~ Life as I See it ~

27/338 + 1

2012-01-27T17:32:00.002-05:00

~ enjoying the view ~

26/339 + 1

2012-01-26T22:08:00.000-05:00

Don't you love it when your better half sends you flowers just because they're thinking of you?

I do!

25/340 + 1

2012-01-25T10:36:00.005-05:00

As child, I spent time riding my bicycle around and around on the platform of this train station.

As an adult I can appreciate the Victorian style in which it was built.

24/341 +1

2012-01-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

Visiting Mom and Dad for a few days.

It is nice to be back in the town I grew up in.

Many of my family still remain here.

The other day when we had snorain (snow/rain) they received about 6 inches of the pure white powder.
It remains on the ground.

I just can't pass up a good shot of a bicycle.

I could most likely do an entire 365 based solely on this single mode of transportation.

23/342 + 1

2012-01-23T16:56:00.002-05:00

A current topic on the flickr challenge I joined is Oriental. Three days into the week and I had nothing, thinking this was one topic I would have to pass on. Then I remembered ~

My dad, being a bit of a history buff, has a small collection of military memorabilia. Among his historic items is this WW II Japanese flag. As far as we know these flags were given to young soliders as they were heading off to war. Family members and friends would write well wishes and prayers of safety on them. Often the young man carried it in his uniform while on the battle fields.

My dad had it translated and found the young soldier’s name is on it. He contacted the Japanese Consulate in the hopes of finding remaining relatives of this solider and returning the flag to them. He had no luck, so it stays within my family.

22/343 + 1

2012-01-22T20:44:00.005-05:00

~ burning L♥ve ~

21/344 + 1

2012-01-21T18:59:00.002-05:00

On this cold and snowy morning, I headed out to work. Being the first snow day this year, I had flashbacks to the several blizzards we had last year and the joy, of leaving work early, they brought with them. Before even taking off my coat, hat and gloves, I ~~raced~~ walked into my higher up’s office and ~~begged~~ kindly volunteered to “cut hours” if needed. I ~~jumped up and down, did the happy dance~~ was pleased to be released after a half day. To brighten up and celebrate an unexpected day off, I captured this rose. Oh Spring, how many days away are you now??

20/345 + 1

2012-01-20T20:06:00.002-05:00

With the temperatures below the freezing point all day and a forecasted snow storm for tomorrow, B and I wanted to get a beach walk in this afternoon. The air was still and frigid, but nothing a cuppa of hot chocolate didn’t fix.

19/346 + 1

2012-01-19T19:49:00.001-05:00

The year is young but if B keeps this up, he just might get "Husband of the Year"!

18/347 + 1

2012-01-18T18:18:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like a guy wearing an old, worn out pair of work boots. They just have masculinity written all over them. They tell a story of being paired with fade blue jeans and days spent outdoors working with a hardened hands. Mmmmm, mmmmm!

17/348 + 1

2012-01-17T05:54:00.000-05:00

Some of my earliest childhood memories are of the days I spent with a neighbor women old enough to be Grandmother. I have vivid and fond images of kneeling on a dinning room chair while she pinned dress pattern pieces to elegant fabrics. She often gave me the unused pieces and scrape fabric, teaching me how to pin and cut. In later years she taught me to sew. Fifty years later I still enjoy the touch, felt and smell of fabric and for 12 years worked in a fabric shop.

I have always wanted an old treadle Singer sewing machine. These are becoming more difficult to find as many are being dismantled and their ornate legs used on coffee and end tables. Last week while B and I were snooping around some antique shops we came across not only a table but a table with the Singer machine attached. Several days later, when I returned home from work, it was sitting in my living room.

textured with Kim Klaussen's evolve 2 and submitted to her texture-tuesday
prompt ~ open (rose is open)

16/349 + 1

2012-01-16T11:56:00.002-05:00

The best laid plans … Oh well, having the day off today and B finishing up early, I had plans to get out and take photos, (lots of photos). Unfortunately, I was woken to B informing me, due to the frigid cold last evening his car would not start. I gracelessly offer my car up to him. So, here I sit. Which in fact may have been the better plan as I am getting much of my put off chores ~~done~~, looked at. So Murf kindly offer to be my subject for the day.

15/350 + 1

2012-01-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

For the first time in well over a year I was lost for a photo today.

