Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year!, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2010.... may the next decade bring peace to our troubled world, and help to all those who need it.............

Last day in 2009


river snow, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Snow on the last day in 2009.
Just north of the bridge in Sayville, the water's surface is beginning to freeze and a light snow covered the branches.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

branches


branches, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

last snow


last snow, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!


merry christmas cartoon, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!
May you have a healthy and happy new year for 2010!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Long Island Snowstorm 2009


Long Island Snowstorm 2009, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The wind made drifts that reached the window ledges!

Long Island Snowstorm 2009


Long Island snowstorm 2009, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Yes, we did get snow...lots of it!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Snow on its way!


Too cold to to get out..., originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Does the media make too much of the snow? Sometimes I think they do. I haven't seen a snowflake yet today, but I'm sure it's on its way.
The question is,"How terrible, (or windy, or deep) will this snowstorm be?"
Stay tuned.........

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The rush is on...

Seasons Greetings!, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

It's a cold and windy day here on Long Island, but the rush is on to complete the holiday shopping. I have a few more things to buy, but most of the gifts, I bought on the internet.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

imagine for John Lennon


imagine, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Central Park

Realistic German Art

German Art, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

German Art

At the Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin

I like the more realistic art from this period. To me it looks more like a photograph, so maybe that's why I'm drawn to that style of painting.
I just don't get some of the modern art. I'm not impressed if it looks like something I could have done.
~~~

Milwaukee Museum of Art

milwaukee museum of art, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~


My husband and I went to Milwaukee this weekend to visit family and got to see some of the attractions.

Here is the Milwaukee Art Museum situated right on Lake Michigan. It's a beautiful site and now a symbol for Milwaukee.

~~~

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava
"The structure contains a movable, wing-like brise soleil which opens up for a wingspan of 217 feet during the day, folding over the tall, arched structure at night or during inclement weather. The brise soleil has since become a symbol for the city of Milwaukee.
The structure contains a movable, wing-like brise soleil which opens up for a wingspan of 217 feet during the day, folding over the tall, arched structure at night or during inclement weather. The brise soleil has since become a symbol for the city of Milwaukee."
~~~

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

bubble man


bubble man, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The most interesting event in Central Park at the Bethesda Fountain...

Saturday, November 28, 2009

red winter berries

red winter berries, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~

Windy today and a sure sign that winter is here.

There were crowds out shopping while some people were still celebrating the Thanksgiving weekend holiday here on Long Island.

Me? I was in "the city" to see the Roundabout play with Carrie Fisher, "Wishful Drinking." I learned some things about Princess Leah that I didn't know, and maybe didn't really want to know. Oh well, it's always nice to be in the city this time of year.

We attempted to see the tree at Radio City but the crowds on the sidewalks, almost at a standstill, made me and my husband turn around and change directions.

There will be time to see the tree again but I'll be sure to go very early in the morning while everyone is still drinking coffee!

~~~

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving


Happy Thanksgiving, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Let the eating frenzy begin.....

So much to be thankful for....family, friends, good food, good health and so much more!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Patchogue Boat Parade

Patchogue Boat Parade, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~
The town of Patchogue has an annual Boat Parade for the holidays. The big controversy is whether to call it a "Holiday Parade" or the "Christmas Parade." You just can't make everyone happy!

It was a nice night to watch the boats go by with spring-like weather.
~~~

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Today: Come to Cutchogue!

NWPLI Nature Photography Show

An opening reception will be held today, Saturday, November 21 from 12-3 PM.

Wine and light refreshments will be served.

Castello di Borghese is located at:

Route 48 (Sound Ave) and Alvah’s Lane

Cutchogue New York 11935

Tel. (631) 734-5111

Directions are available online at: http://www.castellodiborghese.com/directions.html

~~~

The exhibition is on-going and will open Sunday, November 15 and will run through Saturday, December 12, 2009.

It is open to the public, free of charge, during the winery’s regular business hours.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Dakota Hotel


Dakota Hotel, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

central park autumn


central park autumn, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Near the Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, NYC

Went to Central Park today and it was beautiful!!
What a great day....sunny, warm and still with great fall color.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Bayport Bulkhead


Bayport Bulkhead, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Come to Cutchogue for the Photography Exhibit!

November 15 through Saturday, December 12, 2009

Award Winning Photography Group

Nature and Wildlife Photographers of Long Island (NWPLI)

is proud to announce their annual Autumn Exhibition of Nature Photography.

