I Know the Feeling...I met the poster child for Weight Watchers at Old Bethpage Village yesterday. :-)

Misty Morning...When I went to crop this shot of morning mist on the canal I realized that the Blue Heron was in the shot. Like one of those "Where's Waldo" books...there is a crafty hunter in this image. Best seen in the large view (click on the picture).

Good Morning!...Retiree entitlements: two newspapers, coffee and the time to linger. :-) 

November Sunset...We have been enjoying rare early Spring-like temperatures for the last week of November, and change is on the horizon. :-)

Shopping Season...And so it begins, overwhelmed/under paid chasiers at the end of very long lines of people trying to buy out-of-stock items. Drivers being rude in order to celebrate goodwill. A paradox of stress to enjoy Peace on Earth.

Me?...I'm shopping on-line. :-)

Thankful...for family, friends, and good times shared. Life is good (indeed, very good). :-)

Watercolors...late season reflections. Now...let the hectic shopping season begin. :-) 

Happy Thanksgiving...May your day be filled with many reasons to be thankful. 

Anticipation...Today is the day before Thanksgiving! Chances are that you are either traveling or you are busy in the kichen. They tell us that today is one of the nation's busiest days at the airports and that the highways will be jammed. Ironic that many hours of "traveling" are spent not moving. I'm thinking that patience needs to be the operative word for the day. 

Walk This Way...and listen to the quiet. And lately, bundle-up! The last of the color in late November is on display. 

Peaceful...Lots to be thankful for every day but this week is special. Perhaps the best holiday of the year, Thanksgiving is all about appreciating family, friends, good food and good fortune. No pressure to buy the "right" gift, just enjoy each other's company. Giving ourselves permission to over-indulge is a nice benefit as well. :-)

And the Sun Came Out...After several dank and rain filled days it was time for a stroll to enjoy some fresh air. Out of the zip code but still nearby this is a shot from Bellport Village. 

Die Hard Boaters...With the sun low in the late afternoon sky, a boat similar to ours (Parker) makes a pretty silhouette. When it's not raining, November has been rather mild this year with temps in the 60's making late season boating very comfortable. This is however, the wrong lattitude for December boating and I scheduled the inevitable yesterday. The boat will be hauled when the leftover turkey is all gone.

Pier into the Night...The weather here continues to be nasty making those outdoor shots a chore. This was taken at the local town marina, I was playing with the new tripod actually. Out of the camera it took on an eerie quality for me, like an interrogation waiting to happen.

The tripod opens up all sorts of low light opportunities but I'll be happy to see the sun again! 

Taking Flight...I feel honored that this guy has been spending his November mornings visiting us. While very beautiful at rest, he just simply dazzles me in flight. This shot was limited by the focal length and speed of my zoom lens, I'm finding him to be a challenging subject. Click on his wing for a larger view. :-)

A Stream for All Seasons...The upper sections of the Connetquot River are very scenic and peaceful. I have taken photos from this vantage point at other times of the year but this mirror-like reflection of November color is hard to beat. Click on this image for a larger view. 

Want to Get Away?...The stillness and quiet of a hike in Connetquot River Preserve is part of the special experience. AND...every once in awhile one is reminded that the 4,000 acre park in the middle of Suffolk County is an oasis in the midst of suburban sprawl. The Islip McArthur Airport borders the park's Northeast boundary, hikkers and fishermen get to check aircraft landing gears up close. :-) 

Frequent Visitor...Becoming a regular fixture, the Great Blue Heron is apparently getting more comfortable just hanging out in the yard. I was able to take a few photos from the patio. In the past he would fly as soon as we opened the back door. 

November Beach day...We spent the day sailing to the beach as Kevin and Ragan came up for a visit. It was a rather eventful day for Ragan who got her "second ever" Atlantic Ocean view and her "first ever" sailboat ride. In spite of the cool temperature, she found the urge to wet her feet irresistible. Hey...she was at the beach. :-) 

Thank a Veteran...Another shot of the Long Island VietNam Veterans Memorial. Seems appropriate today.