Ready To Run

Belmont Race Track.. I caught this guy's attention as he was being led from the paddock area to the track. He certainly looked eager to get going, perhaps I should have ran to the betting window instead of staying behind my camera!

The Walled Garden

Recalling another era, the Walled Garden at Old Westbury was created circa 1906. The garden really is a magical floral wonderland where even the walls are alive with blooms. This shot is of the northwest corner sitting area and it's climbing rose display.

South Shore Retreat

There are lots of reasons why we Long Islanders put up with traffic and the hustle/bustle of suburban sprawl. Scenes like this one are repeated all along the south shore coastline of the Great South Bay making for a wonderful marine playground. Life is Good!

Hoverfly

Amazing what one can learn using a macro lens. I thought these guys were tiny bees but as I recently discovered they are helpful little flies called the "Hoverfly". The larva of the hoverfly feed on aphids (those little buggers that destroy your flowers) and the adults assist in pollination. Helpful flies, who knew?? :-)

Private Ferry/Private Beach

If you're not a resident of Bellport Village you're not taking this ferry to HoHum Beach on Fire Island. The exclusive hamlet runs the summertime service for residents only. As the realtors all say..."location, location, location".

Summer!

Finally...."summertime and the livin' is easy". Boots, gloves, snow shovels and ice scrappers are a distant memory. It's the time of the year to get up, get out and celebrate life beyond those four walls! Don't wait too long, September 21st will be here before you know it.

The Weekend Beckons

Early Saturday morning at Bellport Beach and the sailboats are lined up and ready to go! The perfect weather will have several of these boats launched by mid-afternoon. Do I see the summer solstice on my calendar this week?? Life is Good!

A Father's Day First

Happy Father's Day! The wisest man I ever knew often told me..."Son, Life is full of firsts". (When purposely dispensing wisdom dad would refer to me as son). This Father's Day is different for me as it's my first without my father. It feels strange not fretting over getting a creative gift this year. So, I thought I would use the occasion to share some of this loving family man's wisdom that was always shared with wit and humor. This would be a brief sampling:

SON,......."Life can be like a mine field, watch where you step"

"They All want your money"

"Always avoid getting into a pissing contest with a skunk"

"Nobody ever gets out alive" (a reference to our existence here on this planet)

"The best thing about a sailboat is that the good Lord pays for the fuel"

"You don't get nothing for nothing"

AND perhaps the most sage insight of all: "There really is only one rule in life." That of course would be the Golden one that instructs us all to "Do unto others that which you would have done unto you". (certainly would put a dent in our road rage problem, eh?)

Thanks, Dad.

Old Westbury Mansion

June is a spectacular floral month at Old Westbury Gardens. While the gardens are very special year round, the rose garden and the "Walled Garden" are at their peak this month. This shot is of the rear patio of the Phipps former summer home.

More Garden Friends

The real trick in capturing shots of the characters in the garden is getting them to stay still. This butterfly was like a kid in a candy store, with so many flower choices he had trouble making up his mind! Perhaps it's a "pollen high".....(image is best in larger view)

Honey Do

Honey ingredients so skillfully and diligently collected AND they are all natural! Macro lens time with plenty of willing subjects!

Fire Island Light

I just know it's been said before but I can't help myself: after the long walk, "I see the Light" :-).

Wind Shadow

Catchin' the early evening breeze. Life is good on the Great South Bay!

Country Stroll

June and the cool mornings encourage a walk down your favorite country lane. With our recent spell of wet weather one can anticipate a bumper crop of mosquitoes soon! Walks such as this will soon require some defensive measures. :-)

June Blooms

A little macro fun as June continues to bust out all over. :-)

National Seashore

The natural treasure that is Fire Island National Seashore at Tailsman can only be accessed by boat or long distance hikers. Local boaters fill the anchorage on sunny summer weekends when the aroma of barbecues fills the air. Gotta love it...!

Rockin'

...the night away? Really not a bad way to waste a sunny afternoon, AND is this what "they" meant when it was said that some things can only be appreciated with age?? Life is Good.

Downwind

The colorful spinnaker on a boat sailing downwind always has me reaching for the camera!

Wading For Dinner

Wading and waiting...Mother Nature teaching us another lesson, it always pays to be patient.

Balancing Act

I'm impressed. I have enough trouble keeping my life in balance on two feet!

Super

A super visit with my son for the Super Bowl and a super side trip out to get some mackerel!

St. Louis Express

While out fishing yesterday we had some large company...! (better in large view)

Round Around

Want to ride the Ferris Wheel? ......"No, grandpa...it's a Round Around" (which indeed it is!). AND, I highly recommend taking your favorite three year old for a ride on the nearest round around!

Beach Information

A system of flags to inform beachgoers: Yellow, strong currents...Purple dangerous sea-life (translation: Portugese Man-Of-War)! On this day, the beach was littered the stinging monsters!

In Awe

Through the eyes of a three year old the ordinary mechanical happenings of everyday life can appear to be nothing short of miraculous. Grandson Oliver stands here in witness to the fact that that road did in fact reach to the sky and that boats indeed went underneath right where he had been standing! Other awe inspiring events include elevator operation, crossing gates (that "go Ding, Ding, Ding") trains that ride on tracks and pocket doors that disappear into walls. Life is full of discoveries! :-)

Groundhog Day

Not a groundhog in sight here...Today is Punxsutawney Phil's big day. Local lore has it that if Phil should emerge from his groundhog den and see his shadow we are all in for six more weeks of winter. My hope and wish for all my friends/family up north: A cloudy and sunless morning to greet old Phil! AND, should it be a sunny, shadow producing day in Punxsutawney...shoot that rodent before he sees anything! (A longer winter???..is that possible?)

