The full, traditionally planted borders and the grounds in front of the largely Edwardian manor house have always been a focus of attention, together with jaw-dropping views of its farmland and the South Downs beyond. This is where most of the audience, resplendent in evening finery, take their smart picnics during the prolonged interval. New gardens in a more "modern" style were created around the new theatre and associated buildings, and have succeeded miraculously in masking their newness so that they manage not to look at ill at ease. Glyndebourne's gardens are renowned, and big "names" have been involved in their creation Mary Keen and Christopher Lloyd for example. But as John Hoyland neatly puts it, there comes a point in the life of most grand gardens when a kick up the backside is needed, and five years or so ago it was decided that the time had come.

Since 2004, the festival's organisation has been overseen by Gus Christie, grandson of John, who lives at Glyndebourne with his young family (in evidence on occasions when staff forget to move the goalposts from the picnic lawn). It is, therefore, Gus who signs off John's plans for the garden, and bit by bit, border by border, a beautiful, subtly coloured and renovated garden has emerged, with work, of course, still in progress.

The garden has a highly concentrated "season": from mid-May to the end of August, from early afternoon each day, it must simply look perfect. Every edge must be trimmed, every plant groomed, every donated bench must be in its expected position. Criticism is not unknown from among the many opera-goers, and from the members and other benefactors who between them fund everything, and who feel they deserve their money's worth.

ACT I: THE GARDEN

The scene was set for me by a glimpse of the "opera factory", the cavernous area backstage complete with strains of a distant soprano doing her stuff. This put the scale of the vast, hivelike operation that employs 600 people into perspective. Then, from the covered galleries where opera-goers congregate before performances, and where they can picnic on wet evenings, we looked down on the leafy, almost subtropical gardens below (packed with echiums and drama of all sorts, some of it tender: this was clearly the destination of the banana barrow).

Designed to be viewed from above as well as below, with steps that form a grand, theatrical entrance, this area now has grass replacing the previously gravelled, terraced "pools" between the banks of dramatic foliage, which enhances the still, coolness of it all.

From here we strolled along a wide, newly paved path flanked by big borders in front of the house. Here evergreens past their sell-by date have been either removed or ruthlessly pared back; box balls have been threaded informally through immaculate perennial planting. Subtly veiling the rural views are huge, dramatic stands of foxtail lilies, just ready for blast-off. We crossed the wide lawn, separated from sheep pasture by a ha-ha, to look at the re-created crescent border planted in an Edwardian style, with massed cool-coloured perennials and roses, the whole scene backed by a yew hedge separating it from an enclosed lawn ("No opera-goers allowed: croquet for the orchestra in the interval," I was told). There are special "places to be" everywhere in a garden that reeks of romance and drama with massed lavenders, roses (including the new 'Glyndebourne' rose, bred by Harkness), big-border perennials and a modish lacing-through of annual must-haves, such as Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl' and Orlaya grandiflora.

ACT II: THE WILDERNESS

By clearing the site of an old boathouse, a favourite picnic spot has been created. It makes a stage from which John and I surveyed the first of three lakes (only one of these is clearly visible, a gentle wilderness engulfing the rest for now) and the meadows around it, studded here and there with late crimson tulips ('Kingsblood'), and the sheep and lambs on emerald pastures beyond. The whole thing was the epitome of peace and calm. John would like to pinch a bit more pasture from the sheep in order to widen the swaths of meadow-and-mown-walkways, since it is around here, he assured me, that the most secluded picnic areas are found.

BACKSTAGE

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Glyndebourne gardens: 'They must, simply, look perfect'

Cords for various lamps, phone chargers and other electronic gadgets can create tripping hazards for older adults. Organizing and tying them up can help prevent falls, and moving power strips away from head vents and unplugging cords not in use can prevent electrical fires. Tools to aid with grabbing items from the floor or shelves, like the one shown above, also can be useful in preventing accidents for older adults. (Jenni Grubbs / Fort Morgan Times)

As they get older, adults need to be aware that the homes they may have lived in comfortably and safely for many years may need some adjustments to remain safe.

