Agrigento

Walking in Agrigento, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Agrigento

Agrigento, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Just looking at some old photos. This one from my trip to Sicily in 2007.

My mother's parents were from Agrigento. I never got to meet them but the people in this city are wonderful. One lady wanted to know why I was walking around with a short-sleeve shirt. It was 65 degrees F (about 20 C) and the Sicilians were wearing winter coats. I was so warm and over-heated from walking up and down those many hills and steps.

Every street twists and turns and brings you to another hill or staircase through an alley-way. I loved it!!!

It was Sunday and I could hear the pots banging in the kitchens, and ladies speaking Italian...and the smells!....wonderful tomato sauce cooking for Sunday dinner. It brought back wonderful memories from my old Brooklyn.


Agrigento, Sicily

coming home

coming home, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

The Bugle Man

The Bugle Man, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

I thought the bugle sound to start the races was a recording, until I saw this guy. Cute tie, no?!

Have you been to Belmont recently? You can picnic right there on the grounds and even barbecue in the fenced picnic area that also has tables and umbrellas.

I recommend that you look into this for small parties and family gatherings, unless of course you can't control your gambling.

We met here with a group of Long Island photographers to socialize and take photos of the horses and races.

It was a great day!

I didn't lose a dime, but then I didn't bet any money either. In my opinion, I was the biggest winner.

Good friends, good food and just enough excitement!

Belmont Racetrack

Belmont Racetrack, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Our yearly visit to the racetrack with the Long Island Photographers Meetup group. Fun day, as usual, with a great group of people.

Drive to the north fork, LI

We took a ride out east to the north fork this week. The weather has not been great but we needed a change of scenery. This winery is in Jamesport, a beautiful area of farms and vineyards. People often stop at the wineries for "wine tasting" events, but it's really an excuse to be out in the more rural areas of Long Island.

Claudio's in Greenport is another summer destination.

Walk through the old town and stop and have lunch on the dock of Claudio's.

It's a nice way to spend the day!

Happy Fathers' Day

Happy Fathers' Day, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Happy Fathers Day!

Hope you have good memories and that you enjoy the day.

The man on the right is my dad. He was born 1908 and died 1994. In this photo, he's with his mother, my brother Peter (about 7) and the baby is my brother Greg, 1946.

On the TV news just now, they asked people on the street, "What words of advice did your father give you?" Well, I had to think about that a moment. There weren't many but here are the ones I remember:

• Don't mix your alcohol. Drink scotch, it won't make you sick.
• Don't eat chopped meat dishes in restaurants. You never know what's in it.
• Plant marigolds with your vegetables; it keeps the bugs away.
• You can have fun when you're married, just don't tell your husband.

Really, he said that.

I still miss him.

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

Hope you all have a great day!

touch of heather

touch of heather, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Long Island in Spring

Such a beautiful time of year here on Long Island. The flowers are all in bloom and show their rich colors against the green leaves and blue sky. Beautiful.

The weather has not been typical of our springtime weather though. Cooler than usual and lots of rain and fog, it's not what you would expect. We just keep waiting for better weather.

sinclair man

sinclair man, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

In the window of a DeLorean dealer:
PJ Grady DeLorean, West Sayville

dragon fly or damsel?

dragon fly, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

I don't know the names of all the varieties of dragon flies and damselflies, but thought this one was a beauty. I wish I had gotten the bright blue "tail" sharper, but I think he was vibrating this end to attract the females!

"Damselflies are similar to dragonflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most damselflies are held along, and parallel to, the body when at rest."

So I guess this is a damselfly!

Robin

Robin, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Found this guy while shooting with my friend Michelle at Sunken Meadow Park. Beautiful day today, just a little too warm, so we stopped shooting by 11am!

spinnaker

spinnaker, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

We took a nice evening sail last night on the Great South Bay. This guy was sailing with the wind behind him.

Bayard Cutting Estate

Bayard Cutting Estate, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Visit the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Oakdale

female cardinal

female cardinal, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

One year ago today, this photo was chosen for Flickr.com's Explore page. Still one of my favorites!

Under construction

Please bear with me while I rework this site.
I tried to update the features, since I've had this exact blog layout since 2005. It is time. :-(

Unfortunately, just changing one item, causes a chain reaction and now I have to change everything.
I'm trying to keep the same colors and appearance as the old site which may take some time.

Thank you!

Fire Island Maid, Ferry to Fire Island

Fire Island Maid, Ferry to Fire Island, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Brown's River, Sayville

As the weather improves, boat rides to Fire Island are more frequent and enjoyable.

Mother-in-law

Mother-in-law Ruth came to visit and had a wonderful time!

Eighty-nine years old, she even went into the hot-tub!