vGaxVyGX24ZGvjjhLgjIMnW0bp47qLVdjHDfFv4ygqr-w2piwDzLvjUjF1lhjSfHzfZOuIpwb4H2TdUiLnTSrw/s1600/looking+at+her+reflection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpKvixDZtcRMIdOYEKRqVOhy_bo0hzmznopFJAqWCh01Ap49PIdI66vGaxVyGX24ZGvjjhLgjIMnW0bp47qLVdjHDfFv4ygqr-w2piwDzLvjUjF1lhjSfHzfZOuIpwb4H2TdUiLnTSrw/s1600/looking+at+her+reflection.JPG" width="287" /></a></div> I loved how the case protecting this lovely terra cotta lady allowed her to gaze upon herself in reflection.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKaQmDiB4glQthFLO0I8toduMr0MwWWc3mHLunZOIsWU8-3kvnK_TbCYt1C4djlbJhs4NO4-KZIUAyCN-kVRK0EXf6UicOH87dr1fPBgEyXo6ht4nFdBmI4PH-SQtFou7_P9JxYTKF6E/s1600/Rodin+layers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKaQmDiB4glQthFLO0I8toduMr0MwWWc3mHLunZOIsWU8-3kvnK_TbCYt1C4djlbJhs4NO4-KZIUAyCN-kVRK0EXf6UicOH87dr1fPBgEyXo6ht4nFdBmI4PH-SQtFou7_P9JxYTKF6E/s1600/Rodin+layers.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Rodin's works are to be found throughout the museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HDNq4yFhCQ3MBGhq1QPks1VWih7bK-NRCfX94Gc1pUD7WUllE2ui8mm0tFcPuLof3kanRWdgi-wGGUSqanIPQWeZVZjrHUAEe20-rKN_HYJknjaE3yf-KmIdoFawPwCzZhwN7CNbaHQ/s1600/Mudejar+Ceiling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HDNq4yFhCQ3MBGhq1QPks1VWih7bK-NRCfX94Gc1pUD7WUllE2ui8mm0tFcPuLof3kanRWdgi-wGGUSqanIPQWeZVZjrHUAEe20-rKN_HYJknjaE3yf-KmIdoFawPwCzZhwN7CNbaHQ/s1600/Mudejar+Ceiling.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The most stunning item in the collection though has to be the polychromed Spanish wood ceiling from around 1500 - gasps are literally heard as one walks into the gallery.  Be sure to visit the<a href="https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/"> Legion of Honor museum</a> whilst in San Francisco!

Legion of Honor Museum, San Francisco

While in San Francisco I visited one of my favorite museums which I see every trip to California, The Legion of Honor museum .  While on thi...

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Oak Hill Cemetery: a city respite

