My view of the eclipse: probably could’ve done better if not for the lack of motivation—it’s COLD outside!
46822572961_cc397dfe4f_b
On Friday, the camp entrance road was the absolute smoothest I’d ever experienced, but after Saturday’s deluge, my Sunday departure was a 5MPH creep over the bumpiest I’ve ever seen
41697840404_38edc43794_b
Biltmore mansion upper floor hallway
48721913017_b2807b4647_b
Biltmore mansion servant bedroom
Most uncommonly for the period, Biltmore servants had a comfortably furnished, heated, private room. Most servants were allowed two hours off daily, but were still on call. They received one afternoon and one evening off per week as well as a half day every other Sunday.
2017 Nissan Versa SV
Ignore that temporary tag. My regular MAC-USER plate will go on there as soon as the registration arrives in the mail.
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, day 5
36042852945_a67fab2fd6_b
Found this relic of technology last weekend—a 3G iPod that sadly will not power up, even with a charge cable attached
27873254128_da1a888a62_b
The original sugar mill wheel
In the photo: Local residents pose at the mill wheel in the late 1800s. The building is no longer standing.
This artifact is all that remains of the original sugar mill wheel. The sugar mill was constructed in the 1830s and operated until 1864, when the property was Spring Garden Plantation. The wheel powered the machinery that pressed sugar cane for its juice. It was the only water-powered sugar mill in Florida!
In 1835, the mill was destroyed by Seminole Indians at the beginning of the Second Seminole War. In 1864, it was destroyed again, this time by Union troops during the Civil War because the owner, Thomas Starke, was supplying food to Confederate troops.
The abandoned mill deteriorated from insects and rot in the late 1800s. Around 1910 it was rebuilt, possibly as a tourist attraction. A project in 1998 removed this part of the wheel, replacing it with the current wheel, which is not operational.
After 15 years, it is finally time to bid this workhorse behemoth Cinema HD Display—which only recently has begun to exhibit signs of failure—a fond farewell
48644785247_27bbedd456_b
Charleston architecture
33448503645_63a70fbdf0_b
Biltmore Gardens Railway video
90 seconds of miniature railway footage.
Biltmore mansion pool
Though no longer holding water, the 70,000-gallon indoor pool was heated and still has its original underwater lighting. Call buttons located near the doors allowed swimmers to order refreshements or signal they were ready to leave and needed help changing.
Ark Encounter
Water and waste technology.
Pediatric emergency room suite
38406251042_f68589e1e9_b
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Candlelight Processional performers in the holding tent ready for rehearsal
39181106591_9e7ddd2547_b
When designing gas pumps, who decided, more often than not, that the hose has to hang in front of the part a customer uses the most?
48518925131_f4d356ffe8_b
Interesting history on a building in Charleston
33448638885_edb5cd781e_b
Good night, Florida
33655619008_9cd8b1e685_b
Biltmore mansion tiled loggia
Looking across the patio toward the tower that houses servant quarters in the basement (behind the stone portion), the music room on the main level, George Vanderbilt's chamber on the second level, and guest chambers above.
I wonder what my car is counting down to
31767377178_5b092eff84_b
Third Annual Myers’ House Easter Egg Hunt
33261949613_2e461edba7_b
Never knew Uno made a version with these huge cards!
41822151155_2929b61a36_b
Picked up a few new geocaches today with the nephews
32773368477_e855dd77a8_b
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Part of the railway miniature ran past an amazing scale model of the mansion.
Family and guests visiting at the barn venue during rehearsal the day before the event
48721908932_d7f58c5b17_b
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Biltmore mansion walk-in refrigerator
Several rooms used early forms of mechanical refrigeration instead of iceboxes or springhouses.
Views of Biltmore Gardens
48721404458_68830d0ef2_b
It's time for another exciting chapter of "Can Lee publish this month's podcast before the end of the month?"
34182745203_e73da2ef04_b
The apocalypse approacheth
35821284382_40ddb5df8f_b
Mac Mini Unboxing
Apple understands product packaging better than *any* other business. Fight me.
Ark Encounter
Dining area.
Day 2
7 days, 7 photos in black and white of your everyday life. No explanation. No people.
I was challenged by no one and I won't be challenging anyone. I just wanted to do this.
Biltmore mansion servant dining room
Between 30-35 servants ate three meals per day in this room.
Biltmore mansion pastry kitchen
The chef used this kitchen to make elaborate desserts, protected from the heat of the other two kitchens.
I was surprised today to see Calvary Orlando refurbished with brand new multicolor seats, replacing the pews
33228380303_b265bc146c_b
It was probably for the best that I couldn’t use Flickr while it was down—I had a LOT of weekend preparation work to do
47929662786_066f18edb0_b
Afternoon beach time has been cancelled
35937815681_c8ca460dfe_b
Biltmore mansion oak sitting room
This paneled sitting area connected George and Edith's bedrooms. The room is where they usually shared breakfast and was where Edith planned the day with the head housekeeper.
Ark Encounter
Three types of lighting.
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Family outing to Crepevine
45422066344_e334f1d5b4_b
Celebrating Adri’s 14th birthday during a walk around Lake Baldwin
45606816944_65b7987cee_b
Scenic moment at Church at the Cross
38207422615_cd8268fefc_b
Sun not visible, skies are dark—why travel to Tennessee? There's a total eclipse happening right here in Florida!
35882675694_ec0e5d89ea_b
Charleston architecture
32634413143_689009bf19_b
Pouring pancake batter onto the in-table griddle
39448648585_168d1589e5_b
Ironwork by renowned blacksmith Philip Simmons
32605383244_d00c291d8f_b
Another popular station was the free kettle corn (yummy) set up outside along with several bounce houses
(Photo by Lori Bennett since my hands were full and couldn't easily snap my own shot here.)
Current status
43714431041_0445e57a4a_b
And we're off…
We're loaded up in the Honda Pilot my sister-in-law graciously loaned us for the trip, ready for adventures.
Visiting historic downtown Sweetwater prior to the anniversary celebration
This is my wife, Lori's, shot that she let me use in this album, taken later in our visit when a storm began brewing.
The Fountain of Youth
To attract tourists in the 1880s, local business owners changed the name of this property from Spring Garden to Ponce De Leon Springs. The area was advertised in northern states as a winter resort with its own Fountain of Youth, pouring out millions of gallons of "deliciously healthy" water.
In the 1950s, this site became one of Florida's many roadside attractions. Again, the Fountain of Youth was featured. It included two structures. The wall in the next photo is said to have been the location of a small fountain where visitors could drink the water. About 200 feet south (up the hill, two photos after this one), you can see the second structure with basins at different levels. This created a waterfall effect then flowed down into the fountain wall here.
Biltmore mansion post-tour
The weather was much more pleasant when we exited the house after our tour, enabling me to capture a few nicer shots of the exterior.
Day 7
7 days, 7 photos in black and white of your everyday life. No explanation. No people.
I was challenged by no one and I won't be challenging anyone. I just wanted to do this.
We successfully escaped Moriarty’s Game Room—SO MUCH FUN
45238326625_7c6b8b50eb_b
When there are 1,645 letters with a two-page enclosure to mail out, having a machine to fold and stuff them all is a godsend!
