Our Lady Of Victory Basilica National Shrine

This Basilica is perhaps the most awesome and beautiful building I have entered in my life! Though I am not Catholic, I was indeed  moved by the beauty and religious symbolism within this shrine. Located on both side of the shrine are the 14 stations of the cross. Every scene consists of nearly life size figures that have been carved from a single piece of marble. The Italian artist Pepini, took 14 years to complete all the stations with incredible detail depicting the passionate emotions of Jesus's final hours on earth. The Great Dome, is perhaps the most dramatic work of art in the building. It is 80 feet in diameter, and about 120 feet from the floor. It depicts the Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Mother. At the pinnacle of the dome is a white dove of peace peering down from Heaven. There are up to 2500 angels placed in every possible sight line. There is more information, pictures, and historical data on OLV's website, http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/
Some of OLV's Basilica Facts:
Construction:   Spring 1921-Winter 1925
Cost:   $3 Million (at that time)
Consecration:   May 25, 1925
Honors:   Named Minor Basilica on July 26, 1926, by Pope Pius XI
Architect:   Emile Ulrich (France)
Artists:   Prof. Gonippo Raggi (Italy), Marion Rzeznik (Poland)
Material:   46 unique kinds of marble, Pews are made of African Mahogany. The statue of Our Lady Of Victory at the entrance is made of carerra marble from Italy, is 12 feet in height, and weighs 16,000 pounds. (eight tons)
   

Sure Is A Long Way Down

What a heck of a ride this would be! And to think there are a few daredevils that have tried it over the years, and lived to tell about it! I guess I won't try it anytime soon! 

Where We Were

Niagara Falls!
I had never seen so many areas of the US Niagara Falls before this visit. Ralph especially loved it, as he was never there! Even though it was raining,  quite hard at times, we all really enjoyed ourselves More photos coming tomorrow!


P.S. We were only blue because of our ponchos! Our spirits were souring high!

A Blue Kinda Day?

Some of us were a little blue looking, maybe all of us. Where were we? Find out tomorrow!

Funday Monday- Little Red Wagon

Mondays can be fun, especially if you are getting a ride in a new red wagon! Sure wish I could have fit into it!

Silent Sunday-Feeling The Love

Lunch At Bugaboo Creek

One day, Ralph and I stopped into Bugaboo Creek for lunch. What a neat place this was! Pictured is a turkey sandwich, salad, a chicken soup and a couple of chocolate chip cookies. Just one of their luncheon features, and very good. But if the food was good, the atmosphere was even better! In the lower pic, you can see a bear, moose and a buffalo, all of whom talked periodically. That was pretty cute! I was quite intrigued with the chandeliers, which were made out of antlers and twigs. There were also some other funny things going on it there, like a squirrel flitting around, and a raccoon peeking out of a barrel. It was quite the unique place to eat, and hopefully I will be returning next year, for another fun meal.

A Three Year Old's Birthday

Billy sure enjoyed our grandson as much as we did! Especially when he was taken for walks by him! It is hard to believe that Ayden is three years old already! He took me over to his sandbox and proceded to tell me all about it and what he was doing. During the time I spent with him, I found out that he is very mechanicly minded. He had no trouble taking apart a truck, using a child size screw driver, and then putting it back together again. But then, that sort of thing just runs in the family. All of us are quite "hands on' people. Ralph and I bought him the red wagon for his birthday. The one new toy that intrigued him the most though, was the helicopter bubble machine. He got so excited with it at one point, he fell backwards into his little pool, with all his clothes on. He reminds me so much of his Dad, when he was little. Hopefully, Ayden will keep his loving personality and high spiritedness forever!

While In Massachusetts...........

We visited our Snowbird FL neighbors. They have a beautiful farm a short ride from where we stayed. They grow countless veggies and have a ton of Blueberry bushes! People come back every year just for their wonderful produce. After a swim in their pool and lots of conversation, we had a delightful dinner with them. It was one of the best meals on vacation! They served, a yummy seafood casserole, fresh peas, summer squash, and green beans. There is nothing like fresh picked veggies from a garden! Then  to top it off, spice cake! Our tummy's sure were happy that night! As I walked around their property, I was able to gaze at the lovely flowers in the picture above. They have such a beautiful piece of property. It's no wonder they go back up north for the summer! Thanks Grindles, for the lovely day!

1st Day In MA, by Billy

We drove and drove and drove and drove, well, you get the picture. The Mom and Dad decided to take three days to get to MA instead of the usual two. I was a little disappointed when I heard they were going to do that, cause I wanted to see my bro's as soon as possible. But you know, they really made the right decision! The usually end up getting on each other's nerves about directions and such. This time, only one little argument took place! It was great! Mom says now, she can't even remember what it was about. So after tons of great snacks in the car, and stops about every two hours, and two sleep-overs, we arrived in MA about 10:30 in the AM. We made arraignments to see my big bros right away. That sure was fun, so much that, this was how I spent my first evening. All cuddled up and cozy with my Dad.