Saturday, December 31, 2011

Reflect


May your reflections 
of the past year
be bright,
and the tides of life bring you 
health and happiness in the New Year.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Recover



Recover is the last word of the year for the One Word at a Time Blog Carnival. I decided to participate,  because I feel guilty for always visiting the site and never contributing and after my knee surgery four weeks ago, recover is something I really want.
I've been fortunate in that I don't know what it is to recover from anything except for a broken collar bone as a child and the usual bouts with the common cold. In my 54 years of life, a torn meniscus is my biggest problem. I will recover.
I can say that because I want to walk and kneel and maybe even run again. I have the desire and drive to see that it will happen. It was just two days ago I started going down steps one leg at a time. It wasn't pretty, but it was one leg at a time.
I know that in order to recover, you need support. Family has picked up the slack around the house. Co-workers have given their words of encouragement and understanding. Most of all, I'm sure I've been the subject of a prayer or two. It's funny how I can feel some other force (not the right word) helping me along.
That's how I plan to recover; support, desire and prayer.

It will all be alright, I will recover.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

 
“I am the light of the world. 
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Well decorated


I can't help but thinking of those serving in the military around the holidays. 
How lonely it must be for anyone not to be with the ones they love at such a special time. 
January fourth, Jackie, a friend of mine is being deployed for her fourth tour of duty.  
Special prayers for all those who put on a uniform with the aim of protecting and serving.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Where has the time gone!



Sorry about the long hiatus from blogging. I never realized how much time a photographer spends on his knees, or using his knees or just plan needed working knees.  
Last week I went for a walk along the beach. Actually, I should say I took a feeble attempt at walking on the beach. Even though the good doctor has said my recovery is "a head of where it should be," I'm still disappointed with progress on steps (down) and kneeling. Soon I guess.

Today's post is from last Thursday. This is a group of photographers that volunteered their time to make family portraits for the less fortunate . This happened through an organized effort Help-Portrait and a great team leader, Joanne Henig  (Standing second form left). 
Yes, that me, kneeling down on my good knee. I really needed this to feel the spirit of the holiday this year.  I recommend it to all of my blogging friends; with  and without cameras. There's so much that needs to get done the more help the better.
P.S. Photo credit belongs to Mr. Henig.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Evening drive home


First, it was the color of the sky that I wanted to photograph, but the power lines were in the way. Then I pulled up to the intersection and the light turned red. 
So I made the photo  and used 
the lights 
and 
lines and sky. 
Just fun.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Trains and Christmas




I had to photograph a toy train display at the Town of Babylon Museum. They expanded an exhibit for the holiday season. 
When my boys were younger, we always set-up a train at the base of our Christmas tree. 
We haven't set it up in a few years, space, time and the boys being older all take a little of what makes it special, away.
 I also had to photograph a USO dance at a senior center. Many of the seniors wore uniforms and brought memorabilia from the wars. It was awesome.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Fog


Alcotts Pond in the fog. 
The unseasonably warm weather gave us fog this evening.  As I passed Alcotts Pond I had to turn the car around to make this photo.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Jet fuel


I passed this carrier truck and had to slow up to grab the photo as he passed me. I was really wondering what the driver behind me was thinking. 
Well, there's no jet fuel for me, but a friend of mine tells me to eat my greens... it will speed up my recovery. So greens will be my jet fuel.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

700


I'm finding it difficult to bend to make the kind of photographs I like to make. And with stitches in my left knee, there's no kneeling.  
I went back to work on Monday, and of course I would get a job for Thursday to tour the local waterways by boat. I went out to photograph canals that are in need for dredging, The ride wasn't too bad. The water was calm and the weather was mild. I tried to sit on as much of the ride as possible. Yesterday I had a tree lighting which was all on my feet. 
I'm feeling a little less ok than I was yesterday morning, so I decided to take it easy today. So with my leg up and iced, college football on the tube and a good book to read; I'm all set for the rest of the day.
I can't believe that today's post makes number 700.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Flying again



  My crutches have been put away. I'm still hobbling, but my hobble doesn't look so sad. 
I was able to get some reading done and finished, Woman Warrior, Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by Maxine Hong Kingston. 
In the book Kingston writes, “ It's mirrors not aches and pains that turns a person old.” After this week of recovery, I can agree. I hurt, especially Monday night, but the aches and pains only slowed me down.
I had a photograph selected for the 
2011 Juried Photography Show at the Islip Arts Council.
It will hang at Seatuck in Islip for the month of December. 
So thanks for all the prayers and get well wishes. I do appreciate them all. 
I hope all my blogging friends had a great Thanksgiving. I spent mine healing and with family, both of which I am thankful for.



Sunday, November 20, 2011

Red Horse


Went to the Bolton Theater in Bay Shore this past Friday to see Red House recording artists,  Red Horse.  The Bolton is a converted 200 seat movie theater and is somehow part of the YMCA. It's a great place to see a show, it is personal and has great sound.


We been to this theater four times. We've seen Lucy Kaplansky three times and this show. Singer songwriters are more likely to tell stories between songs and this small theater is perfect to hear.


There was plenty of stories and joking between the three performers who have a rich history of  recording with each other. For those that don't know, they are three independent artists that recorded a record together.

