I'm leaving the snow behind

winter garden, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The garden after a snow fall...
I've had enough of snow. I know, it's pretty and doesn't happen too often here on Long Island. Although this year has been unusual.

It is even very nice to walk through the snow and if you have children, watch them play without getting cold, in the white fluffy stuff. I have great childhood memories from playing in the snow too and I've had great fun playing with my children in the snow. We did have fun. Enough said.

I'm a lot older now. I don't need to be outdoors in 25° weather.
So, I'm leaving for Florida tomorrow.

I'll still be posting photos but you won't see snow. You'll see palm trees and the ocean and maybe alligators. Until I return.....

Hope your days are filled with more fun, with or without the snow!
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window light

first light, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

St. John the Divine, NYC

from the top

from the top, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

St. John the Divine, NYC

Saint John the Divine

peace fountain, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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Saint John the Divine in New York City and the Peace Fountain

We spent the day in the city today and went up to 112th St and Amersterdam Ave to visit the cathedral, St. John the Divine.

Click the links above and read all about the unfinished cathedral and the statue nearby, The Peace Fountain.

We were photographing the interior and on a special tour, went up to the roof.

Yes, the roof, inside and out!

It was an amazing tour. Stay tuned for more photos.

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Jones Beach "Pencil"

Jones Beach Pencil, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

It's nice to visit the beach even in cold weather. This shot was from March of 2006.

The winter continues

icicles, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The ice and snow are beginning to melt but at night it all freezes again.
Well, the sun is out today which is good. The trees need the melting snow to slowly absorb as much water as possible to prepare for spring.
It's all good, really.
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Flickr Photos

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I have many more photos on Flickr.

Take a look with Flickriver by clicking on a photo above..........

You can then chose, recent, interesting, random, or more.

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windsurfing on Lac Bay

windsurfing on Lac Bay, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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No, This is not Long Island, although people do windsurf on Long Island.

No, this is my favorite caribbean getaway- Bonaire. One of the ABC islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

My husband and I scuba dive and this is one of the top rated destinations for scuba.... and snorkeling, windsurfing.

What makes this island so wonderful for these water activities?

There are many reasons!

The weather is arid and warm year round.
The ABC islands are out of the hurricane belt.
The water temperatures are about 80-85 degrees F with little or no current.
The reef is close to shore so divers and snorkelers don't need to take long boat rides to reach their destinations.
(In fact, Bonaire is rated as the premier destination for "shore diving!")
The island is very European with Dutch influence, (currently voting on a referendum to be part of Holland again).
Most people speak 4 or 5 languages with Dutch as the official language. English, German, Spanish and the native language of Papiamentu is also spoken by most locals.
The restaurants are world class, with great food, good variety and great wines, unlike many caribbean islands.

And.......

Well, I can go on and on but I think you get the idea.

Great weather, great people, good food, easy access to water sports.

Every few years my husband and I scuba somewhere else, but we always return to Bonaire!

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Bonaire Shoreline

bonaire shoreline, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Bonaire's shoreline looking north toward Buddy Dive Resort

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