Have a ball!

I have no idea what this flower is called, but if anyone knows please enlighten me. I think it's really beautiful and would love to try one in my garden. I found this one in the public gardens of Saugatuck. Photo taken in May 2011. If you like flowers, visit Floral Fridays.

Spring has sprung

Well, I'm sure it has somewhere anyway! These blue beauties come to you from my MiL's garden in Berlin. I'm headed there today and I hope her garden will once again be full of photographic delights! Photo taken in May 2011.

Oh Champs Elysees...

No, I haven't made the trip back to Paris yet. I actually found this wall in Saugatuck, Michigan. I thought the shadows and lines of the bricks lent themselves well to black and white. Photo taken in June 2011. To see more signs, check out Signs, Signs.

Building in black and white

I don't remember the name of this building, but you'll find it in downtown Denver. Photo taken in August 2008.

Colorful bottles

A display of pop bottles at the Bricktown Candy Co in Oklahoma City. I love all the bright colors! Photo taken in December 2011.

Rheinsberg ratskeller

Although it may not sound appealing to our English ears, the Ratskeller is just the name for a traditional restaurant that would be found in the Rathaus (city hall) of every German city. In German, "Rat" means advice, so calling the City Hall the Advicehouse sort of makes sense. It looks like this Ratskeller has attracted a couple of patrons at least! Photo taken in November 2011.

Fred in silhouette

A look at the famous Frederick II who once used this palace as one of his summer abodes. It wasn't his favorite though and later on he gave it to his brother Henry. Henry and his wife occupied this humble habitat until the early 1800s. But it's still good old Fred who got the memorial statue in front of the palace. Photo taken in November 2011.

Light on the water

A marvelous sunset over one of the small lakes outside Berlin. Photo taken in November 2011. To see more skies, visit Skywatch.

Blue sky day

Another look at the palace from the outside. Everything looks better under a blue sky, don't you agree? Photo taken in November 2011.

Infinite doorway: Part II

Another look at the doorways in the Rheinsberg Palace. I hope you are enjoying this series. Photo taken in November 2011.

Flowers on the grave

Flowers on a family grave in the Saint Mathias Cemetery in Berlin. Photo taken in November 2011. To see more cemetery shots, visit Tapophile Tragics.

Streaming in

This room looked even more beautiful with the sunlight streaming in. I love the old heating stove. They were very popular in Berlin and this one is a fantastic example. Photo taken in November 2011.

More cherubs

Another sighting of the plump innocents at the Rheinsberg Palace. I promise I'm getting off this cherubic kick soon! Photo taken in November 2011.

The gallery

There was lots of artwork to look at in the Rheinsberg Palace. They even have some chairs lined up, although visitors can't sit on them, of course! Photo taken in November 2011.

Front and back

This lady is lucky to have been placed in a spot where she can see both the front and back of her hair. Photo taken in November 2011. If you'd like to see more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Al fresco

During the East Germany times, this series of rooms were used for therapeutic baths and a cafeteria for those who were convalescing here. The walls were papered over, which actually helped to preserve these lovely frescos underneath. Photo taken in November 2011.

Infinite doorway

Looking through the doorways of a few rooms in Rheinsberg Palace. Photo taken in November 2011.

Royal boudoir

Prince Fred had quite the fancy digs! Photo taken in November 2011.

Cherubic details

Good old prince Fred did seem to be fond of the cherubs. I found them all over the Rheinsberg Palace. 

The one thing I can't decide for this shot is whether it's better in black and white or color. What do you think? Photo taken in November 2011.

Cherub

More details from the Rheinsberg Palace. Photo taken in November 2011. To see more monochrome shots, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Make yourself at home

Fancy a sit? The arrangement does look inviting, although visitors are not actually allowed to sit here. The furniture is unfortunately not original to the palace (most of it was taken by the East or destroyed), but they have borrowed pieces from other castles in order to keep with the period. Photo taken in November 2011.

Reflective views

The Rheinsberg Palace actually lies right on a small lake. Imagine walking out your back door to a view like this. I certainly wouldn't mind! Photo taken in November 2011. To see more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Back door

Now that you've seen the front of the palace, here's a look at the back. And tomorrow I'll show you the magnificent view! It's worth coming back for. Photo taken in November 2011.

Front door

A look at the entrance to the Rheinsberg Palace. It's pretty grand! Photo taken in November 2011.

Chirp, chirp

The Rheinsberg Palace is located in what used to be East Germany. During those years, the castle was used as a convalescent home. The beautiful birds you see here are part of the original silk wallpaper that you can find in one of the rooms. Luckily it was used as a doctor's room, otherwise this paper probably would have been stripped, never to be seen again. A few things of beauty were preserved, at least. Photo taken in November 2011.

Das wird schwer!

A detail from inside the Rheinsberg Palace. I think his arm must be getting tired from holding that beam up! Photo taken in November 2011.

Neigh

Always remember to look a gift horse in the mouth. I found this one at the Rheinsberg Palace just outside Berlin. Photo taken in November 2011.

Rink remains

These big rolls are actually layers of ice. You're looking at the leftovers after the laying of  one of the temporary ice skating rinks for the winter season in Berlin. Photo taken in November 2011.

Foggy days in monochrome

A last look at Venice. Doesn't Saint Mark's Square look great in black and white and with all that wonderful fog? I like it anyway. Photo taken in February 2004.

To see more monochrome shots, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Church of Moses

If there's one thing you're certain to see in Italy, it's fancy churches. The Chiesa di San Moisè is no exception. There are so many statues and carvings, it's hard to know where to look! Photo taken in February 2004.