Arrive Early to Admire the Beauty

This past Saturday I traveled to Lockport, New York. We borrowed my parent's vehicle, loaded it with the necessary items, and filled the gas tank. The only thing missing was Mags, but she had to take her SAT and then work. We missed spending time with her yet enjoyed some quality husband-wife time during our road time. 

We talked, laughed, and one of us jammed to the 80's playing on the radio.  And let's just say, it wasn't Ed. I did post one video to Facebook as I jammed to Prince, "Let's Go Crazy". Oh, the eighties, and this is all I'll say about that...thankful for the multitude of blessings, friendships, and big hair.

One of the first things we noticed as we headed West was the change in temperature and landscaping. On Saturday we left behind hostas just starting to peek through the soil, lilacs just starting to bud, and magnolia trees with buds (if you are lucky). But our trip to Lockport offered a colorful and beautiful ride and welcoming. This beautiful flower lined the church, near one of the doors we entered. 

It's a breed of tulip but we've yet to find out the exact name. Quite a few have offered one, if you are a flower guru - what do you think? Some of the options we've been given thus far are: fancy tulip (something I would have said, lol), Estella Rijnveld Tulip, parrot tulip, and Light orange terry tulip.  Do you have a thought or is there one that you are sure is correct?

And what will I do with this information, hopefully, locate a package of these bulbs so I can have some growing in my lawn next year at this time. Well, in a couple weeks, lol. 

Ed and I were able to enjoy our surroundings because we left a large window of time before I actually had to be there. One thing I like to do is be on time. To me, on time is at least thirty minutes early when I'm presenting, speaking, or sharing. I think this is largely because when people arrive, to see someone still setting up can be distracting and take away from the hosts desired feeling, mood, and tone. Another reason to be early, we like to enjoy looking around at different towns, cities, churches, and locations. I think this is from the traveling I did with my family as a child, it's interesting to see how places do the "same thing" but different. Do you know what I mean?

When you travel, are you arriving early enough to enjoy the beauty around you?
Now for true confessions: 
Have you ever saw a flower, bush, or other landscaping item in someone's lawn...
liked it so much, you pulled over and approached their house 
to knock on the door and ask "What is that?" or "Where did you find that?"

Or, have you ever stopped and asked if you could have a shoot so you could plant the beautiful flower, plant, or tree in your yard when you got home?