I have not forgotten:

Although it may seem like it, I have not forgotten about my blogging friends or blogging. I do make it a point of stopping by your blogs several times a week, however I rarely comment. It has just been so busy with work that there is little time for photography and blogging.

SkyWatch Friday: 10.24

To continue with the series of photos from our Lady Liberty, I decided this was a good shot for SkyWatch Friday. The air was brisk and cool with a chilly breeze. The sky was a bit cloudy but the sun was still warm and bright.

Geezes!

Geezes, I thought she was bigger than that!

My World Tuesday: 10.21

My contribution to the very first My World Tuesday; the New York skyline taken on 10.18.08. Although, the attacks on the World Trade Center happened over seven years ago, I still can’t get use to the “new” skyline. If you look close you can see the cranes, which are currently being used during the construction of the new buildings. The asterisk shows the location where the Twin Towers once stood.

A Little Escape:

The last several months have been a whirlwind of craziness. We decided a little escape was in order. Can you guess where we went?

More pictures to come.

A New York Minute:

Surfing Truck:

Someone is really into surfing!

Getting Dinner?

Beautiful Day:

Sky Watch Friday: 10-3

A shot of the dark and stormy sky over the sand dunes.

Wordless Wednesday: 10-1

*I did not take this photo

Quite the Character:

I have mentioned “the cast of characters” who appear on the boardwalk. This fine gentleman noticed my camera around my neck and chased me down requesting I take a picture of him. He insisted that one day he was going to be famous and I would be really glad I had a picture of him. His name is “SSDJ” and famous or not he was a pleasure to meet. However, when he is known around the world, in every hidden corner and under every stone, you can say you saw him here first!

After Season:

As fun as the summers are “down the shore”, I and most of the locals enjoy the “off season” time even better. The summers bring 100s of 1000s of “bennies” and among them the diverse group of characters. The locals are thankful for them as they help with our economy but, honestly, we love our beaches and boardwalk all to ourselves. Many of boardwalk shops are now closed on weekdays and the pier is void of most people. The sound of a silence pier now allows for the sound of the roaring ocean waves to reach my ears. The air is still warm and the ocean remains a pleasant temperature.

Nor'easter

This pass week we had another nor'easter blow through our area. We fared well, the beaches did not. But rest asure there is much time to replenish the sand before the start of the summer season.

Camera Critters: 9-27

While out kayaking I came across this Cormorant sunbathing himself. Cormorants are silly birds who like to dive under the water only to reappear in some unexpected place. I have kicknamed them "clown" birds. So much fun to watch.

SkyWatch Friday: 9-26

Perfect night for kayaking under the full moon.

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Wordless Wednesday: Fall at the Beach

First Day of Fall:

along with the falling leaves comes falling tempertures which tend to lead to warm cozy nights by the fire!

Just an Odd Shot Monday:

New York Water Taxi:

For those not familiar with a water taxi, they actually look just like a "regular" street taxi. Adorn with the bright taxi yellow color and the black and white checkers.

Camera Critters: 9-20

While out kayaking, I came across this little guy soaking up some of the warmth from the late summer sun.

Sky Watch Friday: 9-19

The sky over Lower Manhattan is clear and blue. Mornings are starting to be escorted in by a cool breeze.

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Wordless Wednesday: 9-17

Last Glance of Summer,

Governor's Island Waterfall:

I like the view of the falls through the wires on the masts of the Tall Ships but realizing it may be difficult to see I decided on posting a shot of just the falls. For those unfamiliar with New York, that's Governor's Island behind the falls.

Tall Ships:

While visiting the "Big Apple" we were pleasantly surprised to see not only were the Waterfalls on exhibit but several Tall Ships had docked in the harbor. They seem so out of place parked next to the skyscrapers of the big city but what a delight to see them. We found several other surprises while there so stay turned.

Camera Critters: 9-13

While out kayaking I came across this lovely swan. Generally they are found in pairs. This one seemed to be lonely as it followed along side my kayak for quite sometime. I hope he/she enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed his/hers.

