Monday, May 13, 2013

sanderlings

sanderlings 2 by Alida's Photos
sanderlings 2, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

The weather is warming up and that can only mean one thing. It's time to get over to Fire Island! The ferries are running and the beaches are not crowded. Cleanup from Sandy has been taking place all winter. Check it out soon. Start planning...Memorial Day is just two weeks away!

Monday, May 06, 2013

juno beach fishing pier

As the clouds come, so starts the raining season here in Florida. It's time to come home to Long Island. I miss my home, my friends and family. It's the place I feel most comfortable and truly feel "at home."

Sunday, May 05, 2013

cinco de mayo

cinco de mayo by Alida's Photos
cinco de mayo, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.


Publix supermarket, here in Florida, had the workers in "cinco de mayo" costumes handing out (pushing) Mexican food items. Couldn't help but feel just a little sorry for them.

This guy was so nice and let me take his picture for the holiday.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Thursday, April 25, 2013

juggler and iphones

juggler and iphones by Alida's Photos
juggler and iphones, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
Key West, Florida, where there are street performers every night and everyone has a smart phone!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Sunday, April 14, 2013

swan's nest

swan nest by Alida's Photos
swan nest, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

While out kayaking, we came upon a swan's nest. I was amazed...the nest was huge!

Friday, April 12, 2013

The sand dunes of Fire Island



The sand dunes and vegetation of Fire Island...

Time to get the boat ready to visit Fire Island. Check out the ferry schedules if you plan on a visit. 
This is the ferry schedule from Bay Shore. The communities are listed in the tabs across the top: 
And this is from Patchogue, going to Davis Park and Watch HIll: 

Plan your spring visits now!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Pousada de Tavira

Pousada de Tavira by Alida's Photos
Pousada de Tavira, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
On my last visit to Portugal, we stayed in Pousadas. They are government owned hotels which are set up in old castles, monasteries, convents, and palaces. I know it sounds very adventurous, but the hotels are well maintained and professionally run. I highly recommend that you check them out! Google: Portugal Posadas.

Friday, April 05, 2013

Mt. Etna, Sicily

Mt Etna Sicily by Alida's Photos
Mt Etna Sicily, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
I've been thinking of going back to Italy. Beautiful countryside, great food, safe from political violence, friendly warm people, great weather. Why not?

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Friday, March 29, 2013

montauk lighthouse

montauk lighthouse by Alida's Photos
montauk lighthouse, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

When the sun is shining and warm but the air is cool, you know that spring is here.

Friday, March 22, 2013

castle in the storm

castle in the storm by Alida's Photos
castle in the storm, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.


Palácio Nacional da Pena

Pena National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena) in Sintra, Portugal
Read about it here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pena_National_Palace

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Risky behavior

Risky behavior by Alida's Photos
Risky behavior, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Very rough water at Jupiter Inlet and these guys braved the waves to go into the ocean. They didn't stay there long but it was just a little too dangerous for most boats this size.

Friday, March 08, 2013

snowy branches

snowy branches by Alida's Photos
snowy branches, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Another snowy day on Long Island. It is a beautiful sight, isn't it? Just wonderful if you don't have to drive anywhere or leave the neighborhood. Hope you all are enjoying the day!

Monday, February 25, 2013

pelicans

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

Yes, he's looking at me!

two pelicans

two pelicans by Alida's Photos
two pelicans, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

One of my very early digital images of Florida pelicans, which is a frequently viewed image on my Flickr website. I have since taken many more images of pelicans but this one holds a special place in my heart because it was my first. I do enjoy their many expressions and antics.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

westbury terrace wisteria

Old Westbury Gardens in spring... Wisteria on the terrace wall.

Old Westbury Gardens will have one of my photos in their spring calendar of events. Nice honor! Thank you!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

twins in snow

twins in snow by Alida's Photos
twins in snow, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
Long Island has had one of the heaviest snows in a long time. I've seen worst blizzards here but never I have I seen the Long Island Expressway closed for clean-up.

I was snowed-in for three days with three children under 6 yrs old. I miss the grandkids when I'm in Florida and now I had the pleasure of watching them in their first snow experience. What fun!

These are the advantages to being retired. Had I still been working, a closed roadway would have been a disaster. Retired, I just play with the kids!