The show was great. As expected they played the whole album plus some of their own material. They had a lot of fun on stage and I believe the audience had just as much fun. I linked a You-Tube video of each of the performers if you are interested in checking them out.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Pylon reflection

Two days of cold rain have kept me from going out. I made this photo at the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays. The color of the pylons, the water and the reflection were perfect one morning last week.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Shinnecock Fleet


Part of the fishing fleet at the 
Shinnecock boat basin.
Who knew those captains were so 
color coordinated?
I'm guessing it was blue, white, blue, white day or else I just got lucky.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Shell in the sand


I took a few moments today to walk along 
the ocean. 
The day was beautiful. 
All my tests came back and my doctor gave me clearance for my knee surgery. 
One week to go.
Plenty of pain these past few days. 
I still have mixed emotions.
 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Leaves in Beaverdam Pond


Oak leaves and Maple leaves 
in Beaverdam Pond. 
The shapes and colors 
against the dark water caught my eye.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

More Fall Colors


More fall colors.
This photo is from the forest floor.
Looking down, you can find some gems.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Red Maple


We have this little Red Maple in the backyard that really came out in color this fall. 
In the past, the leaves just shrivel up and died.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Sandpipers


I tried to photograph these Sandpipers as they feed from a puddle the incoming tide made on the beach. I was very warm yesterday and I took a few minutes to go to the ocean before a hard night.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

It's gonna be a long one....



Today is Election Day here in the USA. 
In Suffolk County as with most of New York State, we have new voting machines. They have caused problems in the way we get information from them and so we've had a couple of contested races. Today we have a few heated races and it's already being said we might not know the results for a while. 
I made this photo about two weeks ago at Jones Beach. The beach seems to go on forever. I'm sure tonight will seem the same way.

Monday, November 7, 2011

First Frost


Well there it is, our first frost here on Long Island.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Reaching for the light



I always find fascination 
with how 
Something more of us need to learn.
On November 21, I am having my Meniscus repaired by Orthopedic Surgery.
I'm concerned about the length of time it will take to heal.
My Doctor says all people heal differently...
I need to be like that vine and find a way to adapt.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Short walk

I went for a short walk yesterday. My Meniscus prevents me from longer treks.  I came across these little white flowers and as I got close I noticed their orange centers.
Possibly Wild Aster.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Fall Ferns


Well, we had some sunshine yesterday after a cold and wet weekend. 
I spent a few minutes looking for color along the Peconic River and found some beautiful back-lit ferns.
Autumn is when leaves get to play the part of flowers.
Sunday, my foster brother and his new girlfriend came out to visit. We haven't seen each other in fourteen years. 
Way too long a time not to see family. 
It was a great visit.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Lifeguard Shack, Jones Beach


The Lifeguard Shack at Jones Beach. 
The place sure looks different in October. 
 My wife and I were originally planning to hold our wedding reception a few hundred yards from this place. We left a deposit and everything. 
A few days later, we received a phone call telling us a mistake was made and there was a fire department diner scheduled for that same night. They tried hard to get us to switch our date. We were disappointed and found another place.
The day before our wedding, Hurricane Gloria came and destroyed the catering hall. We had our reception elsewhere...
funny how things work out sometimes.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Peconic River in Autumn


This image and Autumn Flames were made on the same hike.  
Some people have seen deer swim across this river.
I haven't been so lucky.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Butterflies


 I thought these two Monarchs would be a good subject on a
cold morning.

They took off after I snapped two photos.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Autumn Flames


A branch of Greenbriar 
along the Peconic River 
imitates flames in the evening sunlight.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Shell


I was fooling around with Topaz Black and White Effects, a plug-in for photoshop, and came up with this. 
I'm still new to the program, but I'm having fun. 
I once was a darkroom rat, never wanting to come out into the light. 
But digital changed all that for me. 
I still love black and white photography. 
I just don't see in black and white 
the way I once did.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Rays over the Atlantic



I took a walk along the ocean after work yesterday. 
Walking in the sand didn't do my torn meniscus any good.
But, it was good for the rest of me.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Textures


This is another image from the Cranberry Bogs visit. 

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Red Maple Leaves




Why are the first leaves to change color
always by the stream?
Under the cloak of night,
autumn flows in on the current and
creates her masterpiece.

When daylight breaks
colors explode and sing
before falling to the ground.

 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fall on East Pond, Eastport


Morning light on East Pond. 
The colors are starting. 
They look surreal.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

XC at Brown

We had a beautiful day for a Cross Country meet in Rhode Island.

The Southampton Lady Runners.
The  men.  My son Evan is on the far right. Only some of the team were able to make the Invitational. We do have a very small team.
They're off !

Evan

At the finish line.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

You keep watch, I'll eat.


We just spent two day at the Brown's University Cross Country Invitational. Evan did great, we are looking forward to him breaking his older brother's personal best of 17:36 for the 5K. Evan's a year younger that Brain and his coach says it is possible. He has moved up from the seventh spot on the team to the second spot in one season. Cross country track is a better match for Evan that football was.
Today's photo is from Thursday. Deer at the Fire Island National Seashore are a lot more curious about people. I guess it's because of the amount of people that feed them.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

What a smile!


A white-tail deer 
smiling 
for the silly human with the camera.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Old Cranberry Bogs



I've been visiting and photographing this place for over thirty years. 
Where I'm standing, stood a large barn. 
Years ago, it was hit by lightening. All that's left is the small shed that stood behind the barn.
 I thought the HDR treatment would serve it well. I'll have to look through my 35mm stuff for old images.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Maple Seeds



I made this image August 23 
and never posted it. 
I love the combination of colors.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Looking for Surf


I made this photo a week or so ago. I just wasn't happy with the way it looked. 
I'm happy with it now.
We had a beautiful weekend weather-wise. I spent yesterday doing chores and picking the remaining basil in the garden. I was able to make four cups of pesto. Today, I worked a surf fishing contest. Hopefully tomorrow will be beautiful and I can get out to do some new photography.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Leaves on Trout Pond



Still not much happening 
in the way of explosive fall colors 
here on Long Island. 
I went over to Trout Pond 
to find some color. 
This is what I found.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Autumn Yellow


I am sad from learning of the passing of Steve Jobs.