Friday, May 30, 2008

Waiting for Beach Weather


new year lighthouse, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Okay, it is now the end of May. Where is the warm weather?

I have to admit, I love the weather we've been having. 
Perfect temperatures for me.
 I would prefer less wind, so we could enjoy boating. We haven't taken the boat out in awhile. This has been good actually. Why?
 Lots of yard work and home maintenance getting done. (Somebody has to do it!)
There will be plenty of time for boating once the weather warms up and the winds die down.
I actually enjoy getting the house ready for summer.
Planting annuals, trimming shrubs, washing lawn furniture and windows. Sounds crazy?
It instills a sense of purpose, organization, and pride in my home. It feels good to take care of personal property.
 The preparation for summer gives promise of good times ahead and there's a sense of accomplishment.
Do you feel that way?
I think that feeling is missing in people who are frequently depressed.
After I've been working in the yard all day, or cleaning, I can step back and look at my work and feel good....physically and emotionally. 
Maybe it was the way I was raised. 
We were always helping our parents with household chores and cleaning.
I good day's work to improve something in your environment, just feels good.
~~~~~~~

Sunday, May 25, 2008

the flags


the flags, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Every flag is the grave of a dead soldier.
This is Calverton National Cemetery.
For more information and directions: Click here.
~~~
Each year on Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I make a visit here to the National Cemetery in Calverton.
I like to remember the reason we have this holiday.
It is not for barbecues, or cleaning up the garden. 
No, it's not for that.
We have this holiday so we can take some time to remember our soldiers.
Many, many, young men and women have given their lives so that we can live the life we have now in this country.
Is it perfect? 
Of course not, but what we have is unique and wonderful.
I hope you will remeber our soldiers on Memorial Day.
Say a prayer or, if you are not religious, take some time to reflect on what we have.
 Think of the soldiers and their families who have given so much for this country.
Enjoy the barecue and your family and friends, but remember that some families are suffering with the loss of someone they love.
~~~~~~~

Calverton Cemetery


Calverton Cemetery, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

the open road


the gate, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Robert Moses Causeway Bridge


robert moses bridge, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This photo, and the next two, were taken on the same day, 2 years ago!
I was going through some older photos looking for a specific image and realized that there were some I missed.

...just a small sample of some of Long Island's images.
~~~~~~

lighthouse and sail


lighthouse and sail, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Postcard from Long Island


Postcard from Long Island, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~
Just some Photoshop fun.
The photo reminded me of the old style postcards, so I made it look that way.
"Wish you were here!"
~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday, May 18, 2008

ant macro


ant macro, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~
Sometimes you just have to stop and notice the small stuff.
Appreciate it all....
the majestic mountains and expansive oceans, 
and the tiny ants and flakes of pollen.
 It's all there for you to explore.
~~~
Exploring with a macro lens forces the photographer to look for little things.
It's just like looking through a magnifying glass.
Things appear that you didn't see before.
~~~

Saturday, May 17, 2008

lilac macro


lilac macro, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

red maple view


red maple view, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~
Climb to the first limb and take the photo.
Why not?
Explore.......and see the world in a different perspective.
~~~

Behman's Pond


Behman's Pond, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

daisy fisheye


daisy fisheye, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Old Westbury Gardens


Old Westbury Gardens, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The Thatched Cottage

Temple of Love


Temple of Love, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Temple of Love at the

 Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury.

This is one of the best times of year to visit the Gardens.

Flowers and flowers and more flowers on this beautiful estate!

Monday, May 12, 2008

closing daisy


closing daisy, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Macro shot of a closing daisy.
The macro lens allows some creativity and an appreciation of details.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

18th hole


18th hole, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

West Sayville Golf Course

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

red rowboat


red rowboat , originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

We went out after an early dinner last night to catch the light of the setting sun. 

This is in the water at the Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville.

 I think they leave this leaky rowboat here just for photographers!

~~~~~

Friday, May 02, 2008

Springtime on Long Island


cherry trees Oakdale, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Long Island is coming into full bloom.
Another reason to love Long Island!

Early Springtime on Long Island