I had no ideas and making it even more difficult no time.

So I settled on a take a quick shot and played around with Kim's new textures.

14/351 + 1

2012-01-14T20:39:00.001-05:00

While there is no commitment to the flickr group’s daily challenge, I do like to participate. One of the prompts this week was 4. My first thought was easy one, my second thought 4, 4 of what!

This evening B asked me to help him with hanging a item onto the wall. While waiting for my cue to pitch in with a helping hand, I started playing around with the wall anchors, 4 of them to be exact.

13/352 + 1

2012-01-13T19:44:00.001-05:00

After playing around a bit with the portrait shots last Sunday, I was anxious to give it another go round. B is always happy to let me photograph him but it comes with a price. After I taking numerous photos, I packed my gear away and off we went to the sporting goods shop to look around at “flies”, lures and reels. Perhaps it’s time for me to start looking for other models. ♥ you B ~

12/353 + 1

2012-01-12T20:33:00.000-05:00

Several days ago, B and I realized we had a day off together. As this is infrequent we looked forward to spending it together. We planned a visit an older beach town, a walk on their boardwalk, to go snooping around in some of the many antique shops and have a nice relaxing “Linner” (lunch and dinner) out at one of our favorite restaurants.

When we awoke the sounds of rain was beating on the roof and winds sounded like it was blowing through the house. We were disappointed but decided this would not deter our plans and set off on the hour drive. Upon our arrival, luckily, the rain had let up and winds had subsided. We bundled up in our rain gear and ventured out along the boardwalk.

It was evident there was a major storm off shore as the ocean’s waves were pounding the coastline. Apparently this makes it the perfect day for the Coast Guard to practice maneuvers. I was getting sea sick just watching.

11/354 + 1

2012-01-11T18:11:00.001-05:00

Yup, I am posting one more photo of Phriend. There are several reasons for this; I was really thrilled to have a model, I was really happy with the lighting in this shot, Phriend is just too darn cute and well honestly, I just didn’t have a POD.

10/355 +1

2012-01-10T11:04:00.000-05:00

Last year while participating in Project 365, I was inspired to visit all of the New Jersey land based Lighthouses. Phriend and I traveled the coast line making certain to stop off and, of course, photograph each of these guiding lights. I was able to check each one off my list. Phriend had been to all but one. We thought it only fitting to celebrate the start of this year’s Project 365 + 1 by concluding her list of lighthouses.

Hereford Lighthouse (circa 1874) has been guiding sailors through the waters of the Hereford Inlet, which leads from the Atlantic Ocean to the famed Intra-Coastal Waterway linking Maine to Florida.

9/356 + 1

2012-01-09T13:40:00.000-05:00

One of my new year resolutions is to practice more portrait photography. Only problem is I have no one to practice on. Oh, sure B will play around but for only so long then I have to start promising to go to the sporting good shop while he looks for new lures and reels. That's too high a price for me to pay. So I was thrilled when Phriend offered to model for me yesterday. We were at a boardwalk we don't often frequent and the newness offered many awesome backdrops.

8/357 + 1

2012-01-08T19:49:00.001-05:00

Phriend Noir ~

As the year was ending, Phriend and I discussed how pleased we both were with the process we had made through the year, how we were glad we had successful completed Project 365 and how we were thrilled to have participated but were glad it was done. Well, by the end of the first day of the new year, we had both decided to continue on with Project 365 +1.

It has been a very long time since we have had the chance to get out on a photo adventure. Today with the weather, once again feeling more like Spring than Winter, we traveled to a boardwalk at the southern end of the state. One we don’t often visit. One which would offer new photo opportunities.

This year I am hoping to learn more about and practice more portrait photography. Phriend was gracious enough to be my model while I practice several more “film noir” images.

7/358 +1

2012-01-07T20:12:00.002-05:00

Since Murf’s accident last year, I hesitate to take him for walks. At his 12 years of age I can’t risk him re-injuring his badly damaged knee. I fear it would not heal leaving him incapacitated. But with inactivity, signs of boredom and depression are setting in.

This winter has been unusually warm, with the exception of a few frigid days this past week. The cold days left us wanting to stay in by the fire and resulted in Murphy and I are both suffering from cabin fever. Today I decided we needed a walk in the fields. He is unaccustomed to the restraints of a leash, while being in the 600 acre woods, and begged to run, gallop and jump. His requests went unanswered.

