Heat Wave

seagulls over the bay, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The temperatures have been high but there is usually a breeze by the water.

Everyone keeps asking, "Aren't you dying of the heat?"

No. I sit by the water and enjoy the cooler breezes and warm sunlight.

This is so much better than January.

I do wear sunscreen and sit under an umbrella.

But, it's not unbearably hot!

It could be worse. It could always be worse.

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Slide Show

baymen

baymen, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The Great South Bay on a "gray" kind of day. I thought this photos was worth posting because these are "baymen" the last of the few surviving men who work the bay. These guys are collecting conch, but for years this bay was known for its oysters and clams. You heard of the "Blue Point" oysters? This is the area. 

We spoke to these men as they moved from marker to marker to collect the conch from their traps. In the 1970s, the bay was filled with boats like this.

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the stroll

the stroll, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Artwork by William King, on Penns Landing in South Philadelphia.

We helped my son move to South Philly this past weekend.

It's difficult to see them go. We packed up his belongings, some items that were his from when he was just 3-4 years old. Ugh!

It wasn't easy.

South Philly was very active and colorful. 

South Street was filled with people walking, shopping, eating. 

It seems to have had a rebirth, something similiar to the rebirth of Brooklyn. 

We walked along South Street, ate a Philly Cheese Steak and checked out Penns Landing.

Not a bad day, but it was difficult to leave my "baby" in another city.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Calverton Cemetery

Calverton Cemetery, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

the open road

the gate, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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.

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lighthouse and sail

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

Postcard from Long Island

Postcard from Long Island, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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Just some Photoshop fun.

The photo reminded me of the old style postcards, so I made it look that way.

"Wish you were here!"

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ant macro

ant macro, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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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.

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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.

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lilac macro

lilac macro, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

red maple view

red maple view, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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Climb to the first limb and take the photo.

Why not?

Explore.......and see the world in a different perspective.

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Behman's Pond

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

daisy fisheye

daisy fisheye, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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!

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.

Happy Mother's Day to All!

18th hole

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

West Sayville Golf Course

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!

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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

Early Springtime on Long Island, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

the birds in springtime

the birds, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Silhouette of birds in springtime

The birds have been very active here, nesting and chasing each other around the lawn and trees. 

It must be spring...

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lighthouse reflections

lighthouse reflections, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

A beautiful day on Fire Island

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The sun was shinning and there was a cool breeze. 

Many people were walking up to the lighthouse from the parking lot of Robert Moses Beach and/or the beach.

Many were there to see the NWPLI photography show that will be there until May 10th.

The lighthouse is open usually from 9:30-4:00, but do check the times, and stop by to see the exhibit. I have four photos on display.

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Beautiful Day, once again......

Bayard Cutting Estate Home

Cutting Estate Home, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a wonderful place to visit this time of year. The flowers are blooming and the osprey are building their nest.

A House for the Ducks, Long Island

Early Spring on Long Island

The fragmities are not yet green. 

The trees and flowers are beginning to bloom.

My neighbor built some of these duck houses and "planted them" in the wetlands near our home. 

We see lots of ducks here and other birds.

Early this morning my husband saw a fox with a little bird in his teeth, running through the reeds. 

You wouldn't think this was Long Island, but it is.

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VOX Hamptons

The cover photo

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Inside the magazine

My most recent sale of my images

VOX Hamptons Magazine

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Connetquot State Park

Connetquot State Park, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This photo was given a full page in the Spring 2008 issue of VOX Hamptons magazine in an article about the Connetquot Park.

Fire Island Lighthouse Photography Show

wind-blown pine, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Join NWPLI for the Lighthouse Exhibition

NWPLI's Spring Exhibition at the Fire Island Lighthouse

April 19 - May 10, 2008

The Spring 2008 NWPLI Exhibit opens this Saturday, April 19th. 

There will be an opening reception party from 5-8 PM at the Lighthouse. 

Parking is at Robert Moses Field #5 (east end) 

and a shuttle bus will be available for the duration of the party.