The everyday clutter and objects people are used to stepping over or avoiding can become tripping hazards and lead to falls for seniors and to serious injuries and health problems.

There are many things people whether the seniors themselves, or their adult children and/or care-givers can do to prevent such accidents and falls and make homes safer for older adults.

The Colorado State University Extension Office offers a fact sheet about this issue, and businesses that deal in senior care, like Home Instead Senior Care of Northern Colorado, offer resources, as well.

"The 65-plus population will be radically transformed as the baby-boom generation ages," the CSU Extension Fact Sheet stated. "No segment of the population will change as much as mature Americans. There are currently 40 million people (13 percent of Americans) aged 65 or older. By 2050 this will increase to 88 million. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the housing needs of the elderly."

Accidents in the home can cause many injuries and even death for seniors, according to CSU Extension.

"The elderly are especially vulnerable to serious injuries from home accidents," the fact sheet stated. "Older bones are often less dense, more brittle and break more easily. A simple fall can become a serious, disabling injury that limits independence."

Home Instead recently did a survey of 100 emergency room doctors and found that nearly a third of the injuries in the homes that sent their senior patients to the ER could have been prevented, according to a press release.

Tripping hazards at homes can include throw rugs, loose railings, strewn out electric cords and pulled up metal strips in doorways between flooring types.

Read more here:
Many in-home injuries preventable for seniors

by Kathy Frodahl, president, CEO

New England Home Health Care

A slip or fall can be a serious matter. Reduction in bone density and decreased muscle strength and-or tone put the elderly at a higher risk for injury. For some people a decrease in bone density can be a normal process of aging or it may be related to a medical condition such as osteoporosis. Muscles tend to lose strength and flexibility with age.

Older adults greatly value their independence. One fall can significantly limit the elderly to remain independent. An individual who has a history of falling is two to three times more likely to fall

again. A hip fracture is a common but serious and potentially life-threatening injury among the

elderly. According to the Center for Disease Control, 90 percent of hip fractures occur among people age 65 or older. Approximately 24 percent of people more than 50 years old who suffer from a broken hip die within 12 months of the injury. Slips and falls also can lead to other problems such as loss of independence, depression and fear. The individual may limit normal activities that they love out of fear of falling again.

Certain conditions can place people at a higher risk for falls:

Poor eyesight or hearing may keep people from seeing or hearing a hazard.

Balance problems resulting from head injuries, infections or other disturbances in the inner ear or dizziness from standing up too fast.

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Keeping muscles strong can help prevent falls

Tornado Hit Winston County Regains Medical Center Access

On April 29, 2014, tornados ripped through Mississippi hitting Winston County.

On Thursday, May 15th, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated (LCCI) received a call from Boxx Modular asking us to quote the delivery and installation of our precast concrete access system for tornado damaged Winston County, Mississippi so that county citizens would have reliable access to the temporary medical facility constructed to meet their medical needs until Winston Medical Center could be restored. The proposal if accepted would be contingent upon very quick delivery. Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated was asked to load up our product and drive 650 miles to deliver and install our ADA compliant access system in time for the facility to open Monday morning, May 19th. After several layout revisions were considered by the multiple agencies involved in restoring services and their contractor, we were on our way and the project was completed before end of day May 18th, 2014.

Monday morning the facility at University Medical Center (temporary facility for Winston Medical Center) was open to the public!

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated Family owned and operated since 1983, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated was first a leading manufacturer of precast concrete steps decks, walkways, landings, and ADA compliant modular precast concrete wheelchair ramps, with steel guard rails, and handrails, as well as architectural precast cladding panels, precast concrete stairs and Easi-Set precast concrete buildings and restrooms. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast concrete and miscellaneous metal product options. "We Take Pride in exceeding our customer's expectations" stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This American, family-owned company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is focused on meeting the needs of commercial building construction and renovation projects. Their experienced staff provides turnkey service, and it only takes one call to find the solution to your building needs. For more information visit their website at http://www.leesburgconcrete.com, (800) 882-4177, or KRouse@leesburgconcrete.com.