Knowing his days are fewer with each passing day, I brought my camera along to capture the delight the open air bring to his face.

6/359 +1

2012-01-06T21:22:00.002-05:00

Oh, why am I doing this to myself, why did I join the Daily Challenge flickr group? Today’s prompt was film noir, meaning black film. This type of cinema was generally centralized around a private eye, in a dark room, with his name on the glass window and his dame always lurking about in a cloud of smoke.

Ok, this was not easy to recreate. I came up with several ideas; go over to the dock this evening and take shots under the street lights or head over to the boardwalk where, hopefully, the ocean would be creating a mist. I could not muster the energy for either of these ideas. So I opted for a shot at home by our bar. I am not really pleased with this shot but it will have to do for now.

Back to the question of why I joined this particular flickr group, because it is fun, it pushes me to move out of my comfort zone and to learn more about this art of photography. I will have to attempt this film noir again at a later date.

5/360 +1

2012-01-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

Part of our job while raising Seeing Eye puppies is to exposure them to the world in which they will be working. Each year, between Christmas and New Years, our local group of raisers take our puppies on a train ride. B and I, still puppyless, borrowed this lovely lady, Zoe. She is 9 months old and behaved like a pro.

4/361 +1

2012-01-04T15:31:00.001-05:00

Although it was frigid (- 1°F/ -18°C), I decided to go for a walk around the old town center in search of some “leading lines”. If by some strange chance I wasn’t pleased with my choices there, I would go the short distance, down to the dock and photograph some of the boats all nestled in for the winter. Certainly, I would have plenty of opportunities to find a subject for today’s flickr theme. However, I think at the first blast of artic air my brain froze and I was unable to think straight. I found nothing pleasing. I headed home and as I started to pack up my camera and return it to it’s resting place, I noticed all these “leading lines” on a shell sitting right on my kitchen table. Perfect! (or is it more like radiating lines? Oh well)

3/362+1

2012-01-03T18:56:00.001-05:00

I really hadn’t planned on participating in another Project 365. However, I continue to take photos and I do enjoy posting, sharing them and visiting other blogs and phriends. I’ve joined several flickr groups and have been inspired to continue to improve my photography and editing skills. And besides, what fun is a photo if no one else sees it but me? So, without any promises not to miss a day or two, I continue on with Project 365 + 1 (it’s leap year).

A recent prompt from a flickr group was "out with the old". I chose to photograph my 1920 (s) Eastman Kodak camera in the foreground of a photo of my Great Grandmother, my Nana and 2 of my uncles, which was most likely taken with a similar camera.

2/363+1

2012-01-02T19:23:00.001-05:00

with temperatures in the upper 50s and promising to plummet into the 20s, B and I couldn't stay indoors

~ a walk along the winter boardwalk, minus the crowds and noise, was perfect for the day

1/364+1

2012-01-01T20:01:00.002-05:00

I really don't know what to do with myself today. So I decided to share this photo.

365/0

2011-12-31T19:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you my "phriends" for sharing a year in your life with me.

As we turn the calendar page and enter into 2012 may God give you ...

12 Month of Happiness,

52 Weeks of Fun,

365 Days Success,

8760 Hours Good Health,

52600 Minutes Good Luck,

3153600 Seconds of Joy.

364/1

2011-12-30T17:20:00.000-05:00

~ spreading a little bit of Irish luck, may you all have a Happy, Healthy New Year ~

363/2

2011-12-29T16:01:00.000-05:00

362/3

2011-12-28T21:58:00.000-05:00

361/4

2011-12-27T09:27:00.002-05:00

360/5

2011-12-26T19:10:00.000-05:00

washed and hung to dry ~ ready for next year ~

359/6

2011-12-25T17:40:00.000-05:00

~ Merry Christmas ~

358/7

2011-12-24T17:36:00.000-05:00

he see you when you're sleeping . . .

357/8

2011-12-23T20:49:00.000-05:00

Celebrating this first full day of winter was made so much easier by the mere fact it was near 60 degrees today! Getting out of work early, B and I decided a walk along the boardwalk was in order. This is the place Bruce Springsteen mentions in his version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Today there was no “wind whippin’ down the boardwalk”. ~ Christmas Greetings from Asbury Park.

