Airhead 55

Tina's Pic Story - Snowy evening mood

2012-01-30T14:00:00.003-05:00

The fun meme Pic Story, hosted by Tina, is back for this week. Inthis, we take the pictures and she provides the weekly theme, which this weekis evening mood.

As it is the winter season, we may look outside the door to ourfront and see the falling snow. Since it has not snowed much this warm winter,I have provided a capture from late 2010, on 26 December. The snow fall lookslight, but did manage to accumulate 15 in/38 cm that evening…the streetlight is illuminating the tree, the front door light makes the snow flakes look like orbs.

It was warmer taking that evening mood from behind glass in the heated house!

Ruby Tuesday 2 - Curving

2012-01-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Ruby Tuesday 2 reappears, and we comply with the one simple rule: red, any shade and either a lot or a little!

The burgundy staircase sits in our church in Derby. The 1821 building offers those brave enough to access the balcony and bell tower will find a narrow, steep and curvy climb up. The lack of safety will be obvious to to careful climbers and potentially dangerous to the careless. Since I am unable to make the
climb, I'll leave the ascent to others...See ruby from all over at this fun meme, hosted by Gemma and MMT - thanks you two!

Whimsical Windows - New England Congregational

2012-01-29T20:30:00.004-05:00

Whimsical Windows / Delirious Doors returns again courtesy of Toby. We look for architectural gems in portals and other places.

Today, the subject is our church, the First Congregational Church in Derby Connecticut. This structure was built in the 1820s. The pillars are a Greco-Roman style, the windows have the period twelve- over-twelve pane look, the clock sits on the steeple with a weathervane on top and the color is white.

Whatseems constant is that this structure is not all that unique in New England -on every town green, the church/meetinghouse was and is still
prevalent in all six states.

Naturally,there have been updates from those tymes: Central heating instead of a stove,modern double-paned insulated windows and central air-conditioning are all installed. There is interesting architecture nearby to all our domiciles. We merely have to capture it!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Sculpted and Shadowy Chrome

2012-01-28T09:00:00.004-05:00

ShadowShot Sunday arrives courtesy of our three hosts, allowing us to present theartistry of shadows, when and wherever they may present themselves.

Obviously, I prefer warm weather to cold and like cars as much as I like shadows.As a winter cold front is passing through, the look at past and nicer seasonswarms things up. My affection for old iron shows up in these two scenes, andthe shadowy world playfully intrudes into both.

First is this curvaceous 1958 Chevrolet Impala. Its sculpted flanks throws arcs and angles about, causingcontorted shadows and reflections that fall over the chrome gazelle. Shadows of a tree and the reflected lawn show up - both of subtly seen...

View twois from a 1953 Hudson Hornet. The stylish interior has itsshare of 1950s flair - the dashboard showcases that material that reflectsits era - chrome. The dazzling brightwork is retro cool.

The shadows add a nice contrast, falling over the two-tone green upholstery and steel. Compared to modern vehicles, the safety and driving dynamics are not very good. But for artistry in steel, the new does not compare. See shadowy style at this always fun meme!

Tina's WW - A winter's soup

2012-01-24T14:45:00.002-05:00

For Tina's WW, a winter soup made of fish, chouriço and tomatoes, served with a sauvignon blanc as part of a candlelight dinner on a cold night. Romantic and tasty we think...

Tina's Pic Story - A walk in the park

2012-01-23T14:00:00.002-05:00

The great meme, Tina's Pic Story, is back. The idea is as it has been-we provide the pictures, she provides the weekly theme, which this week is a walk in the park.

I go back to Cape Cod in 2004. This is a small park in Hyannis that hosts a memorial presented by the country of Korea as a memorial for the Americans who assisted them in their war for independence. I roll up the walk on the left – daughter Allegra in red is walking alongside, as we are on our way to inspect the monument.

This is a quiet place with beautiful flowers planted amidst the green lawn. It may be a bit somber for a park, but quietly moving around nature is relaxing...See Tina's meme for more walking in more parks!

Ruby Tuesday 2 - Pets, purring and planted

2012-01-23T07:30:00.009-05:00

Ruby Tuesday 2, is back this week with multiple hosts, and as always, a lot or a little red is all that's needed. I am happy to comply!

This ruby scene is comfortable however the home, sofa and the cats are not ours. That said, ruby in solid or plaid is perfect for the week. The content cats are an added bonus!

Whimsical Windows - Ansonia Assumptions

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

Toby most graciously hosts the fun architectural meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors. In this, we search for the detailed building gems: windows, doors and other interesting items.

