Happy New Year!

Wishing you and yours a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2009! This display was taken at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens' Garden of Lights. If you haven't seen it yet, there's still time -- they have extended viewing through Saturday night.

Botanical Gardens of Lights

Last night, we went to see the annual "Garden of Lights" presentation at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. I had only been to this one time before and enjoyed it, but this time seemed to be even better than I remembered! The lights have a Christmas garden type of theme, with some traditional Christmas favorites here and there. It is definitely worth visiting, along with the Holiday Lights at the Beach (in Virgina Beach). But don't take my word for it, visit it yourself (my pictures don't really do the lights justice!) The Garden of Lights is going on now through January 4, 2009, and the cost per vehicle is $10. After you pay admission, be sure to donate a few coins or so to the folks standing right after the admission gate; I did and was given some free daffodil bulbs to plant for my own garden next year, along with a couple of coupons that give $1 off the price of admission to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens for up to 4 adults, which believe me is another great sight to see during the day!

Grand Illumination Parade 2008

Yesterday the Downtown Norfolk skyline lit up during its annual Grand Illumination Celebration. As part of the celebration, immediately following the city's illumination, the 24th Annual Grand Illumination Parade began. This year's theme was "Celebrate the SEAson" in recognition of Hampton Roads' nautical heritage. These are a few photo highlights from the parade, taken from my view on Granby Street.