It's Race Day!

It's a sure sign of spring - even though it is cold, windy, and we are expecting a little snow here tonight - but warmer weather is on the way. Today, race season starts, with the running of the Daytona 500. It means that winter is coming to an end, that longer days and warmer temps are just around the corner. And it means only 112 days until the Pocono 500. It will be here before we know it!

And good luck to Long Island native Andy Lally, making his first start in the Daytona 500!

Some Spotting Weather

After a January that saw bitter cold weather, and a record for total snow fall, we finally have a break. With temperatures pushing into the 50s, and clear skies, a spotting trip was called for. Yes, it was windy - the gusts almost matched the temperature, but nothing was going to spoil the afternoon.









A couple of years ago, while out spotting, I sarcastically remarked "I must have seen every JetBlue airplane today!" That got me to thinking. New York is the headquarters for JetBlue, and they have extensive operations at the city's airports. Maybe I did have photos of every JetBlue airplane. Well, not quite, but I was a good bit on the way to getting the whole fleet. Checking fleet lists online, they have operated 175 different aircraft to date, including about 20 that they sold to foreign airlines. Turns out, I've now captured all but 6 of their aircraft - including all the transferred airplanes. I've had this one for a while, but today I caught it with new tail colors.



And today even featured a short, very positive, visit from one of Nassau County's Finest.

Enough Already...

The snow that fell overnight set a record. This is officially the snowiest month in history on Long Island, and it's not over yet.







We've run out of places to put the snow...


Let's hope for some warmer weather, and an end to all this snow.

Starting Fresh

It seems hard to believe, but a year has gone by since I first posted here. As I said yesterday, it's been a year of ups and downs, good times and bad. I'm not sorry to see 2010 in the rear view mirror, and I'm hoping that 2011 is a good year. While January 1 may be nothing more than an arbitrary date on a calendar, it offers an opportunity to reevaluate, make plans, and start fresh.

A new year meant another visit to Jones Beach, a little warmer than last year...



Here's to 2011!

Happy New Year!

Well, it's been a while...and no excuses, I should have been more active here. Today marks the end of 2010, and it's been a tumultuous year, filled with ups and downs. I had the pleasure of working with an amazing group of people during the Decennial Census, making new friends and gaining valuable experience. The year ends with me back in "career transition" but with high hopes for what the new year brings.

It has also been an exciting year photographically, with another spectacular Jones Beach Air Show, and many outstanding events at the American Airpower Museum. Just a few of the highlights...

































Here's to a great 2011!

Veterans Day

On this Veterans Day, let me salute all the brave men and women who have served so proudly. I am honored to be counted among you. And to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, you will always be in my prayers.

It's Been A While...

It's not that I haven't wanted to post...but the laptop has been in the shop for several weeks (the main board died, but it is covered under warranty!) so I've been using a computer at the library to get online. Unfortunately, that means that while I've been out shooting all month, I haven't been able to edit anything. They tell me I should have it back by the end of the week - if so, I'll have a bunch of new photos edited and posted in short order!

While I'm waiting, let me post something I shot just before the laptop died - I was playing in an empty parking lot, trying for that "Magazine Ad" type of shot.