An Early Summer Walk

Bird in the Marsh Grass

Summer Wildflower

Cool morning, summer walks are my way of connecting with nature.

You never know what you will find!

Last summer picnic

I'm always amazed at how quickly the summer passes.

Labor Day already and I haven't been out to the beach nearly enough. I love to pack a picnic lunch, or dinner, and head over to Fire Island. For me, it's one of the highlights of living on Long Island.

Being retired extends the summer. I can still head over to Fire Island after everyone heads back to work and school, but, there is always a little melancholy feeling that creeps in, unexpectedly. 

It's the end of something: the warm days, sun and sand, and the feeling of freedom. It must be a residual feeling, left over from my days as a student and then eventually a teacher.

September always was back to school and then back to work, and the end of carefree summer days.

I know this feeling will pass. After all, retirement extends my summer into fall.

I'm very fortunate and I appreciate all I have.  

Summer in the Hot Tub

It's been a busy summer so far with lots of visits by family and friends. The kids just love the hot-tub set to 85 degrees. I won't be using this for awhile, not until it gets emptied, cleaned and refilled, and the weather gets cooler. Nothing inviting about a hot soak on hot days!

It does keep the kids busy though. They love it!

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Laughing Gull, Summer

Laughing Gull, Summer, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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You know it's summer on Long Island when the Laughing Gulls wear their summer plumage! 

Gulls love to perch themselves on pilings. 

I guess it's a nice place to rest and take in the sights of the river.

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Red Cardinal

One of the joys of owning a home, is to have a bird feeder near the windows.

What better way to see the visiting birds?

Here on Long Island, we get a variety of species. There are the Long Island regulars, like this female red cardinal and then there are the migratory birds too.

They are not always easy to photograph, but this female is getting used to the camera.

Doesn't she look like she's checking me out?

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Where did the summer go?

Signs of summer are slowly leaving the scene.

Labor Day weekend and everyone is asking, "Where did the summer go?"

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We ate at Flo's yesterday...one of our favorite summer's activities.

Located in Blue Point, it has excellent sandwiches and quick lunch and snack foods.

And.....Don't forget the ice cream!

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There is a certain sadness each Labor Day, that creeps into my mood. I can't always identify the exact moment, but I do know that suddenly I'm sad and it happens every year.

I just love, LOVE, summer and I'm reluctant to see it go!

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Fun at the Beach

The best beach dog.....

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Christian, all wet and sandy from swimming (or jumping) in the waves...

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A dreamy Connor, who just loves the beach...

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Let's bury Christian!

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We had a great weekend and today was a perfect beach day. The kids loved it and so did I!

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Hot days at the beach

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You know those hot, hazy, humid days of summer?

Well, they're here!

We've spent the last few days at the beach, on Fire Island, where it was cool and uncrowded, yet somewhat hazy.

The water was perfect for swimming and cooling off. PERFECT!

The waves were gentle, not large or rough, the water was clear and a "Caribbean" blue, with comfortable temperatures.

It was probably the best few ocean days at the beach all summer.

It doesn't get better than this!

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The boating pose

Out for a boat ride and a quick trip to the beach.

I have a family who loves to pose for the camera!

Linda and Greg, my sister and brother....50 and 60 years old! Would you believe it?!

My parents lived into their 80s and never looked over 65.

I guess it's good genes and healthy living!

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Clouds over the Great South Bay

It was a beautiful weekend for boating!

Great clouds, better without rain, give the sky a special appearance. It's magical!

Clouds reflect and absorb the sunlight. Sunsets are spectacular with colors of red and yellow visible in the clouds.

The photo above is of the Great South Bay.

Click on the photo to see more detail.

You can see the Robert Moses bridge in the distance.

Summer on the Great South Bay....Spectacular!

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Patchogue Fireworks

Fireworks over the Great South Bay.

Beautiful night for a "picnic-on-the-boat" dinner of chicken and wine...while we watch the sun go down and the Fireworks begin.

Fireworks started at 9:30. In this photo, you can see just one boat in the light of the fireworks but the horizon is filled with lights from boaters.

It was a beautiful night and Patchogue did it right!

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