Bon Bini

Time again to say goodbye to Bonaire, our time here grows short. We leave the island with many new wonderful memories and a few new good friends! Tomorrow it's back to reality and back to winter!

Close Up

What some people won't do to get that close shot...My favorite photographer using the underwater point n' shoot gets in where the action is!

Historic Bonaire

One of Bonaire's iconic images, the slave hut. Housing for the salt raking slaves of Bonaire's colonial past are preserved as a part of the islands history.

Wet n' Wild

An afternoon drive to Bonaire's windward shore always inspires awe, the true power of the crashing surf is impossible to capture in a photo. The combination of a jagged ironshore and the sheer ocean energy would most certainly make for a deadly landing.

Afternoon Shadows

The afternoon sun can be rather intense at this latitude. A little shade is always welcome during an afternoon stroll in town.

Bonaire Greetings

It's not very often that we get shots of the two of us together! From high above Bonaire's popular shore diving site, (1,000 Steps) we send greetings to family and friends.

Today's AFC Championship game is huge for us downtrodden JETS fans and I plan to spend a good bit of this glorious summer like day in front of a small TV screen in our condo!

Lac Bay

In recent years Bonaire's Lac Bay has become a world class windsurfing destination. The constant strong winds and a large shallow protected bay make the site ideal for both novice and experienced fans.

Sunset Table Bonaire

Back in Bonaire where the dinning can sometimes rival the diving! Posting images from the island can be sporadic, photos are right out of the camera as our laptop does not have photoshop.

12°10'N 68°17'W

Random Shots is headed south for a mid-winter dip into the Bonaire Marine Park. Photo postings will be at the whim of an erratic and undependable island based internet provider. The sunshine and marine life however, promise to keep a constant smile on my face!

Deep in Thought

Just lying around thinking about sunnier and warmer places on the planet.

Puff

Bitter cold is keeping this photographer in front of the computer searching through recent files. This Proud Grandpa Series shot is from the set when little Oliver makes a fascinating discovery about dandelions. A similar shot was posted late in the fall, a very cute moment for sure!

Game Over

With a look of surprise, the expression says it all. The Bengals of Cincinnati were on the short end of the 24-14 score following Saturday's NFL playoff game against the JETS.

Head Shot

Family portraits? (Just a mild attempt at humor)

Wild Card Weekend

"Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers." ~Merle Kessler

Jets fans are the NFL's long suffering version of self-abusers. Enduring over 40 years of "waiting until next year" Jets fans eagerly and enthusiastically allow themselves to be setup for disappointment. After a whirlwind season of missed opportunity (five defeats came on the last play of the game) the Jets have made it into the playoffs. Will it be another "one and done"? Stay tuned....

Winter River

It's snowing again. January on Long Island..... :-)

On My Radar

The bitter Long Island cold has me thinking once again about Caribbean sunsets and warm water diving. Soon we shall make our winter escape to our favorite slice of the Netherlands Antilles where the temperatures rejuvenate the spirit.

The Quiet After The Storm

There is a real country feeling in the stillness and quiet that follows a snowstorm. The time before the shovel and the snowblower is winter's peaceful gift. It's the scraping of the snowplow that jars me back to reality.

Artic-Like

Frigid temperatures and high winds make for a nasty combination. Time to hunker down with a mug of steamy hot chocolate!

Rules

Looks like the Department of Signs is at it again. This sign, at the edge of the Great South Bay, raises many questions for me. I'm confident, however, that the "sign people" will get little resistance until early Spring!

The Quiet

Something peaceful about the passing of the holiday season. Trips to the mall are less rushed, traffic around town is more polite and the looming sense of deadlines is not as urgent. So it's not a bad idea to enjoy a less stressful pace and marvel at natures cold weather show.

Happy New Year

Geez...looks like I'll just have to go home and watch the Bowl Games! Wishes for a happy and healthy 2010!

New Year's Eve

Wishes for a safe and happy celebration!

In Disguise

At two years of age Oliver has grown used to looking into the business end of a camera. It's not a surprise that he's become somewhat of a ham lately. From the Proud Grandpa series...

Ornament Abstract

Today's post is the result of bitter cold outdoor temperatures, a macro lens and a tree full of ornaments. Winter is always a good time for indoor macro fun!

After The Big Day

The crumpled wrapping is in the trash, the company and the left-overs are gone. During the lull between Christmas Day and New Years we are left with new and fresh memories of yet another holiday season. The train set that still sits under my tree is a joyous reminder of the wide-eyed, enthusiastic two year old who has brought so much wonderful energy to our family.

Christmas Wishes

Christmas Lights

We must be getting close to the big day!

Outdoor Picnic?

The official tally for Long Island was 26.3 inches, the high winds created some impressive LIRR stopping snow drifts. Not all that startling if you live in Buffalo but enough to keep Long Islanders talking!

The Morning After

It's official, winter has arrived in all it's icy glory and Long Islanders continue to dig out from the worst blizzard in decades. Got to love that whole "change of seasons" thing...!

Time To Get Away?

Open the garage door to find that the blizzard of '09 has hit Long Island one day before the start of winter. Fills me with anticipation for the upcoming winter season.

SMILE!

Grandma Alida gets the perfect Christmas pose. Christian and Connor from the "Proud Grandpa Series" circa 2009.

Higher Level Math

Counting the shopping left days until Christmas....

Mistletoe and Holly

Oh by gosh, by golly....I suppose that I really should be shopping.

Cold Water Diving

This guy really knows how to enjoy a wintry day in the water.

Eye To Eye

I could not help but believe that this interaction made a lasting impression on one rather young participant. Certainly a much safer view than in the wild!

Keep Your Distance

Some close-up detail from the safety of my zoom lens, this guy looks like serious trouble. Grandson Connor was eager to show me his favorite animals recently, I much preferred his top pick the penguins! (best in larger view, click on the image)

Everywhere You Go....

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Uproar

There is always something to roar about. Express yourself, be heard..don't take it lion down!

:-)

Quotes

Gee Andy, thanks for sharing but I really only wanted to wash my hands.

Imagine

December 8, 1980 Today, Dec. 8, marks the 29th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. The former Beatle was shot by Mark David Chapman outside of his New York apartment building, the Dakota.

Feeling Blue?

Christmas shopping starting to get to you? Getting dark to early for you? Weather forecast got you down? Look on the bright side, you could be stuck in the Milwaukee zoo with this guy!

Art

In the eye of the beholder.

Buddies

I made some new friends during my visit here in Wisconsin. Winter has arrived here where "cold" has a whole new meaning!

Point of View

Sometimes, perspective is everything.....

Abandoned

More from the site of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital....

Afternoon In The Park

December always promises some radical changes in the weather. It may be awhile before we get more afternoons to just sit outdoors and enjoy comfortable temperatures.

Nissequogue State Park

It has been awhile since I visited Nissequogue State Park. The 365 park acres overlooking Long Island Sound is the site of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital. Plans to demolish the numerous buildings that echo their depressing past continue to cast a pall over the otherwise scenic park. Sadly, funds to clean the site are not forthcoming and serious safety issues surround the derelict buildings. The location has become popular with local photography clubs.

The Bubble Man

More free entertainment in Central Park!

Afternoon Light

I have been moving image files from the old PC to the iMac. At times the process is one of discovery as I stumble upon photos that were ever given a second look. Prauge in the afternoon light caught my eye this time around. (best in large view, be sure to click on the image))

Last Of November

Is it me? Are the months really passing as quickly as it seems? Along with the turkey leftovers is the reality of turning to the last page on the 2009 calendar. I suppose that time really does fly when we're having fun!