Baymen

Made some new friends on the bay yesterday...These conch fishermen came by our boat to say "hello" and exchange smiles as they worked their trap line. Full time baymen are few and far between in recent years.

South Street in Philly

Philadelphia's funky South Street where no paint can is tossed until it is empty (evidently). Lined with unique shops and tempting eateries (read: Philly Cheese Steak!), South Street was a bustling tourist destination this past weekend!

Red 34

Our Corner on the bay...Red 34 marks the navigational turn from Brown's River and marks where most of our nautical routes begin and end. I can recall a few stormy days when it was a very welcome sight. :-)

Radio Flyer

The ubiquitous Fire Island red wagon...in communities without vehicles wagons are invaluable means of conveyance. AND..a seasonal icon...

Kayak Invasion

A local marina has started to rent kayaks and on nice Saturday mornings things can get a bit busy. This past weekend seemed to be a big money maker for the rental shop....

Oliver Scott

At five months of age, ever alert and aware, Ollie takes it all in....Another proud grandpa photo!

A Grateful Nation

"...and how many seas must a white dove sail..." Answers still blowing in the wind...

Not Forgotten

The Real Memorial Day Weekend.........

Garden Morning

Foxglove...in it's garden glory.

Memorial Day Weekend

Summer's "unofficial start" begins this weekend. Gas prices may hold down on some of the usual holiday boat traffic but it's a sure bet that the Fire Island Ferries will be at capacity!

Miss Daisy

More appreciations in one's own backyard.... :-) (click on image for large view!)

Garden Girl

Sweet Woodrift in the garden...Soft rain and cool temperatures agree with the garden and this gardener. So far we have been rather "bug-free" making garden work more of a joy than a chore!

Rainy Day

Looks like we are in for a few rainy days before the big weekend...

Blazing Tulips

Most tulips have had their moment to shine by Memorial Day weekend. This display at Westbury Gardens was very impressive. AND...Memorial Day? Didn't that sneak up on us rather quickly....!

Louise

A new breed of pleasure craft that takes it's design from the fishing fleet, "downeaster" style lobsters boat are a pricey and sea worthy choice!

Green One

Mid-May on the Great South Bay...Many boaters are still getting ready for a launch date, removing winter covers and painting bottoms. Some of the nicest weather and Saturdays are still uncrowded....my own reward for all that early Spring prep work!

The Backyard

Westbury House at Westbury gardens....now, these are people that need a riding mower!

Tea Party Vouyer

Scene in a window...the Thatched Cottage playhouse on the grounds at Westbury Gardens displays toys from another era.

Wall Of Wysteria

...and the aroma was wonderful! Westbury Gardens, Long Island...

Gatesby Long Island

Be sure to click on the image for the best view of the mansion at Westbury Gardens. This "cottage" known as "Westbury House" was built in the early 1900's by John S. Phipps as a gift for his wife. While the residence is spectacular, the real show is the grounds (aka "The Garden").

Breeding Birds

Local controversy on Long Island's Fire Island...The National Park Service being well intentioned and perhaps misguided, has once again cardoned off expansive sections of beach to protect nesting Piping Plovers. Reported sightings of these birds are non-exsistent yet miles of beach remain "off-limits". On the East End some access points to the beach are closed off forcing residents to find lengthy detours to beachfront ajacent to their property. Anyone remember snail darters??

Pond Reflections

Behman's pond.... Late afternoon mirror images make for a peaceful shot. (at least until the geese start fighting amongst each other again..)

The Helm

Function over form...The helm on many old tong clammers were outside the boat's cabin. This made maneuvering the boat, while working, an easier task. On display at the Suffolk Maritime Museum, West Sayville.

Rowwboat

Wooden roaboats are few and far between now-a-days. Click on the image for the enhanced view and you may notice water in the bottom of this rowboat. In the early season it was a common practice to flood a rowboat causing the wood joints to swell and ensure a dry ride the rest of the season.

Roundabout Theatre

Amazing just how many times this play has been re-done and filmed in various styles. The original novel was written in 1790. Sexual intrigue, deception and betrayal have obviously always held human interest! I enjoyed the current production very much, the acting is excellent and the period costumes are stunning.

May Fog

The first weekend in May brought us much needed rain. Down by the water the difference in air and water temperatures can create an ethereal fog with it's own style of beauty.

Tulip Time

NYC's tulip bulb planting efforts are yielding beautiful results this Spring. The Park, medians and planters are ablaze in color this week!

