2008 Farewell

As 2008 sails off into the sunset we yearn for a less chaotic, more peaceful and healthy New Year.

Toy Land

More from Dyker Heights... (see previous posts)

Angels In Brooklyn

The lights of Dyker Heights...so many shots to go through after our tour of the holiday displays! See the post below for more... (check out the larger views by clicking on the image)

Christmas In Brooklyn

There has been a great deal of media hype about the electric celebration of the season in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn. After first hand observation, I must admit that the reviews are indeed accurate! For several blocks one can see a dazzling display of neighbor out-doing neighbor in what has become a rite of the holiday season. As Christmas slowly fades in the rear view mirror I was impresssed, amused, and fortunate to experience the results of what must have been hours of preparation.

Dyker Heights Display

Over the top for sure, every shrub, lamp post and railing are decked out for the season in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights section.

Festive

Let the Holidays continue! It's a wonderful to see the entire family even if the Jersey turnpike is in the way!

The Gourmand

Lunch Christmas Eve with a happy one year old! Ollie is developing a discerning palate...

Merry Christmas

....and a healthy and happy New Year!

Dockside Snow

Looks like winter is here to stay for awhile!

Let It Snow

Let It Snow...as long as we have no place to go. On the other hand, last minute shopping just became a nightmare!

The Cove

A calm and quiet winter day as we await our first major snow of the season.

Flanders Bay

Tranquil December afternoon in Flanders, well worth the drive out east! (Best in larger view)

Christmas Duck

One more Duck at Christmas shot...Hey, it's been raining!

Tree Spin

Experimenting with shutter speeds...as Snoopy, Lucy and Charlie spin away in their Christmas bubble.

Ten Days Till Christmas

Mid-December and the daily sunset show is now afternoon event. For me, the silver lining in winter's journey is the gradual day to day increase in sunlight.

Duck The Halls

...with boughs of holly. The Flanders Duck, aka "the Big Duck" or to east enders simply, "The Duck" has been decked out for the Christmas holiday. To me, however, the duck appears to be wearing lederhosen with Christmas ornaments. Perhaps there was some confusion with Oktoberfest in December?? Anyway...Season's Greetings from The Duck!

December Glow

Along the upper reaches of Brown's River the setting sun is framed by the front porch at Meadowcroft.

Rock On

Only the strong survive....

Pond Ice

A taste of winter...Our first real wintry day left it's mark yesterday!

Three of a Kind

More photogenic Fire Island deer....

Running Home

Taos Pueblo...A boy appears to be late for wherever it is that he needs to be on a dark and cool November afternoon.

No Brains, No Headache

Out of town Thanksgiving guests can't resist the lure of the surf. Small details such as air and water temperature are obviously of little concern.

Beach Buggy Below

A hopeful surf caster looks for "the" spot. Truly a sea gull's view of Fire Island! (best in large view)

Island Deer

Curious and perhaps hungry the deer on Fire Island are even more approachable this time of year.

Proud Grandpa Series

Oliver Scott approaches his first birthday. Another reason to celebrate over the Thanksgiving weekend!

Fire Island Residents

Long after the crowds have left Fire Island's state parks, the locals enjoy the peace and quiet.

Flanders Duck

Saw an old friend the other day.....A curious local icon, "The Duck" has been moved back to it's original Flanders location. A celebration is planned for this week as the duck will be decked out in it's finest fowl Christmas gear.

Happy Thanksgiving

In spite of our daily headlines there is so very much to be thankful for in all of our lives! Happy Thanksgiving....

Rio Grande Valley

Still plenty of shots from New Mexico to process, this vista is from the high road to Taos from Santa Fe. Best viewed in the large format where even the ski area above Santa Fe can be seen.

J-E-T-S!

How about those Jets??..Could it be?...Dare we utter the word "Playoffs"? True Jets fans are waiting with fear for the "same olds" to show up. (best in large view)

North Fork November

Long Island's North Fork struggles to remain rural and agricultural as suburban sprawl continues to appear more profitable. Farm preservation has had an impact and scenes like this keep the feeling of being "in the country" just a short drive away for many Long Islanders.

Robert Moses

More from our flight...The Robert Moses water tower with a bird's eye view of Captree Island and the causeway on a quiet October morning.

Governor's Palace

On downtown Santa Fe's plaza...The original Governor's (both Mexican and American) residence is now a museum of New Mexico history. Native American artists sell their wares under the block long porch roof. Artists are assigned spots by a daily lottery system.

Afternoon River

Heading south from Taos along New Mexico's route 68, views of the Rio Grande continue to impress.

Smith Point

Smith Point Beach...On any given sunny summer day it is difficult to find a parking spot here. Something very peaceful and inviting about seeing one of Fire Island's hot spots in the "off season".

Route 68

Just staying ahead of the storm on our return trip from Taos to Santa Fe. Rt 68 meanders through beautiful landcapes!

Waiting Tables

Seen from a rather low pass...One of our frequent anchorages on Fire Island, Tailsman has no shortage of open tables on a late October morning. (best in large format)

El Santuario de Chimayo

Known as the "Lourdes of America" El Santuario in the very small town of Chimayo, NM is said to have miraculous healing powers. During Holy Week up to 30,000 pilgrims walk from as far as Albuquerque ( some 80 miles away) to the small church. In a narrow chamber behind the altar is a shrine dedicated to the sick and injured where believers come to collect small amounts of soil that is considered to have healing properties.

Fire Island Light

A different perspective...seems like I'm always looking up at this scene. Fire Island Light from our aerial shoot in late October.

St Francis de Asis Church

Located just south of Taos, the church of St. Francis de Asis is often referred to as the most photographed church in North America. Georgia O'Keefe painted it, Ansel Adams photographed it. My humble attempt is added to the list....

Above Fire Island

Looking west out the window above my favorite beach...Priceless!

Alcove House

Bandelier National Monument...Reaching the ancient ceremonial cave involves a climb of 140 feet up four rather steep ladders. It is believed that ancestral Pueblo people settled here over 10,000 years ago. After my visit I realized that they surely must have had very strong leg muscles.

Open Country

...and the sky goes on forever. North on New Mexico's Rt 84 the views are impressive. (best in large view)

O'Keefe Country

Chimney Rock outside of Abiquiu, NM begins to show the afternoon colors that so inspired the artist Georgia O'Keefe. A small tourist industry exists for devotees of the O'keefe legacy.

Taos Pueblo

Maintaining the treasure of ancient culture at the Pueblo village in Taos, New mexico.

Ranch Republicano

The vast majority of campaign signs in New Mexico read "Obamanos 08"...this ranch gate, however, really caught my eye!

Cottonwood Glow

Cottonwoods, in all their fall splendor, catch the last sunlight before the storm. Part of the show along route 68 in northern New mexico.

Roadside Colors

North of Abiqui, NM....Route 84 winds through northern New Mexico's most colorful mountains and the temptation is pull off the raod and reach for the camera. In fact, looking for a safe off highway place to stop becomes part of the mission!

Greatful Art

Santa Fe is an art lovers paradise and every other person seems to be an aspiring artist of one type or another. Although native American art is by far the most popular, all manner of sculpture, painting and carvings are everywhere. Here, even metal scrap yards can be turned into quasi art galleries.

The High Road

The High Road to Taos from Santa Fe is the scenic longer route. At elevation above 7,ooo feet the entire trip is filled with eye candy.