The Shot Heard 'Round the World

 

My 4g Grandfather, William Foster (Forrester) born Ireland, 31 March 1748, patriot-soldier of the American Revolutionary War

"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, on the battles of Lexington and Concord, April 19, 1775

Spring at Biltmore Estate

When you have an annual pass to the Biltmore Estate, you don't mind running errands/keeping appointments in Asheville. Especially when the azaleas are in full bloom.

 

Azaleas belong to the Rhododendron genus. These flowers, also of the Rhododendron genus, are actually called rhododendrons. They're not azaleas. 

ie: All azaleas are rhododendron, but not all rhododendron are azaleas.

Couldn't resist a picture of dogwood blooms!

I love spring because it's like a parade: the different plants come along at their own pace. Azaleas in the garden were showing off; meanwhile, a few of the trees on this hill hadn't even begun to think about leafing out.

My obligatory visit to the Lagoon. I've never visited the Biltmore Estate and not visited the Lagoon, a habit started many, many years ago by my father. This view from across the Lagoon was his favorite view of Biltmore House.

What a great day! And tomorrow's my birthday!

Happy Birthday to Me!