Suburban Exploring

Sunday afternoon, I tried to sidestep rain showers to do a little "suburban exploring". My question to you - what is this, and where is it? I know the answers, but can't reveal all just yet. Stay tuned...

Nassau County Remembers

Unveiled in 2007, I finally had the chance to take some photos of Nassau County's memorial to those lost on September 11.

A Little Fog

Back home again, and I'm greeted by more inclement weather. And why is it you never hear anyone talk about "clement" weather. Of course, we would have to have some before we could talk about it...

In any case, I didn't let a little fog and rain deter me from a little shooting. Oyster Bay makes for an inviting photo backdrop, regardless of the conditions. A "late day" at work allowed me a little time in the morning to explore. Here, my old friend, the Lightship Nantucket, pokes through the fog. Fortunately for my photography habit, they still haven't moved her to Boston, as has been planned for several months.



And this pier seems to head out into the netherworld of the morning fog.

To the Wilds of Pennsylvania

Had to work last Sunday, but that meant Friday off, and a three day weekend with forecasts of perfect shooting weather! What do they say about "the best laid plans..."? Thursday night I found I had to head off to Pennsylvania to deal with "family matters". That meant hitting the road Friday morning for the familiar ride across New Jersey and into the mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania. I did leave the Mighty Stratus at home, making the trip in the Liberty, which I don't drive often. I had to take a quick trip through Hickory Run State Park, and did a little "off-roading" - well, I parked in an unpaved parking area so I could get this "Off Road" shot.



While I didn't have too much time for photography, I check out a few parks in the Wilkes-Barre area. This unfortunate driver ended up pulled over by a park ranger - how embarrassing!



But these folks were enjoying the sunny warm weather...



Kirby Park, on the Susquehanna River, is part of a series of riverfront parks in Wilkes-Barre. Rolling down hills was never this much fun when I was growing up!



And again, my fixation with railroad tracks...



And we were treated to a beautiful sunset!

Sunny Days!

Yes, that big, bright, yellow ball made an appearance in the sky today. After a weekend of wild, wet weather, today was a Spring-like day. Yes, it would have been better if the weekend was like this, but I did take advantage of the nice weather and later sunset - thanks to the switch to Daylight Saving Time - to do a little shooting. Heading out of the office, a quick run to Glen Cove was rewarded with some sunset shooting of Sea Cliff.


Actually, I ended up doing more talking than shooting. I met up with another Newsday alumni club member. She was a photographer at the paper, and was working on a freelance assignment, shooting for a story on Sea Cliff. Small world...

Rain, rain, go away...

At least it was warm...well, warmer than it was a couple of weeks ago, when we were hit with over a foot of snow. This time, the big storm only brought heavy rains to accompany the high winds. But what a storm it was - hurricane force gusts and several inches of rain caused downed trees, flooded roads and widespread power outages.

Heading to Bayville, West Shore Road was closed by downed power lines...




Getting past the closure, heading over the windswept bridge to Bayville.


And finally reaching the beach.

WASPs Honored in Washington

More than sixty five years ago, a group of intrepid women answered our country's call to duty in World War II. The members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, better know as the WASPs, served as pilots, flying military aircraft in non-combat roles, freeing male pilots for combat duty. These were the first American women to fly military aircraft, but following the war, their exploits were all but forgotten. On Wednesday, some 200 surviving members were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a Capitol Hill ceremony.

During WWII, more than 1,000 women served as pilots, ferrying military fighters, bombers and transports from factories to military airfields, and performed other non-combat flight duties. Although 38 WASP members were killed in service, they were not considered military members, and were denied pay and benefits awarded to men. After years of struggle, they were finally awarded veterans' status in 1977. Legislation passed in July 2009 authorized the medals awarded this week, a long overdue recognition of the important work these women performed.

The American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport features a permanent exhibit honoring the WASPs. In September 2009, the museum hosted a ceremony commemorating their service.



WASP Bernice Haydu was among those who addressed the audience.


WASP Katherine Willinger signs a copy of the legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the WASPs while museum volunteer Julia Lauria-Blum looks on.

Lauria-Blum is the curator of the museum's WASP exhibit, a driving force in honoring the WASPS. She was in Washington to accept the Gold Medal on behalf of Long Island native Marjorie Gray, WASP Class 43-W-1, who passed away two years ago.

This Gold Medal finally recognizes the service these women offered to the country, as well as their role in helping to break down barriers to equality in everyday life. They trailblazing performance has led to today's Air Force, where many women proudly serve, including two who have flown with the famed Thunderbirds demonstration team.

Hey There Polar Bear...

In what has become an annual event, a group of hearty souls submersed themselves in the waters of Oyster Bay on a cold Sunday afternoon. The 6th Annual Polar Bear Plunge to benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County was held on Sunday, March 7. Music, hot drinks and free hot dogs helped entertain the crowd while waiting for the brave swimmers to go for a dip.

The Atlantic Steamer Fire Company Water Rescue team watched over the swimmers.


The crowd rushed into the water...


...and most quickly rushed back out.


But as always, a small group looked to see how long they could stay in the water!


Even the rescue crew joined in the fun.


It was a fun afternoon, and served to raise money for a worthwhile cause. But even with air temperatures some 20 degrees warmer than 2009, you won't catch me jumping into the water during the winter!