book shelves

book shelves, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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The theme is travel, so my little idol from Central America is guarding the books.

Getting ready for warmer weather, the NYC book is waiting.

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Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera Daisy, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Another cold day photo activity: macro shot of a newly bought Gerbera Daisy!

The Flamboya Tree

Flamboya Tree, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

I read this book in just a few days. Excellent.

The Flamboya Tree by Clara Olink Kelly

It's a true story about war-time courage, a mother and her children.

You will realize how little you can do without, as long as you have family.

It's not a pleasant story so don't read it if you are easily depressed, but it is a true story.

Stories like this only make me stronger and give me a reason to appreciate life.

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The pear has nothing to do with the book, but I wanted to create a still-life with similar colors and interesting light.

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mardi gras mask

mardi gras mask, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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Getting ready for the day, Mardi Gras, (or Fat Tuesday) this February 24th.

Traditionally it is the last day to feast before Lent in the Catholic religion.

What excesses would you be willing to give up?

I don't know how many people still follow this practice. I imagine worldwide, it is still very much part of people's lives and culture.

For one thing, the Fat Tuesday part is very popular. One big party, carnivals, parades, costumes, and lots of food and alcohol, are part of the celebration.

Do those same people cut back for the 6 weeks until Easter?

Me? I'm always holding back on what I eat or drink. I have to!

If I didn't, I would weigh 300 lbs.

Maybe, I'll give up chocolate this time. Ummmm, maybe not.

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rainbow cd

rainbow cd, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

An experiment of color and light

I wanted to create my own little rainbow on this dreary day.

Remember ROYGBIV?

• Red
  
• Orange
  
• Yellow
  
• Green
  
• Blue
  
• Indigo
  
• Violet
  

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Patchogue Gazebo

Patchogue Gazebo, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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View west from Shorefront Park, Patchogue, NY

The Great South Bay was semi-frozen and there was no wind.

Standing in Patchogue's Shorefront Park, looking west, the gazebo is reflected in the bay.

A fog was rolling in and the mist over the melting ice gave an eerie color to it all.

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Lighting from Above

flower macro crop, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

On very cold days, or windy, or gray days, when outdoor photography is just not an option, indoor macro is the next best thing. This flower was lit from above and is sitting in front of black velvet, taken with a macro lens.

Cat's Cradle

Cat's Cradle, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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Just a little macro project to keep myself busy. 

It was windy today so I needed to find an indoor project that was fun. 

(I could always clean out a closet or something, but what fun is that?)

Here's the Project: Utata Project: Iron Photographer 67

1 - a pocket

2 - something in the pocket

3 - a title from the list of 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.

This book, Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

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Connetquot State Park

Connetquot State Park, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The entrance to Connetquot River State Park and Preserve

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A beautiful place to walk on a snowy winter's day.

Six dollar parking, or free with the Empire Pass, this park is one special place.

Read about it Here!

You can see wildlife, the Connetquot River and a little bit of history.

Check out the mill house, estate and the fish hatchery.

Even on a cold winter day, your eyes will be pleased.

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Deer on Fire Island

There are signs everywhere, "Do NOT feed the deer!"

Do people listen? Of course not. They think the deer are so cute.

When I took this shot, there was a family with some very small children and they were petting and feeding the deer.

Don't they know the deer carry Lyme's Disease carrying ticks?

The deer also get used to humans and then run to their cars and become a nuisance.

Do NOT feed the deer on Fire Island! 

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frozen pond

frozen pond, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

East Pond in Oakdale, Long Island, NY, just east of the Connetquot River

Fire Island Lighthouse

FI Lighthouse, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The lighthouse on a clear winter day on Fire Island
Cold winter days bring out the crisp colors and clear sky

icy shore in Sayville

icy shore in Sayville, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The icy shore in Sayville, Long Island, with the partially frozen Great South Bay.
We walked along the beach today. It didn't seem to be too cold, yet the bay was frozen for quite some way out into the center. No ice boats visible but I will check again, later on this week. Stay tuned......