38125481634_1d32910f80_b
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, day 4
35980996526_17675fb27c_b
I'm a material witness to this "materiel" typo (seen on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation)
35601559593_538a668e81_b
Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you this nomination for the photo example of the 2019 edition dictionary listing for “redneck”
32604682128_12c7d1495b_b
Ark Encounter official photo stop—evening lit-up version
48721868457_d11c47ed8d_b
Still beachin’ it
43669356632_7cbf92d3d3_b
Biltmore mansion grand staircase
Inspired by the staircase at the Chateau de Blois in the Loire Valley, Biltmore’s grand staircase is a marvel of physics built using counterbalance. The weight of each of the solid limestone slab steps is offset by the weight of the wall bearing down.
There is a 1,700-pound electric light fixture suspended from the middle of the grand staircase. It hangs from a single bolt that runs through steel girders under the dome roof. The bolt has been replaced only once since the house was built. Wisely designed, the copper dome opens for easier access to the fixture.
Biltmore mansion third floor living hall
This was the common space used by special visitors who stayed in the guest accommodations located on the third floor.
Terry Shaw, President/CEO of Adventist Health System
26661361479_9b2a05c545_b
Biltmore mansion servant bedroom
Most uncommonly for the period, Biltmore servants had a comfortably furnished, heated, private room. Most servants were allowed two hours off daily, but were still on call. They received one afternoon and one evening off per week as well as a half day every other Sunday.
Z88.3 radio has a splendid beginner geocache perfect for introducing someone new to the game—the cache code to search is GC7TGTE
32765137667_c202c9c153_b
Receiving our instructions and introductions for the day in "The Best Friend Room" at The Mills Hotel
32634490173_625d733e77_b
Well this was definitely a project-and-a-half that I helped fabricate
43661755781_97532dec8e_b
"Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates…"
During our return home on Monday, we made a pit stop in Savannah, GA, where the welcome center had a few exhibits including this representation of the famous Forrest Gump bus stop scene.
Colorful flag entrance
Photo by Lori Bennett
Prepping for performance
39154744972_2e144562b0_b
Tiffani Casey, soloist for Florida Hospital Voices of Legacy, performing "Together"
26661374069_1c2737411d_b
Ark Encounter
Deck floor plans.
Florida Hospital Voices of Legacy, directed by Vivian Cook
37550686335_e76d571f35_b
Good night, Florida
39077860181_87873a74a3_b
Sears in Altamonte Mall is shutting down—more than half the upper floor is bare and looks creepy
44652370302_06c94d5b55_b
Dad picked me up from college today and handed me breakfast
48750808496_5b99076369_b
Sorting games at work
I have already stated that my new job is fun. I’m not saying it’s glamorous!
Crowd Walk Life
38468837082_29e8ec8f39_b
Ark Encounter
Live animal exhibit.
Charleston Harbor where slave ships landed
32634453593_e0678ddd66_b
Biltmore mansion main kitchen
Biltmore's chef led a team of more than a dozen kitchen workers. The copper pots are original to the house.
Biltmore mansion—Edith Vanderbilt chamber
Purple and gold fabrics adorn Edith's Louis XV-style feminine retreat. Eighty years after the original fabrics were created, replacements woven by the same French company were installed during restoration of the room.
Ark Encounter
Panorama shot showing the opening between all decks—level 3.
1850s-1870s sugar mill ruins
Description in prior photo.
Biltmore mansion smoking room
48721401373_c2b990dda0_b
This hired entertainer walked around demonstrating a variety of stunts including plate spinning, juggling, and stilt walking
43694268475_054899d861_b
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Model train passing in front of the mansion scale model.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
33448635435_95c1156678_b
Lee: “Since when does Eeyore smile?” Lori: “Since someone fed him Prozac. It’s wonderful stuff!”
45978512561_d0cd30e788_b
Biltmore mansion Halloween room
Originally used for storage, the walls were painted over the course of several weeks by the Cecils, joined by family and friends, with this unusal theme for a New Year's Eve party in 1925—the year after George's daughter, Cornelia, married John Cecil, a British diplomat.
Charleston architecture
33292814582_c1b991bc64_b
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant seen from across Ponce de Leon Springs
39448655585_6b1a09ea66_b
…and now for the reveal
33689496062_2f893d4341_b
Biltmore mansion tapestry gallery
This space was used for tea and music (given that the music room was unfinished in George Vanderbilt's day). The huge Flemish tapestries adorning the walls are part of a 1530s set known as The Triumph of the Seven Virtues, representing Charity, Faith, and Prudence. Among the art displayed here is a painting of George above the library door.
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Sweet 16 (photo by Lori)
Well, her birthday was actually last week, but a number of different celebrations at a number of different venues were planned.
Biltmore Gardens Railway
There were several different separate railways throughout the greenhouses.
Biltmore mansion library
Nearly half of George's collection (22,000-23,000 volumes in total) is in this library. A chess set and gaming table in this room was once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Bulk paper cutter hilarity
Sometimes, my job amuses me.
Biltmore mansion banquet hall—opposite angle
This photo was from later in the tour looking from the opposite corner of the room. It has a better view of the overall size.
The largest dinner held here seated 38 people at the large oak table. However, the Vanderbilts and family members often dined at a smaller table near the triple fireplaces in the background.
At the elegant dinner parties, guests were treated to fine linens, and family silver, china, and crystal including five wine glasses per person.
2017 Nissan Versa SV
33856907776_7b2f08bfae_b
Biltmore mansion banquet hall
Looking the opposite direction toward the organ loft.
Ark Encounter
Japheth and Rayneh.
More celebratory banners
29665679707_e1b36c3c9d_b
Fountain of Youth—upper portion
Description in photo two prior.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Bennett/Bixby/Myers family
49139416881_86bcaa75c2_b
Who Built the Sugar Mill?
The rubble in the next two photos is the sugar train, which was used to boil cane juice to produce sugar. Enslaved Africans constructed the bottom 5-6 rows of bricks in the 1850s. The ruins in the following two photos is all that remains of their work here when the area was Spring Garden Plantation from the early 1800s until the Civil War. Slave labor also constructed the original sugar mill building in the 1830s (rebuilt around 1900), as well as docks and storage buildings.
The top section of bricks was added in the 1870s. In 2011, park staff performed stabilization work, adding missing bricks and mortaring the joints to preserve this important part of the park's history.
Entrance to Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
39448650085_119aa436e7_b
What is this miracle product that keeps your food off dirty grill bars but can still leave dark grill lines?
34480108696_f681e02aa9_b
Kids after dinner
45282742064_52d355237a_b
Marvelous rainbow last night
48404521822_beb513e19c_b
Time for another installment of the post-dinner-family-outing-group-selfie series
43078531785_6bfba40f1a_b
Release of white doves
37722926274_55d181be32_b
Biltmore mansion organ blower
Near the kitchen is a small room housing this motor which powers the fan that provides are to the large organ above in the dining hall (photos earlier in this album).
Hunted a simple geocache—first one I've looked for in a great many years
Crab Cakes
www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3M3HY
I guess that explains the early morning power outage
39908185290_0f5e015bfd_b
Ark Encounter official photo stop—ramp to door version
48721734046_05555e1068_b
Biltmore mansion oak sitting room
This paneled sitting area connected George and Edith's bedrooms. The room is where they usually shared breakfast and was where Edith planned the day with the head housekeeper.
Biltmore mansion oak sitting room
This paneled sitting area connected George and Edith's bedrooms. The room is where they usually shared breakfast and was where Edith planned the day with the head housekeeper.
Greek salad—who knew eating healthy could taste so good
47428894242_d973622871_b
I have a back-and-forth, love-hate relationship between the old Modular Apple Watch face and the new Infograph Modular face
The complication sizes on Infograph Modular are great on the Series 4, but I disdain Apple’s mandate for the small ones to be circular based. I really want the old style small Modular complications on the new Infograph Modular face.