Beach Bridge

Still looking at shots from our road trip to Florida.... This late afternoon shot was taken on a pedestrian bridge connecting Juno to the J.D. McArthur Park beach. The afternoon light was eye catching!

Handsome Cab

The omnipresent Handsome Cab...Saturday morning in April and these Central Park icons are filled to capacity. Riders are eager tourists and (I imagine) a few locals who, "always wanted to do that"!

Choices

Wide angle window...more fisheye fun in the big apple!

April in the Park

This wide angle shot of a warm April saturday in The Park is best viewed in the larger format. Click on the picture for the full fisheye image.

Lipstick on Third

The "Lipstick Building" on Manhattan's East side makes for an interesting late afternoon fisheye subject.

Saturday in the Park

Just a glorious April Saturday in Central Park....On our way to see Roundabout's production of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" Central Park, in all it's Springtime splendor, provided the perfect photo opportunity. Both the park and the play were delicious and fun, just the perfect combination of enjoyments for a wonderful Spring day. (seen best in large view, click on image)

Focused

Alida composes the shot.....You just never know when you might show up in someone's photograph! (click on the image for best view)

NWPLI Photo Exhibit

April 19th through May 10th...The NWPLI Photo Exhibit is being held at the main building of the Fire Island Lighthouse. There are over 100 pieces on display and all images are for sale, a portion of the proceeds go to support the Lighthouse Preservation Fund. Photos from "Random Shots" and "Long Island Woman" are on display ( ...a few have "sold"!) :-)

Spalsh of Color

This water Lily seemed to just catch the light....

Oliver Sighting

Time for another of those "proud grandpa" pictures. Oliver at four and a half months...

In Alphabetical Order

Imagine my shock and surprise to learn that Zebras can be trained to "line-up" in alphabetical order. Brought me back to memories of elementary school. Seen at Lion Country Drive-Through Safari.....

Moment to Shine

Daffodils are one of the earliest celebrations of Spring in my yard. Seems as if they can be long anticipated and then taken for granted as the larger "show" begins with cherry blossums, tulips and lilacs. For sure, mid-April is prime time for daffadils on Long Island.

NUTS

Soo...we stop at a park to have a picnic lunch and in very short order we have company. As I started to take this cute guy's photo he became very curious and kept moving closer. It was me who finally ran away as he tried to jump onto the camera!! Attempts to shoo him away were unsuccessful and the lunch was consumed in a hasty and defensive manner.

Ubiquitous Floridian

Once the novelty of seeing a Florida pelican passes it becomes apparent that they are everywhere. Unafraid and daring, pelicans fight with fisherman over bait and pier space. Florida may not have our geese problem but these guys seem to keep local anglers on their toes!

Airboat Antics

Evidently you can not visit Florida's Everglades without the required airboat tour. I have to admit that it brought back childhood memories of a "gimmick" TV show from the late 50's where good guys chased the bad guys in airboats. In reality, we saw a good bit of wildlife including a Bald eagle and a few alligator nests. All in all a very worthwhile experience, one to check off on the "Life List". :-) (click on image foe best view)

Peanut Island

The former Coast Guard Station at Peanut Island is now part of the Kennedy Bunker historic district on this small island off Palm Beach. The island was created from dredge spoil from Lake Worth inlet. Dense vegetation made the island an ideal location to camoflague JFK's cold war bunker. During the Kennedy administration the summer White House was located on Palm Beach, a very short boat ride away. Local lore states that the boys from Massachusetts were frequently seen water sking in the area around Peanut Island.

Bait and Tackle

Late afternoon scene in Jensen Beach, Florida. (Click on image for best view).

Natural Florida

Other than the ocean hue, McArthur Park Beach in Jupiter, Fl reminded me somewhat of a smaller version of Fire Island...

Rhino Reality

" Does My Butt Look Big In This Outfit?"...Part of the Floridian tourist experience, the African animals drive through thing... :-)

JFK Bunker

Our 2008 Florida "Road trip" has made posting photos a challenge only due to a whirlwind of activity...... Yesterday we toured this historic site. This image is of the Kennedy Bunker, JFK's fallout shelter built during the Cold War. In the early 1960's, JFK's summer White House was in Palm Beach, Florida. Palm Beach was the Kennedy Clan's escape from winter throughout JFK's life, including his years as persident. This bunker built on Peanut Island off Palm Beach was top secret and an important command post during the era of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Neck Strain

Sidewalk perspective... seen on the way to Roundabout.

Footprints

...as in, "take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints". Sounds like a plan to me...

UN Plaza

Fisheye view of UN Plaza artwork....