356/9

2011-12-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

I've always liked Holly, especially at Christmas time ~ but oh so difficult to handle ~

355/10

2011-12-21T20:50:00.000-05:00

only 10 Days to go! then what?

354/11

2011-12-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

play a little Christmas jingle ~

353/12

2011-12-19T08:38:00.003-05:00

You better watch out, You better not cry, Better not pout . . .

352/13

2011-12-18T17:51:00.000-05:00

a little Christmas shopping @ Bryant Park ~

351/14

2011-12-17T17:47:00.000-05:00

I love how New York has large Christmas displays randomly placed about the City.

350/15

2011-12-16T17:56:00.000-05:00

B and I, although puppyless (insert sad face here) still enjoy attending the monthly Puppy Raiser meetings. Last evening, we celebrated the Christmas holiday with the Ocean County Puppy club. The festivities began with humans being blindfolded and asked to perform varies tasks such as counting out 42 cents from a pile of coins, tying a pair of shoes, putting lids on different size jars and harness, collar and leash a dog. I can assure you, these seemingly-simple tasks are considerably more difficult without the benefit of sight.

The puppies started the party when their gifts were lined up and one by one, starting with the youngest, they were paraded past the line. They sniffed and pawed at the gifts until each one had chosen the perfect gift for his or her holiday enjoyment from the softest of squeezy toys to the wackiest of wubbas. This adorable little girl was the star of show! After curiously inspecting each perfectly wrapped mystery package, she made her decision by swiftly grabbing her choice and dragging it across the floor until the paper wrapping yielded to the thrashing it was receiving.

349/16

2011-12-15T17:42:00.000-05:00

B was a really good sport yesterday. First I ~~dragged~~ took him to Macy’s so I can get a sneak a peek at Santa and instead we are greeted by hoards of screaming excited children. I would have thought my choice of “fun” places to go would be over but to my surprise he remained at the ready to explore all the ins and outs of the city. We walked the 30 blocks from 34th street to Barney's on Madison Ave, stopping off at FAO Schwatz.

Barney's is uptown and is a “high falutin” store, surrounded by Tiffany’s, Sax 5th Ave, Trump towers and The Plaza hotel. It is the last place we would have expected to find the Lady Gaga Workshop.

Admittedly, I do like her music and find her antics have the same effect on me that headlights have on a deer. We just had to go and see this spectacle for ourselves.

348/17

2011-12-14T22:49:00.000-05:00

I just had to take a photograph of this cutie taking a photo of me.

347/18

2011-12-13T22:47:00.000-05:00

On our travels to New York today, I dragged B into Macy’s. I wanted to see the real Santa! I have a long list to give him and I need to make sure to get it to him in time! We took the express elevator to the 8th floor and walked down the long corridor to Santa Land. A hum of energy came from the line of excited young children who wrapped around the corners as far as one could see. They could barely stand still. We anticipated waiting for well over an hour opting, instead, for the “peek line” (a back door past the village). There sat Santa in his golden throne-like chair, surrounded by children. My heart raced at the site of him. After being filled with the Christmas spirit, we walked outside and around the building to see their legendary winter display windows.

346/19

2011-12-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

He is back in town ~

345/20

2011-12-11T09:06:00.001-05:00

winter @ the beach ~

344/21

2011-12-10T23:10:00.000-05:00

While B and I were out and about this afternoon, I took this photo.
It was an awesome tree standing, by my best guesstimate 75 feet tall, covered in white lights.
I wasn't crazy about the way the shot came out, but thanks to photoshop I think it now looks artsy.

343/22

2011-12-09T16:33:00.000-05:00

342/23

2011-12-08T20:13:00.000-05:00

one of the flickr group prompts this week was "FREE" ~

hugs are alway free and plentyful for both the man and the beast!

341/24

2011-12-07T19:39:00.000-05:00

This is the extent of my Christmas decorating this year, well and the wreath on my front door. I made the decision to forego the tree and lights, the bells and whistles, the glitter and the sparkle. Don’t get me wrong; I am not being a Scrooge, and I am not in a ba-hum-bug mood. Actually, it is the exact opposite. In recent years, after going back to work full time, I found the stress of having to decorate, shop, wrap, and bake bring about less holiday enjoyment. By the time Christmas day arrived I would be frazzled to the point of simply wishing the day was over. This year, I made the decision to just enjoy the holiday season for what it is, a chance to dream of the day there may be peace on earth and begin by having peace in my heart and in my house.

