Coast Guard Band Memorial Day Concert

Today the Coast Guard Dixieland Band will perform at 1:00 at Fort Trumbull in New London, Connecticut to celebrate Memorial Day. In the past, performances were held on the east side of the fort facing the town of Groton on the Thames River. Last year, a new band pad was installed on the south lawn looking toward the Long Island Sound. 

The crowd begins to gather

The Coast Guard Bands always offer top of the line performances, while the venue at Fort Trumbull offers the extra dimension of history, water views, sunshine and breezes. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Attendance is free. Get there early and claim your spot on the lawn!

These photos are from the Coast Guard Band's 2017 Memorial Day Concert.

The Block Island Ferry passes by

A few sail boats in the distance

The United States Coast Guard Band

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides. 

 See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

 ©2018 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.

San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden

 On a recent trip to California, I spent several hours strolling through the San Diego Botanical Garden with my two sisters. What a wonderful day. So good to spend time together chatting and exploring. Fortunately, the Californians were patient with me as I took pictures of plants they see everyday!

Cork Tree

A dead Eucalyptus tree is being sculpted into a Baobab tree for the Madagascar garden

Mexican musicians perform

Avocado tree

Interesting trees and plants everywhere

Bottlebrush

Dinner Plate Fig

Some of these leaves were taller than me!

Love the yellow stalks of this bamboo 

Japanese Garden

A peaceful pond

Dragon Tree

Succulent sculptures dance by the fountain

My favorite - The succulent garden, so different from what I'm used to in New England

I can't visit California without taking photos of palm trees

Under a canopy of palms

The Children's Discovery Garden - A fun place to run, dig, climb, and explore!

Another CA photo must - Cactus

Elephant's Foot (aka Pony-tail palm)

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides. 

 See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

 ©2018 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.

Norman Rockwell Museum

The Golden Rule - Norman Rockwell

A bus trip with Adventures in Lifelong Learning was on Friday's agenda. I'm so glad I joined this group. I had a wonderful time letting someone else do the driving while I got caught up visiting with an old friend! We went to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. The painting above is my favorite Rockwell, and so appropriate for the times we are living in. Coincidentally, I just wrote a book on kindergarten comprehension. One of the first Read Alouds I recommended is The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper.

I also love The Four Freedoms. They have their own room at the Rockwell Museum. Unfortunately, on our visit, posters were hanging in their place, because the original paintings are on tour.

The Four Freedoms: Freedom of Speech; Freedom of Worship; Freedom from Want; Freedom from Fear - Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell Self Portrait Triple Image

As an artist, I found myself drawn to Rockwell's clever self-portrait. My own were never this creative! And as a museum lover, I enjoyed a good laugh at these portraits looking back with disdain at a scrutinizing museum visitor.

Norman Rockwell - The Art Critic

This 1960's era painting brings back childhood memories. The children will get along just fine. It's their elders, who have learned prejudice, that will struggle with the changing times brought on by the Civil Rights Movement and integration.

New Kids in the Neighborhood - Norman Rockwell

The Norman Rockwell Museum has many more paintings, Saturday Evening Post covers, introductory films,  gallery talks, and exhibits of other artists.  

Norman Rockwell Museum - Stockbridge, Massachusetts

While you are there, be sure to walk the scenic grounds. You will see sculptures by Peter Rockwell, Norman Rockwell's Art Studio, and gorgeous views of the Berkshires!

Norman Rockwell's Art Studio

This was not my first trip to Stockbridge, and it won't be my last. When you go be sure to stroll through the shops and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming restaurants.

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides. 

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

 ©2018 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.