Friday, April 29, 2011

Ever Want to Be an Aeronaut?

The Crew of the St. Clair Aeronauts is shorthanded for Maker Faire this year. We're looking for a few good steamy people to lend a hand. Contact me at stclairaeronauts @ Gmail . com if you are interested....

Monday, April 11, 2011

(Almost) May Day Picnic- Wicked Plants at the Conservatory of Flowers in SF



April showers bring May flowers and apparently, some of those flowers can KILL you!


The Lovely Amy G brought this exhibit to our attention and it seems the perfect place for the Annual Aeronauts May Picnic and Visit to a Creepy Location. The Conservatory is hosting a special exhibit:


Wicked Plants: Botanical Rogues & Assassins Northern California Author Amy Stewart’s 2009 New York Times Bestseller, Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities comes to deadly life at the Conservatory of Flowers this summer


The by line from their web page says it all, people:


"Paralysis, strangulation, derangement – these are just a few of the misdeeds of the plant kingdom as chronicled by award-winning author Amy Stewart in her 2009 New York Times Bestseller, Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities. And now, something wicked this way comes. Building on the fascinating plant portraits in Stewart’s book, the Conservatory introduces visitors to living examples of dozens of infamous plants that have left their mark on history and claimed many an unfortunate victim. As visitors enter the exhibition, they find themselves in a mysterious, untended yard behind a ramshackle old Victorian home. Peeking through the window, it’s clear that a crime has just taken place...."


SO, wear your Best Steampunk Black and Green (for Mourning or Victory depending on your favorite side), bring a picnic lunch and something to share, tote in a thermous of Tea to invigorate you in the presence of such evil (and because its cold in SF) and Join US....


Explorers and Scientific Gentlemen and Ladies especially welcome. We would hear your stories of daringly taming the wild jungles and dangerous gardens of the Continent!


The Particulars...


When: April 30th, 2011, Noon for lunch, 2pm for the Exhibit.


Where: San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park. 100 John F. Kennedy Drive San Francisco, CA 94118 Lunch will be on the Lawn just below the Conservatory on the right hand side, between the flowerbeds and the trees. Those meeting us just for the Exhibit should join us at the main entrance to the Conservatory at 2pm.


What to Bring:



  • Friends and companions

  • Small children, if you have them

  • A picnic lunch

  • A thermous of your favorite tea

  • Your best traveling teacup

  • Something to share (sandwiches and baked goods are ALWAYS welcome!)

  • Something to sit on (the grass can be damp)

  • Your magnifying glass

  • Your camera

  • $7 to get in to the Conservatory ($5 for residents and children)

  • Goggles, Bustles or other Steampunk Accoutrement so we know who you are!

As always, everyone is welcome!


See photos of our last trip to the Conservatory HERE.


See photos of last year's picnic and trip to the Winchester Mystery House HERE.