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Michael's Liquor Store, Sayville



Just had to write about my experience!
We just got off the plane from Florida, in time for the snow-storm apparently, and we shopped for dinner at Stop & Shop in Sayville. We stopped next door at Michael's Liquor Store for a bottle of Chardonnay to go with our evening's dinner.

My husband and I have been in this store, Michael's Liquors, more than once, and every time we thought that it was probably a bad idea.

The man and woman who work there are not friendly and sometimes even rude. Don't know if they are the owners or managers. The shop's prices are somewhat higher than other liquor stores in the area too. I know it's difficult for liquor stores to price competitively with the larger chains nearby, but a smile and good service would bring more people in to shop.

On this recent visit, after food shopping in the supermarket next door, we wanted a bottle of wine to go with our dinner. It was a Greg Norman $14 bottle, usually about $10-12 in other stores. We didn't mind paying extra for the convenience of being right there.

When we opened the bottle at home, the cork was dry and broke apart: not a good sign. We noticed the color of the wine was very dark, not usual for Chardonnay. Just one sip told us the wine went bad. Too rancid to drink, we covered the top and took it back with the receipt.

The owners/managers would not refund our money or give any credit or another bottle. They pointed to a sign on the counter that said, "ALL SALES FINAL!" They said it was the NY State law. Well, of course, I wouldn't expect them to take a bottle of liquor back and resell it, but this was bad wine. Shouldn't it have been dumped out and the bottle given back to the supplier for credit. Shouldn't we have been given credit or a replacement bottle of wine? We paid good money for something we had to throw out.

My husband and I could not believe the attitude of these people. It wasn't their fault  apparently. Bad merchandise, is our problem? Really?

What angered me even more was the woman said I should write to the wine company and they will send me "free wine"! Oh, so now I'll get free wine, like that was the reason I was there? No, I didn't want free wine, just credit for something I paid for and had to throw out. That attitude, too often seen in the general population, is that you do whatever you can in order to get something for free.
Well, I don't do that!

I will never walk into that store again!

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

back in New York

branches by Alida's Photos
branches, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
Had to leave the great Florida weather for a visit home, Long Island. We're not happy about the cold weather but really needed to come home for a few days. Love our home here and would never give it up!

We want to see the grandkids and our friends. Some things just can't be ignored!

Sunday, January 27, 2013

gator eye

gator eye by Alida's Photos
gator eye, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida

No 'gators on Long Island!! :-)

Friday, January 25, 2013

the bee

the bee by Alida's Photos
the bee, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Seen on our walk through Riverbend Park, Jupiter, Florida.

Ruddys

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

At the Jupiter Inlet, Florida

Just like Long Island, the birds stand around in groups enjoying the sunshine!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

spanish moss

spanish moss by Alida's Photos
spanish moss, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

I love the spanish moss growing on these southern trees. As the temperature rises, I know I'm not in NY!

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Florida undeveloped

Florida undeveloped by Alida's Photos
Florida undeveloped, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

We did some Florida hiking, in great weather:
Jonathan Dickinson State Park

For more info click here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Dickinson_State_Park

Sunday, January 06, 2013

cigars in his pocket, Cuba

cigar pocket by Alida's Photos
cigar pocket, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Bonito, a tobacco farmer in the Viñales Valley of Cuba, shares his cigars. 
You can see my Cuba photos, in two slideshows with music, on YouTube:

First video Cuba #1:

Cuba #2

Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 02, 2013

sunrise New Years Day

sunrise New Years Day by Alida's Photos
sunrise New Years Day, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
Juno Beach Pier, sunrise 2013, day one...

I'm a snow bird now. My winters are spent in Florida. It's the "sunshine state" and there is a good reason it gets the name. The sun always seems to shine and I love the warm sunshine!

Every year, on New Year's Day, I take a photo of the sunrise. I started this back in the year 2000. Remember Y2K? 
My husband and I thought, as many other people did at the time, that there could be a big problem with clocks, computers, and all electronics due to the change in the year's digits, from 19-- to 20--. 
Well there was no big problem, but we woke up on January 1st, 2000, waiting to hear about some major catastrophe. We were ready. 
I had my camera in hand and we walked down to the beach and waited for sunrise. 
I took some photos with my little point & shoot digital camera, one of the first. Those photos were grainy and pixelated. 