Biltmore mansion pre-tour
The sky was a bit wet and dreary when we arrived. I shot these exterior photos before the mansion tour, unsure that I would have another chance with sunnier skies after the tour.
Biltmore mansion third floor living hall
This was the common space used by special visitors who stayed in the guest accommodations located on the third floor.
Shelf cloud
36490753972_9264e44b50_b
Biltmore mansion breakfast room
In spite of the breakfast room name, both breakfast and luncheon was served in this room. Portaits in this room include George Vanderbilt's grandfather, Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt (the founder of the family fortune), and his father, William Henry Vanderbilt.
The two smallest paintings in this photo (bottom of the trio of art to the right of the fireplace) are by Renoir: Young Algerian Girl and Child with an Orange.
Mystery Mine ride at Dollywood
48721395493_b6bc0969ee_b
Sometimes I wish Sunpass transponders were available in black
37034047210_b6d0f18531_b
Nissan advertises the 2017 Versa with highway fuel economy of 39 MPG—real life never reaches perfect testing conditions, but this is quite impressive
37632731346_1d97999c04_b
Back yard bear sighting at my sister-in-law’s home
37017711430_1786c9de3c_b
Ark Encounter
A splendid index explaining what "kind" actually means and how the Ark could accommodate what was necessary. (Note that the Bible states Noah brought two—or seven—of every "kind," not necessarily of every single "animal.")
My relocated workspace
It’s been a few months since I posted a photo of my workspace at the time of my relocation from Communication to the Service Center which showed my desk in a still-being-set-up state. Last week I finally finished making the new location my own space by getting my framed art and diploma on the surrounding walls (thanks for the help, Miguel).
Day 6
7 days, 7 photos in black and white of your everyday life. No explanation. No people.
I was challenged by no one and I won't be challenging anyone. I just wanted to do this.
Heyward Washington House
33448345235_5a4a19f015_b
Biltmore mansion pool
Though no longer holding water, the 70,000-gallon indoor pool was heated and still has its original underwater lighting. Call buttons located near the doors allowed swimmers to order refreshements or signal they were ready to leave and needed help changing.
Charleston architecture
32634473233_a204001fbb_b
Ominous weather bearing down on Central Florida
48268589287_4bc5c02d50_b
Sun, moon, and stars (okay, sun, moon, and planet, but somehow that doesn't sound as inspirational!)
35888485081_dac92b579e_b
Charleston architecture
33292746222_9e664964a3_b
2017 Nissan Versa SV
It feels like I've attained a certain official-ness by finally being able to ditch the temporary tag and install my custom license plate.
Our Tuesday afternoon tour of downtown Charleston began with a meetup at The Mills House hotel
32605572654_72a02ba2e5_b
Biltmore mansion grand staircase
Inspired by the staircase at the Chateau de Blois in the Loire Valley, Biltmore’s grand staircase is a marvel of physics built using counterbalance. The weight of each of the solid limestone slab steps is offset by the weight of the wall bearing down.
There is a 1,700-pound electric light fixture suspended from the middle of the grand staircase. It hangs from a single bolt that runs through steel girders under the dome roof. The bolt has been replaced only once since the house was built. Wisely designed, the copper dome opens for easier access to the fixture.
Centennial banners greeted incoming visitors
29665679897_aa9e24ac3a_b
Biltmore mansion post-tour
The weather was much more pleasant when we exited the house after our tour, enabling me to capture a few nicer shots of the exterior.
Ark Encounter
Ventilation.
Info panel on how sugar was made at Spring Garden Plantation
39448668245_e19afdb390_b
"Please do not bend" — (there was literally nothing but this piece of paper in the envelope!)
34378587290_7411d5cfc9_b
Biltmore mansion music room
Poor exposure in this dark room, but it shows the Meissen porcelain figures of the 12 Apostles from the 1730s-1740s, created by Johann Joachim Kändler. And to the left of the figures is the "Triumphal Arch of Maximilian," an 18th-century woodcut print Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519) commissioned from Albrecht Dürer and others about 1515.
Someone chose not to ride
This was hilarious. Adri not only had little interest in riding the more extreme Dollywood coasters, she totally owned her lack of desire. Aunt Lisa and Uncle Danny bought these shirts for the girls. Yes, Adri happily wears her "chicken" shirt.
I’m only mixing for rehearsals and not the actual performances, but it was fun to get back into this seat after such a long time
42133737622_beb0d92b22_b
Fire!
46758416224_f84892ff83_c
Xmas door decor
I swear, this was my boss' idea, not mine! I only executed the production of it. (It might help to disclose that besides the print work I am largely responsible for, the Service Center also processes the building's incoming and outgoing mail.)
Ark Encounter
As we were leaving, the girls pointed out that throughout the museum, there were marks in the floor as if they had been scratched by animal claws. Fascinating detail!
I wore a new dress to church; "modest is hottest" LOL
48750805811_e5fe925681_b
Scenery before tomorrow's storm
36735927630_6584893577_b
Christmas at Epcot
45256262324_10533feea8_b
Visiting Peach World on the way home from S.C. was, shall we say, an experience
33425645246_1dde365f71_b
Storm clouds swirled most all of the afternoon, but a fair portion of the afternoon avoided rain
43694274525_2d0ce8456f_b
Biltmore mansion upper/exterior view of Winter Garden atrium
This view looks out from a window on the third floor above the master bedroom hallway.
Biltmore mansion laundry facilities
Washing was aided by a belt-driven barrel washer.
Geocaching First To Find
Collaborated with a seasoned player who placed a cache at my work property (with permission) enabling me to claim a coveted FTF.
If you’d like to hunt this cache, search for GC85N88.
A great anniversary day at Magic Kingdom
43955105711_1d9a6808cf_b
Ark Encounter official photo stop—daytime angle version
48721398613_f714846037_b
Looks like my home has a guardian—guess it’s a good thing I don’t really tune in the satellite channels all that much any more
40018522992_8636d6800c_b
Biltmore mansion gymnasium
Rowing machine, parallel bars, Indian clubs, medicine balls, and needle bath shower massages.
It was a nice couple of hours at the beach, but then the clouds rolled in
36521558481_860769958a_b
Charleston architecture
33065111950_bac6ddc9ef_b
2017 Nissan Versa SV
It's a relatively basic model, but includes a driver-side armrest (a requirement for my long-ago shoulder injury), USB and 3.5mm jacks which both carry audio, Bluetooth for phone calls and voice control (but not audio streaming), and two conveniently placed power ports—one under the dash and one between the seats which can be reached by the rear passengers.
Storm a-brewin'
35240765611_b208c42484_b
Home for the next seven days
35137121923_561c991199_b
Biltmore mansion gun room
48721401003_f8cf40634d_b
Biggs house
One of Sweetwater's oldest still-standing homes, occupied by Sweetwater pioneers, Isabella Rankin and her husband, Alexander Biggs.
My wife is part of the choir during two services today at Florida Hospital Church—live stream beginning at 9:30am. http://hospitalchurch.org/sermons/watch-live/
36738507343_b6c2c0a158_b
Biltmore mansion bowling alley
Automatic pinsetters didn't yet exist, so servants would set up the pins by hand and roll the balls back down the alley to the players.
Dubose Heyward House
33448411435_b1ce274f5d_b
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, day 3
35830488752_1f37420709_b
The apocalypse approacheth
35859310611_5cfbf7a55c_b
Luggage is Tetris'd into the van and we're ready to go
35106257834_0d3657a99b_b
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach
35117457694_00591713fd_b
Plenty of photo-op locations
44604233611_7c1abe90a1_b
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Lunch with the family
34721999893_589a7ba68b_b
Ark Encounter
Twelve Stones Monument.