Originally posted here:
Leesburg Concrete Responds

In April 2014, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated (LCCI) completed the railing for Florida's new light rail project known as SunRail Phase I. LCCI's metal fabrication shop is DOT certified.

SunRail is a 61.5-mile commuter rail project in Central Florida. The first phase is 32-miles and will serve 12 stations, linking DeBary to Sand Lake Road; Phase II will serve 5 additional stations, north to DeLand and south to Poinciana.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Inc. has been producing ADA compliant rails for their precast concrete access system since 1989. Their on-site miscellaneous metals shop was cable of doing more and so in 2011 LCCI started to bid and build larger projects which included interior and exterior metal floor to floor stairs and other Division 5 products. Leesburg Concrete knew SunRail was the right project for them. They had everything in place to build the quality rail with custom coating which was required for this project. Once Phase 1 was completed, the contractor who was working on Phase 2 called Leesburg Concrete to request assistance in the completion and delivery of the rail for 5 stations as well.

"Leesburg Concrete is proud of the railing that will be publicly seen and used here is Central Florida. There are several stations with architectural rail which is pretty unique.' said Kirk Rouse, "it is great that as we expand we are connecting with the projects which showcase our capabilities."

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated Family owned and operated since 1983, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated was first a leading manufacturer of precast concrete steps decks, walkways, landings, and ADA compliant modular precast concrete wheelchair ramps, with steel guard rails, and handrails, as well as architectural precast cladding panels and precast concrete stairs. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast product options. "We Take Pride in exceeding our customer's expectations' stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This American, family-owned company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is focused on meeting the needs of commercial building construction and renovation projects. Their experienced staff provides turnkey service, and it only takes one call to find the solution to your building needs. For more information visit their website at http://www.leesburgconcrete.com, (800) 882-4177, or KRouse@leesburgconcrete.com.

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Rail, Rail, SunRail

Emily Blunt has been quite busy she'll be tearing up the big screen this year but apparently she still had time to go house shopping. She and husband John Krasinski have spent $2.575 million for a home in Hollywood Hills West.

Built in 1965, the house sits on more than a third of an acre with a courtyard entry, stone patios, a lanai, a swimming pool and spa and a flat lawn. Within the 3,483 square feet of living space are a media/family room, an office, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Blunt, 31, will star in the upcoming films "Edge of Tomorrow" with Tom Cruise and "Into the Woods" with Johnny Depp. She starred in the 2012 films "Arthur Newman," "Looper" and "The Five-Year Engagement."

Krasinski, 34, starred in the TV series "The Office" (2005-13). He appeared in the 2012 film "Promised Land," which he co-wrote with star Matt Damon.

The couple own other property, including a getaway home on five bucolic acres in Ojai.

Barbara Palmer of Keller Williams was the listing agent of the house they just bought. Richard Ehrlich of Westside Estate Agency represented Blunt and Krasinski.

Leaving another ZIP Code?

Jason Priestley, who made a name for himself playing Brandon Walsh on "Beverly Hills, 90210" in the 1990s, has sold a home in Toluca Lake for $2 million.

The Mediterranean-style house, reached by flagstone walkways, has arched windows and garage doors. Double doors open to an airy two-story foyer with a staircase in the 3,266-square-foot home, which was built in 1990 and has since been refurbished.

The house has living, dining and family rooms, a loft and a kitchen with an island and breakfast area. There are three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The master bedroom suite includes a stone fireplace and a wooden cathedral ceiling.

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Emily Blunt and John Krasinski add to their portfolio

My first trip to China was unforgettable. It was a tumultuous time in my life, with the ending of a long-term relationship and studies that had kept me occupied for four years. I had no strings keeping me anywhere, so traveling was a reprieve for my soul as much as it was professionally important.

I was on my way to Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, and any other cities in between. I planned on keeping a diary, which I did just so I could memorialize the experience.

A few selected excerpts are what Id like to share here.

