Wild Bird Wednesday - the Dandy

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Male- spotted this dandy with his rosy cravat at my neighbor's "squirrel" feeder.  In contrast, the females and juveniles are brown striped. I think I got a couple of not so good photos of them as well, but decided not to post and let this one take center stage.  

Blurred because they're quite camera wary, but you can see his fabulous rosy breast.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday .

InSPIREd Sunday - Cowboy Church

( Since this is Derby weekend in Kentucky and all about horses, decided to share this post from 2008 for today's InSPIREd Sunday meme.  The prompt for this particular '08 Fun Monday meme was to look for a sign that caught your attention and post a photo of it.  I saw this one from the road just outside of Paris, Kentucky.)



I spotted this sign for the Blue Grass Cowboy Church as I was traveling on the Paris Pike between Lexington and Paris. This is a very scenic highway lined with old dry stone fences and miles of brown and white wooden fencing for the many thoroughbred horse farms on either side of Paris Pike. Wherever you look there are scenes worthy of a Kentucky tourism catalog--beautiful horses in the pastures, barns that would rival most of our homes. Scenes like this:

~Photo credit:  not mine sadly!  It may be James Archambeault's, a well-known Kentucky photographer ~

Central Kentucky, or the Blue Grass Region, produces the foals that grow up to run and win the great races like the Kentucky Derby here in Louisville. The equine industry is the backbone of our state's agriculture and tourism. Many people are employed on these horse farms and related agriculture operations. A significant number of workers are Hispanic because of the skills they have in caring for, handling, and training the high strung thoroughbreds.

For a horse-centered town like Paris, KY to have a Blue Grass Cowboy Church isn't surprising, if you think about it. When immigrants settled in an area, many community organizations made--and still do-- the effort to serve their need for belonging. Churches would be interested in that role certainly. Many Hispanics work on the horse farms for years, living apart from their families and in need of this support.

So, the cowboy church invitation is to "Come as you are, boots and hats are welcome, and share in a night of down home country worship centered on the New Testament with live Bluegrass Gospel music and fellowship with folks who like the cowboy culture." Something for everyone--even church services at a stockyard!


 Linking to InSPIREd Sunday , a new meme celebrating places of worship and their unique architecture and history.  Thanks to Sally and Beth for hosting.

 

Kentucky Derby Traditions - Crafting the Rose Garland

~ Click on collage to enlarge ~

This Derby Eve I braved the crowds at our local Kroger's supermarket in Middletown to get these photos of the florists crafting the spectacular Garland of Roses which will be placed on the thoroughbred winner of the 139th Kentucky Derby.  It's a tradition for a local Kroger's to craft the garland and people are invited to come and watch.  After the garland is complete it is displayed at the store, along with the Official Kentucky Derby Trophy, until early Saturday morning when it goes to Churchill Downs, ready for the Winner's Circle Ceremonies.

The Garland of Roses is crafted according to tradition from about 400 Freedom Roses (named in honor of those who perished on 9.11).  Each rose is placed in its own water vial and then handsewn into a bed of greenery.  The garland crown includes a special rose for every horse in the Derby.  Here are a few other photos from tonight:

Display of the Garland and Winner's Trophy

Closeup of garland greenery and roses

Roses ready for water vials

Jockey silks banners throughout the store

Tired florists working since 4p - notice the bracelet

Garland Crown with rose for each horse racing

Winner's Trophy

And finally, Derby Pie from Kern's Bakery!  Fudgey chocolate and nuts, oh my!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this little behind the scenes account of one great Derby tradition.  When you see the Galrland of Roses tomorrow in the Winner's Circle you can tell your friends you know how this beauty was made!   

Linking for May 6: Macro Monday and Mosaic Monday . 

Kentucky Derby Traditions - Planting Flowers

~ click on image to enlarge ~

The whole city of Louisville--and actually all of Kentucky--is in a fever of preparations for Saturday's great Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.  We have visitors from all over coming to Louisville for the festivities, as well as the millions who watch the race on television. So everyone wants their homes to look extra good.  For most, that means planting flowers now that we're safe from frost.

This morning I stopped by Paul's Fruit and Vegetable Market in Middletown to see what they're selling in annual plants this year.  Paul's is a great place for fresh fruits and vegetables year round and specialty items produced in Kentucky.  At this time of the year they're a good place to buy flowers in great variety as well.

Here are some full sized photos of the most interesting plants--or best photos from today's shoot. Disclaimer:  I'll try to identify the plants, but if I get it wrong just ignore me.  I'm interested in other things now and not quite the keen gardener I used to be. . .

hibiscus

hydrangea

scabiosa

marigolds galore

fuchsia

rex begonia

Asiatic lilies

chenille plant

tuberous begonia

mixed containers ready to go

Here's hoping your Derby horse runs fast and your hat stays dry this Saturday at the Kentucky Derby--and that your flowers look great all summer!

Wild Bird Wednesday - Hawks in the 'Burbs

Last January I was just pulling in the driveway when these two beauties lit in a tree in my suburban backyard.  They very obligingly stayed around long enough for me to run inside to grab a camera.  So exciting--first hawks I've seen this close to home and first photos of them.  Wasn't sure whether they were sharp shinned or Cooper's, but thought sharpies based on the squared off tails.  A birder friend confirmed that ID.  Are we right?

Here are a couple more views:

And then a little serendipity--I'm always on the lookout for feathers when out walking and have found some interesting ones.  But nothing to compare with this big hawk feather that I spotted in the front yard not long after getting these photos of the real thing.

Again, I'm not sure if this feather belonged to a sharpie or Cooper--what do you think?

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday .

Mosaic and Macro Monday - Metal Art

 ~ click on mosaic to enlarge ~

In Norton Commons, a "boutique" community near Louisville, I spotted this wonderful collection of metal art  for sale at a local shop.  Several pieces, such as the horse head and fleur de lis, would make great decorations for the Kentucky Derby which runs the first Saturday in May.  The other pieces would look wonderful as garden or exterior art any time.

Here are a few more examples of some of best and most classic designs--curlicues, rosettes, arches, panels:

And then some macro/closeup shots of other pieces:

Hope you take in the Kentucky Derby next Saturday whether visiting Louisville or watching the festivities on your wide screen.  It's a beautiful time in this city and some of this metal art would look really great in some Louisville gardens.

Linking to: Macro Monday and Mosaic Monday.

InSPIREd Sunday - Holy Spirit Louisville

Holy Spirit Louisville (est. 1936) - in the Seneca Park neighborhood.  Here, I shot the classic bell tower and spire silhouetted against the night sky.  The 2000 lb. bell in the tower is inscribed with the prayer "Venis Sancte Spiritus", translated "Come Holy Spirit".  A fitting prayer for each time the bell rings.

Linking to InSPIREd Sunday , a new meme celebrating places of worship and their unique architecture and history.  Thanks to Sally and Beth for hosting.