Biltmore mansion pool
Though no longer holding water, the 70,000-gallon indoor pool was heated and still has its original underwater lighting. Call buttons located near the doors allowed swimmers to order refreshements or signal they were ready to leave and needed help changing.
25-year recognition
27234755037_c47b5fecb6_b
On duty all day since 7am to record the HR Summit hosted by my office
31952321057_5a379c5a0a_b
Day 1
7 days, 7 photos in black and white of your everyday life. No explanation. No people.
I was challenged by no one and I won't be challenging anyone. I just wanted to do this.
Ark Encounter
Panorama shot showing the opening between all decks—level 1.
Smyrna sky 360
35274326943_1ae322520b_b
Ark Encounter
Inside looking at the bow.
2017 Nissan Versa SV
Very cool-looking accents in the form of chrome door handles.
Replica water wheel at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant
40345872911_537d147b0c_b
Rehearsal day at the Barnett ranch in Sweetwater, TN, for the Hunt's 50th anniversary party and vow renewal ceremony
48721398473_f1d28a8f77_b
Biggs house
One of Sweetwater's oldest still-standing homes, occupied by Sweetwater pioneers, Isabella Rankin and her husband, Alexander Biggs.
Biltmore mansion oak sitting room
This paneled sitting area connected George and Edith's bedrooms. The room is where they usually shared breakfast and was where Edith planned the day with the head housekeeper.
My parents joined Lori and me for the trip
39448662245_7f7cf87a2b_b
Biltmore mansion—Edith Vanderbilt chamber
Purple and gold fabrics adorn Edith's Louis XV-style feminine retreat. Eighty years after the original fabrics were created, replacements woven by the same French company were installed during restoration of the room.
Famished after a long day at the mansion, we thorouthly enjoyed a late lunch at Cedric's Tavern—my sandwich was DEELISH
48721911262_a419034a11_b
Brother-in-law Danny Myers joined us for the hospital tour
Photo by Lori Bennett
Biltmore mansion rotisserie kitchen
A separate kitchen for roasted meat (venison, wild boar, and other game) was used to keep the smoke and grease out of the other kitchens.
So, a funny thing just happened…
33001026824_b73c5d6469_b
Ark Encounter
Panorama shot showing the opening between all decks—level 3.
Always a treat to come here
34166532715_ebb82db106_b
Tim Cook, Senior Vice President of Florida Hospital Apopka
38406238972_a13ecdc67f_b
Anyone remember BitCam?
40302752371_d06b71f087_b
Biltmore mansion library
George's collection ranges from American and English literature to history, religion, philosophy, art, and architecture.
The beach is devouring Mason
35836733251_b43d4b0606_b
Good night, Florida
42876985570_d66423c1af_b
Ark Encounter
Creation vs. evolution.
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Biltmore mansion kitchen pantry
Both electric and manual dumbwaiters raised trays of food to the butler's pantry and floors above.
Managed a shot of the eclipse through a coworker's pair of glasses—not a great shot, but it's mine
36323858240_e7a491bf30_b
The neighborhood park lost an enormous tree #HurricaneIrma
36775969120_80d44ede8b_b
Good night, Florida
48724547432_4be9854e26_b
Good night, Florida—and good riddance, Dorian
48680209181_b7b2b3ff60_b
The neighborhood park is a mess #HurricaneIrma
37173592155_50aa88f9e2_b
Enjoying a trip on Dollywood's vintage steam train—except for the tiny specks of soot!
48721394533_dc70723dde_b
Dollywood's Harvey Water Clock
48721730341_7141622fdd_b
Wow—my Nissan Versa’s average MPG has passed the 40 mark (it’s rated 39 highway)
42242819872_02d31409bc_b
The moon was super-moony tonight!
27044759479_7dc1c199cc_b
Biltmore mansion Winter Garden
The atrium area has a glass roof illuminating the center fountain sculpture, Boy Stealing Geese, by Karl Bitter which was installed just weeks before George Vanderbilt opened the house to his family on Christmas Eve, 1895.
2017 Nissan Versa SV
33856901076_6f47e897bc_b
Charleston architecture
33292675082_66d3e7c2cb_b
Sugar Mill Machinery
Description in prior photo.
Sugar Mill Machinery
Two examples of sugar cane crushing machinery from the mid-1800s are shown. Dunlawton Plantation used machinery similar to what is seen in the next photo, but the mill was steam powered. Spring Garden Plantation (here) was the only water-powered sugar mill in Florida.
Hello from Florida Camp Meeting
41233706142_2a259d76a2_b
Lots of activities—including face painting
29665679167_fde45f543c_b
2017 Nissan Versa SV
33897764065_09b4e1d588_b
Ark Encounter
Welcome.
I offered to Facebook Live my brother’s wedding next weekend—my “compensation” is getting to keep the Glif mount and iRig Pre he bought that will make the broadcast much better (I just tested them and they work flawlessly)
38491499342_284d4418cd_b
First time geocaching for my nephews
46753926682_89a8290afc_b
Been a while since I've driven beneath a Hyperlapse-worthy sky
34527805244_accf440279_b
Just found out (typo notwithstanding) a submission I made to this year’s Society of Adventist Communicators annual awards was chosen as a winner (hat tip to Alicia and Heidi for letting me know)
37845730781_a42d982f85_b
Ark Encounter
Retrieving the dove with an olive branch.
Ark Encounter
This True History of the World board was a fascinating display. I kind of wish I had a print of it, which were available for sale, but I wasn't prepared to spend the money.
Biltmore mansion grand staircase
Inspired by the staircase at the Chateau de Blois in the Loire Valley, Biltmore’s grand staircase is a marvel of physics built using counterbalance. The weight of each of the solid limestone slab steps is offset by the weight of the wall bearing down.
There is a 1,700-pound electric light fixture suspended from the middle of the grand staircase. It hangs from a single bolt that runs through steel girders under the dome roof. The bolt has been replaced only once since the house was built. Wisely designed, the copper dome opens for easier access to the fixture.
The requisite silly snapshot
45095284045_40585721e8_b
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
The Exodus away from the beach
36521585141_e5f37ddc72_b
Good night, Florida
48596086366_0ccd824234_b
Biltmore mansion laundry facilities
48721401583_b014e0925a_b
Biltmore mansion second floor living hall
The two large pantings on the far wall are of architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The left wall features a painting of the Cecil family, descendants of George Vanderbilt.
Wekiva River at Wilson’s Landing Park
28410873239_d0ed940888_b
The view from the Biltmore mansion's main level tiled loggia
The patio has splendid views of Biltmore's Deer Park and Blue Ridge Mountains.
My wife and I labored on Labor Day, getting our garage straightened up sufficiently to bring the car inside for protection during Hurricane Dorian
48667693998_9a115b2faa_b
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, day 3
35868297311_b87cf6a56c_b
Crazy—nearly 400 kids registered for VBS at my church with more than 200 volunteer staff!
41975635714_ef6c1d0b66_b
We saw Chalmers Street…
32605570464_3296f5bd65_b
My office’s previous bulk cutter was 3-decade-old busted jawn and died a couple months ago—today, we had the new hotness delivered!
