I spent an enjoyable day and overnight at my dad's in New Jersey during the week, with plenty of time to get back home before any holiday traffic.

I had read an article in the New York Times about public gardens in New Jersey, and they highlighted one in the NJ Pine Barrens that sounded interesting. It's on the campus of Georgian Court University, which purchased the property and grounds from the heirs of a millionaire RR tycoon, Charles Gould.

Since I am a fan of Japanese gardens, it seemed intriguing, so after my arrival at dad's and lunch at a local cafe, we headed for Lakewood NJ.

There were lots of statuary of Greek gods, ornate benches and urns used as planters and many fountains, but they were all drained. They only turn the water on for special occasions, I guess as a water conservation measure. That was too bad. The grass was the color of straw and parched dry.

If you'd like to see some pix of my visit, you can check out my other blog at: http://owlhollownews.blogspot.com/2010/07/visit-tot-he-arboretum-at-georgian.html

But here's a sampling of the Japanese garden:



This am i spent a few hours helping a friend clean out her garage, which has been packed with her mother's stuff for 5 years. She took me to lunch afterwards as a thank you, so that was fun.

Didn't do much else today except take an evening walk and sweep the driveway.