A Closer Look:

There were four Waterfalls placed at several locations along the East River. I was able to see three. The one shown here, under the Brooklyn Bridge, I found to be most interesting. I will post the others.

Skywatch Friday: 9-12

The sky over the Brooklyn Bridge was clear and blue. The bridge spans over the East River, in New York City, the current site of the Waterfall Art Exhibit. If you look close you can see one of the waterfalls flowing from under the bridge.

Remembering:

In one way or another we were all affected by the events of 9-11. However, I do feel those of us who live in the north eastern US have different memories of this dreadful day. I was watching TV when Good Morning America was interrupted by a News report showing the burning tower. It was explained, an airplane had hit the tower. As I sat in shock at this site, I watched as the second plane flew straight at the second tower. I knew at that moment we were under attack. I called my mom, she had not seen the second plane hit as the TV had gone dead when the first plane hit. The broadcast tower was located on top the WTC. She ran outside and not only was she able to see the flames but she could see her pregnant neighbor pacing the front lawn. Her husband worked in Tower II, he was one of six from town who would not return home that evening. For days my family could not only see the thick black smoke but they could smell it and taste it. I have visited Ground Zero and the Trinity Church. I am not sure why but I am glad I did. During my recent trip to NYC it is evident none of us will never forget that day. Still there are signs of remembrance all round.

Wordless Wednesday: 9-10

The Perfect Wave:

I grew up spending many summers on the beach and at the family summer house. It was not until I was in my early 20s that I made “down the shore” my full time residence and purchased my first home. When my boys were born I introduced them to the many pleasures of the salty sea and sand. My younger son took to surfing like he was born with gills and fins. From the time he could stand he was trying to ride the waves. It has given me great pleasure knowing my children have received the same joys from the sea that I have. However, my sons and I stand on opposite side of the fence when it comes to surfing in the storm torn waves. This is when my son and many other surfers find the ocean to have the biggest draw. When tropical storm Hanna arrived this past weekend it was no different. The ocean once again became a surfers delight. Although, I don't understand this attaction when it seems most of their time is spent waiting on the perfect wave.

Look at the View:

Most of the kayaking we did took place at Monksville Reservoir, located in northwestern NJ, such a peaceful and tranquil place. We spotted several varies of our feathered friends. (pictures later) For now enjoy this beautiful view.

Busy Girl:

So busy mowing the back 40 and tending to the garden.

It's been a long week:

Wow! That was one long week’s vacation! When we first left way back on the 10th of August we were driving out to Ohio to visit B’s granddaughter, whom I like to call “BP”. Not that I am bias or anything but she has to be one of the most precious children on earth. She is so happy all the time, happy while mowing the back 40, happy while tending to her garden, happy while looking at her books, just happy all the time, so sweet and so precious. And the fact that she learn to say “Poppy” just topped off the week. What more can anyone ask for but just some time for Poppy to sit and read Dr. Seuss to his grandchild. It was a wonderful and some what magical week.
After returning from this trip I just couldn’t get back into the working frame of mind. Humm… what better to do but head up to visit and do some kayaking with my sister, and kayak we did! My sister being the gym teacher was paddling circles around me. She has experience with the whole sit in a flat low to the water canoe and paddle till your arms feel like rubber. Her instructions to me, “put the life jacket on and start paddling. Oh and that whistle attached to the jacket blow it 3 times if you get in trouble.” Oh thanks! We had a blast and in fact paddled around for 4 days. Just when I arms could take no more, we decided on a trip to the city, yes New York City, over to the East River to the Brooklyn Bridge. This is the site of the Waterfall Art Exhibit. I had great fun and I have many wonderful pictures to share.
Shortly after arriving home from this grand kayak/waterfall adventure, we received the call that B’s dad had past, off to Florida we went. There is not much I can say other than the world has lost one wonderful man. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Yes, it has been a long week (or month) filled with all the emotions life has to offer. Perhaps one day soon I can return to life as I once knew it.

Gone Fishing:

When you live down the shore and vacation time rolls around, where to you go? Inland, of course! We're heading to the center of our country. We need a break from all the sun, sand and waves! Be back next week.

