For our anniversary, we went to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL. What a treat it was to see all the blooms. While strolling the gardens and paths, we attended a carillon concert. A carillon is a musical instrument consisting of at least 23 cast bronze cup-shaped bells which have been precisely tuned so that many bells can be sounded together to produce a harmonious effect. The bells are hung stationary; only the clappers move. The clapper of each bell is connected by wires and other mechanical linkages to a playing console or clavier. The console contains a double row of founded levers called batons, which are arranged in the same pattern as the keys of a piano, plus a pedal board.
To play, the carillonneur sits on a bench facing the console and depresses the batons with her hands, which are loosely clenched into fists. Foot pedals, connected to the heavier bells, are depressed with the feet. As with piano, expressive playing is achieved by a variation of touch. Carrilon bells
The Carillon at Bok Towers is a tribute of affection from Edward William Bok to his Grandparents: Lovers of Beauty Nineteen hundred and twenty-six. The tower was designed by Milton Medary of Philadelphia. The landscape gardening by Frederick Law Olmstead of Brookline Massachusetts. The sculpture by Lee Lawrie of New York City. The bells were cast by John Taylor and company Loughborogh England. The ironwork by Samuel Yellin of Philadelphia. The marble from the quarries of Tate Georgia. The faience by J.H. dulles Allen of Enfield Pennsylvania. the Tower was built by Horace H. Burrell and Son of Philadelphia.
We also went to Highlands Hammock state park in Sebring, FL. Special
place - one of the oldest state parks with boardwalks going through old growth
bald cypress swamp and trails going through old very diverse forests. 
In January, we celebrated Joe's 62nd birthday at a lodge in the snowy Adirondacks. We got lucky since there was very little snow since December. After a meet and greet with the horses and the sleigh operator, we enjoyed a snowy and beautiful moonlit ride through the forest. Kerosene lanterns were hung at regular intervals on the trail and added charm to the experience. The sleigh operator provided some info on the prohibition era history surrounding the property. After the sleigh ride, we entered the 1800’s lodge and were directed to the secret door leading to the speakeasy. We had to knock on the secret door where we gave them password to gain entry. Once we entered the speakeasy we were given an authentic experience and learned more about the prohibition era history of the Adirondacks and some unique historical facts about the speakeasy. It was a gathering place of many well-known historical figures including Einstein who was seeking the curative properties of the surrounding forest. The speakeasy experience was followed by dinner upstairs in a beautiful dining area. The food was delicious and the wait staff was very attentive.
Time to get ready for spring :-) We are offering this colorful luggage tag to one lucky winner. Leave a comment with Rita @ Panoply for a chance to win. We all thank you for your time and interest reading about our adventures.
Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch
Jenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted Apron
Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda
Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box
Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply
Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul
Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home
Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy Reader
Cherry Kay and Carrie and Hall @ Entertaining Women
See you again in June!
Deb, I say it every time, but I'm always thrilled to see you and Joe making the most of retirement. Travel, travel, travel! Fill these early years with lots of trips and adventures. You are two are doing it right!
ReplyDeleteThe Bok Tower Gardens looks like a great spot. I would love to visit. The Adirondacks in winter looks fun too! Thanks for taking us along.
A lovely time!:) So many lovely outings!
ReplyDeleteYou must’ve been in awe at the Carillon Concert, Debbie. What a wonderful trip you had in Florida enjoying the warmth and the beauty. Of course, Joe's 62nd birthday sounded like wintry fun! Now onto March! ❤️
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you got to escape winter for a while and enjoy Florida! The Bok Tower Gardens sound so beautiful and I enjoyed reading about what a carillon instrument is, and it's history. The Speak Easy experience had to be so interesting, I love that you had a secret password! That red barn looks so pretty in the snow~ Happy March Debbie, Spring is on the way!
ReplyDeleteJenna
How wonderful Deb how you and Joe are traveling and enjoying retirement. I was not familiar with the carillon musical instrument. It must be magical hearing the sounds from the bells and interesting to watch. Florida is a wonderful destination during the winter months and avoiding the heat. We always enjoy traveling there during winter. Joe's birthday spent in the Adirondacks must have been so much fun. The moonlit sleigh ride sounds wonderful. I would love to do that someday, need to plan that trip! Wishing you and Joe a happy March.....
ReplyDeleteFrom snow to sunshine - you made the most out of this winter! I don't know if I would enjoy the walk thru the swamp as I would be on the lookout for alligators - they are fast!!! Brave girl! Glad you have enjoyed the last few months!
ReplyDeleteSuch fun outings Deb. The Bok Tower Gardens look lovely. The Carillon instrument is so unique.A great Birthday trip for you and Joe. You two are always on the go! So happy you are enjoying yourselves. Happy March.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun reading about Bok Tower Gardens and how carillons work. At the University of Alabama, we have a 115-foot tall campanile tower on The Quad, and it has a 25-bell carillon. I never knew how it worked, though! Highlands Hammock State Park looks beautiful, too, but the walkway looks treacherous so close to the alligators below. Yikes! The speakeasy in the Adirondacks sounds like a super-fun way to celebrate a birthday. I hope Joe had a wonderful birthday celebration in January. :D
ReplyDeleteWow that tote you started out the post with is stunning! Did I miss information on where you got it or did you paint it? Fab!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have a carillon tower on BYU campus, but I never knew all of the information about how it works. So fun to learn that and I will be more appreciative when I hear the bells playing.
More fun trips with you and Joe. That red barn is gorgeous.
The weather in Florida looks like it was wonderful! What a great trip and so many memorable experiences you had.
ReplyDeleteOh those Carrilon bells! I bet that was such a great experience, I love the sound, and I just know the garden sights were fantastic. In the Highlands Hammock State Park, I noticed that Chinese lantern right away. I saw those plants at our local farmer market last summer and was so tempted to buy one, but they are only suitable as an indoor plant in our region. You & Joe celebrated his birthday in a storybook way, it was absolutely dreamy in photos. Happy March! We are enjoying a very early start to spring here, today being 80° with sunshine and blue skies, and no humidity to speak of.
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