The Exhibit will once again take place at the Castello di Borghese Winery in Cutchogue, New York and will showcase the group’s work which presents nature, wildlife, and landscape photography at its best.

NWPLI and its membership have been awarded numerous honors for their work.

Exhibition photography will encompass a diverse variety of natural subjects that have been captured with digital and film based mediums, many from Long Island's own natural surroundings. Select images from the exhibition will be also available for purchase.

The exhibition will open Sunday, November 15 and will run through Saturday, December 12, 2009.

The exhibit is open to the public, free of charge, during the winery’s regular business hours.

An opening reception will be held on Saturday, November 21 from 12-3 PM. Many club members will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

Castello di Borghese is located at:

Route 48 (Sound Ave) and Alvah’s Lane

Cutchogue New York 11935

Tel. (631) 734-5111

Directions are available online at: http://www.castellodiborghese.com/directions.html

For additional information, please contact Terry Buonomo at nwplisec@optonline.net or at (631) 877-1036.

About NWPLI

NWPLI is Long Island based photography organization whose members have combined a love for nature with a passion for photography. This award winning team is comprised of approximately 65 members, many whom have also received individual recognition. The main focus of the group is capturing the essence of nature while not disturbing the elements. Their team approach promotes the exchange of ideas and knowledge, fostering the growth of each team member’s photographic skill. While photography from exotic locales is always welcome, the group’s main subject matter is the diverse natural beauty of Long Island.

Learn more at: http://www.nwpli.com

~~~

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Lighthouse from above


Lighthouse from above, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Aerial view of the Fire Island Lighthouse

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Robert Moses Park


Robert Moses Park, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Aerial view of Fire Island and the Robert Moses Bridge

Thursday, November 05, 2009

red maple in autumn


red maple in autumn, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Such a pretty time of year. The weather has been wonderful, cool but sunny and pleasant!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Long Island color


Long Island color, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Autumn Trail


Autumn Trail, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Connetquot River at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in autumn

Autumn, Connetquot River

Autumn Connetquot River, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Autumn, Connetquot River at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum

~~~

A beautiful day today for a long walk along the river.

Long Island is in full autumn color and the temperatures are relatively warm.

The rain yesterday did remove many leaves from some of the earlier autumn leaves but most trees were full and color-intense.

~~~

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ricketts Glenn State Park in Autumn


Ricketts Glenn Autumn, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Visit to Ricketts Glenn, Pennsylvania

autumn falls, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~
This past weekend I went to Ricketts Glenn State Park in Pennsylvania to see some of the autumn colors.
This park has beautiful waterfalls and trails for hiking.
I went with my nature photography club, NWPLI (Nature & Wildlife Photographers of Long Island).
It's a great group of people who have a love of nature in common.
Many of the members are award winning photographers and it is my pleasure to be a member of this group.
There are many areas on Long Island to photograph wildlife but this weekend we were on a hunt for color. For Long Island, that will come in about two weeks. Last year, it was October 28th when I took my aerial flight to catch the colors images from the air.
~~~

Monday, October 12, 2009

Davis Park Walkway


Davis Walkway, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Walk to the beach, at Davis Park, Fire Island

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Davis Park Deer


Davis Deer, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The deer walk freely on Fire Island. This buck was looking for some food and found this shrub with berries. Quite impressive for an area so close to New York City.....

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Davis Park Sunrise


Davis Park Sunrise , originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The footprints of deer and fox can be seen behind the storm fence at Davis Park.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Windless Bay at Sunrise

Windless Bay at Sunrise, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~

This is the same bay as the photo below, looking north-east.

The rising sun is off to the right, over the sand dunes and ocean.

On this particular morning there was no wind and not one boat had stirred the water yet.

This is a rare sight on the Great South Bay and only more common in late September.

~~~

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sunset from Davis Park

Sunset from Davis Park, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The sunset from Davis Park, Fire Island and the Great South Bay...

The wind was very strong today but the Great South Bay sunsets have been spectacular!
Today's bay did not look like this photo.
Today, there were waves and whitecaps, but I thought you'd enjoy this shot more.
~~~

Monday, September 28, 2009

Davis Park Marina

Davis Park Marina, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The marina in September when the crowds are gone....

