A Beautiful Waterlily and an Update

Just a quick note to let you know I am still kicking. I have been on a break while I battle this incredulous bronchitis that I've had for over 2 1/2 weeks now. Hopefully, it's on the way out. I dream of being outdoors and taking photos, but dreams are it for now as I haven't ventured out much in weeks especially since most days the pollen count is very high. I have been following your blogs and hope all is well. ENJOY!

Crimson Phalaenopsis

There are so many gorgeous Phalaenopses blooming at Opryland Hotel that there were almost too many to photograph. But I tried!

This beautiful deep crimson Phaelaenopsis had to be one of my favorites. There was only the one that I noticed in the Cascades Canopy, but one was all it took.

It has been a very busy two weeks. I am on deadline with the magazine and readying myself for a trip back home to Louisville this weekend to attend a wedding. I haven't been home in almost six months. I am anxious to see my two sisters and their families. And seriously, aren't weddings fun. Especially when all one has to do is show up looking all scrubbed and coufed. Perhaps I will capture a few wedding images to share. And if all goes as planned I want to make a stop on the way back to Nashville at Bernheim. ENJOY!

Purple Phalaenopsis

Another view of one of the more colorful Phalaenopsis Orchids or 'Moth' Orchids currently blooming at the Opryland Hotel last weekend.

For those of you wanting to see some of the photos of the hotel itself, I will share some images of the Delta Islands canopy soon. The Delta Islands canopy was the most diverse area in the hotel with shops, restaurants, cascading waterfalls and a river running through it where you could grab a leisurely pagoda ride. Back soon. ENJOY!

Pink Moth Orchids

This beautiful specimen is a Phalaenopsis Orchid, better known in some circles as the 'Moth' Orchid, and was one of many species of exotic flowers found blooming throughout the Opryland Hotel.

As I walked around the hotel grounds in and out of the many canopies, bright pink and white blooms, and occasionally the subtle lavender blooms of the Moth Orchids greeted me. There is no doubt that every time one lays eyes on the stunning colors of this Orchid, a smile surely comes to your face. ENJOY!

Linking to The Scoop on StoneGable

White Water Lily, Garden Conservatory

Beautiful White Water Lilies were blooming everywhere throughout the Garden Conservatory and Cascades at Opryland Hotel yesterday. Something I didn't realize, the White Water Lily also goes by the name of Fragrant Water Lily, as it has a fragrant scent. Although I would imagine for the average individual it might be hard to smell that scent what with the Lily being too far away in the water to get a sniff. I love the large Lily Pads.

There are several atriums at Opryland Hotel, the Magnolia South, the Garden Conservatory, the Cascades and the Delta Islands. There is also a large Exhibition Hall and an Event Center. And did I mention the ginormous number of guest rooms the hotel offers. I want to stay in one, but we are talking a twenty drive from my place so I guess that won't be happening anytime soon. This being my initial visit I counted on a great deal of walking. Boy was that an understatement. Knowing I wanted to see most of the atriums or canopies as they call them, I got to every one except the Magnolia South. Got to see that one soon. Every canopy had steps going up and down eveywhere and escalators and elevators and walkways galore. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to visit.

When you feel you have the best perspective in any one of the canopies, walk across to the opposite side and you will see a better one. I need to go back soon because they just started putting up decorations for the holidays. Did I mention the Rockettes have a show during the Holiday. I may have to see that. The decorations, I am told, are stunning. Have to see those too. I loved the way there were shops all around the Delta Islands and restaurants in or near all of the canopies. I ate lunch at Solara Cantina Mexican Restaurant. It was really scrumptous. Back soon. ENJOY!

Thai Orchid, Garden Conservatory

A gorgeous Thai Orchid was only one of many species of exotic flowers I discovered this afternoon as I walked around the Garden Conservatory at Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

Walking throughout the various atriums that make up Gaylord Opryland Hotel, I discovered a world of exotic flowers, plants and trees mixed in with a winding river, various waterfalls and ponds, as well as shops, restaurants, and of course, the hotel itself. What a fantastic place to visit on an extremely heat laden Sunday afternoon. The heat index was near 100 today and has been for the past few weeks. I know we haven't even made it to August yet, but I surely could use a few Fall 'feeling' kind of days right about now. Back soon. ENJOY!