340/25

2011-12-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

The conversion went like this ~ “Hey B, could you climb into the attic and get the big mirror down?” This was met with a pensive look as I added, “yes the one that weights about 100 lbs.” After a quizzical glance that seemed to imply “is this going on the wall and if not where?“ No, its going on the beach” The blank stares turned to laugher as he saw my camera bag and knew what was coming. Without much thought I answered the remaining unspoken questions: yes, we're going to the beach, yes I know the fog is thick as pea soup, and yes, I realize we’re not going to be able to see much, but I need a reflection photo for that new flickr group” “oh and could you grab the garbage can and the snow shovel?" With a simple shake of the head, he quietly went about gathering up my odd group of items. Yup, he’s a keeper ♥

339/26

2011-12-05T18:28:00.000-05:00

the sweet sound of Christmas Carols fill the air ~

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

338/27

2011-12-04T16:23:00.000-05:00

the last of summer hanging on ~

337/28

2011-12-03T18:39:00.000-05:00

Willy ~~patiently~~ waiting to go on our photo walk.

336/29

2011-12-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

As of late, I have found I am losing inspiration and creativity. I was in a slump and needed to find something to give me a bit of a push to help me to continue. Frankly, I am quite surprised this hadn’t happened earlier in the year. Heck, there is only one month to go and I could just take a month of anything photographs just to finish, however I started the project with the intent and hope of improving and not just settling on any old shot.

Hopping around blogs and looking through flickr I came across a group of photographers who come up with a daily challenge. For the last two weeks I have been participating in the challenge. It has made me dig deep in my noncreative mind and into the bottom of my camera bag. A few days ago, I even pulled out my old friend, my 60mm marco. I had forgotten just how much fun we can have together.

One of the topics this week ~ fence.

335/30

2011-12-01T13:59:00.000-05:00

Did you watch the tree lighting celebration in NYC? I did, I do ~~every~~ most years.
It, along with Santa's arrival during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, are signs the Christmas season is official here, ready or not!
Last week B and I walked over to Rockefeller Center.
The tree, under the cover of scaffolding, was in place and ready for it's Christmas dressing.

One of my all time favorite Christmas commercials is one in which a Grandfather with his small grandson bury a pine cone at the site of the tree.
A week later they return to see the 100 foot tree standing tall, a glitter in lights, in the exact spot the pine cone was buried.
I haven't seen it in years.

The first, a 20 foot tree, was erected and decorated by construction workers who were working at the center in 1931.
It was decorated with tin cans and a string of paper garland. Wow! It's come a long way.

Oh, and are we in the last month of 365?! Holy soly, did that go fast.

334/31

2011-11-30T15:56:00.000-05:00

~ ♥ ~

333/32

2011-11-29T21:57:00.000-05:00

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.

332/33

2011-11-28T19:13:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-27T21:18:00.000-05:00

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.

330/35

2011-11-26T17:46:00.000-05:00

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.

329/36

2011-11-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

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.

328/37

2011-11-24T18:34:00.000-05:00

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!

327/38

2011-11-23T16:21:00.000-05:00

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.

326/39

2011-11-22T17:53:00.000-05:00

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!

325/40

2011-11-21T20:01:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-20T21:31:00.000-05:00

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.

323/42

2011-11-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

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.

322/43

2011-11-18T15:48:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-17T11:51:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

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.

319/46

2011-11-15T07:27:00.000-05:00

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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2011-11-14T19:48:00.000-05:00

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

317/48

2011-11-13T11:25:00.000-05:00

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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2011-11-12T09:56:00.000-05:00

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

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2011-11-11T21:07:00.000-05:00

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.

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2011-11-10T20:05:00.000-05:00

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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2011-11-09T23:19:00.000-05:00

Lady Liberty wandering about the City ~

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2011-11-08T16:07:00.000-05:00

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.

311/54

2011-11-07T19:05:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-06T20:46:00.000-05:00

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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2011-11-05T19:36:00.000-04:00

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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2011-11-04T16:21:00.000-04:00

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

view skies from around the world over @ SkyWatch Friday.

307/58

2011-11-03T17:21:00.000-04:00

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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2011-11-02T19:43:00.000-04:00

Let the raking begin!