27731987599_c9a36e7bf3_b
Biltmore mansion laundry facilities
48721401923_edba3463ac_b
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, day 2
35937883166_7a311bd9ee_b
Shelf cloud
35850680923_baec4f5405_b
Thanksgiving family portrait
45957322122_c3e235f5a3_b
Charleston architecture
33065329760_b1c1e1a1f8_b
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Biltmore mansion pool
Though no longer holding water, the 70,000-gallon indoor pool was heated and still has its original underwater lighting. Call buttons located near the doors allowed swimmers to order refreshements or signal they were ready to leave and needed help changing.
Biltmore Estate Gardens
Following an all-day Tuesday drive to Asheville, NC, where we met up with my parents, we spent Wednesday touring the Biltmore Estate, starting with the gardens which was featuring a temporary attraction, Biltmore Gardens Railway with miniature train sets.
Looking forward to this view every day this week—hopefully a few sunrises, too
35905345656_99d2ddd94a_b
Sampling a few of Biltmore's wines
We ended up purchasing a bottle of dry rosé and Century™ Sweet Red which tastes amazing
Prepping my iced tea, I asked Meg to "hand me some yellow stuff" and this is what she gave me
36219837481_db3f67d732_b
Ark Encounter
Panorama shot showing the opening between all decks—level 2.
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, final day
35279044663_09318b7c49_b
The kids—deceptively calm
45095285805_a69f924ee2_b
Biltmore mansion entrance hall
48721403503_bbb2394f50_b
Charleston architecture
33448430445_5bcd2292b6_b
Ark Encounter
Kitchen.
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, day 6
35673309680_0168e68eb3_b
Dollywood's Harvey Water Clock
48721730161_58b36540eb_b
Good night, Florida
34894346243_c52bb03c11_b
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant
40300603742_6871ce829c_b
Ark Encounter
Shem and Ar'yel.
Panorama of the approach walkway to Ark Encounter
48721910707_d8707e13fb_b
Biltmore mansion—George Vanderbilt chamber
48721913247_46cc4c8ee8_b
Sign shop: “Do you want that with or without typos?” / Customer: “Without.”
26922302497_74956b5deb_b
Florida Hospital Voices of Legacy
38437430711_0f2edd219e_b
It’s been a long, busy weekend—I’m tired, but it’s been a wonderful Camp Meeting, and the last big meeting is over
41263276172_b3446a2dc3_b
Fountain of Youth—lower portion
Description in prior photo.
2017 Nissan Versa SV
After having lost both the Pontiac Vibe and the Honda Accord to mechanical issues, I finally bit the bullet and, with my wife's blessing, purchased a 2017 Nissan Versa SV in April 2017.
I didn't initially set out to buy something brand new. In the process of seeking a car for me to replace the Accord and the borrowed Silverado, a number of used options as private sales came to my attention, but none quite seemed right. I eventually chose to talk to a childhood friend of mine who is co-owner of an Orlando-area Nissan dealership. Upon looking at a couple used vehicles in my price range, I was nearly ready to buy a brick red 2013 Versa. I slept on the decision and, the next morning, readjusted some budget numbers which resulted in my ability to increase what I could afford monthly. In doing so, the dealer came up with this brand-new 2017 Versa that was much better equipped than the used model. So, this makes my third-ever brand-new car (or only two that I've purchased—one of them was a lease).
Interesting footnote, it *technically* was not sold as a new car. From what I understand, it was previously sold, but never delivered. I'm not sure if that means the buyer didn't pick it up and reneged on the sale, or some other circumstance. Whatever the case, it had literally been "sold" once prior, thus had to be sold to me as a used vehicle, in spite of never truly having a previous owner and only 8 miles showing on the odometer!
Ark Encounter
Space utilization.
Biltmore mansion—George Vanderbilt chamber
George's grand walnut bed.
Vacation officially begins now!
35533482420_7ce94d47dd_b
Super thrilled to once again have a respectable-looking front lawn, with massive props to my father-in-law, Dean, and his colleague, Dave for the install
48837819571_0d571259e5_b
Biltmore mansion grand staircase
Inspired by the staircase at the Chateau de Blois in the Loire Valley, Biltmore’s grand staircase is a marvel of physics built using counterbalance. The weight of each of the solid limestone slab steps is offset by the weight of the wall bearing down.
There is a 1,700-pound electric light fixture suspended from the middle of the grand staircase. It hangs from a single bolt that runs through steel girders under the dome roof. The bolt has been replaced only once since the house was built. Wisely designed, the copper dome opens for easier access to the fixture.
Ark Encounter
Feeding and removing waste for large animals.
Ark Encounter
Noah's prayer.
1,370 pieces printed, collated, stuffed, and stamped in 40 minutes—1.75 seconds per piece: not bad!
33500738193_e18d3486ab_b
Biltmore mansion salon
Edith Vanderbilt, George’s wife, had a love of drama throughout her life and often hosted masquerade parties and theatrical events in Biltmore House. After setting aside her plan to convert the Salon into an auditorium, Edith furnished the room as a Turkish Sitting Room, complete with Persian rugs, oversized cushions for guests to lounge on, and a draped fabric ceiling treatment that remains today.
I blinked, and the little girl I’ve known was suddenly a young woman
26400468099_df3a4690cd_b
Rock-painting craft at family camp
44415932151_c6b6ede0f5_b
(Pre)Rehearsal dinner at FlameStone for my brother’s wedding on Sunday
26866637799_88739228af_b
Charleston architecture
33448591785_5325ec6b25_b
Good night, Florida
30167573977_531d23af1d_b
Blue tungsten carbide
Don't worry, it's not a replacement. I still have my original. But, with my wife's blessing, I now have a colorful alternative wedding band. I don't impulse-buy things like this very often, but I found this beautiful ring at a Strawberry Festival vendor at an extremely attractive price.
Good morning, Florida
33599232156_ebb1317c55_b
Biltmore mansion banquet hall organ loft
A 1916 Skinner pipe organ looms over the banquet hall. A large motor for the fan providing air to the pipes is in the basement—photo is later in this album.
Biltmore mansion gymnasium
Rowing machine, parallel bars, Indian clubs, medicine balls, and needle bath shower massages.
Biltmore mansion library
A brightened panorama photo of this very dark room gives a view The Chariot of Aurora on the ceiling, originally painted for the Pisani Palace in Venice in the 1720s by Giovanni Pellegrini.
Biltmore mansion grand staircase
Inspired by the staircase at the Chateau de Blois in the Loire Valley, Biltmore’s grand staircase is a marvel of physics built using counterbalance. The weight of each of the solid limestone slab steps is offset by the weight of the wall bearing down.
There is a 1,700-pound electric light fixture suspended from the middle of the grand staircase. It hangs from a single bolt that runs through steel girders under the dome roof. The bolt has been replaced only once since the house was built. Wisely designed, the copper dome opens for easier access to the fixture.
Fast group photo of Florida Hospital Church choir prior to Candlelight Processional rehearsal
25316184528_39aabe064e_b
I had set a goal of meeting my 500-calorie goal for 365 consecutive days—blew past it and hit 400 days yesterday, so I’m REALLY ready for a break!
40005482515_f1221f5127_b
Biltmore mansion—George Vanderbilt chamber
In the background, a mirror in the bathroom doorway gives a glimpse of George's paw-footed bathtub.
The ancient Apple Cinema HD Display has been replaced by a Dell UltraSharp U2415 LED monitor—half as thick, much tinier bezel, and, at long last, adjustable height!
48644670666_db22703144_b
Hey pastors—ever accidentally drop your wireless mic transmitter pack while standing in the baptistry?
35183348711_58546e3e77_b
Family in the Biltmore Gardens greenhouses
It was wonderful that my parents could join us for this portion of our trip.