Feathered Friends

Plenty of bird-life here in SE Florida to keep any avid photographer busy. Life is Good! :-)

No Kidding

Ya Think? Jumping/diving off a bridge into shallow rock strewn water is just not on my bucket list. The fact that the rules need to be posted suggest taking the leap may be tempting to some portion of the population. :-)

Beta Omega Buddy

I ran into an old college fraternity brother down here. He claims that he never stopped partying and that years of drugs and alcohol abuse have had little effect. He seems to have perfected the art of "Monkeying around"!

Uplifting Experience

Too rough for boating but ideal for sailing. A windy day here is a guarantee that the sky will fill with kites attached to people in wet suits! (AND..there's no talk of "wind chill factors")

Green Heron

This south east Florida weather is indeed "for the birds"! Weather reports from NY and Philly continue to speak of a January deep in the white stuff....

Watching The Boys

Watching the male surfers who in turn are watching the surf in between watching the girls. I get it!..it's all part of the surfing ritual. :-)

Weighing In

My loose pants are getting tight. Living in the land of Early Bird Specials, Twofers, Endless Happy Hour, and Unlimited Salad Bars begins to have an effect in a hurry. Think I'm grazing just a bit too often. Me thinks it's time to dust off that Weight Watchers literature (not to mention the scale).

Lazy Daze

Why spend the whole day just hanging out by the pool? Sometimes the answer is ....because you can. Life is good!

Bird's Eye View

Here's looking at you, kid......!

Snow Bird

As evidenced in many casual conversations down here, a major component of "snow birding" is a keen awareness of weather patterns in the northern portion of the U.S. Spend a few hours by the pool and you will be well versed in snow fall totals and temperature ranges for most major cities in the north east. Take a stroll by the marina and you are sure to hear of tales about ice in Atlanta (considered "north") and snow squalls on the outer banks. And...anytime the temperature here heads below 65 or so ... we are in the midst of a much dreaded "cold front". I have learned not to ask, "how's the weather". :-)

Holy Mackerel

I've always heard that a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work. So I'm thinking that a good day fishing must be better than ever going to work. Anyway, fresh fish, a charcoal grill, good friends and a nice bottle of wine....priceless!

Birds Eye View

Yes, it's real. This White Egret looked like a lawn ornament to me but was in fact using this opportunistic perch to snatch offerings from the fish filet station. Plenty of impressive and beautiful feathered friends here in south Florida! Life is good.

Ocean Access

Quick and easy access to the Atlantic. Jupiter Inlet is convenient yet dangerous, extreme tidal current and potential shoaling make local knowledge essential. Lying just beyond the inlet is some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds! Hey,...I'm on my way!

Jetty's End

Nasty weather and ugly sea conditions just to prove that it's not always sunny in the sunshine state!

Peering Into The Ocean

The Juno Beach Pier, iconic and photogenic, is the epicenter of weekend beach activity in the Juno/Jupiter area. The landmark pier is a favorite fishing spot and also attracts surfers, strollers, photographers and lots and lots of pelicans! :-)

Surfing Thoughts

I am always amazed at just how patient, observant and deep in thought surfers can be. The sport demands (obviously) lots of standing around and staring out to sea. There is also a good deal of awareness as to where the girls are (or boys) at any given moment. Getting wet does not seem to be a major factor, holding a surfboard is essential however!......just my observation. :-)

Warmer Sunrise

It's all about the weather, and as a giddy snowbird I can't get enough of the spring like temperatures! Sunrise in the low 70's is so much more user friendly than the low 20's! :-)

Windy Fans

Plenty of frustrating preparations for this group of breeze enthusiasts as blowing kites and tangled lines were the norm. Once launched however, they very quickly became small bouncing specks on the horizon.

Windy Sport

SE Florida, feeling the after effects of storms well to the north, is experiencing high winds (30mph+) and cooler temperatures. Seems as if there is a sport for every weather condition and yesterday was prime for kite surfing. It appears as though the skill set in this sport involves hanging on for dear life and chasing down runaway kites!

Until Next Time

As eager as I am to escape the bitter chill of Long Island, the natural beauty of where I live beckons me to take one more long glance over my shoulder. Winter's sunrise vista across the great south bay warms my heart and freezes my fingers. It is, for me, the ideal mental picture to cherish till our return in the spring! .....Now, which way to the Autotrain?? (best in larger view)

Long Island Farewell

On our last Long Island winter morning of the season we made a stop at the bay to watch the sunrise. Anxious to depart ahead of "Blizzard II", we lingered just long enough to share the sunrise with a few young brave souls shivering with us at bay's edge. Nature put on a spectacular "good bye" performance! Life is Good. :-)

On My Radar

January in New York? Not if I can help it!....Time for a change in Latitude. :-)

Snow Discoveries

Snow can be removed from shrubs! (Proud Grandpa gallery)

Winter Reflections

The big snow melt is underway as the temperatures have hit the 40's!