Bug Light Bell

Bug Light Bell, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Obviously a favorite with the seabirds the Bug Light bell adds a classic touch to the lighthouse's renovation. The original lighthouse was destroyed by arsonists in 1963. Community volunteers funded and constructed the current structure (in the 1980's) as a nearly exact duplicate of the 1876 light. The original bell however was long lost. Stewardship of the light by the East End Seaport Museum is a matter of much local civic pride. Touring the lighthouse is not only a worthwhile fund raiser, it's an experience that any boater would appreciate.

Deck Bug Light

Deck Bug Light, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
This is one view (out of a 360 degree perspective) from Bug Light. At the entrance to Greenport harbor the lighthouse has served as a beacon in Gardners Bay, the great Peconic and Shelter Island sound since 1867. Completely surrounded by water the lighthouse holds many tales regarding local lore, generations of keepers and more than a few serious storms.

Pinchon Castle

Pinchon Castle, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Tall Ships once state of the art technology, now provide a romantic and nostalgic view of how our ancestors got from point A to point B. I can imagine that ships like the Pinchon Castle were the jumbo jetliners of their day. It makes me wonder just what modern marvel of today will draw thousands on some distant future holiday weekend.  

Memorial Day

Calverton, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Never forget......

Bounty Stern

Bounty Stern, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
HMS Bounty dockside in Greenport, Long Island. The weekend festival of Tall Ships has everyone abuzz with tales of wooden ships and iron men. I'm sure that there was nothing romantic about wooden sailing vessels a few generations ago but we can't seem to get enough! Beautiful classic vessels showing off the rigging' on the East End.

In A Fog

Morning Rain, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Memorial Day Weekend has become the "unofficial" start to the long anticipated summer season. In recent years the holiday weekend air show at Jones Beach has highlighted  Long Island's summer opening. At yesterday's air show practice session there was plenty of thick fog and no aircraft. Seems as if high speed aerial acrobats perform best when they can see where they are going. Saturday's forecast calls for gradual clearing. 

METS Museum

METS Museum, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe
Celebrating 50 years as New York's national league franchise the Mets have put together an impressive collection of memorabilia. After fifty seasons, two world championships and two stadiums the Mets are still the new kids on the block. And...die hard fans are still awaiting the first no-hitter!

Film Crew

Film Crew, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Manhattan the film studio.....They are seemingly everywhere, these techie TV/film dudes. What I have noticed is that they sit and fidget for extended periods of time, film for a few seconds, then sit some more. This group was filming a car commercial on Central Park South (a spot that's been in more than it's share of films and TV shows!). At the whim of the director and with NYPD assistance the street periodically was cleared of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. And to think that I always believed they shot those  cars on empty city streets early on Sunday mornings..geez.

La Montagne

Street Art, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the crowds at Tramway Plaza (59th St and 2nd Ave) reclines a "generous figure of great placidity and great tranquility"...Gaston Lachaise 1934.
Plenty of artistic symbolism here as the monument to earth and femininity looks to the east in the direction of sunrise and perhaps a bagel shop or two. Anyway, the setting is beautiful and caught my eye. The statue sits among park benches in the shade of a large and stately locust tree which does add to the tranquility of the setting.

Pull Ahead

Pull Ahead, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Following directions...I often wonder what it must be like for people who have worked hard to learn English as a new language (English as a second language). It appears that even parking garages present interesting challenges and assume that everyone knows that "pull ahead" really means "drive forward". AND it sure seems to me that the final two steps in these directions are: stop please turn off ignition...followed by one last "pull ahead".

Central Park Gapstow Bridge

Central Park Gapstow Bridge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Central Park's iconic bridge...I am convinced that very few tourists or folks from out of town cross this bridge without taking a picture. I am equally convinced that getting a shot of Gapstow Bridge is impossible without having people in your picture, on the bridge taking pictures.  :-) 

Mid Morning Reflections

Mid Morning Reflections, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
On a perfect Saturday morning in Manhattan the reflections double the view. May is the perfect time to explore Gotham on foot! Life is Good.

Fire Island Barbeque

Fire Island Barbeque, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Longer evenings, warmer days, no bugs and stellar sunsets. It does not get much better on Long Island than May and June! Lots to appreciate, much to celebrate....

Beach Club

Beach Club, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
With Memorial Day on the horizon Long Island's traditional beach clubs are sprucing up for the season. In Westhampton the decades old routine of pre-season maintenance is well underway. Summer is just around the corner!

On The Warning Track

In The Outfield, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The rough dirt surface along the base of the outfield wall is meant to "warn" ball chasing players of the wall's proximity. Seeing it up close is much more impressive than on TV. I realized that so many "routine" deep fly outs are far from routine or easy! While sections of the wall are padded many sections, such as this heavy chain-link area, are unforgiving.

Citifield Walk

Citifield Walk, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
A wide angle view of the walkway into Citifield's rotunda shows the architectural tip of the hat to Brooklyn's old Ebbets Field.

Church Westhampton

Church Westhampton, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
This church in Westhampton  is an iconic cornerstone for local residents. It's the middle of May and Long Island's east end towns are still quiet and quaint.  In about two weeks time that will all change as the summer horde of tourists and seasonal renters with "shares" invade Westhampton and all points east. 

Dugout Steps

Dugout Steps, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Like many boys raised in 1950/60's America, I grew up enthralled by baseball (even after girls were discovered). On a recent tour of Citifield I was able to actually sit in the dugout and experience the view up and out and onto that field of dreams. There is something very nostalgic and romantic about theses few steps as a final portal to potential stardom for so many ballplayers.

The Field

The Field, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Citifield home of the New York Mets is a beehive of activity while the Mets are out of town. Ground crews take advantage of the down time to primp and preen the playing surface. Other workers are busy power washing seating areas and other common areas. All the energy seems to pay off as the stadium was very clean on my recent visit.

Happy Retirees

Happy Retirees, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
I usually don't post photos of friends on my blog and I resisted this one for awhile. It occurred to me however that these folks (Carmen and Joyce) could be the "poster people" for what retirement is all about. It's also very interesting just how many of my former colleagues from New York also spend winters near us in Florida. Anyway as part of life's journey these  guys just looked too happy not to post on my blog. Life is good.

Spring By The Stream

Spring By The Stream, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
I just love the peace and quiet here. In the midst of suburban sprawl sits the jewel that is Connetquot River State park. It's a great spot to celebrate spring....

Spring On Wheels

Spring On Wheels, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
On Long Island, Mother's Day is the unofficial date for planting annuals. So this coming Sunday is noted for dinner out with Mom and the latest possible date for frost on LI. Time to get those plants ready.....!

William is One

William is One, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
First Birthdays can be just so confusing when you are one. Happy Birthday, William!

Gavin is One

Gavin One, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Gavin and William are one! Gavin continues to be an acute observer of his environment!  Happy Birthday, guys!

Montauk Light Park

Montauk Light Park, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
May on Long Island...the cool salt air is filled the fresh smells of a new spring and the promise of summer to come. There's plenty to appreciate when one is reminded that life is good.

Freight

Train One, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Trying to stay on track and keep chugging'.......Making a computer transition which can present a challenge or two. I am just such a "creature of habit"....

Fire Island Stroll

Fire Island Stroll, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
May 1st on Long Island.....the beach has it's own beauty this time of year. Unlike Florida, sweatshirts are still required to fully enjoy the spring air.