Sky Watch Friday: 8-8

This morning's walk down the boardwalk was delightful. Temps were in 80s, humidity was low, with lots of bright sunshine, and now finally the water temps have risen to a comfortable 72! After my walk I headed right down the waters edge to put my toes in.

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Magic Man:

In case you haven’t taken notice, I enjoy living down the shore. I love the beach, the feel of the soft, white sand between my toes, the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shoreline, and the heat of the sun baking my bones. There is nothing that renews my spirit like an hour or two or three in a high back, low to the sand beach chair, no book, no Ipod, just me and my chair.
After a day on the sand soaking in the sun, at the point when my skin feels too tight for my body, a long walk on the boardwalk is the perfect way to end the day. As I walk the pier I can hear the sounds of children, young and old, screaming with delight (or fear) as their bodies are tossed and turned about. And often I will come across the Magic Man. He never creases to amaze me with his tricks and never leaves me without a smile.

Fishy Sky Watch Friday: 8-1

Slightly overcast with chance of showers. But these fishes don't seem to mind.

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Wordless Wednesday:

You light up my life!

and they call it fun:

The faces of those who are about to be flipped upside down and spun around at a speed in which their stomachs could possible come out their noses. And to think they pay for this and call it fun!

The Tides:

I have a saying; “the tide changes every 6 hours, you never know what is going to be washed in or dragged out.” This has never been truer than these last several weeks. Many of you have inquired as to my whereabouts ~ thank you for your concern.

I started my first class toward my Masters of Education. This is generally a 16 week class however since it is a summer class it has been condensed down to 6 weeks. I have many papers and reports to write and peer review articles to read. I can honestly say if I never see another peer review article for an annotated bibliography, it will be too soon. I, also, have my class room observation, the report to accompany this project, lesson plans to write and a behavior management plan to come up with. Sadly, I haven’t had much time for photography.

B’s dad, who lives in Florida, had been moved into hospice 2 weeks ago. B received a call that he needed get down there ASAP. (I was not able to go due to this class. This was a heart wrenching decision). His family didn’t think B would arrive in time. Luckily, he did and was able to visit and spend time with his dad. And than by a miracle his dad started to recover. The chemo treatments had been stopped and they feel he is just regaining some of his strength. He is being moved back home today. While this is wonderful news it presents a whole new set of problems. Who is going to care for him? B’s mom is in her 80s, she is no position to care for him. We have been on a roller coaster.

Ok, so that isn’t enough, on Friday a good friend of mine unexpectedly died.

I have been trying to take brief breaks from my studies. I travel through the blogging world visiting you all, but I am just finding it difficult to find the right words to leave comments now. I will be back to blogging and photo taking as soon as things settle down. ~ thanks everyone.

I leave with these wooden roses.

Camera Critters: #14

Mystery of the Tissue:

(written by B and originally posted on his LW blog)

What is it that lurks deeply under the surface of the common household Kleenex, or for that matter, any brand of tissue? What dark mysteries unseen provide such temping olfactory delights that serve to draw dogs large and small to them like magnets to steel? In some twisted plot, has the Tissue Manufacturer's Association of America planted a subtle hint of Milk Bone, perhaps aromas of Beef or Cheese in the fibers of these products that only dogs can smell? In addition, have they conspired with the people at Charmin and Bounty to perpetrate this conspiracy with all paper products? It would certainly seem so. How else could one explain that LW and seemingly every other dog on the planet attempts to scarf down these paper products as if consuming a T-bone made-to-order? Regrettably, we may never know the answer to this; but interestingly, out of adversity can come triumph. Not only does their evil plot inadvertently help sell more paper products; 24 hours later it results in a self-cleaning dog. Hmmmmm. More on this story as it develops.

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Sky Watch Friday: 7-11

Yet another beautiful day for an early morning walk on the boardwalk. Highs of 90(F), scattered clouds, mostly sunny, perfect summer day.

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Looking Down:

Yesterday, the view of the very top of the Empire State Building, today the view looking down. These were taken a few years ago but I am sure the view remains the same. We were there on a very hot and hazy August day. You can see the hazy just hanging in the air.

B's Dad has been moved to Hospice. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers.