“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the Romance of the unusual.”
― Ernest Hemingway
Birds
Category: history
Henry Nehrling – 1853-1927
“Nehrling had several favorite species, which he grew and bred far more than others. Caladiums, Amaryllis, Palms, Cycads, and Bamboo were among those most grown at Palm Cottage. Nehrling describes in his writing as having planted 25000 individual Caladiums each year in his Lath Houses, as well as thousands of other species that required protection from the strong Florida sun.” – Nehrling Gardens web site
Palm Gardens is located just west of Orlando in the town of Gotha.
The Floridian Peninsula – Daniel G. Brinton 1859
Daniel Garrison Brinton 1837-1899, physician, anthropologist. Born in Thornbury Township, PA. was a pioneer in the field of academic anthropology. As with most academics in the 19th century, his wealth allowed him the freedom to pursue other studies.
“Notes on the Floridian Peninsula, its Literary History, Indian Tribes and Antiquities” is a book about Florida history written in 1859, reprinted in 1969. Uses an incredible amount of reference material. If I needed reference to primary source material concerning early Florida history – this is it. There are some things we now know not to be true, but we must consider when it was written. His literary history documents sources of Spanish, French, English, and American history, and also the Native Americans who lived in Florida.
The section on Native Americans covers both what was known of indigenous tribes Apalachees, Caloosa, and Ais, as well as the Creek/Seminole migration. His section on antiquities covers investigations of shell mounds and other ancient areas.
In keeping with my main interests this book contains geographic, geological, flora, and fauna information. The appendix about Silver Springs and the Oklewaha River (his spelling) are particularity interesting.
This fascinating book gives a perspective of Florida history that we seldom see. I was able to get a copy from the University of Central Florida library. Another book I would recommend is John Lee Williams Territory of Florida around 1839, there are electronic copies around for free.
Kennedy Space Cen
Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It’s not a thing to be waited for – it is a thing to be achieved. – William Jennings Bryan
Sharing lovely Merritt Island with my birds is the Kennedy Space center. They have some really great exhibits chronicling our journey into space. And it’s always exciting visiting a place where so much history has been made. One odd thing, no flash photography at the Atlantis exhibit – I understand in museums with delicate paintings – but a space shuttle? Maybe someone can enlighten me.
Quote found at http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/SEH/quotes.html
Wildflower Wednesday
“Behind the squaw’s light birch canoe
The steamer rocks and raves,
And city lots are staked for sale
Above old Indian graves.” – John Greenleaf Whittier
While Whittier was speaking of his native New England this verse is true of most of our country.
Quote found in Out of Doors in Florida by Charles Simpson Torrey.
Blue Birds
Successful birding trip to Tennessee. ID’ed many new species. Lots of history from the late 1700s and early 1800s as this area opened up to exploration by westerners. Saw some working coal mines, which are odd, because there are 50 or so cars in a parking lot and one small building underneath a coal elevator. At first I was curious where the people were – it was far too remote for a park and ride.
Finally music wise I got to go to the Ralph Stanley museum in Clintwood, Va, something I’ve wanted to do for years.
Addison Ellis Canal
Yet another monument to man’s attempts to conquer the environment. They were stopped by the Atlantic Ridge, a 120,000 year old sand bar – turned coquina rock that proved too much for them. However, not before they reversed the water flow through the Enchanted Forest from flowing westward towards the St Johns River to the east towards the Indian River Lagoon.
The Enchanted Forest is a Brevard County park, that is indeed enchanting!! As you walk along the ridge, sometimes 25 feet above the canal, you can see geological history in the coquina rock walls. This elevation and the rock walls make it an unusual site in Central Florida. This is the highest point in Brevard County.
Something Different
Spent last week in Philadelphia, only had my point and shoot with me, so the birds were elusive. But thought I’d share some random shots over the next couple of days.
This is the art museum, first shot from Love Park – then closer, which is more famous for having been in the movie Rocky, than for the fabulous works of art it contains. Including Carnival Evening by Henri Rousseau – my favorite artist.
Bird Day
“People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Zigler
Love these guys. The glossy is in breeding plumage, I think that the green is somewhere in between.
Quote found at http://www.quotegarden.com/perseverance.html
Edward Weston – Photo Pioneer
My own eyes are no more than scouts on a preliminary search, for the camera’s eye may entirely change my idea. – Edward Weston
Edward Weston, who along with Ansel Adams and Minor White were founders of the photography program at the California School of Fine Arts. Thanks to the pioneers of American Photography who gave us all inspiration to pursue our passions.
Please see more on Edward Weston at http://edward-weston.com/
Quote found at http://www.photoquotes.com/showquotes.aspx?id=51&name=Weston,Edward#ixzz3St1V47zK
Picture This by Frank 