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVNcS3P5tLACOmLn3jxLWPS7Sxr5Xhnf_elriLILAVEaPFwqxNgdHQHggixZgJiUvkREioc9T-J-al79NAu4w_egILvsFWttwcy9kwTxMolzAcKKVQq1hk-IbSfbBgiooEWegCjJ8wJg/s1600/Iris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVNcS3P5tLACOmLn3jxLWPS7Sxr5Xhnf_elriLILAVEaPFwqxNgdHQHggixZgJiUvkREioc9T-J-al79NAu4w_egILvsFWttwcy9kwTxMolzAcKKVQq1hk-IbSfbBgiooEWegCjJ8wJg/s1600/Iris.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>Spring in Washington is a glorious thing but how does one enjoy it when our parks and streets are flooded with tourists? One of the best places to experience the season's flowers away from the crowds is <a href="http://www.oakhillcemeterydc.org/">Oak Hill Cemetery</a> in Georgetown along Rock Creek.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT7_qjtKlmqj-I2n6mVC9Pw4qjA2nPJ9oa6k7j3hvMLUNr_pShzFjjBzId6xR840uIAeXj2wEkWaSZMzQPJ0IZgHoQ0OfGPiazHeiP4w74NlqZtBHK_kw2wQ7xedG58S1P7x1YyuKv-Y/s1600/cherry+blossoms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT7_qjtKlmqj-I2n6mVC9Pw4qjA2nPJ9oa6k7j3hvMLUNr_pShzFjjBzId6xR840uIAeXj2wEkWaSZMzQPJ0IZgHoQ0OfGPiazHeiP4w74NlqZtBHK_kw2wQ7xedG58S1P7x1YyuKv-Y/s1600/cherry+blossoms.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With unfortunate limited hours this ancient cemetery is as pretty as nearby Rock Creek Park if not better. Flowering trees and flowers are in abundance along the steep terrain.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6rplZ32omFvcbhI1yk0w_S9DJnLv_v3MCLystFgq8uzsjAD2_iwcFv-NS_2MagRXpLMLGhZv_a63r70UjmVY2i1bjqxgBMhcAu5DA4iH_Sb0EC-okb42xidI7IwZh_zNmoXvg2M8y0c/s1600/oak+hill+cemetery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6rplZ32omFvcbhI1yk0w_S9DJnLv_v3MCLystFgq8uzsjAD2_iwcFv-NS_2MagRXpLMLGhZv_a63r70UjmVY2i1bjqxgBMhcAu5DA4iH_Sb0EC-okb42xidI7IwZh_zNmoXvg2M8y0c/s1600/oak+hill+cemetery.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Established by an act of Congress in 1849 the cemetery is home to many notable names which fill history books.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi9xCODHv2osYgw1NraGV1_9lrd0BCyuwe4vFHGmaAZ01jWOmbKjd1tuWigciKpbdHpddQhxzADLcDdQjWnR4ZXylFGPdyMd1MZE2yaHBQt8aR220Ajj96rQEfZRImlQ-0gNK-zhzLu8/s1600/old+cemetery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi9xCODHv2osYgw1NraGV1_9lrd0BCyuwe4vFHGmaAZ01jWOmbKjd1tuWigciKpbdHpddQhxzADLcDdQjWnR4ZXylFGPdyMd1MZE2yaHBQt8aR220Ajj96rQEfZRImlQ-0gNK-zhzLu8/s1600/old+cemetery.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As any long time reader of this blog will know I've always loved old cemeteries as examples of mature gardens and have blogged about many (<a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2011/04/allegheny-cemetery.html">Allegheny Cemetery</a> and <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2009/02/egyptian-avenue.html">Egyptian Avenue</a> are 2 examples). This one ranks up there among the most charming that I've visited.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-evzZWcebMEU1R_gSMXDuxynT97BKOf3tuY_tJYHAK6Gl41I2Zai6FvFs9EiySW8I_CQZ2S-XnAroO15rv35X4h-L34a46DWHPooRa6mtTLhf86KuxqX0arardtq4sxlqJ5nLf7cx7w/s1600/antique+cemetery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-evzZWcebMEU1R_gSMXDuxynT97BKOf3tuY_tJYHAK6Gl41I2Zai6FvFs9EiySW8I_CQZ2S-XnAroO15rv35X4h-L34a46DWHPooRa6mtTLhf86KuxqX0arardtq4sxlqJ5nLf7cx7w/s1600/antique+cemetery.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I love this mausoleum in the form of a stately Greek temple atop one hill.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7I4blIedbDiVZbmE-uZ0V7dUZUT-aRpczha5-rIAPgOahvnrywBzx4hk6SQHl8wDel7AxRe6CTzt2_JsrMC11Xs2FrKRMfw2iB7OVBZgsDUfg0FR3-YxCGw0cQai7GOHgA7rP1KeJ18/s1600/greek+temple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7I4blIedbDiVZbmE-uZ0V7dUZUT-aRpczha5-rIAPgOahvnrywBzx4hk6SQHl8wDel7AxRe6CTzt2_JsrMC11Xs2FrKRMfw2iB7OVBZgsDUfg0FR3-YxCGw0cQai7GOHgA7rP1KeJ18/s1600/greek+temple.JPG" width="283" /></a></div>The older tombstones have so much more character than the granite blocks one uses mostly today.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhQBFNzhBw9bJkBBdq7YuYke-gaCavuylYY6k3yszPLK8zaqPBcKm78IK1dW0ERauKNO2M-Wr5c8uqOjgRGZboRtmJYuSeUyg_gnvIkwNjPcovGWTkCoNrLtsPN26Dp9OsoA7PegAo3o/s1600/cross+tombstone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhQBFNzhBw9bJkBBdq7YuYke-gaCavuylYY6k3yszPLK8zaqPBcKm78IK1dW0ERauKNO2M-Wr5c8uqOjgRGZboRtmJYuSeUyg_gnvIkwNjPcovGWTkCoNrLtsPN26Dp9OsoA7PegAo3o/s1600/cross+tombstone.JPG" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hand chiseled calligraphy on most is astounding in this age of machine-age engraving. It's interesting to see how the different stones have aged over time: marble, granite, sandstone, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfiGLhcY6Guin5rZ0TuXXu5L-eAgb_zif95H0Z8Qe1z1wKMu3DdWue7diUXbBR59pjrMPYw0ig2ZmUKvVDSGcJcNBi02uMShfa4w8gqSnmxNa6LYmgw60EFQtJbd5DehAWFJc9xVkeh8/s1600/antique+tombstone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfiGLhcY6Guin5rZ0TuXXu5L-eAgb_zif95H0Z8Qe1z1wKMu3DdWue7diUXbBR59pjrMPYw0ig2ZmUKvVDSGcJcNBi02uMShfa4w8gqSnmxNa6LYmgw60EFQtJbd5DehAWFJc9xVkeh8/s1600/antique+tombstone.JPG" width="272" /></a></div> My favorites tend towards the simple tombstones such as this scroll (is it morbid to have a favorite?).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYus4NNqAo7d2sxua5nkCewxTEO3IqSBZJhj6dU_O7cr0FSY9tr4kyDDDrhmAibVY8_lNjiWOAqgeoJ4CEEmFuIlMJTAupZSespN_iskxBvNZs_jhXOoc8IxTHoiT9Ccc2w1xK-FMt4Gg/s1600/scroll+tombstone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYus4NNqAo7d2sxua5nkCewxTEO3IqSBZJhj6dU_O7cr0FSY9tr4kyDDDrhmAibVY8_lNjiWOAqgeoJ4CEEmFuIlMJTAupZSespN_iskxBvNZs_jhXOoc8IxTHoiT9Ccc2w1xK-FMt4Gg/s1600/scroll+tombstone.JPG" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you can find the time in your schedule to align with the cemeteries open hours I highly suggest a visit! Information on the <a href="http://www.oakhillcemeterydc.org/">Oak Hill Cemetery</a> website.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUts7b1j1wEymykcONWjMTuVShOwPsxxaTM_Zdx5Pl2pLpRo4JykcaMPzUxyXDjOs67KlXBCMT3r97uT7OTvlUK8zbOuyIV01twFHKeTnh5GkteiXC8Nl7mM-uyc_cuPXDikrkd7LcDzo/s1600/cross+with+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUts7b1j1wEymykcONWjMTuVShOwPsxxaTM_Zdx5Pl2pLpRo4JykcaMPzUxyXDjOs67KlXBCMT3r97uT7OTvlUK8zbOuyIV01twFHKeTnh5GkteiXC8Nl7mM-uyc_cuPXDikrkd7LcDzo/s1600/cross+with+flowers.JPG" width="295" /></a></div><br />

Oak Hill Cemetery: a city respite

Spring in Washington is a glorious thing but how does one enjoy it when our parks and streets are flooded with tourists? One of the best pla...

