The forgotten Boyce Thompson Institute

When I write abandoned greenhouse, one might imagine a small glass structure with broken windows. While, yes, this is an abandoned greenhouse, there is nothing small about it. This magnificent structure was once the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research.

Surrounded by this beautiful fence, we made our way around to see these amazing greenhouses.

As I stood here in awe of this building, I kept wondering how someplace this beautiful could be forgotten. Once the home of so many species of exotic plants, it is now overtaken with weeds and several cats.

I stumbled upon this sign, and although it is such a small part of this amazing place, I love the little details.

In front of this building once sat raised beds filled with gorgeous plants. Now it sits here in this forgotten state. 

How does a place this beautiful become forgotten? I am drawn to this building, and the other forgotten places I photograph, because they have these amazing rich histories that have somehow been lost. I hope that in photographing them and sharing those photos, I am preserving a little part of them.

Thanksgiving Parade 2013

It was cold and windy today...seriously cold and windy. We were determined to see the parade, bundled up and headed down to the parade route. We looked up the street and saw all the open spaces along the sidewalk; it began to feel like a private parade just for us! As we waited for the parade to begin, we heard the balloons had been grounded because the wind was too strong. While it was a little disappointing, we knew the marching bands, floats clowns and other performers would still make it a lot of fun.

I think the photos speak for themselves, so I will let them show you the parade.

Another visit to my favorite castle

A few years ago, I found out there was a castle on a hill in the woods. I needed to go and see it immediately. My blog post from that visit is here.

Of course, one visit is never enough, and I knew I needed to go back and see her again. 

Despite the state of decay, it is easy to see how magnificent this building was. The arches, the remains of the huge veranda, the amazing windows, this building was amazing. 

As you may know from this blog, I love windows. These give a glimpse inside the remains of this structure. The picture below is one of my favorites. You can see the vines growing on the inside wall. On the right side of the window, you can see the remains of a staircase hanging on the inside wall.

 

Here we can see the state of the inside of the building. Unfortunately, the roof has collapsed and took down the floors below it.

The building is surrounded by a fence, and looking in this window, it is obvious why the fence is there. If you visit, don't try to find a way beyond the fence, it isn't safe. Just appreciate the beauty of the remaining structure from the safety outside the fence.

We continued on a nearby trail and found this building. I wonder if this might have been the water tower.

Just beyond the possible water tower, we found this little "house" blocked by fallen trees. Could this have been the pump house? I'm still trying to find out and will keep you posted.

I plan to return in winter and photograph this beautiful building under a blanket of snow.

The Halloween house...2 days late but worth the wait

The past two years, Halloween was postponed (2011) and canceled (2012) due to horrible weather and no power. This year, we were all so excited for Halloween and to finally have a real Halloween. We were able to trick or treat on Halloween, but unfortunately, rain prevented this amazing Halloween display from being lit. Thankfully, the display was postponed until tonight, and it was worth the wait. 

I don't think this needs much narrating, so I will let the photos speak for themselves. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into how Halloween is celebrated here.