Picked up a geocache this morning—I hope its owner replaces the broken container soon
40991265885_282b6dff7c_b
Whopper of a storm raced me home to Apopka from the west as I approached from the east—the storm won
48468126956_0616703e84_b
Good night, Florida
25471256248_1419529de5_b
You might think the packets in this themed container are mustard, but you’d be wrong #Hellmans #Mayo #Mayonnaise #fail
42506763935_25970b730c_b
Operating room
26661371649_3612111a51_b
Charleston architecture
32634430683_494926c1ab_b
I'm not quite sure how a metal box with no electronic parts can be "out of order"
36939400085_2ffeba7818_b
Biltmore mansion banquet hall
48721403053_fc26cb4a62_b
The neighborhood park lost an enormous tree #HurricaneIrma
37001796042_dbac0afa65_b
Heyward Washington House
33065015630_6b3f6e8c39_b
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, day 2
35979445185_2cf2c66d3a_b
The Barnett ranch is a beautiful property with scenic views
48721397773_32bbb3e00b_b
Biltmore mansion banquet hall
I shot a panorama to show a full floor-to-ceiling view, but exposure often ends up yucky in panorama shots.
2017 Nissan Versa SV
Apologies for the somewhat blurry picture here. Didn't realize it wasn't sharp until after I set up this album.
Enjoying a trip on Dollywood's vintage steam train—except for the tiny specks of soot!
48721729766_a9073ec9fa_b
The kids—sillier
45282750794_de37330b60_b
Good morning Mr. Hawk
44626109335_591fc902a0_b
My 2017 Versa is averaging ½ mile per gallon higher than the maximum rated highway economy—way to go, Nissan!
25497673157_2dc2c733b1_b
The "cake" was a creatively decorated cardboard stand for holding cupcakes
29665679587_c64482e094_b
Recovery room
Photo by Lori Bennett
Does a flock of turkeys in my back yard mean Thanksgiving comes early this year?
44823843581_0de3b8e8ae_b
LOTS of awesome BOGOs at Publix right now—love it!
43134207832_497b3497b9_b
Based on available information, let's take a guess what time Lee will get away for lunch
28356801409_8e9f8b2b47_b
At last, proper storage/organization of all my iPad accessories and gadgets thanks to Skooba Design products—thanks mom/dad for the birthday gift!
I. LOVE. THIS. BAG.
After a good many years, I have retired the too-small Case Logic tote which carried my iPad in one sleeve and an absolute hodgepodge of gadgets in another pouch. I had previously bought Skooba Design's Cable Stable DLX (the green-lined organizer) thinking I could use it for my stuff and simply lay the iPad inside and close up, but it was too full to close.
When Skooba confirmed the DLX would fit inside the largest pouch in the V.3 Satchel Mini, I knew I'd found my solution. Most of my gadgets are organized in the DLX with a few larger ones in pockets located in the Satchel's smaller storage pouch (top of photo). Then the iPad slides easily into the third pouch normally designed for a small laptop. My 10.5" iPad Pro fits nicely and I suspect a full size iPad Pro would fit instead in the unlikely event I ever choose to upgrade to that size. Besides not having enough room for my gadgets in the old Case Logic tote, the 10.5" iPad Pro only barely fit, whereas it easily slides in and out of the V.3 Satchel Mini.
Charleston architecture
32605530464_1fbe8293b4_b
Replica water wheel at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant
40345874831_4a2d38b7bc_b
It's been a very busy day
1,000 copies each of 10 Spanish-language Bible lessons, double-sided and folded in half, for a total of 20,000 impressions on 10,000 sheets of paper. WHEW!
Fortunately, these will last the evangelist a LONG time before I ever have to print more.
Oh, and for anyone who follows me on social media, lesson 2 of this batch is the one I was talking about a while ago that had two erroneous booger elements colored blue and causing the entire inside spread to want to copy in color instead of only B&W!
Day 5
7 days, 7 photos in black and white of your everyday life. No explanation. No people.
I was challenged by no one and I won't be challenging anyone. I just wanted to do this.
Biltmore mansion entrance hall
48721913497_87a24aaf7c_b
Biltmore mansion—George Vanderbilt chamber closet
None of the clothes displayed here were actually George's, but they are representative of the style of the day. Custom dictacted varying types of attire for different events, so George would often change clothes four to six times per day—a busy prospect for his valet. In George's time, it is generally understood this space was only used for hats and other accessories, with clothing stored elsewhere.
Ark Encounter
We're inside the door!
Biggs house
One of Sweetwater's oldest still-standing homes, occupied by Sweetwater pioneers, Isabella Rankin and her husband, Alexander Biggs.
After leaving FLA, Lori and I stopped for dinner and I shot this evening sky before walking into the restaurant
43884907264_5fd09b3798_b
I wonder if my coworkers will concur
27875918417_0f0637bc66_b
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, final day
36088187015_8b03065b7d_b
Charleston alley
33292935932_d5fe8c4dd5_b
Biltmore mansion laundry facilities
48721736751_8f8897b536_b
Mystery Mine ride at Dollywood
Lori captured Lisa, Danny, Meg, and me on the the Dollywood Mystery Mine ride
Side view of a typical slave quarters (left) built behind a master's home in front (right)
33408197366_40c13b29cf_b
Good night, Florida
33376326818_020067d09b_b
Charleston architecture
32634136473_ca3d6b051e_b
Sunday, the day after the anniversary party, our immediate family drove back to Pigeon Forge for a trip to Dollywood
48721732111_01f7a9dd7f_b
2017 Nissan Versa SV
The trunk is rather cavernous for such a small vehicle, and the rear seats fold down to allow even longer items to fit.
Happy Birthday, USA!
34918216303_6018dee1ae_b
Caricature time lapse
Clearing old/unneeded files from my computer and realized I never shared this time lapse of Meg and Adri's caricature drawing at 2018 Strawberry Festival.
Arriving at Ark Encounter
After lunch in Lexington, it was just a 40-50-minute drive to the attraction. (Yes, it was an extremely windy day!)
Pediatric section
Photo by Lori Bennett
So this happened today
A few insta-impressions:
(1) LOVE the size.
(2) When can I add Dark Sky to the middle and Fantastical to the top of the Infograph Modular face?
(3) Gonna miss Time Travel. I know people seldom used it but it was great for Dark Sky forecasts.
(4) Obviously I will wear it next time I’m swimming, but coming from a Series 0, I’m paranoid!
(5) Jury is still out whether I’ll keep Digital Crown haptics enabled.
Biltmore mansion vegetable pantry
48721402543_2d88dfd756_b
Biltmore mansion pre-tour
The sky was a bit wet and dreary when we arrived. I shot these exterior photos before the mansion tour, unsure that I would have another chance with sunnier skies after the tour.
Day 3
7 days, 7 photos in black and white of your everyday life. No explanation. No people.
I was challenged by no one and I won't be challenging anyone. I just wanted to do this.
If I fits, I sits
39613885705_1ace6a2124_b
Biltmore mansion post-tour
The weather was much more pleasant when we exited the house after our tour, enabling me to capture a few nicer shots of the exterior.
I love relaxing piano “muisc” in the morning
42035754842_12ba5d2313_b
Visiting historic downtown Sweetwater prior to the anniversary celebration—we had a yummy lunch at Hunter's Cafe
48721908152_734704437a_b
Biltmore mansion post-tour
The weather was much more pleasant when we exited the house after our tour, enabling me to capture a few nicer shots of the exterior.
I presume there was some sort of gas spill or leak (fire also?) at the intersection of highways 437 & 44—foam clumps flying around everywhere!
