duds98's PhotoBlog

Niagara Falls, Ontario

2009-11-24T15:33:49Z

After a day of winerying, Alice, Stephanie, and I headed the 30 minutes south to Niagara Falls to check out one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Steph and Alice had seen it before, but this was the first time for me. What an awesome sight! I will have to go back so that I can see them in the daylight and do all of the touristy stuff in and around them. I know the shots are largely all the same, but there was something about each of these that I liked enough to post. Photos taken 11/14/09.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

2009-11-24T14:32:57Z

Stephanie and I got invited to spend the weekend in Canada at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The town is buoyed by the tourism generated by the incredible number of wineries in the surrounding area. We headed up (a 4 hour drive) bright and early Saturday morning, visited three wineries, saw the Niagara Falls at night (a separate entry coming soon), stayed the night in a cottage at The Olde Angel Inn, and returned to Ohio Sunday afternoon (with a stop in Buffalo for lunch). It was a great time! Photos taken on 11/14/09 and 11/15/09.

Happy Birthday, Mom & Dad!

2009-11-24T13:58:35Z

Today we celebrated my parents' birthdays. Yes, they were born on the same day in the same year! It sure makes it easy to remember! ;)

DC Trip - Pediments

2009-11-03T14:39:19Z

In trying to do something different, I came up with the idea to do a series of pediments found in The District. Photos from Day 2, Day 3, Day 4. A pediment is a classical architectural element consisting of the triangular section found above the horizontal structure (entablature), typically supported by columns. The gable end of the pediment is surrounded by the cornice moulding. The tympanum, or triangular area within the pediment, was often decorated with sculptures and reliefs demonstrating scenes of Greek and Roman mythology or allegorical figures. It also consisted of many bright colours suitable to the nature of the building being adorned.

DC Trip - Union Station

2009-11-03T14:01:19Z

Our time in Washington DC both began and ended in Union Station. Union Station was designed by architect Daniel Burnam, who also designed one of the first American skyscrapers (the Masonic Temple Building in Chicago), oversaw construction of the 1892 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and published the "The Plan of Chicago", which laid out plans for the future of the city.

DC Trip - Metro

2009-11-03T13:36:14Z

We spent a lot of time on the DC Metro! Photos are from Day 2, Day 4, and Day 5.

DC Trip - Royal Marines Band

2009-11-03T13:13:37Z

Photos from Day 5. On our way to the National Archives Gift Shop, we came upon a Royal Marines Band performing at the United States Navy Memorial. For those that have access, I have posted a couple of videos on my Facebook page. From Wikipedia, "Today all Royal Marines Bands are required to provide every imaginable musical ensemble including orchestras, quartets and dance bands, as well as traditional Military (marching) Bands. To achieve this, all RM musicians, except solo specialists, are required to attain an above-average standard on both a string and a wind instrument. As a result of this special versatility, Royal Marines musicians are recognised around the world as being both thoroughly professional and highly-talented within the military musical world. The Corps of Drums receive an equally thorough training and pride themselves on maintaining the highest standards of drill, bugling and drumming. Their glittering presence at the front of all Royal Marines Bands on the march gives the bands a visual impact that is second to none."

DC Trip - National Gallery of Art (East)

2009-11-03T12:34:12Z

The East Building, designed by I.M. Pei, focuses on modern and contemporary art, with a collection including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Alexander Calder. Photos are from Day 4.

DC Trip - White House

2009-11-03T12:15:35Z

Photos are from Day 4.

Sorrowful Mother Shrine

2009-11-10T12:01:04Z

Alice, Stephanie, and I took advantage of the gorgeous November weather and headed an hour or so west to the town of Bellevue, Ohio to visit the Sorrowful Mother Shrine. Temperatures were in the mid-60s and it was a great opportunity to reflect and pray.