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Classical Invention on the Hudson River by John Murray

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxFpYj31CDj49nvDnInI_JB-44OKCQQisrI_SMLRHui916K8_RivIZErhanH7jLnyXbQKiSk66MPfbVQMlLCfm6dwMHfZeUVZ3EC2DNV4jHqeM2R3-M4KmrGCk4zZfegxyMv4u60CsL4/s1600/Living+Room+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxFpYj31CDj49nvDnInI_JB-44OKCQQisrI_SMLRHui916K8_RivIZErhanH7jLnyXbQKiSk66MPfbVQMlLCfm6dwMHfZeUVZ3EC2DNV4jHqeM2R3-M4KmrGCk4zZfegxyMv4u60CsL4/s1600/Living+Room+fireplace.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>Architect <a href="http://www.jbmarchitect.com/#/home">John Murray</a> is no stranger to most style-minded classicists after his monograph,' <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Invention-Architecture-John-Murray/dp/1580933688/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398721352&sr=8-1&keywords=john+murray+architect">Classical Invention</a>', flew off shelves and onto design bookshelves everywhere. I recently heard him speak through our local chapter of the <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/">ICAA</a> and his intelligence and beautiful work go hand in hand.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuOCOf9E4XFfvhko1FZrFqtFORP24arFhlWqbsPHTZhUdaAzUS87E1Q4OdwrfBwDVyKbbtMOyXLGCVfvttytEZxFzzHOahYPvIRQU_y7MW1W4L7QvbwCHl30nNO6ETMmTN8uVlru1lX8/s1600/living+room+bookcases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuOCOf9E4XFfvhko1FZrFqtFORP24arFhlWqbsPHTZhUdaAzUS87E1Q4OdwrfBwDVyKbbtMOyXLGCVfvttytEZxFzzHOahYPvIRQU_y7MW1W4L7QvbwCHl30nNO6ETMmTN8uVlru1lX8/s1600/living+room+bookcases.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While flipping through the most recent issue of New Old House magazine I came across a renovated country house Murray completed on the Hudson River that made me feel instantly at home. Murray enhanced the existing house in such a way that one doesn't know what is old and what is new, one only knows that it is RIGHT.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwlk7HIm8ZJX_batZuIQr43AkMFktlGPkKGaH7jy1sK7utohHFW3RlmfW-PyHtxo33B9z64GUZP8BlJcxlJkaxGrWzKwPwQZmhOr8Ga0O-B7-p5JVuALMiHR-PkqJyWt0u8h8fxcSbwk/s1600/floorplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwlk7HIm8ZJX_batZuIQr43AkMFktlGPkKGaH7jy1sK7utohHFW3RlmfW-PyHtxo33B9z64GUZP8BlJcxlJkaxGrWzKwPwQZmhOr8Ga0O-B7-p5JVuALMiHR-PkqJyWt0u8h8fxcSbwk/s1600/floorplan.jpg" width="288" /></a></div> The floorplan is a dream come true for most of us I would imagine; The only thing missing is the river view!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkj3rvpTwcv3bQQ84IzJSffvPRYmY3hW15s1droJrBpEyPB-3LBRqgAx1RuXoe1iXSgN5FaQtrDtsQc4cul3QdW3TLwPUGEF6emULudHuI6ngEt2E22XjJfgnaOt1Vjv4KoHt9W-XovM/s1600/Hudson+River+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkj3rvpTwcv3bQQ84IzJSffvPRYmY3hW15s1droJrBpEyPB-3LBRqgAx1RuXoe1iXSgN5FaQtrDtsQc4cul3QdW3TLwPUGEF6emULudHuI6ngEt2E22XjJfgnaOt1Vjv4KoHt9W-XovM/s1600/Hudson+River+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> French casements open completely to bring in the river views and air. The century old beams are the only decoration needed architecturally, interior designer <a href="http://www.samblountinc.com/#/home">Sam Blount</a> provided the rest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDlwE7IE8ikWd9JuIMo45hsHd0vix4PGT7uXPA2yrIocZrIK_qFDX99pFFKGle59nZWUJtQoJKYEXC_W0hQitSyhW57DKvK8tiJP-CAzLXSHDofgXeKGDiyjWbgEvjzm8wTurIGLD0OY/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDlwE7IE8ikWd9JuIMo45hsHd0vix4PGT7uXPA2yrIocZrIK_qFDX99pFFKGle59nZWUJtQoJKYEXC_W0hQitSyhW57DKvK8tiJP-CAzLXSHDofgXeKGDiyjWbgEvjzm8wTurIGLD0OY/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The kitchen has all of the modern amenities of a new house and the charm of the old house.  Again I love the french casements!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOrHyV5l-o22Pjp_l8PQWKWhBo71bK6YFMBBh1qXb00nEShftNVgkzNj_vTs8RQkdQcrvswxnhC4Jd2UASAYDrWvqcHPCLjSvETCs1JvVqh6Nwsgp2DC-GgAJ_auy9hjvs9o201sdKdI/s1600/screened+porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOrHyV5l-o22Pjp_l8PQWKWhBo71bK6YFMBBh1qXb00nEShftNVgkzNj_vTs8RQkdQcrvswxnhC4Jd2UASAYDrWvqcHPCLjSvETCs1JvVqh6Nwsgp2DC-GgAJ_auy9hjvs9o201sdKdI/s1600/screened+porch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The screened porch can be used year round. And what is a screened porch without ceiling fan and sky-blue beadboard ceiling?  This definitely ranks among my country house dreams -how about yours?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-Nhj5LET5xMBNvvWM9GN2-BP17PWPVSEviEppsY7fL2McvR7mz98zK67Q4xn9BsC6yqD6P_4zKwYQHc-xyTPHzcNENeYiOxRfB2hbGD9vFOrzPkvXcQOvZvlDx3yb2VzeyKKyHdFk78/s1600/pergola+with+a+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-Nhj5LET5xMBNvvWM9GN2-BP17PWPVSEviEppsY7fL2McvR7mz98zK67Q4xn9BsC6yqD6P_4zKwYQHc-xyTPHzcNENeYiOxRfB2hbGD9vFOrzPkvXcQOvZvlDx3yb2VzeyKKyHdFk78/s1600/pergola+with+a+view.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><i>All photographs by <a href="http://www.durstonsaylor.com/">Durston Saylor</a> from <a href="http://oldhousejournal.hotims.com/r5/search.asp?action=search&return_by_category=y/">New Old House magazine</a>, Spring/Summer 2014</i>

Classical Invention on the Hudson River by John Murray

Architect John Murray is no stranger to most style-minded classicists after his monograph,'  Classical Invention ', flew off shelve...

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Top Tips for Choosing the roof for your house

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b>Learn how to choosing roofing materials for your new house with top tips and latest trends of roof types and designs</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>The roof is an important part in building a house </b>: with the space is closed, and the effort materializes. Hence its importance, especially at a time when the construction of a housing means, for a large part of society, one more significant investment.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmwIrhhysm48uUUD1K0mCr9LVEyYmTawCUw-fbkDCC-FCmhCi7IIi_-90_uUDoDbO2-IJ0tIQFJgLN99mBRsHQqnPYOPfeEM04nERMPurSf08z0sIqKYRTRb2Dx2UJkMgw40lRZShhts/s1600/choosing-roofing-materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Top Tips for Choosing the roof for your house" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmwIrhhysm48uUUD1K0mCr9LVEyYmTawCUw-fbkDCC-FCmhCi7IIi_-90_uUDoDbO2-IJ0tIQFJgLN99mBRsHQqnPYOPfeEM04nERMPurSf08z0sIqKYRTRb2Dx2UJkMgw40lRZShhts/s1600/choosing-roofing-materials.jpg" title="Top Tips for Choosing the roof for your house" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Tips for Choosing the roof for your house<a name="more"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">How to choose roofing materials :</span></h2><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Therefore, before starting any idea or sketch, to decide what type of roof is right is best to consult a professional ahead.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The roof is part of a whole and not a catalog of parts to choose from. Define the space and style of a house.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Different proposals</span></h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">When it comes to options, can be described three main alternatives:</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Flat Roofs:</span></h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> here predominates reinforced concrete slab. Frequently applied to modern minimalist concept with square designs, white overhangs, simple clean lines and no cover in sight. Also often used with pergolas protected by metal or plastic plates hail.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A one or two stools</span></b> on their covers usually colored plates common galvanized sheets or tiles be used. Currently, predominantly gabled wooden structure with a tiled roof covered with glazed tiles or common in all models, as well as color plates.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A number of water: </span></b> very common in southern Argentina, although also seen in gated communities. They should take care of several points: "meetings between a skirt and a ceiling. Consider the necessary section of the support beams, hip lines, ridges, valleys and on this issue, drains and discharge of water, "says the architect Gonzalo Ferrer.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b>Note</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">In that sense, they are also three aspects to consider when designing the roof :</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Climate:</span></b> the first aspect to consider is the location and climate. If it is an area with intense and very frequent rains, the better the sloping roof. Given the slope of the roof, water is easily evacuated. This does not invalidate that flat roofs can be made ​​if the aesthetics of the house is imposed.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Vegetation :</span></b>  where there are many trees, drains are often clogged. In these cases it is advisable to resort to flat roof with free drainage, ie without gutters. Thus, the leaves will not be retained by any structural element of the roof.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Use:</span></b> what counts is whether or not be accessible. That is, if you use it as a terrace, then you should opt for a flat roof.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Within this option, there are several possibilities of termination. The most common is the typical tiled terrace. There are variations, such as a patio to gain more space in homes where there is little patio or background. Another option is the combination of flat roofs with inclined, where the flat parts are used as a terrace balconies.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Wood roof :</span></h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">For wood ceilings, it is necessary to consider the type and quality of material. Today compensated or birch plywood applies in eucalyptus and pine, for his technical ability, elasticity, durability and above all, because it tends to deform by grain.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Thermal insulation</span></h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Finally, a roof not only prevents seepage of rainwater: it must also keep the room cool in summer and warm in the winter (thermal insulation). It can be done in different ways or techniques: layers of light and porous (expanded polystyrene) materials, glass wool or polyurethane spray. They apply both flat and sloping.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b>Outstanding issue</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The minimum slope roofs of any type of material depends mainly on the prevailing winds in the area, the type of socket parts coating and the same size (The smaller, but increases the number of connections and possible locations water inlet).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">In the particular case covers colonial tiles, provides for a minimum slope equivalent to an angle of 20 ° or 35 percent (meaning that for every linear meter - 100 inches - up 35 cm). However, it is necessary to address the statistics of wind and rain in the area and experiences with different slopes.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, from 1 to 3 inches per meter to the discharge is the minimum slope of a flat roof to drain the water.<br /><br />I hope that you can choosing quality roofing for <a href="http://bahamasistruzioniperluso.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">your home</a> now<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You can see :</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bahamasistruzioniperluso.blogspot.com/2014/04/skylights-and-roof-windows.html" target="_blank">New designs of skylights</a> and <a href="http://bahamasistruzioniperluso.blogspot.com/2014/01/skylight-designs-types-for-homes.html" target="_blank">roof windows</a></span></div></div></div>

Top Tips for Choosing the roof for your house

Learn how to choosing roofing materials for your new house with top tips and latest trends of roof types and designs The roof is an importan...