41189134524_1da6b5aca7_b
Musicians for second song performance, "Healing Tower"
Terry Sampson, drums; and Kevin Sorensen, bass. Not pictured: Jason Salagubang, keyboard.
I know you guys think this is funny—looking like a turban—but would you please let me have the rest of the blanket?
34648774242_b9d3a17e53_b
Biltmore mansion banquet hall
A seven-story high ceiling and Flemish tapestries from the 1500s was the scene of dinner parties and celebrations such as the annual Christmas party for Biltmore workers and their families.
Ark Encounter
Live animal exhibit.
Ark Encounter
Feeding and removing waste for small animals.
The energy of birthday sugar rushes cannot be clearly captured on camera
38171046902_c197fa65b7_b
Pre-fireworks sunset—good night and happy Independence Day, Florida
35556786702_453b8e1a87_b
Good morning, Florida (bonus points if you can find Venus in this photo)
32710331868_0e06b2036d_b
Sunscreen application #fail
35148256904_8fc0d203ba_b
Rainbow Row
33408130566_6a9b07bd94_b
VIP grand opening of the new Florida Hospital Apopka
37707321804_8bf0a5d5e8_b
Visiting historic downtown Sweetwater prior to the anniversary celebration
48721908442_3901631cba_b
Biltmore mansion oak sitting room
This paneled sitting area connected George and Edith's bedrooms. The room is where they usually shared breakfast and was where Edith planned the day with the head housekeeper.
Ark Encounter
Ark size and shape.
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, final day
36088186675_dc8d20a5cf_b
Good morning from New Smyrna Beach, day 6
36021353446_3a2f40c67b_b
Joe Kilsheimer, Mayor, City of Apopka
38406239832_257bdc1cc4_b
Door cam belonging to a neighbor not far from my house caught an image of this guy about the same time I was walking out the house to the car to go to work this morning! 😱
45370814554_26cd49db88_b
The ambiance inside the Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant
39448661535_01278f4082_b
Visiting historic downtown Sweetwater prior to the anniversary celebration
48721397548_e80bce9b50_b
Finally spotted some dolphin at the beach (excuse the grainy, digitally enlarged/zoomed video)
35260320153_5b2a7fa717_b
Without the Mac Pro sucking power, my UPS should provide LOTS of iPhone and iPad recharge cycles if we lose power
36959786566_65346cc67b_b
Biltmore mansion master bedroom hallway
This hallway connects George and Edith's bedrooms along with the sitting room between the two bedrooms.
Reaching the first drop of Dollywood's Wild Eagle coaster
I'm unsure whether we are on the ride vehicle in this particular shot. In any case, this was an amazing coaster. Smooth and fun. There was surprisingly not a long ride, so after the four of us completed one pass, we looped around and got right back on again for a second ride. Lisa and I sat in the front, and we agreed—Best. Coaster. Ever!
Meg believes she can fly
37907680035_f9526cd773_b
Good night, Florida
44792862041_0ba5988595_b
Biltmore mansion laundry facilities
Washing was aided by a belt-driven barrel washer.
I clearly don’t live in a bear-free community, as evidenced by this guy hanging out in a retention ditch near my home
42009403565_dc769b8e37_b
Many gas street lanterns in downtown Charleston
33408156566_8cffdcc8b4_b
Ark Encounter
Feeding large animals.
Spectacular double rainbow over my home ahead of Hurricane Irma
I'm choosing to interpret this as God's way of telling me we're going to be okay through the storm.
Vacation Cross Connection
In planning our June 2019 vacation, it was fascinating to realize all our destinations collectively formed the shape of a cross.
Charleston architecture
33065196210_7b9e321ef1_b
Moving day
I have officially transferred to a new department now that Communication has been deprecated. I'll tell more in a blog post next week. For now, I'm sharing a farewell image of my previous office and a glimpse at the early stages of setting up my new workspace.
Got to catch up with these guys on vacation from Texas and have a wonderful lunch and conversation
28790121277_43ac86c812_b
Charleston architecture
33448640185_e3132f8533_b
Biltmore mansion—Edith Vanderbilt chamber
Purple and gold fabrics adorn Edith's Louis XV-style feminine retreat. Eighty years after the original fabrics were created, replacements woven by the same French company were installed during restoration of the room.
Entrance to Biltmore Winery
48721400528_37194e370b_b
Biltmore mansion photo op
A spot in the Halloween room has cutouts of George and Edith from a popular photo of them on the main floor loggia.
Biltmore mansion dressing room
Plenty of space for changing into bathing costumes, adjacent to the indoor pool.
Ark Encounter
Food supplies.
Biltmore mansion Halloween room
Originally used for storage, the walls were painted over the course of several weeks by the Cecils, joined by family and friends, with this unusal theme for a New Year's Eve party in 1925—the year after George's daughter, Cornelia, married John Cecil, a British diplomat.
Lavender in Biltmore Gardens
48721404818_ed4f4f6d2f_b
Say whaaaaaat‽
35263175892_7106d43c66_b
Biltmore mansion laundry facilities drying room
Some of the damp laundry was dried indoors draped over rolling racks warmed by heating elements.
Biltmore mansion music room
This multi-shot stitched panoroama is better quality/exposure than the next photo, but doesn't show as much of the complete room.
This was a bare/unfinished room in George Vanderbilt's time. Before it was completed in 1976 by George's descendants, it was used during World War II as a secret storage location for valuable art from the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Florida spring afternoon
32856088783_d3a4c51c92_b
Newly remodeled Altamonte Apple Store is SWEET
48723613437_b599cda5db_b
Weekend video duty for 2018 Florida Pathfinder Red Zone
27499769077_ed919c32d8_b
Biltmore mansion detail
48721403678_030818df76_b
2017 Nissan Versa SV
33054399824_8a1625f11e_b
Good night, Florida
34653052504_c06c243276_b
Obligatory departing SSE shot
45931253642_a52b51d93b_b
Ironwork by renowned blacksmith Philip Simmons
33292889202_90c3d391ce_b
Ark Encounter
Scale model.
We found a Fazoli's!
After our Biltmore trip, we headed to Lexington, KY, intending to reach our hotel before terribly late. Unfortunately a nasty storm slowed us down, even pulling off on an exit for a while, and we arrived in the early morning hours the next day. We had a much-needed sleep-in, and then had lunch at a nearby Fazoli's—a rare treat for us ever since the chain pulled out of Florida except for one store in Pensacola. My meal was essentially free due to a promotion they were running on the overhauled chicken parmesan entree where I just completed a short survey about it.
Three down, seven to go
Actually, this was progress two days prior to posting this photo, but I sort of forgot to post it. The photo shows the process of manually adding front and back covers to 500 sets of a 20-page booklet. So yes, that means earlier I ran 11,000 sheets through the copier—21,000 impressions since the inside pages were double sided.
ALL. DAY. LONG. TODAY.
41853547270_bf61800ae6_b
Biltmore mansion—George Vanderbilt chamber
Forgive this horrible grainy exposure of this heavily brightened photo of what I believe was the darkest room of the entire tour. But the panorama shows the entirety of George's master bedroom.
First time joining Lisa and Danny at the AHA Heart Walk
38443732926_23a58bc394_b
I know—I put up a B&W version for the 7-day project, but I wanted to post the color version as well
38177072761_43a0a66c6e_b
That feeling when you were doing oh so well with your hand lettering, until… 😖
26068820647_97158c0acf_b
We nearly didn’t go to Epcot today—torrential rain around 8:30am that cleared up very quickly
45068512085_4fd3d08514_b
2017 Nissan Versa SV
33741430762_f74a020edf_b
Time to update my prescription—went with a whole new look with my frames
41961225152_4a36799180_b
Biltmore mansion stone hallway
After descending through a narrow service stairwell below the grand staircase, this long hallway runs along the house's foundation toward the south side.