We've spent the last two weeks on Fire Island in the community of Davis Park.
There are no crowds and the weather is still good. It's not swimming weather, but it's wonderful for walks on the beach and watching the bay and wildlife.
You can still sleep with windows open, for that cool ocean breeze and for the sound of the ocean waves.
~~~

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Davis Park Sunrise


Davis Park Sunrise, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Early morning at the beach. The surf fisherman are already there, before sunrise.

We are spending some time at the beach this week, the last warm weather of summer. September is actually the best time on Fire Island since the crowds are gone and the warm sun and warm water temperatures make for a very pleasant experience.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Blue Claws (crabs)


Blue Claws (crabs), originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

t's blue-claw season. The Great South Bay is abundant this year with crabs.

You can see them just swimming near the surface. With two small traps, we caught over one dozen large ones and about 6 small that we threw back . No sense keeping more than you can eat.

Monday, September 07, 2009

Antietam Battlefield

Antietam Battlefield, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~

This is the battlefield of Antietam. My husband was always interested in the Civil War and recently found out his great-great grandfather fought in the battle of Antietam.

We went there this weekend and met distant family members, third cousins, not one of which would be here today if
great, great-grandfather Allen McLane died in this battle.
~~~

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

the river reflections


the river, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Early morning, end of summer and all is calm. I used to be upset when Labor Day approached since it meant "back to school and work" for me. Now, I'm happy to reclaim the beaches and the Great South Bay for myself.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Bee Exterminator


Bee Exterminator, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

We had a little "bee problem" at the house and needed a professional exterminator. He was amazing to watch!
I wouldn't have done this!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

window shopping NYC

window shopping NYC, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~

Went into Manhattan today. The weekend city seems less crowded in summer.

I guess most people head for cooler places, which is fine with me.

I love the "summer in the city," always did, from when I was a teenager. I have great memories of walking through Central Park and hangin' with friends.

My husband and I stay off the Great South Bay and the beaches on the weekend. On Saturdays and Sundays, it's a place for the weekend only crowd. I guess we just do the reverse from most people, but it fits for us.

~~~

I played with the fisheye lens today and it's just a "fun" lens. Nothing serious.

~~~


Thursday, August 13, 2009

water taxi, the Courier

water taxi, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Water taxi on the Great South Bay, sunset

~~~

Another rainy day today in addition to the rain we had yesterday, makes for a very unusual summer.

We've had more rain and cool weather here on Long Island, than I ever remember.

Luckily for me, we went to Atlantique on Fire Island, Tuesday, the best weather-day of the week.

Atlantique was just beautiful and the perfect location for an ocean swim, complete with lifeguards, snack bar, public showers and toilet facilities.

It's a great family beach accessible by ferry from Bayshore!

As we were leaving at sunset, I caught this water taxi, the Courier, transporting people to another Fire Island community.

~~~

Friday, August 07, 2009

Long Island Bayman

Long Island Bayman, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.
~~~

A beautiful day on the bay today, we just sat and watched the other boats go by.
You can still see an occasional clammer. At one time there were many, and called "bayman" they worked the bay collecting clams, oysters, eels.
~~~
I saw a Long Island census record-book from the early 1800's.
Many men were listed as "bayman" or farmers, or servants.
The servants worked for the wealthy from New York City who came to Long Island in summer to escape the heat of the city.
So if you lived here on Long Island, you worked the bay or the land, or you worked for the wealthy who just came here for the weather and cool bay breezes.
~~~

Monday, August 03, 2009

oliver in the waves


oliver in the waves, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

First day ever at the ocean.....and he loved it!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

A Ford Woodie; Rita's Rest, West Sayville

~~~

Scene at the Sayville parking lot on a summer evening where everyone stops by to take a look at the Great South Bay.
Hot night, hazy sky and some after-dinner "hanging out" with friends.

This old car (plate says 1948) is a Ford "woodie" station wagon.
It also has a plate that says, "Rita's Rest" from West Sayville, NY, but I could not find anything searching google with that reference.
~~~

Monday, July 27, 2009

Planting Fields Arboretum

The Greenhouse at the Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay.

Oliver and the Camera

Little Oliver just loves the camera.
He likes to look through the lens and to see his reflection....and he likes to put his little fingers on the glass. Ugh!
Here is the scene as seen from my husband's point of view...click here!
~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

My Photos on TV!

I recently sold six photos for a public service announcement for Cablevision.

It is for the

Lustgarten Foundation

"Cablevision Systems Corporation is committed to advancing The Lustgarten Foundation's efforts to increase research for pancreatic cancer, America's fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths."

Watch it on YouTube:


~~~

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Belmont Park Racetrack


Belmont Race, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Went to the races today. Soon the thoroughbreds will be going to Saratoga for the remainder of the summer.