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2011-11-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

"one of these things is not like the others"

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2011-10-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

303/62

2011-10-30T21:45:00.000-04:00

It's snowing here, yes, you heard me snowing! and it's cold, really cool.

For gosh sake it's not even Halloween!

and it looks like I am not the only one freezing to death!

302/63

2011-10-29T15:36:00.000-04:00

This is the same child who had such a great fear of falling that he would not allow us to take the training wheels off his bicycle.

How times have changed now I'm the one who is fearful of him falling.

Congratulations on your recent sponsorships ~ Bug!

submitted to Fabulous Friday

301/64

2011-10-28T15:43:00.000-04:00

the old abandoned home on of grounds of Fort Hancock, the perfect setting for a Hallow's eve

view skies from around the world over @ SkyWatch Friday.

300/65

2011-10-27T21:31:00.000-04:00

see what happens when I finally put the camera down ♥

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2011-10-26T21:31:00.000-04:00

the cute part of Halloween ~

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2011-10-25T18:47:00.000-04:00

New Jersey’s oldest folklore, the tale of the Jersey Devil started in the early 1700s. Wife of drunkard found she was pregnant with her 13th child. Not having the wealth or the means to provide for these children she “rose her hands to heaven and proclaimed, let this one be the devil,“ and so the legend began.

Each year, especially around Hallow’s eve, mass numbers of people will hunt the forests of the New Jersey Pine Barrens for this elusive creature. Over the years, whenever I walk this narrow, tree lined and covered path, I have thought it must lead to the Devil’s front door.

297/68

2011-10-24T18:45:00.000-04:00

I am certain this photo could have been sharper, but heck, it is a busy bee hive.

It was kinda a one shot deal! Well, for me anyway.

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

296/69

2011-10-23T18:15:00.000-04:00

When you live in the middle of a conifer forest you have to go on a hunt for deciduous trees. News reports indicate they are nearing peak color change. So B and I took Willy for a walk through the trails. I spied a few trees nearing the ready to drop their colorful accessories.

295/70

2011-10-22T19:42:00.000-04:00

The Grinch Who Stole Pumpkins ~ You’ve all heard me ~~whine, cry and complain~~ mention how much I dislike Autumn and for oh, so many reasons. On my long list, and among them but not limited to, is Halloween. It has always seemed absurd to me. All year long we teach our children not to talk to strangers; then on this one day, a so called holiday, we dress them up and send them out to roam the streets, in the dark of night. Then we encourage them to walk up to some unknown home and ask for candy. Really?? We preach about not opening the door to anyone unfamiliar. Now, on the day of devils, demons and ghosts, we nonchalantly watch them hold the door wide open for a complete stranger standing on the other side wearing a mask! Yes, it is a scary day indeed.

294/71

2011-10-21T15:02:00.000-04:00

Part III ~ Twin Lighthouse

On our way to Sandy Hook we took the short detour up the steep road leading to the mountain top lighthouse. Over the last years I have tried, unsuccessfully, to capture this castle style Twin Lighthouse in it’s entirety. It sits high on a hill, 200 feet above sea level, and when you’re shooting with a 28mm there isn’t room to back up or move over before nearing the cliff's edge. So I have previously posted parts of this light. Last week when I purchased a 10 - 24mm, I knew I wanted to give my new lens a workout at the Twin.

to view the skies around the world head over to SkyWatch Friday.

293/72

2011-10-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

Part II ~ Fort Hancock

Walking the grounds while touring the fort provided the chance to take a closer look than allowed from the inside of a vehicle. The abandoned Batteries are fenced off with heavy chains and padlocks holding the gates closed.

Stopping by Battery Granger, standing in awe of this decaying 100 + year, massive concrete structure revealed an unlocked gate. The large linked chain hang in an open circle and the padlock was among the missing. I nodded to B. He moved his head in an up and down motion signaling a yes, go ahead, I dare ya. I pushed the rusting gate open wide enough to squeeze myself through. At risk of being arrested, I tip toed into the hallowed ground.

As I prepared to take several photos of the now vacant area, in my mind I could see the Soldiers hurrying up the narrow stairway to get view of the open ocean ahead for them. Although several of the black iron gates were partly open, I was too creeped out to investigate the darkened inners.