Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Random Shots has been off the radar for a few weeks…but we're back! Lots to post and catching up to do…A recent visit to my home town and a feel for that Philadelphia Freedom.

Stairs

Stairs, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Fancy steps....marble molding and trim. More from the Woolworth building in NYC.

Woolworth Lobby

Woolworth Lobby, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Another of New York's architectural masterpieces, the lobby of the Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway is a true work of art. Built to last in 1901!

Stonewall Inn

Stonewall Inn, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Lots of history in the Village, some of it more recent!

Veterans Day

Cemetery Scene, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Veterans Day….some gave all.

Bleeker Pizza

Bleeker Pizza, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Still Bleeker….iconic Village!

Oyster Dredge

Oyster Dredge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Waldron B, a 106 year old oyster dredge, sank over the weekend in Oyster Bay harbor.
The historic vessel was being donated to the Mystic Harbor Museum in Connecticut.
I was fortunate to get this shot as we sailed past during the summer of 2012.

Northern Dispensary

Northern Dispensary, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Now that's creative use of an odd shaped parcel. This building was is a landmark for those in need. The Northern Dispensary dates to the early 1800's, at this location free medicine was dispensed to the city's needy. It is said that Edgar Allen Poe was a frequent visitor. Historic Greenwich Village..

Village Icon

Village Icon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
This spot has seen it's share of the famous and not so famous......  :-)

Three Lives Books

Three Lives Books, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
No Borders Books in this neighborhood. Much of the Village is zoned for preservation keeping the large box stores at a distance. Iconic in it's chic and charming way...

Bikes

Bikes, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The newest old way of getting around in New York...citibike. The setting of a cobblestone street just adds a touch of nostalgia to the revisited mode of travel.

Bedford and Grove

Bedford and Grove, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Perhaps one of the more photographed residential streets in the Village...classic small town manhattan.

New Footprint

New Footprint, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Wilson at the starting line....There is a reason that they are called "corner stones" and Wilson our mason sets them perfectly. Our new patio project is nearing completion 10 days after this photo was taken.

Morning At Jacks

Morning At Jacks, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
So nice to see "mom and Pop" coffee shops hosting the neighborhood. Small businesses, friendly cafes and cozy shops may seem unlikely in Manhattan but they define Greenwich Village.

Peace Bike

Peace Bike, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Peddle for peace...Hey, whatever works. Go for it....

Oscars Corner stone

Oscars Corner stone, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Work around the house...Our new patio gets it's first corner stone! As our yard becomes a construction site we have no choice but to step aside and admire the craftsmanship!

The Fountain

The Fountain, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
A recent fall morning was framed very nicely by the fountain in Washington Square. Life is Good.

Pidgeon Man

Pidgeon Man, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Birdman of Washington Square....It's kind of nice to see that with all of the Village's gentrification, original characters still remain. It would appear as though the bird man does indeed spend most of his quality time with the pidgeons.

Down Waverly

Down Waverly, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Freedom Tower and lower Manhattan appear as if the Land Of Oz is just down the street from this view in the Village. The "low rise" nature of much of Greenwich Village stands in sharp contrast to the buildings to the south.

Chess

Chess, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Your move..... Nobody's pawn, avid and excellent chess players still make use of the table/boards in Washington Square! Very cool to watch......

Village Cigars

Village Cigars, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Some things never change in iconic Greenwich Village. On the triangular site of the old Hess estate sits, (as it has for many years) the original mom and pop Village Cigars.

Waffles

Waffles, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Perhaps one of the most civilized ways to brunch. Al fresco waffles in Greenwich Village, and why not?

City Heros

City Heros, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Hey, it's October in New York....these guys were headed to the comic book convention at the Javis Center.

Morning Park

Morning Park, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
A perfect October morning in Greenwich Village's Washington Square Park....Life is Good.

The Square

The Square, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Washington Square Park on a recent fall Saturday morning. Like the rest of NYC, this place has undergone  dramatic changes since my first visit many years ago. On this visit I was pleased to notice the absence of druggies, deadbeats and other undesirables!

Waiting

Waiting, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Montauk to Manhattan....the good old LIRR.

Fire Island Lighthouse Walk

Fire Island Lighthouse Walk, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Some things just can't be "Closed" regardless of the nonsense in Washington, D.C.

Close Group

Close Group, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
It's a horse race. Racing has returned to Belmont Park.....

September Beach

September Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Peace and Quiet...and no crowds! Life is good.

Morning Cast

Morning Cast, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Not all of Fire Island's beaches are "closed" during the government shutdown. Early morning cast at Davis Park's surf line.....

Davis Surf

Davis Surf, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
It's Fall and you just know those bass are out there cruising by....

Dahlia Bloom

Dahlia Bloom, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
More pretty stuff from the dahlia patch.....

Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The strawberry patch...September farm scenes take on a fall appearance.

Red Dahlia

Red Dahlia, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
September is for dahlias. Serious dahlia gardeners put a good deal of year round effort into these living forms of art!

Summer Scene

Summer Scene, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Last moments of summer...On Fire Island's Ocean Beach some residents are luck enough to have their own swimming hole at the end of the street!

Sunfish

Sunfish, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
In what may have been the season's last sunfish race without wetsuits....off Fire Island's Ocean beach last weekend!

Mid September Afternoon

Mid September Afternoon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe
Before the season's first frost, the last of summer's super stars pull in those rays!

Cannon Antietam

Cannon Antietam sm, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
One hundred and fifty one years ago today.....Antietam. The single bloodiest day in American history took place at the battle of Antietam. 23,000 killed, injured or missing after 12 hours of intense fighting at locations such as Burnside's Bridge and the Cornfield. Control of the 250 yd X 400 yd cornfield changed 14 times on the morning of Sept. 17th, 1862. While the entire battle was a "draw" the events of the day encouraged President Lincoln to issue his "Emancipation Proclamation".

Bay Visitor

Bay Visitor, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
It's always good to have your tide tables handy. This guy seemed to be checking out the bay recently....

Memorial Pool HDR

Memorial Pool HDR, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Never Forget.....

Davis Afternoon Clouds

Davis Afternoon Clouds, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

September returns to Fire Island.

Missles of October

Missles of October, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Crisis from another era.......

Hudson River Pilings

Hudson River Pilings, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Last one standing? It just might be time to fix last winter's damage before the arrival of fall....

Cadets

Cadets, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Freshman Physical Education class....West Point, NY.

Newburgh Marina

Newburgh Marina, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Summer on the Hudson...The city of Newburgh boasts a updated and lively waterfront park and marina. The area offers lots of boating opportunities....

Chapel West Point

Chapel West Point, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Cadets at West Point pledge not to marry until after graduation. This chapel becomes the marriage venue of choice very shortly after graduation and is very much in demand. Freshman Cadets (Plebs) often reserve wedding dates four years in advance. Countless military brides have taken this walk!

Spinnaker Time

Spinnaker Time, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Sailing downwind is a bit like running downhill! Catchin' the evening breeze on the GSB....

Sail Shadows

Sail Shadows, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
It does not get much better. Warm temperatures, blue sky and a nice breeze. August on the Great South Bay...

Flying Scot Sunset

Flying Scot Sunset, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
August evening on the Great South Bay...Life is Good!

West Point

West Point, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The view from across the parade grounds is a post card of West Point. The academic campus encompasses some 3,500 acres. The entire property that is West Point covers over 25 square miles!