Its been raining in Shang Hai for over a week. There were floods worse than they've seen in 50 years. This place is like most big cities loud, full of traffic, chaotic and extraordinarily overpopulated. The Bund, a 2-mile stretch along the river, offers views to Pu Dong, the modern financial district on the opposite side of the river. There are buildings of various shapes and sizes going up everywhere you look. It reminds me more of Las Vegas than anything else.

I walked for hours this morning and everywhere I go, I stand out like a sore thumb. My light hair and eyes are unusual. Children stare at me and when I smile back, joy shimmers in their eyes and their adorable faces light up that the foreign one smiled and noticed them. People work very hard here and although I cannot fathom the life they lead, it has its order and sense.

I walked through an enormous park in the center of Shang Hai and I was the only Westerner anywhere. There were large swaths of beautiful trees surrounded by winding paths; it was a relief to see some nature.

All over there were people practicing tai chi, qi gong and other forms of exercise. Others took advantage of the facial and head massages offered. There were groups of men sitting around small tables playing traditional games. Some of the women sang. Clusters of people gathered in groups talking; families walked with their children in hand. This was more of the China I imagined.

The antiquity Id hoped to discover is no longer in physical structures, but remains in bits and pieces scattered among the people of China mostly the older generation.

The air is so dirty here that my skin is breaking out and I always feel like I have a layer of grime on my face. I woke up at 5 a.m. today just as it was starting to get light. The sun was trying to push its way through the clouds and smoggy haze. I dont know if the people of Shang Hai know what a truly blue sky is. Being from San Diego, Im so blessed to have days where the sky is so blue you could swim in it.

As I walked I saw people doing their morning exercise, this morning with swords along the Bund. As I continued walking along the Bund, I saw an elderly man, probably 80 or so, with his leg straight up against a signpost. He did a better standing split than I've ever seen, and with no strain on his aged face. I wanted to photograph him, but didnt want to distract him, so I kept walking.

Read more from the original source:
Travel perspective on China's metropolises.

Another new restaurant from Tim Thompson will occupy the ground floor of a $22 million, mixed-use riverfront development in Monona featuring 121 luxury apartments and advanced erosion control strategies.

Thompson co-owns the Free House Pub in Middleton and just opened The Flying Hound in Fitchburg. Both feature a European focus with a draft-beer focus and menus with German and English influences.

Robin Pharo, a Madison native and sustainable building operations expert, said the restaurant for her new Monona development, to be known as Treysta on the Water, will have similar themes.

"It's meant to be a destination restaurant," she said. "It will be in the vein (of the other restaurants) with a full-service bar and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays."

City officials and Pharo held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for the project, slated for completion in early 2015. Fitchburg-based Tri-North Builders will be the general contractor.

The building also is slated to be the state's first mixed-use development to achieve a "Clean Clear Waters" designation, a new certification requiring the advanced use of best practices in erosion control, landscape conservation and storm water management.

It's administered by the Madison Area Builders Association and the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, with third-party verification of standards.

Madison area lakes are a vital asset to our region's livelihood, WEI Executive Director John Imes said in a statement. By educating builders and developers about the easy steps that can be taken to avoid harmful effects during the construction process, we can help improve the quality of our lakes.

The site for the four-story, 79,000-square-foot building is on the 400 block of West Broadway, adjacent to Lottes Park. It's the former home of the Hickory Lane Mobile Home Park, which closed in 2007 with residents moved out under pressure from a former developer.

Beyond the planned restaurant and retail stores on the building's first floor, and 24-hour-a-day concierge services for the apartment tenants who live above it, the 5-acre site will boast amenities including public and private boat slips, boats for rents, an expanded riverfront boardwalk and an outdoor public performance space for concerts and other events.

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Groundbreaking held for luxury Monona apartments on Yahara River with 'destination' eatery

Naples, FL (PRWEB) May 19, 2014

Fiddlers Creek announces that construction is starting on the Emerson luxury home at Chiasso, a village of 59 single-family residences located within the luxury, master-planned community.