Well, the tradition continues and so here is the photo to usher in 2013, the next chapter of our lives. 
It started a little cloudy in Florida, but the sun still came up, right on schedule.
Hope your upcoming year is a good one! 
Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Cuba slideshow, Alida's Photos on Flickr

A slideshow of my Cuba images:
 

artist student

artist student by Alida's Photos
artist student, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
Our legal visit to Cuba was a "People to People" cultural exchange so we met many people. Here is an art student at the National Art School of Cuba.
The art school was once a golf course for the elite.
Read about the Cuban Art School:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Art_Schools_%28Cuba%29

And watch the trailer for the documentary, "Unfinished Spaces"
www.unfinishedspaces.com/trailer.html

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

used books Havana

used books Havana by Alida's Photos
used books Havana, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Could it be because the internet is illegal and almost no one has a computer so the population is reading and not playing video games? Hmmm,?

Monday, December 17, 2012

Habana streetcleaner

Habana streetcleaner by Alida's Photos
Habana streetcleaner, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Recently went to Cuba (legally) and it was like stepping through a time machine!

The Malecón: there are still workers who clean the streets on foot.

Chevy in Cuba

Chevy cuba by Alida's Photos
Chevy cuba, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Recently went to Cuba (legally) and it was like stepping through a time machine!

It was not only the old cars, but the lack of cell phones, the internet, and so much more.

More photos will follow.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Meadow Croft, Sayville

Meadow Croft, Sayville by Alida's Photos
Meadow Croft, Sayville, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

The house will be decorated for the Christmas celebration, December 1st and 2nd, 2012.

Meadow Croft garden, Sayville

Meadow Croft garden by Alida's Photos
Meadow Croft garden, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

The garden in winter....

The house will be decorated for the Christmas celebration, December 1st and 2nd, 2012.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Christmas at Meadow Croft, Sayville

Meadow Croft, Sayville by Alida's Photos

'Twas the night before Christmas......

All local residents are invited to the annual 
Christmas at Meadow Croft. 

Event will be held on 
Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2, 2012 
at the Estate located at 
299 Middle Road, on the Bayport-Sayville border from 
noon to 4pm.

 Musical selections will be played on the original Roosevelt Grand Piano. 
Come visit with Santa, see exhibits and drink some hot chocolate. 
All decorations will be raffled off.

For further information: call 631-363-6487 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Bellport & Fire Island

Bellport & Fire Island by Alida's Photos

This same spot before and after Hurricane Sandy:

This is taken from Fire Island, looking north to Bellport, Brookhaven Township.
The little island with the beach house is "Pelican Island"
This is the site of just one breach on Fire Island.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Hurricane Sandy


The storm has hit Long Island and the the entire northeast coast and I cannot bring myself to post photos of the damage and floods.
It's day 13 and still many Long Islanders have no electricity.
If you are looking for photos of flood damage, there are many websites that have recent images.
Here are some links:
fireisland.com
CNN.com
or go to Google.com and search: hurricane sandy floods, images

Thursday, November 01, 2012

hurricane approaching


The storm approaching. You can see the water rising above the dock and pilings. Hurricane Sandy is on the way.

Monday, October 22, 2012

field of phragmites

field of phragmites by Alida's Photos
field of phragmites, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Fire Island

Arboretum river

Arboretum river by Alida's Photos
Arboretum river, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

The Long Island Autumn colors are at their peak right now. Don't wait to take those photos as we have a short "peak" period and the leaves will soon be gone!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Autumn Marsh Grass

Autumn Marsh Grass by Alida's Photos
Autumn Marsh Grass, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Autumn on Fire Island.

This photo was taken at Watch Hill on the Fire Island National Seashore.

Watch Hill Dock

Watch Hill Dock by Alida's Photos
Watch Hill Dock, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

Spent the day at Watch Hill and walked to Davis Park. What a glorious day! The weather could not have been more perfect.

Fire Island has its own colors in autumn. The greens are mostly gone but the brown and crimsons are there. I hope to post some more photos in the next few days. It may have been my last Fire Island visit until springtime!