Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation

Visited the Barnes Foundation on Saturday. The estate hosts a significant collection of impressionist and 20th century works (many by Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, van Gogh, Matisse, Rousseau, Monet, Miro, and much more). The museum is open to the public with reservations for tickets, this trip was booked over a month ago.

Click image to view slideshow.

It rained a bit when we were touring the galleries, which were mostly empty of visitors. The sun resumed shining once we got out into the arboretum. From the Barnes Foundation website:

Art Collection
The Barnes Foundation collection is unsurpassed in breadth, quality, and depth in French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings. It is enhanced by Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities, Chinese painting, African sculpture, retablos from New Mexico, Native American pottery, and American decorative arts. Juxtapositions of objects from different cultures, periods and media provide exciting opportunities for teaching and making visual connections.

Arboretum
The Arboretum houses a rich collection of species and varieties of trees, shrubs, and other plants introduced from various regions. There are a number of living fossils or very ancient plants, historic/biblical plants, botanically precious specimens, plants of proven medicinal use, and a few extensive collections of genetic importance. The Arboretum is a paradise of well-known ornamental plants artistically landscaped, reflecting concepts from the installation of art in the gallery ensembles.

Etymology

Radio slang: will comply = wilco

Deliver me
from reasons why
you'd rather cry

I'd rather fly.

The beach!

First beach weekend of the summer, May 14-16. Assateague Island, Maryland.

Seattle, Ellensburg, Yakima

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Higher ground

So darn glad He let me try it again
Cause my last time on earth
I lived a whole world of sin
So glad I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on trying
'Til I reach the highest ground

Teachers keep on teaching
Preachers keep on preaching
World keep on turning
'Cause it won't be too long

~ Stevie

Pliny the Elder

One who must journey a hundred miles should consider ninety as halfway.

I finally had a chance to try Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing at Monk's this weekend. The quest for this elusive beer built my anticipation to a dangerously high level. Pliny's wisdom did not disappoint.

Served from the tap into an American pint glass, almost clear amber color with a big dollop of airy head. Smell is floral and citrus, lots of grapefruit. Taste and feel are dynamite. Noticeable alcohol heat combined with delicate carbonation and piney zesty hop oils to a magical effect. Spicy and mysterious, multi-dimensional hoppiness with a faint musty waft. Bouquet of aroma lingered on the palate without any distasteful bitterness.

Didn't even think about ordering anything else when this beer was on tap. Three drafts paired well with a couple servings of steamed mussels at the bar. Perfect.

Pliny the Elder Double IPA
Price paid: $7.50/ Pint
Freshness: Excellent
ABV: 8.0%