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~ ♥ ~

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B and I hit a trifecta today; I was off, he got out of work early and the temperature continues to be unseasonably warm. I believe we hit 70 degrees today (insert giant smile here). With it being a win-win-win, we decided to take our luck to Atlantic City.

A nice walk along the boardwalk proved to be the perfect choice of activities. Was we strolled along, we can across a life size huge Monopoly board. This seems only fitting since each of the streets in the game are names of actual streets in Atlantic City.

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Finding new ways to reuse ~ this beaded necklace is made from strips of recycled magazines.

join in the Marco Monday fun over @ Lisa's Chaos

331/34

You all know by now, I love the ocean and the beach. I visit in all kinds of weather, at all times of the year. (I have pictures to prove it!)  But even I think these fellows are a bit crazy to be surfing in the freezing ocean water, at the end of November.

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If every winter day could be as summer like as today, I wouldn’t mind it. The sun was bright and the air unseasonably warm. B and I were enjoying the last of our Thanksgiving vacation days. And since we’re not crazy enough to go shopping on this Black Friday, we went to the beach.

Yesterday’s topic for the flickr group I joined was white on white. I found this little starfish against the crushed seashell to be the perfect subject. I liked the photo enough to share it here also.

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Standing, under the cover of gray skies, in South Street Seaport looking across the Brooklyn Bridge ~

view skies from around the world over @ SkyWatch Friday.

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With it raining on and off, very heavy at times, B and I made the decision to cancel our plans to witness the inflation of the Macy’s balloons. We have gone on prior years and it is a good time. We're sorry we missed it.  This was not an easy decision but the thought of getting drenched, having to walk 20 city blocks and then having to wait for a bus just didn’t seem like fun. During one of the breaks in the rain we were able to get a walk in and a quick visit to the beach.

There are so many things to be thankful for: my health, my amazing family, my wonderful friends, my crazy and silly dogs. Both my husband and I have a jobs and I have a roof over my head and food on my table. I have the beach and ocean, so I can feel the sand under my feet and the warmth of sunshine on my shoulders. But above all things I am thankful for the love of my husband and the joy he brings me each day.

May you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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It's cold, dark and raining ~

predicting 2 - 3" of rain tonight and tomorrow,
I fear we may not be going to Macy's Balloon inflation.

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Walking down the street the other day, among all the hussel and bussel,

out of the corner of my eye, I noticed this fine gentlemen.

 There he stood dipping strawberries and other fine goodies into a vat of rich, dark, smooth chocolate.

I shook my head and blinked by eyes ~ I thought I was dreaming!

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After having a bit of a respite we walked back through the craziness of the protests, down Wall Street pass the New York Stock Exchange toward the East River and South Street Seaport, home of Fulton Fish Market. It was surprisingly quite. Although it was a lovely evening most of the outside dining tables remained empty.

Oh, and I'm really hoping you're not tired of see photographs from New York City, cause guess what?? We'll going back!! This time to watch the inflation of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day balloons and the week after that... yup one more time ... Radio City to see the Christmas show.

324/41

After the mayhem at Zuccotti Park and the crowds at the 9/11 Memorial, we thought it would be time for a nice little break from all the noise and activity. We walked over to Battery Park and took a stroll along the Hudson River while enjoying the view of our Lady Liberty.

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Once inside the 9-11 Memorial we were able to view the reflecting pools which stand in the footprint of the Twin Towers. They are impressive being the largest man made falls in the US and are nearly an acre in size. They bare the names of the each of the victims from the World Trade Center towers, Pentagon, the Shankville PA field, as well as the six killed during the 1993 attack.

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When one looks across the river in the direction of Manhattan, it is difficult not of notice the void of the Twin Towers. After ten years this somber reminder of the horrors of that day, still saddens me.

It will still be a number of years before the Freedom Towers will be occupied and the streets full of man in pin strip suits and ladies in heels. But after yesterday’s visit we can be sure the skyline will, shortly, once again bare the silhouettes of the tall and mighty Financial Center.

view skies from around the world over @ SkyWatch Friday.

321/44

Generally when B and I go to the City, we visit Midtown (Time Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick, the Public Library). We’ve not had the need or interest to head Downtown into the Financial District (Stock Exchange, Battery Park, South Street Seaport, Fulton Fish Market) and I am not very familiar with the streets. Hence, getting around can be a bit difficult, leading to the avoidance.

We made the pilgrimage to Ground Zero years ago when it was sadly, a hole in the ground. After our city visit last week we decided it was time to see the progress which was being made and tour the 9-11 Memorial which is now open. I was able to obtain tickets so plans were set.

Although the commotion of the Occupy Wall Street was going on, the mood was otherwise much lighter than our last visit 8 years ago. Construction on Freedom Tower is well underway and the World Trade Center area is a buzz with construction workers.

320/45

As B and I were preparing to leave for the City this morning, we heard the news of the “clean sweep” of Zuccotti Park. The Park has been the two month camp site of the Occupy Wall Street protesters. Our plans were to visit downtown Manhattan today and that would bring us directly into this area of town.

We decided to stick with our original route. We took the ferry over the Hudson River and caught the bus to the Financial District. For blocks around the park the presents of Police was the likes of nothing we have ever seen. At Zuccotti the uniformed offices stood tall and strong, nearly shoulder to shoulder encompassing the park. Mounted Police sat at the ready upon their horses.

Earlier this morning over 200 protesters had been arrested as Mayor Bloomberg ordered an evacuation and clean up.  Now as they were permitted to re-enter without tents, food, and drums, there was calm.

