Fireworks on Connetquot River
Thursday, July 04, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
absent but here
Where have I been for the last few weeks? Right here.
Life has cycles that sometimes are beyond our control.
One Monday you're busy in the garden and the next day, it seems, waiting for the plumber and then you're at the car service station.
Then it's Friday. How did that happen?
I've had a few weeks like that so I must apology for not posting anything new here.
Life just happens sometimes.
All is good, so no worries. Just busy.......
Life has cycles that sometimes are beyond our control.
One Monday you're busy in the garden and the next day, it seems, waiting for the plumber and then you're at the car service station.
Then it's Friday. How did that happen?
I've had a few weeks like that so I must apology for not posting anything new here.
Life just happens sometimes.
All is good, so no worries. Just busy.......
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
swim nets on Long Island
I've often wondered, is this to keep the swimmers in, or to keep the fish out?
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Jedediah Hawkins Inn
Jedediah Hawkins Inn, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
A group I belong to was given a special tour of the Jedediah Hawkins Inn, in Jamesport.
All I can say is "Amazing, amazing!"
The last time I was there was in 2007 for a birthday celebration. So much has changed since then.
First of all, the landscaping and gardens are beautiful! The flowers this time of year are a treat for the eyes. There is a barn and pathways which are lined with wisteria, my favorite vine. The hanging purple flower clusters are beautiful!
The food was good back in 2007, but now they have a new chef, Lia Fallon, who produced the most amazing dishes.
After getting a tour of their herb garden, which is open to guests, we had those herbs incorporated into our sample dishes.
We began with a drink made with Vodka, lemonade and Lemonbalm, which looks and grows like mint but has a lemon taste. It was a refreshing drink while sitting on the porch overlooking the beautifully kept landscape.
Then we were treated to a Duck Summer Roll, with duck cooked rare. Almost raw, this very unique spring roll, was a treat, paired with Pellegrini Vineyard's 2007 Cabernet Franc.
We had this while touring the wine cellar with Pellegrini's chief winemaker, Tom Drozd!
Amazing, amazing!
We were given a tour of the Inn's guest rooms including the top floor suite which has access to the widow's walk. What an spectacular view! Each guest-room was decorated for a designer's showcase when the Inn first opened. The tour was given by Pam Hunt, a descendant of Jedediah Hawkins, who showed her passion for this historic building.
Our tour of the kitchen included a demonstration by chef Lia Fallon, who made a salad with rare tuna, the Tuna Nicoise. What a delicious dish and the kitchen is, yes, you guessed it, amazing!
So modern and upscale, it was a dream kitchen for any chef!
The tour ended in the new solarium, with dessert. We had the chocolate marquise with pistachio anglaise, assorted macaroons and a lemon rhubarb parfait!
Amazing, just amazing!!
Was the tour a success? You bet! Would we return for dinner and perhaps a special weekend retreat? It's already in the plans!
Was the tour a success? You bet! Would we return for dinner and perhaps a special weekend retreat? It's already in the plans!
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Davis Deer
Be careful of the deer on Fire Island. They certainly look cute, but they do carry ticks which transmit disease. Enjoy the experience at a distance, and do NOT feed them. Hope you all enjoy Fire Island this summer in good health!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Tavira green door with tree
Tavira green door with tree, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
This is a photo from a previous trip my huband and I took a few years ago. Our neighbor just went to Portugal, and I couldn't stop raving about how she is going to LOVE Portugal.
It is such a great country. The people were friendly and the culture was familiar and yet so unique!
If you are wondering where to go on your next trip, go to Lisbon and then the Algarve coast (southern portion of Portugal.)
This could be a door in any city in Europe.
It is in fact, Tavira, Portugal which is known for its colorful facades and tile work. This has the door and windows framed in marble. Notice the electrical wires and details in the door, as well as the design in the street paving stones, very common throughout Portugal. I like the addition of the tree.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is always a sad holiday for me. Although we all have barbecues to "kick-off" the summer fun, the true reason for the holiday is to remember. Remember those who have fought in our wars, especially those who have died. Thank you to all those who served!
I'm including a photo of my father-in-law, during World War II, such a young man. This is a scanned image of when he was in Europe, 1945. He survived the war to return home and raise a family. Not all servicemen and woman are so lucky. Enjoy the weekend and remember!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Using my iPhone
It seems I use my iPhone for photos more often these days. The iPhone camera is amazingly sharp and produces very large photos. The hardest part is holding the thin "camera" steady.
We went into the city yesterday to see The Big Knife one of our Roundabout Theatre plays. It was very dramatic, with no comic relief, which put me on edge and produced feelings of anxiety and sadness. The acting by Bobby Cannavale and Richard Kind was amazing. I was impressed with their endurance for such long stretches of arguing and dramatic expressions.
It's always a treat to go into the city and see a live performance. Being Roundabout subscribers is a way to insure our seven or eight visits into the city each year.
The photo above, taken with the iPhone, is of Times Square.
Friday, May 17, 2013
sunset boat ride
sunset boat ride, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
We took a quick boat ride on the Great South Bay to watch the sunset.
It's still a little cool on the water but summer is not too far away! It was just nice to be out there in nature, to enjoy the salt air and the promise of better days to come!
Monday, May 13, 2013
sanderlings
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
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.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
juggler and iphones
Key West, Florida, where there are street performers every night and everyone has a smart phone!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
The sand dunes of Fire Island
The sand dunes of Fire Island, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.
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
The sand dunes of Fire Island
It will be interesting to see how the dunes survived the winter, all after the storm Sandy.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Pousada de Tavira
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
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
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
montauk lighthouse
When the sun is shining and warm but the air is cool, you know that spring is here.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
castle in the storm
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
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Risky behavior
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
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
two pelicans
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
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!
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
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!
We want to see the grandkids and our friends. Some things just can't be ignored!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
spanish moss
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
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, 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, 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
artist student
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
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
Friday, December 21, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
used books Havana
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
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
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.
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