Hangin’ out on Orlando Wall Street Plaza’s Big Chair
44333390520_69ec3c38dc_b
Family dinner with bonus of my parents and brother
39465015314_d612ec3626_b
Lots of activities—including balloon artists
44604233461_2afb58bf80_b
The cotton candy station was extremely popular
43884907444_99906889dd_b
Biltmore mansion tapestry gallery
This space was used for tea and music (given that the music room was unfinished in George Vanderbilt's day). The huge Flemish tapestries adorning the walls are part of a 1530s set known as The Triumph of the Seven Virtues, representing Charity, Faith, and Prudence. Among the art displayed here is a painting of George above the library door.
Xander's vacation
First stop, Pet Paradise Resort where Xander spent the week while we traveled.
Y’all are just a bunch of turkeys!
48090013612_8d80b4e675_b
Biltmore mansion kitchen storage
48721912542_7c8dc67755_b
Good morning, Florida—time to get back to work
48682498743_fa9818e2c3_b
Ironwork by renowned blacksmith Philip Simmons
33448542885_4d530386ae_b
Turns out a colander does pretty well at showing eclipse shadows—pretty, too
36672964036_59cfe6939f_b
Good morning, Florida
45951887394_4e8c0d9fa8_b
Biltmore mansion billiard room
This room in the bachelors' wing on the main level (although it did not deter female guests) featured custom oak billiard tables made in 1895. There is also a doorway disguised to look like part of the wall which allowed gentlemen to discreetly retire to the adjacent smoking room.
Good night, Florida
33443018870_4854df89e8_b
Marvelous rainbow last night
48404534177_6990e82890_b
Rainbow Row
33408122906_195298367c_b
Video clip of the closing portion of "Together"
37722985894_c42f6e257b_b
Finally reorganized the shelves for large-size paper stock to something a bit more logical and even created room to get yet-to-be-opened cases off the floor
30791302718_b6330445b8_b
The next day we drove to Pigeon Forge and had lunch at Cheddar's with a few of the family members who would be attending the 50th anniversary party that weekend
48721733916_a37bc2b552_b
1850s-1870s sugar mill ruins
Description in photo two prior.
A tech glitch prevented video to the system on opening night, but it’s now been resolved and media is ready for Friday morning at Camp Meeting 2019
40624116403_562af5fc9a_b
Biltmore mansion bowling alley
The house featured one of the nation's first bowling alleys instealled in a private residence.
Old Methuselah
This cypress tree, which is more than 500 years old, got its name in the 1950s when the park was the Ponce de Leon Springs tourist attraction. The tree somehow survived in the early 1800s when cypress trees throughout Florida were cut for lumber.
Visiting historic downtown Sweetwater prior to the anniversary celebration
48721397198_c4e8405d27_b
iPad on a monopod—that's a new one for me
36616158650_0e3a107f8f_b
Happiness is a freshly washed car
25342025577_77905abaaf_b
Meeting Terry Benedict
Enjoyed a fabulous workshop day with special guest Terry Benedict, producer of Hacksaw Ridge and producer/director of The Conscientious Objector.
Ark Encounter
Panorama shot showing the opening between all decks—level 1.
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Lori and Meg in the Candlelight Processional performance
Photo by Jeff Krause.
Biltmore mansion breakfast room
Grainy and poorly exposed, my panorama shot of this dark room gives a glimpse of the elaborately decorative ceiling.
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Good night, Florida
34850256583_301420391d_b
50,000 miles in just two years and 19 days—whew!
46761543085_a8008321db_b
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant
40345874001_cf58359456_b
Biltmore mansion post-tour
The weather was much more pleasant when we exited the house after our tour, enabling me to capture a few nicer shots of the exterior.
Views of Biltmore Gardens
48721404078_2c59154b85_b
Biltmore mansion post-tour
The weather was much more pleasant when we exited the house after our tour, enabling me to capture a few nicer shots of the exterior.
Biltmore mansion official photo stop—Winter Garden version
48721382188_39e573d70e_b
Replica water wheel at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant
39448665915_2cddc9a066_b
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms. This is one of the house's 43 bathrooms—a rarity in 1895 when many homes didn't have a single indoor bathroom.
Beautiful day for an outdoor lunch
23844046478_4f752bfb86_b
Biltmore mansion gun room
48721911462_8091b91a11_b
…which is paved with discarded ballast stones from ships
32605567564_b49bdfd07d_b
Day 4
7 days, 7 photos in black and white of your everyday life. No explanation. No people.
I was challenged by no one and I won't be challenging anyone. I just wanted to do this.
Parent orientation for our new high school freshman—wait, what? We have a freshman‽
36275359801_793fdc6b43_b
The kids—silliest
45957330702_17293846c7_b
Awww, poor guy must either be old/sick or hurt—found him on the sidewalk, wouldn’t move for nothing, and I didn’t know what to do :-(
26588410107_99462b0d51_b
Biltmore mansion canning pantry
48721402423_fae45cca74_b
For those who might ask, that’s a Blackmagic Design ATEM Production Studio 4K in the background of the previous photo
41305965571_2944a2f33d_b
Danny and Meg ready to ride Dollywood's Wild Eagle coaster
48721730456_d39ddcd62e_b
Daryl Tol, President/CEO of Florida Hospital and Adventist Health System Central Division
38437436501_85d27bc0f4_b
Church picnic at Wilson’s Landing Park
39292901275_11c234fd55_b
Cooking pancakes and veggie sausage patties
39448657235_7d81b1189a_b
Good night, Florida
43803614854_e2eda36f2c_b
The masses of performers make their way to the stage
25318541638_1fd5b87cf7_b
Lars Houmann, COO of Adventist Health System
26661367979_1fb6eeea11_b
2017 Nissan Versa SV
The trunk is rather cavernous for such a small vehicle, and the rear seats fold down to allow even longer items to fit.
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
My neighborhood sits high above three enormous, deep retention ditches—virtually zero flood risk #HurricaneIrma
36336837914_5f4fa5b65e_b
Biltmore mansion tapestry gallery
This space was used for tea and music (given that the music room was unfinished in George Vanderbilt's day). The huge Flemish tapestries adorning the walls are part of a 1530s set known as The Triumph of the Seven Virtues, representing Charity, Faith, and Prudence. Among the art displayed here is a painting of George above the library door.
Good night, Florida
24424242568_f5dbd2ba35_b
Biltmore mansion official photo stop
48721893147_3e3d69d69d_b
Biltmore mansion—Edith Vanderbilt chamber
Purple and gold fabrics adorn Edith's Louis XV-style feminine retreat. Eighty years after the original fabrics were created, replacements woven by the same French company were installed during restoration of the room.
Silly nephew thinks he needs my glasses
27873964317_765bc82282_b
Current status
35123026474_6de1b1f4ea_b
My very yummy dinner at San Miguel Mexican Grill in Apopka
29665678487_6eab650e34_b
Biltmore mansion guest accommodations
A scene from within the numerous guest rooms.
Biltmore mansion tiled loggia
Huge rear patio on the main level. It serves as an extension to the adjacent tapestry gallery when the French doors are opened.
Biltmore mansion official photo stop—garden version
48721893117_747813934c_b