Offered by D.R. Horton, Chiasso is a sanctuary of peace and the pinnacle of luxury living. Intertwined with waterways, the village features five individual floor plans, ranging from 2,583 air-conditioned square feet to 3,522 air-conditioned square feet, most with stunning lake views.

The Emerson is a two-story floor plan, encompassing 3,522 air-conditioned square feet and 4,666 total square feet. The home has three bedrooms, three full baths and one half bath, plus a second floor loft with morning bar that could be utilized for a home entertainment theater.

The Emerson is designed with a split floor plan around a centrally located living room and dining room located just steps off the main foyer and entry. The home also features a spacious kitchen just off the family room with adjoining caf area and walk-in pantry. The master suite features his-and-her walk-in closets and a master bath with a drop-in Garden Tub along with a full height vanity.

Interior design features of the Emerson include crown molding in the living areas and master suite, dramatic volume/coffered ceilings, and ceramic tile in the entry foyer, kitchen and laundry room. The gourmet kitchen features GE stainless steel appliances, an upgraded French door refrigerator, natural gas cooktop, and granite countertops with stainless steel undermount sink.

The Emerson also offers a spacious outdoor living area that is ideal for entertaining family and friends. The outdoor living area offers stunning lake views and includes a pool bath, with room available for the optional pool/spa package. The two-car garage is standard with the Emerson, with an optional three-car garage available. The Emerson is currently priced at $621,990.

Each home in the village of Chiasso is built of structurally engineered reinforced concrete block exterior wall construction with high profile concrete roof tiles. Each home also features brick paver driveways and walkways. Interior design features include a luxury kitchen with granite countertops and 42 cabinets with decorative finishes; exquisite baths with designer bath fixtures and granite countertops; ceramic tile flooring; and energy saving features throughout.

Located just off Collier Boulevard between Naples and Marco Island, Fiddlers Creek is an award-winning community that has been selected by the readers of the Naples Daily News and Bonita Daily News as Best Community in the Southwest Florida Readers Choice Awards. The community also received the 2013 CBIA Sand Dollar Award for Community of the Year.

Amenities include the 54,000-square-foot Club & Spa, Fitness Center, Tropical Lagoon-Style Swimming Complex, Tennis Courts, Tot Lot, and Casual and Elegant Dining Restaurants. The Club & Spa at Fiddlers Creek offers a luxurious resort lifestyle and is the location of numerous community-wide parties and special events throughout the year for residents of all ages.

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Fiddlers Creek Announces that Construction Begins on the Emerson

You want a trail made for fitness? Its certain the builders of what we call Monks Mound in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site werent thinking of a fitness station 1,700 or so years ago when work started on the hump, but thats how it has evolved.

Where Collinsville. On Collinsville Road, about halfway between Illinois 111 and Interstate 255, exit 24.

How long From the parking lot to the top of Monks Mound, one way about a half mile. The mound is 100 feet tall from the base to the top; 154 steps to the top terrace.

Difficulty Its actually easy; the walk up the steps is testimony to your fitness.

Surface Wooden steps, concrete approach from the parking lot.

Can be used for Foot traffic.

Hikers journal While Cahokia Mounds is known for its historic value, not many have discovered that Monks Mound, the tallest structure there, is an excellent place to blow out the pipes for outdoor conditioning. People walk the trail to the top once for the spectacular view of the area, including an unobstructed view of the St. Louis downtown and the Gateway Arch. But increasingly, walkers are getting to the top, heading back to the bottom, then back to the top, two, three or more times. The steps reach two terraces, and some folks walk to the first terrace, then return rather than brace the top. Officials say stay off the grass and only climb using the steps. Cahokia Mounds has about 10 miles of trails throughout the historic area, so long walks are available.

Parking A parking lot is directly across from the main entrance to the Interpretive Center entrance, close enough to stop in and check the exhibits.

Disabled access Except for the steps, the area is flat and paved, but the walkways are narrow.

Dogs On a short leash.

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Trail of the week Monks Mound, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site