Jesse and Erin needed to be at Tampa International Airport for a 5 p.m. flight back to Denver on Friday. We decided to pack them up and then spend the rest of the day at John Ringling's winter home in Sarasota, Ca d'zan (House of John). Three of us had seen it before, many years ago. Erin hadn't and the whole campus had been completely renovated so we were all looking forward to our visit. We toured the grounds, gardens, home and a peaceful James Turrell installation (skyspace) in the Ringling Museum.
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| Ca d'zan's grounds were a bonus for us. Huge specimen trees, ferns, shady paths leading to hidden gardens and a lovely, fragrant rose garden |
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| father and son test the strength of the Banyon tree's aerial roots |
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| Oh Dave..... |
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| Oh Jesse..... |
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| so many lion statues |
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| I won't bore you with all of them, but I was captivated by the statuary |
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| rapture |
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| Antique Venetian Glass mirror reflecting the gilt coffered ceiling in the ballroom |
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| marble toilet seat! |
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mahogany and 24 ct. gold bed
(only the best for Mr. Ringling!) |
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| marble boat dock (or, I should say Yacht dock) on Sarasota Bay |
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| sorry.....another stone lion |
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| bamboo and palm lined path to a private glen |
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is he on his cell phone?
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All too soon the day was over and we were putting Jesse and Erin on the plane headed for Denver. Thanks guys, it was a wonderful visit.
What a nice last day! It's always hard to see them go. Jessica leaves tomorrow:(
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place to visit. AND it sounds like you had a wonderful Bday/Xmas family visit! Now, here's to an excellent 2014!
ReplyDeleteOnce you mentioned where you were headed for a day visit and I went to their website, I just KNEW there would be some awesome pictures to follow! You did not disappoint! Thanks so much .....some things I never would have imagined but there they are. Very amazing, inspiring and unbelievable! Must look up some reading material on the development of Ca 'dzan. Bet those architects really enjoyed seeing it!
ReplyDeleteIm so intrigued with Sarasota and your captures did not disappoint. I have to check how far this city of where we will be down the road.
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