Gardens

It was a beautiful day today, and we felt like doing something outside -- but away from the bugs! So we went to Olbrich Gardens in Madison, sixteen acres of gardens, paths, fountains and lawns. Most of the plants are Midwest-hardy, and it is interesting to see how much they have accomplished using pretty ordinary plants. There is also a conservatory, which houses a lot of tropical plants, many of them in bloom or beginning to bear fruit, with lots of butterflies and some tropical birds (and quail?) flying or wandering around.

A unique feature is this royal Thai Pavilion, a gift of the Thai government back in 2000, the only one in the continental United States. The plants around the pavilion are designed to resemble the environment in Thailand, which means many of the plants do not survive the Wisconsin winter and have to be replaced every year.

All in all a peaceful and pleasant way to spend a Sunday.

Pondering

Why do I/we assume that the direction I/we face at the moment is forward?

Update

Just wanted to report that I think (and I hope this is not a lie) that my attempt to work on my habits of speech is helping. I can't say I never slip up, but I am becoming aware of slips much faster and sometimes even in time to avoid falling. Mindfulness is the key ...

They say it takes three weeks or so to establish new habits. More news anon, perhaps. After my surgery next week, I expect I will not be able to talk as much for a few days, which may help!

Truth in advertising?

In looking at a Groupon offer for a place to get away in northern Wisconsin, I ran across one family-oriented place with the following paragraph in the description:

Each lodge home is outfitted with a fully equipped kitchen, a gas fireplace, a patio or balcony, and a passive-aggressive teen. If you're on a vacation from cooking, fuel up at Blue Heron Supper Club and Lounge, the onsite restaurant. It serves fresh seafood entrees, pizzas, and craft beer, and there’s piano music Thursday–Saturday.

Actually, I assume you have to provide your own passive-aggressive teen. Laws, you know.