 If the weather is nice, there is also a boardwalk between the locations. 

Handicapped parking is available at the base of the Lighthouse and a ramp leads from the unpaved lot to a side entrance to the Lighthouse. 

There is no admission fee. 

Weather-permitting, tower tours may be available for a small fee.

Please join NWPLI to celebrate the opening of the show. 

If you cannot join us for the opening, the show remains at the Lighthouse until Saturday, May 10th (it will be removed that afternoon).

 It is available during the regular Lighthouse hours, generally 9:30-4:00.

We hope you can come and see some of the beautiful nature photography presented by NWPLI.

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, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Not Africa! This is Florida's Safari Adventure.
The ultimate in tacky tourism, but I was there!

Great photo opportunites of some of the beautiful animals of the world without having to take malaria medication.

southern veranda

southern veranda, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Dreaming of a trip down south. Nothing like warm weather and early morning sunlight to warm the soul.

East End, Long Island

Still much agriculture here on the east end....farms and wineries without residential housing.

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Retirement Activities...eBay

Okay, so I'm retired. Friends ask, often, "So what do you do all day? What keeps you busy?"

Well, for anyone who is retired, they know the answer and don't have to ask.

Life. Life is just busy, even without a full time job.

Do I sit home and watch TV? No way! Not unless it's CNN and there's a ground-breaking news story.

Much of the day is spent during chores, taking photos for fun and to sell (I did turn photography into a part-time business), and just.....well, doing things. I always have something that "must" get done. The difference now is that I can take my time and not feel under pressure. It's a good thing.

My latest activity, especially in the cold weather, is selling my unwanted household stuff on ebay. I clean out the closets, attic, basement and the loft above the garage. You wouldn't believe what I've stored over the years!

The photo above is of a Pfaltzgraff Folk Art teapot. Slightly used and unwanted.

I'm now selling a whole group of Pfaltzgraff items with the Folk Art design. How did I acquire these items? Why am I selling?

Well here is the story:

I married my husband, a widower, in 1997. His late wife collected the Pfaltzgraff Folk Art collection of dishware and she apparently loved it! She bought everything, and every piece she could find. She got the newsletters, catalogues, and ordered lots of stuff.

Well, in 1998 my new husband and I bought a house together. We packed up the dishes and stored them in a loft above our garage. I didn't want to use his late wife's dishes, although I did like the small bowls and certain items. Everything else stayed boxed and was covered.

This year, ten years later, I decided it was time to clean up the loft. I unpacked the dishes that I had forgotten. There was a treasure of great stuff.

So, I'm now selling this Pflatzgraff collection. I will not sell the little bowls and cute items that I've used...only the items that I know a collector will enjoy.

It's fun and yes, it keeps me actively involved. It gives me a reason to clean out our storage spaces and allows me to recycle useful items to people who want them.

I'm busy and I'm never bored! 

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Happy Easter!!

daffodils in April, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This photo is not from this year, but Easter is so early that the daffodils are not yet blooming.

 I wanted a photo that says, "Happy Easter" and went into my archives.

Happy Easter!

Free Tibet Now

Read about the protest, below.

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United Nations, NYC

It was a beautiful day for walking around Manhattan. Colder than I thought it would be, but it was still sunny and pleasant.

We walked down to the East River and passed the United Nations Building. There was a group of protestors, protesting against the treatment of Tibet by China. 

I was surprised to see a very quiet protest, with people all gathered within barricades. 

There was no yelling or screaming, just signs and flags. It made me sad. 

It was like they were rounded up, like cattle or prisoners.

There is injustice in the world and people can only protest by holding signs and standing quietly. It just didn't seem right. 

Where was the anger? The yelling and chanting?

It just didn't seem fair.

The group was surrounded by at least 100 police officers. I thought that was good, to keep the peace and prevent things from getting out of hand. I would not have wanted anyone to get hurt. But just the same, I didn't think this group was going to cause any trouble. 

They already look defeated.

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Sunset before Spring

The sunsets have been spectacular. 

Not today's, since it was raining all day, but the last few days were wonderful.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is the first day of spring. 

The long awaited day when sunlight takes over the night-time. The hours of sunlight keep increasing until the first day of summer.

It feels good to know that warmer weather and additional sunlight will warm our spirits.

Let's welcome spring!

Go for a walk, take a bike ride, do some yard work, check on the daffodils and crocus.

They are starting to sprout.

Yes, spring is here.

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For Sky Watch Friday

St. Patrick's Day Parade, Bayport

St. Patrick's Day Parade, Bayport

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

Bayport, Long Island had their St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 16. 

There were overcast skies but the crowd was celebrating another reason to party!

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An Angel in Sayville

Some cemeteries, the older ones, have beautiful statues as monuments to the deceased.

It's not done that way any longer, probably due to the cost of headstones.

One frequent photo opportunity for many photographers is to visit historical cemeteries, looking for those classic monuments....angels, saints and crosses. 

This is just one very pretty, though weathered, angel for the "Winter" family in Sayville.

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Another Photo Friday "Noteworthy" Award

Hi guys!

I just want all my family and friends to know I was chosen for the second time, for the noteworthy photo on the Photo Friday site. 

You can see it here.

The word for the week was Fuzzy!

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Walking the Boardwalk, Sunken Meadow

We went for a walk today on the Sunken Meadow boardwalk. 

It was really pleasant and not too cool. 

I thought it was too cold today for a beach walk but I think the North Shore was protected from the wind. 

It was a wonderful walk and a wonderful sunny day.

 Can spring be close behind?

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Wishing for Spring to Arrive

We took a ride to the farm-stand today. We saw that the pansies have arrived and couldn't wait to buy some for the front porch!

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Our friendly Sayville farm-stand lady was waiting for some customers. Not much like spring with warm gloves and few things to sell, she was still as pleasant as always.

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Ahh, tulips, not yet opened, but having some color and the promise of spring!

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Bayport, Long Island, NY

Bayport Beach

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Bayport Aerodrome

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The town of Bayport, in Islip Township, is located on the south shore of Long Island, along the Great South Bay, between Sayville and Blue Point. A sleepy little hamlet with a rich past, it is filled with grand historical Victorian homes and updated bungalows as well as the contemporary homes from the 1950s through present time.

The school district is unique in that it is in partnership with Blue Point of Brookhaven Township. For information, visit http://www.b-bp.k12.ny.us/

The original inhabitants of Bayport were the Secatoque Indians. They fished, dug clams and sailed the bay and small streams and rivers. The land was fertile and the sea gave them the food they needed to survive. The European settlers also found that the bay would provide a good economy with fishing and oyster/clam digging. Wealthy New Yorkers came for the summer breezes.

On the western border, Bayport begins at Brown’s River where you can see Meadow Croft, the summer estate of John E. Roosevelt. Although it is technically located in Sayville, The Bayport Heritage Association gives tours of the main house on Sundays at 1:00 pm and 3:00. It has been recently restored with furniture of the period, about 1910. Some of the household items and furniture are original from the Roosevelt Family. You can find out more about it by calling (631) 472-4625. As you travel east along Middle Road you can see other historical homes which are kept to the décor of the day.

Montauk Highway is the business section with stores and small shopping centers. It has a post office and very popular fish store just east of Bayport Ave. The Bayport Flower House is well known for its floral arrangements, home decor and springtime nursery and garden center.

Unique to Bayport is the aerodrome with vintage airplanes. It is a gravel and grass runway modeled after the aerodromes of the early 1900's. For a fee, you can be a passenger and see Long Island from the air. For more information visit: http://www.bayportaerodrome.org/

Plan on taking a trip to visit Bayport. It no longer has a train stop on the Long Island Railroad, but it is exit 50 off Sunrise Highway. Just drive south to the Great South Bay.
See you there!
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Baby Oliver, 11 weeks old

Just 11 weeks old and he already has the family wrapped around his finger.

Such a cutie!

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