We started out in fog....and, it seemed fitting for a visit to the "Little Whitehouse". This was the cottage retreat beloved by FDR in his untiring efforts to deal with the effects of polio which had crippled his legs. He began visiting Warm Springs in 1924....and, died there in 1945. His circle of confidantes had helped him hide the ravages of his disease whenever he appeared in public....but here, he could enjoy the warm waters and take the physical therapy. He was an engaging person and enjoyed the familiarity with the locals. One outcome that was his intense interest in getting affordable electricity to rural communities and farm lands. This he accomplished as well as restoring America's belief in America, and, bringing the working country back to hope and life. The Great Depression had taken its toll. His vision and creative problem-solving were "just right" for the times. The ordinary folks loved him....and, I believe he loved them too. He did not live to see the War end...but he was very much a part of the victory. A much-respected world leader. (Can't say the same for our current President.) They lived simply and modestly. More so than one would expect of a sitting President and a man of personal wealth.He loved to drive through the countryside and designed and apparatus that let him control the car with his hands and arms. Quite a remarkable man! Isn't it interesting that we are watching "The War" at night.
The fog lifted and the mood did too. We spent the rest of the day at Callaway Gardens. What an amazing place! I have no idea how many acres are part of this property. There is a maze of forests, lakes, roads, facilities, hiking and biking trails. It goes on and on FOREVER. You begin at the Discovery Building with an orientation film explaining the philosophy of the Callaway family. They made big money in textiles, but had enormous respect and commitment to the preservation and pleasures of nature. Through the years, much has been created to frame what God and nature provide. It is a dynamic learning center for people of all ages and abilities. We went to a wonderful outdoor demonstration of the "Birds of Prey". The naturalist was gifted....both with the birds and with her ability to teach us about their unique behaviors. They are wonderous and also dangerous by nature. She worked with a red-tailed hawk, a horned owl (they really don't have horns), and, an American bald head eagle. It was breath-taking to have them swoop literally inches above YOUR head! Our next stop was the extensive Sibley Horticulture Building which is a conservatory arranged by "climate" as well as outdoors. I had figured September would be a big yawn.....was I ever wrong! We took SO MANY photos that it is embarassing. Many things were in bloom, others had exotic foliage. There were great topiaries and water features. The resident Koi had a feeding frenzy when Tom tossed in a bit of their feed. From my "Green Scene" days, I can identify quite a few warm climate plants....but, it boggled my mind. Next we decided to do the "scenic drive". WOW! This is no 15-20 minute buzz. It takes a long time and the undeveloped lands are just as lovely as the formally designed gardens. We then went to the Day Butterfly Pavillion. First we saw some coming out of their crysallis, and, then we went into the enclosed garden. So many colors, so many sizes....they were EVERYWHERE. In fact, you had to be careful not to step on one. It was very whimsical. One guy had a butterfly land on his shirt when he came into the garden. It stayed on him all of the time that he was there. Unfortunately, his little girl didn't like it. Go figure!
Well, we literally closed the place...and then went to dinner. Tired and very pleased with a great day!
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