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I was sure by now I would have heard the sirens of the 365 police. I plead guilty. Yes, this past week I posted photographs which were taken all within the time span of one day. But I just couldn’t help myself, there are just too many photo ops in the City and it had been almost a year since we had visited. But be prepared to see more, as we are heading back today.

B and I have walked past the New York City Public Library numerous times. This past week since we didn‘t have an agenda and were wandering aimlessly, B suggested we nose around inside. It is a magnificent marble building, full of ornate décor and amazing artwork.

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If you're in a City as large as New York and you take a photo of one marquee,

is it considered a marco shot??

join in the Marco Monday fun over @ Lisa's Chaos

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When I was a child my Nana would bring my sister and I along on her many journeys into the City. We would take the bus over the bridge and upon our first steps on to 42nd street, she would announce, like it was a surprise, we would be stopping for “coffee and . . .”. Her favorite place was Chock Full of Nuts. We would sit on the shiny metal turning stools at the counter, what a treat. I can still smell the fresh coffee brewing and my mouth waters thinking of the delicious “add”.

After we had rested up from our travel, she would hurry us across the street directly into Macy’s. Macy’s was and still is larger than life. Macy’s home of the real Santa Claus. The Santa Claus who arrives during the Thanksgiving day parade. My heart still races thinking of seeing him sitting on his King like throne. I knew if I told him what was on my list, it was a certain guarantee it would be under the tree on Christmas morning.

When B and I walked past Macy’s and I saw the trees strung with lights and them preparing the windows for the Christmas season, I could not help but have a rush of fond memories. I can see Nana smiling and laughing. I could feel the touch of her hand and I remember her on this her birthday. It’s been near 20 years since her passing and there isn’t a day that goes by I don’t think of her.

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~ chocolate and flowers, this is a man after my ♥ ~ 

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We enjoy visiting the City, not driving in it.

In an effort to avoid the gridlocked streets, we took the ferry across the river. 

It was a nice relaxing 5 minute trip which allowed for great views of the skyline.

view skies from around the world over @ SkyWatch Friday.

314/51

We went to the City with no real plan other then to take lots of photos just walk around. We took the ferry over, then caught the bus to 42nd and 7th Ave, two blocks from Times Square. I had thought of perhaps heading over to 9th Ave to visit B&H but decided it would be to much of a tease and I didn’t have the will power to stop myself from purchasing everything on my photography wish list. B dragged me we headed in the opposite direction, through Time Square into Toys R Us.

We stopped in to see the three story Ferris wheel, each car designed as a different iconic toy. The air in the store was full of excitement from all the, what seemed like, 1000s of children. It was a quick stop and we were off to Rockefeller Center. It shouldn’t have, since it is November, but I was taken by surprise to see all of the outside dining table had been replaced by the yearly skating rink. The Christmas tree was not in place yet. We rounded the corner and were glad to be greeted the familiar face of Atlas.

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Lady Liberty wandering about the City ~

 

312/53

As we journey farther and farther into the depths of the cold, dark months of winter, comes the annual turning back of the clocks. While we do get an extra hour in the day to do with what we wish, I do not care for the sun setting at 5:00. In past years I would just cave in, put my jammies on, in what seems like the middle of the afternoon, and mope about the house turning on all the lights.

This year I decided to take a different approach and try to embrace the day instead of dreading it. I called Phriend and as always she was ready for an adventure. With cameras packed, we crossed the bridge, parked ourselves in the sand and waited for the sun to set. I can now take comfort in knowing we are one day closer to Spring.

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I guess this technical isn't a marco but I wasn't getting any closer to it!

join in the Marco Monday fun over @ Lisa's Chaos

310/55

Many towns and cities have a local humane society. Ours is different from many others. Not only do they treat and house dogs, cats and other domestic animals, but they care for sick, neglected, and abused exotics, wildlife, farm animals and birds. Each of God’s creatures been rescued from suffering, exploitation and/or death - each has its own unique story to tell.

At three months of age, Sandy and her sister Candy were legally shipped, in a suitcase, to New Jersey. Luckily, these lovely girls were discovered at Newark airport and taken to the zoo where they have lived and grown into beautiful ladies.

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I've always liked horseshoes. Maybe cause it reminds me of my horse, maybe cause we always had one hanging in my mom and dad's garage, maybe cause they begin good luck.  So when I saw this trio hanging in the blacksmith shop I had to take a quick shot of them.

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late afternoon sun, perfect for creating a sunburst and getting fabulous flare

view skies from around the world over @ SkyWatch Friday.

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It is rare that B and I have an entire day off together. So when we do the promise has been made to do no housework, no yard work, no grocery shopping and paying the bills has to wait. He has become incredibly patience, although I do try not to over do it, and he is amazingly supportive of my photography hobby. To make the best of our day together, I generally plan a day trip to some new and hopefully interesting place.

We have both enjoyed venturing into these new areas and places, which we most likely would not have gone to if I wasn’t always on the quest to photograph something new. B enjoys reading about the history and keeps himself busy doing so while I snap away. When we arrive home as I up load and edit the photos, he shares what he has learned.

Yesterday, we visited Batso Village the former site of bog iron and glass making industry. It was right after the Revolutionary War that Village was built at the mouth of the Batso River. After the demise of the iron industry in 1855, Batso became famous for it’s production of window glass. It was long ago that it fell silent but with the help of historians was been restored and preserved.

The old Grist Mill ~ used for grinding corn into flour.

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Let the raking begin!

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"one of these things is not like the others"