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Window boxes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDm_wY2p4Hf8OIbWFX1RAnqIWscaY-IWaWM63e8pK2C6RmBEcvf1b4HPVbhDxizni18qnJO15zibLdvz6VgB89S6nnVrMS7aIcGryeMkSvB4GBe-gnikxPf8XS4iJzRYiHPgKqtJh6SA/s1600/Creeping+window+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDm_wY2p4Hf8OIbWFX1RAnqIWscaY-IWaWM63e8pK2C6RmBEcvf1b4HPVbhDxizni18qnJO15zibLdvz6VgB89S6nnVrMS7aIcGryeMkSvB4GBe-gnikxPf8XS4iJzRYiHPgKqtJh6SA/s1600/Creeping+window+box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>What do you think of window boxes? In most cases they're left derelict and forlorn -nude of any planting. In some cases I've seen them planted with horrible plastic flowers! However in Quebec City I came across these delightful planters full of creeping red (live) flowers -aren't these charming? Just something to remind us all that spring is on the way!

Window boxes

What do you think of window boxes? In most cases they're left derelict and forlorn -nude of any planting. In some cases I've seen th...

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Phoenix: living with or against nature

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WyRzX8A5R0wqYIisSwjlj-FbUYhmhHjA6tKUn4y4iVW_3ITVwhpXQJpwII1dNa3WuwJk9O6TbDm2W1Hfhi2UukDykg_xNmsrxNe56ej_Ew5NxX7Uk4lSdLkF2g2VQYE5DoJBphmrCoY/s1600/glamourous+desert+living.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WyRzX8A5R0wqYIisSwjlj-FbUYhmhHjA6tKUn4y4iVW_3ITVwhpXQJpwII1dNa3WuwJk9O6TbDm2W1Hfhi2UukDykg_xNmsrxNe56ej_Ew5NxX7Uk4lSdLkF2g2VQYE5DoJBphmrCoY/s1600/glamourous+desert+living.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My trip to Phoenix left me with a lot to think about; architecturally that is! Of course my visit to <a href="http://www.franklloydwright.org/about/TaliesinWestTours.html">Taliesin West</a> had a lot to do with this; Frank Lloyd Wright's summer camp and architectural school. When an architect or builder decides to build a house, fundamental decisions are made as to how one approaches the land or nature as I'll call it. Are you with it or against?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVTuZz2uxAEO5sQlcoxzRKS7h4sQw_eWX_wB9Kuxrjt_-r1XNlKVJgc2f5PufJeSrknuZNDnjnpVcGAktfSZYHRzRVLQFfxzcPo76J3_Zf79wETCEpN2SXXT199OwLDK2wvAj6p6Xsgw/s1600/desert+gardening.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVTuZz2uxAEO5sQlcoxzRKS7h4sQw_eWX_wB9Kuxrjt_-r1XNlKVJgc2f5PufJeSrknuZNDnjnpVcGAktfSZYHRzRVLQFfxzcPo76J3_Zf79wETCEpN2SXXT199OwLDK2wvAj6p6Xsgw/s1600/desert+gardening.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>In the top photo is a very glamorous example of going against nature The house is walled in, keeping the desert nature out as well as any desert critters I would suppose.  Everything inside the compound is presumably lush and green as if in Connecticut. This is not exactly what I'd call 'embracing nature' or what is natural to the area.  Around sprawling Phoenix (why must they live so FAR apart?) one sees the opposite example in rather comic ways such as decorating ones lawn with a rusty tractor and overgrown cactus.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmTPwR7dCF-dfNWqZl8wAvD7M41yOtTEV8T9K790PiZEfIsENIxQSzDoL6E9CzJnMeVEdRI34u_JNOjEEW4-R8lEZosQw7rDSDPnru2Kuno_SjiPynqZiKGwNjOXKf9QCSTEhyphenhyphenU7JrHc/s1600/modern+house+in+the+desert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmTPwR7dCF-dfNWqZl8wAvD7M41yOtTEV8T9K790PiZEfIsENIxQSzDoL6E9CzJnMeVEdRI34u_JNOjEEW4-R8lEZosQw7rDSDPnru2Kuno_SjiPynqZiKGwNjOXKf9QCSTEhyphenhyphenU7JrHc/s1600/modern+house+in+the+desert.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>You know I'm a classicist but modern architecture works so well in the desert landscape. I love how this very modern house seems to rise out of the rocky hillside. In the low hills surrounding Phoenix one has wonderful (if somewhat smoggy) views of the city and desert plains while at the same time affording romantic views up into the fabulous mountains and hills.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1BrGfyDodVjCvW5dFOp7yevuh0frN7fw3fR_opXFIVNEbSWDEv9LuxSSgeXqcQObYJJnP56EZN4ycgrNB4w6LeqV_Q3GEDteiT1xHpKpUYqCSVs3uxOKXaRlGsXwJiXC2Y-HDLm6g2w/s1600/phoenix+hillside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1BrGfyDodVjCvW5dFOp7yevuh0frN7fw3fR_opXFIVNEbSWDEv9LuxSSgeXqcQObYJJnP56EZN4ycgrNB4w6LeqV_Q3GEDteiT1xHpKpUYqCSVs3uxOKXaRlGsXwJiXC2Y-HDLm6g2w/s1600/phoenix+hillside.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>To my eastern eyes already accustomed to our frigid gray winter these exotic landscapes were a joy; Reddish soil, green cactus and interesting plants not to mention the wonderfully warm dry air.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYQ5p02orvScpkpZenQY5ELctDm8LBy_vm8Irgebc1FHJfE18ULaDl-TDIz259cNd6TazVIB55qGSqJ0ZshSXOTuzLJaMAL3DSjU_9f3x3tXbqIME5-egsegMH74S1gyYfUiGkMWPoKQ/s1600/beautiful+desert+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYQ5p02orvScpkpZenQY5ELctDm8LBy_vm8Irgebc1FHJfE18ULaDl-TDIz259cNd6TazVIB55qGSqJ0ZshSXOTuzLJaMAL3DSjU_9f3x3tXbqIME5-egsegMH74S1gyYfUiGkMWPoKQ/s1600/beautiful+desert+garden.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It was rather hard to judge which were good neighborhoods and which were poorer ones as the city suffers from a block to block character which stretches off rather endlessly into the sunset. At the foothills of the mountains north of the city were some of the more interesting gardens and houses and so I'll assume that these were among the more affluent neighborhoods of the city.  How people chose to live here was interesting.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglQkr-QO9ZNnGNZ4DXVRBN0lsp4Qts-1brPrp2uJ0UNkmPjSzlA_RvKg6qBDxhYCRammomCjyhOlrca1wDF9H7xgaMoeNRshQS6j-it4CJXg83pHiLdzJl6Vu0t9uYfIAIBVTeQeigiU/s1600/living+below+the+hills.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglQkr-QO9ZNnGNZ4DXVRBN0lsp4Qts-1brPrp2uJ0UNkmPjSzlA_RvKg6qBDxhYCRammomCjyhOlrca1wDF9H7xgaMoeNRshQS6j-it4CJXg83pHiLdzJl6Vu0t9uYfIAIBVTeQeigiU/s1600/living+below+the+hills.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Located at the foot of the mountains one has scenic views upwards while views south sloped towards the city which seems to lack any skyline. However the sprawl stretches out uninterrupted in a way which I found rather scenic and beautiful in its own right in the way it mimicked the flat desert floor.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq6o6HCo1Pax2Qa3lF7wbr1EcBR7_0lrkqqOixsqrRUMgl4muqXGzePKVgCOJh0_IiH8GxThr5q9jv6Zb2NJcjtQEhWLlbzaVUEIykCXHUQazcPFrF3dJXJrpwDs-ceLkwODbdZd5PVY/s1600/living+in+the+trees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq6o6HCo1Pax2Qa3lF7wbr1EcBR7_0lrkqqOixsqrRUMgl4muqXGzePKVgCOJh0_IiH8GxThr5q9jv6Zb2NJcjtQEhWLlbzaVUEIykCXHUQazcPFrF3dJXJrpwDs-ceLkwODbdZd5PVY/s1600/living+in+the+trees.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Rare pockets of green were to be found on a lot per lot basis such as this interesting house which probably feels like living in a tree house surrounded by these gorgeous Palo Verde trees.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhV4KL69-9irqkc_ckDbVKQXkkNfHEpGODl1heWx5met2jbZxzz3DVaosGuDmMLfB2uIHwasNoMEnP09PL7RWzF-uh5TfxJJo0Y4vVBrEm2xg-uLwuqhqutkSIrPB3QgjCafjs2XSzVYQ/s1600/phoenix+sprawl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhV4KL69-9irqkc_ckDbVKQXkkNfHEpGODl1heWx5met2jbZxzz3DVaosGuDmMLfB2uIHwasNoMEnP09PL7RWzF-uh5TfxJJo0Y4vVBrEm2xg-uLwuqhqutkSIrPB3QgjCafjs2XSzVYQ/s1600/phoenix+sprawl.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The tale is often told of how <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2009/10/fallingwater.html">Fallingwater</a> came to be, the well known summer house of the Kaufmann family outside of Pittsburgh designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Mr Kaufmann approached FLW to build his family a summer retreat near his beloved stream and waterfall so he could enjoy it more fully. FLW famously decided to build the house ON the waterfall in order that the family would always be surrounded by it and the sound of the falling water would be a part of their daily life.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDwIWZGLn33LqDF0PEGslw6btJnn50BQoeEsfv_4u5kjsCid0X0P1-JAKNgkHPYnAvlnEmrcJnSnGf0j-L3fV22NUjyu2KsYKbVwmYD-Yk7rJwIN_nCIJSfk3cljBjI_-Mu6s9DpxuEw/s1600/frank+lloyd+wright+school.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDwIWZGLn33LqDF0PEGslw6btJnn50BQoeEsfv_4u5kjsCid0X0P1-JAKNgkHPYnAvlnEmrcJnSnGf0j-L3fV22NUjyu2KsYKbVwmYD-Yk7rJwIN_nCIJSfk3cljBjI_-Mu6s9DpxuEw/s1600/frank+lloyd+wright+school.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In a similar fashion many houses around Phoenix were not nestled around the hillsides but actually built on the crests of them. While it was hard to get a close look at these houses, many appeared to have been actually designed in the style of Wright. While the desert landscape is arguably a complete 180 difference from the lush rural Pennsylvania highlands the idea remains the same.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF0N-USAO8s36FLbNGAHsPphBO15I2nJeybhoDOaew5PWaLRi-3x3ZwrK_JcS4Wl9eInaBsoCOUC42chJIcsjIYcujEZH2Xy9hX-kt3xL1Ucr-zT0l6mAomx2TgJgOGhC0H0Y3ZqH4AA/s1600/modern+house+of+Noah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF0N-USAO8s36FLbNGAHsPphBO15I2nJeybhoDOaew5PWaLRi-3x3ZwrK_JcS4Wl9eInaBsoCOUC42chJIcsjIYcujEZH2Xy9hX-kt3xL1Ucr-zT0l6mAomx2TgJgOGhC0H0Y3ZqH4AA/s1600/modern+house+of+Noah.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>These hilltop houses blend in so well with their surroundings they are often nearly invisible such as this house above (which appears to be Noah's Ark! look for it on the left).  Contrast this relationship to the sprawl at the foot of the hills and their interaction with the landscape. I'm sorry if this is perhaps overly theoretical but it gives one something to think about no matter which section of the world you find yourself living.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYBer9eu7rNKqIIXq1NJDMKGfMmSoFVBDId3nI83Y4UZOW4FXFXlYbeVfxxibIZsNKeOkML9FDISJJQZeK8okqRCab56bQkKPgCw7UeRv4fLJvtPeLlYMJPT42odbZXUngBfmEHSKTcs/s1600/modern+house+on+hilltop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYBer9eu7rNKqIIXq1NJDMKGfMmSoFVBDId3nI83Y4UZOW4FXFXlYbeVfxxibIZsNKeOkML9FDISJJQZeK8okqRCab56bQkKPgCw7UeRv4fLJvtPeLlYMJPT42odbZXUngBfmEHSKTcs/s1600/modern+house+on+hilltop.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I must say that I found Phoenix to be a pretty wonderful part of the world! Join me in my next posts where I'll bring you Frank Lloyd Wright's <a href="http://www.franklloydwright.org/about/TaliesinWestTours.html">Taliesin West</a> and you can see how one architect chose to deal with building in the desert for himself.

Phoenix: living with or against nature

My trip to Phoenix left me with a lot to think about; architecturally that is! Of course my visit to Taliesin West had a lot to do with thi...

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The Heard Museum, Phoenix Arizona

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriJlKnSA4hFFV9LyPoN34z0OxG_vY9b4OVDjQ-mLIEshAzx2xQOfooqlkmhBzjWXbsiM7yNuhUWC6GaDO4ynsBGgbdZXZM92Tny8mojcccSUI-La02Y6m9zt-M6-dNX_TdDaPfi7ZFJI/s1600/sculpture+in+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriJlKnSA4hFFV9LyPoN34z0OxG_vY9b4OVDjQ-mLIEshAzx2xQOfooqlkmhBzjWXbsiM7yNuhUWC6GaDO4ynsBGgbdZXZM92Tny8mojcccSUI-La02Y6m9zt-M6-dNX_TdDaPfi7ZFJI/s1600/sculpture+in+water.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In the same historic neighborhood that I blogged about earlier this week <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-historic-small-houses-of-phoenix.html">HERE</a> is the most famous museum in Phoenix, <a href="http://www.heard.org/">The Heard Museum</a> of American Indian art and history.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjWppGxIeitYRh5ELKxb8M80LGjzd3TIQ1f_WTefPRBjfE2W9SX0MJ_NPJcb6y1KQILxQiHGI0Ywm2gKaGszha-eH__-xNLQ_oCvYw6kIJaW87O0gT6ayyGpzy0UINTYhn0palGHSh-A/s1600/Heard+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjWppGxIeitYRh5ELKxb8M80LGjzd3TIQ1f_WTefPRBjfE2W9SX0MJ_NPJcb6y1KQILxQiHGI0Ywm2gKaGszha-eH__-xNLQ_oCvYw6kIJaW87O0gT6ayyGpzy0UINTYhn0palGHSh-A/s1600/Heard+museum.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Founded by Dwight and Maie Bartlett Heard in 1929 the museum dedicates itself to the art and culture of native people, particularly in the Southwest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-Ckd2ubvKsO1u8E-tJFgcKW-V4YorIErG2VmZUK0wfvTauTvMMy8vhgy-tfvQyvtlQeH2AnR48MIYeRL8ELbcusCVih7Wp5YfM7_lmgXhlYyWzPld0LzX7_kVAMDhG454XVAcDhrDug/s1600/Heard+museum+entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-Ckd2ubvKsO1u8E-tJFgcKW-V4YorIErG2VmZUK0wfvTauTvMMy8vhgy-tfvQyvtlQeH2AnR48MIYeRL8ELbcusCVih7Wp5YfM7_lmgXhlYyWzPld0LzX7_kVAMDhG454XVAcDhrDug/s1600/Heard+museum+entrance.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Much of the building was built later by noted Southwest architect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennie_Gonzales">Bennie Gonzales</a> in his distinctive style which blends so well with the climate. Courtyards, arches, screens, and arcades are reminiscent of both native styles as well as Mediterranean architecture.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng8xfXwKc7P0MSTBNen0Q5l1yJghCMLeFGH0b1a9MBSqzDPjYVWUdeSw3sFPUosprzhtdMiJPZCo27SAsUc4M1l5ervcpEUUFfiihR1BkBfLL3H20nnoq98H2dmLlGR-kNoVTWg86Ww0/s1600/garden+courtyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng8xfXwKc7P0MSTBNen0Q5l1yJghCMLeFGH0b1a9MBSqzDPjYVWUdeSw3sFPUosprzhtdMiJPZCo27SAsUc4M1l5ervcpEUUFfiihR1BkBfLL3H20nnoq98H2dmLlGR-kNoVTWg86Ww0/s1600/garden+courtyard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The central courtyard is probably one of the most beautiful spaces in Phoenix. Birds sing from trees which shade one from the glare of the sun while tinkling water trickles through an interesting central water feature.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL2a1mLYjk9-iFAgHfXiWFoRem1sCVFo4lM7hGfPAD05lbA3FoFBvYHbdQC26P1uiBf7PQFUA06gSNTsiUdCysC6rSy-6ScpAx4f-eEZeRi-VXSUl57TIImLAw_la3f81RhO8Qe4nDC8/s1600/water+feature.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL2a1mLYjk9-iFAgHfXiWFoRem1sCVFo4lM7hGfPAD05lbA3FoFBvYHbdQC26P1uiBf7PQFUA06gSNTsiUdCysC6rSy-6ScpAx4f-eEZeRi-VXSUl57TIImLAw_la3f81RhO8Qe4nDC8/s1600/water+feature.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One of the most noted restaurants in Phoenix lies here and I spent an enjoyable January afternoon outside eating delicious Posole in the sun while Washington DC suffered a cold snap which I barely escaped!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWhaOj4_FUMONGBQSFWhKP1gnlEOKEUpHpufw-CQQviygTorc5ID0_t92Ia2CBdMMDJjpRURhPhkEv_2d_RbvSlRskhTYBJzEcdCxVOmhuqlZsAV95oYF8OZOyw1vS4h6vvdlLfgoQiw/s1600/Juliet+balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWhaOj4_FUMONGBQSFWhKP1gnlEOKEUpHpufw-CQQviygTorc5ID0_t92Ia2CBdMMDJjpRURhPhkEv_2d_RbvSlRskhTYBJzEcdCxVOmhuqlZsAV95oYF8OZOyw1vS4h6vvdlLfgoQiw/s1600/Juliet+balcony.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>The older parts of the building feature 1920s Spanish style ironwork and details such as this charming Juliet balcony. I was such a northeastern tourist and the sight of every orange tree just made me giddy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgKoldzH3npmyCN8LFX5N2nJB83-YMQugu6xWT9IY9lqHdIFLv3548BWvHwCVU7BP0ak08TJJ64Qk7HqR_VAF079y1lfJSvjgt6mz7b9xFgj-AjbiwJtu5RQIix2pH4HYv2niXEWQ7AM/s1600/Spanish+Loggia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgKoldzH3npmyCN8LFX5N2nJB83-YMQugu6xWT9IY9lqHdIFLv3548BWvHwCVU7BP0ak08TJJ64Qk7HqR_VAF079y1lfJSvjgt6mz7b9xFgj-AjbiwJtu5RQIix2pH4HYv2niXEWQ7AM/s1600/Spanish+Loggia.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The eclectic work of Gonzalez blends in well with the older Spanish style of the original building.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp8cr7SGzTJ-9gzkPmp3xorK1upIqRnZO5u0ek1RlH57VzocGHTvxETlVlN9Wi0WGT3ACOU0YDSRABEOcBodfjZ_UkwXY2def_1ybRkxGj0tuJWLL5UtV0dKg9OeDVTqRjGAzxmDr62M/s1600/Iron+gates.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp8cr7SGzTJ-9gzkPmp3xorK1upIqRnZO5u0ek1RlH57VzocGHTvxETlVlN9Wi0WGT3ACOU0YDSRABEOcBodfjZ_UkwXY2def_1ybRkxGj0tuJWLL5UtV0dKg9OeDVTqRjGAzxmDr62M/s1600/Iron+gates.JPG" width="298" /></a></div> What I assume to be the original entrance featured these handsome ironwork gates.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHveO4p3nQcljeRrcprh0iF9-qsNk2apuihixqg4yfOXr1cQMNznY1InpoWB-yIKVO1Z17ZEz_EVyxL_qJhPGlmnNxIXqhl7QvxuHk3dJeFNqrx_rzPlMeVTc1X1v4Up096mBhrrRWBaQ/s1600/old+courtyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHveO4p3nQcljeRrcprh0iF9-qsNk2apuihixqg4yfOXr1cQMNznY1InpoWB-yIKVO1Z17ZEz_EVyxL_qJhPGlmnNxIXqhl7QvxuHk3dJeFNqrx_rzPlMeVTc1X1v4Up096mBhrrRWBaQ/s1600/old+courtyard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> And another small shaded courtyard now was silent with the entry activity confined to the large addition.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJu1egjUEwfe1IUX8YH7ot3-Mhl50X57h3JdqSDRsT8AIMlNvqPzdb1mt2dRe3_qyuYAjOwiTeNbsY03OKu1uhuZVpjYmQGC_dw1JbaXJ5caZOuXze8SJSHC_nJnWi3KbCntOX3e_Fov4/s1600/Nora+Naranjo-Morse+sculpture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJu1egjUEwfe1IUX8YH7ot3-Mhl50X57h3JdqSDRsT8AIMlNvqPzdb1mt2dRe3_qyuYAjOwiTeNbsY03OKu1uhuZVpjYmQGC_dw1JbaXJ5caZOuXze8SJSHC_nJnWi3KbCntOX3e_Fov4/s1600/Nora+Naranjo-Morse+sculpture.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>Definitely check out the <a href="http://www.heard.org/">Heard Museum </a>on your trip to Phoenix to learn more about native cultures and don't forget to try the Posole and prickly pear lemonade!

The Heard Museum, Phoenix Arizona

In the same historic neighborhood that I blogged about earlier this week HERE is the most famous museum in Phoenix, The Heard Museum of Am...

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