This week, we are in our Connecticut town of Ansonia. We are about nine miles west of New Haven, and about 85 miles northeast of New York City. On the Naugatuck River, many industrial companies located here. And so, many immigrants from Europe arrived for work in the 1800s. And they worshiped with their contemporaries. In Ansonia, Catholic Churches included Italian (Holy Rosary), Polish (St Joseph), and Irish, today's subject, Assumption.

(Of course, the one true God cares not where we worship, but that we would...)

This parish started around 1864, and this structure was completed in 1907. It seems to evoke olde Europe, the stone and masonry impressive and soaring. Windows are arranged in gothic arches and a turret or two. The doors deviate from the colder gray hue to a brilliant blue, perhaps like the sky. The past can be most impressive - see more gems at Toby's meme!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Directional

2012-01-21T09:00:00.004-05:00

North

South

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 arrives due the artistry of three, Magical Mystery Teacher, Gemma and Rose. I am happy to participate in the shadowy world…

This week’s subject is our family feline friend, Linus McDonald. His instincts include looking out the dining room window – for whatever he wants to discover, That could include other cats, rodents, dogs or people walking by. Perhaps he looks for trouble but cannot act on it, as he is held back by double paned glass…

East

West

So, that is why on Friday morning, he is intent on his look, in any direction. Which is why he seems to be scanning the globe, The first four of these views (north, south, east and west) were snapped by myself in a five-minute span over breakfast.

Spanning the globe

As my views were taken at dining room table height, it seems that the compass needle movements are a static, not so dynamic. So, Patti captured Linus at a random point on said compass. Probably southeast or south-southeast.

Whichever direction Linus points, sun and shadow fall equally on our brave hunter. A cat has no cares about shadow artistry – however, the household alpha cats always do! See more artistry at at the always fun SSS2

Sepia Scenes - East Hartford Easter

2012-01-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

For Mary's Sepia Scenes, the past is always the allure. Memories of past times and days, people, places and things seem to work with this monochrome - they feel like the past.

The year is 1968, the day Easter Sunday
The person an almost four-year old brother Chris
The place our home in East Hartford. The vehicle, a 1964 VW Beetle, with a mere 40 horsepower, old CT license plate and the label for the long gone dealer, the alliterative Ted Trudon in Talcottville

The photo is of a fuzzy and faded color print that has been scanned and rescued with sepia. The smile is genuine, the memories fun...

Tina's WW - The curious cat

2012-01-17T09:00:00.003-05:00

One of our previous felines, Rigby, has to see what is going on. So he surveys the situation from the range hood, and odd venue. But who is going to try to figure out a cat anyway...See Tina's WW!

Tina's Pic Story - Last Year

2012-01-16T12:00:00.006-05:00

Tina hosts the fun Pic Story, where we supply the pictures and she provides the weekly theme.

This week's is Last Year, that being 2011. It was full of snowy events - we live closer to Long Island Sound and with slightly more moderate (but cold) temperatures and not that much snow. Until last year, that is.

This is a view out the back door on 4 February. So many roofs were collapsing around here due to the weight of the snow, so we hired two men (for $275) to shovel the snow off our roof prior to a big ice storm. Of course, there was only one place for the snow to fall...this winter has been much quieter!

Ruby Tuesday - Running

2012-01-16T07:00:00.004-05:00

Ruby Tuesday (2) reappears, with the only proviso that the post include a lot or a little red. An easy rule to follow, especially when a bold hue can brighten the scene immeasurably...

Today, I revert to my archives to the year 2001, the place a quiet Nauset Beach in Orleans Massachusetts, at the 'elbow' on Cape Cod. This beach is this day sitting above an unusually calm Atlantic Ocean.

The view is mostly bland with the sand in tan, the ocean in a briny blue and the sky a misty gray.

The color arrives courtesy of then 10 year old Cameron, trotting toward the photographer - clad in RED! The stark ruby contrast to the bland is readily apparent in the shirt. And a happy kid on vacation at the beach as way far from bland! Thanks for hosting RT, MMT!

Whimsical Windows - Three Saints

2012-01-15T20:30:00.001-05:00

Toby hosts the fun (and maybe educational) meme, Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors. As the name suggests, we look for windows, doors and other architectural details. We live in Ansonia CT, an old industrial town once full of immigrants and their churches from times past.

This is the Three Saints Orthodox church on Howard Avenue. Why it came into being starts with the sad reason as noted in this website:

“Three Saints beginnings could be traced to the end of the last century with immigrants fleeing the Slavic nations (Northern Europe to Southern and Central Europe) to escape religious, cultural, and political persecution that was overbearing in their countries”. Sadly, exclusion is so often the way of the world… Happily, the Orthodox faithful were able to safely arrive in Ansonia…

The parish has been here since 1895. The original building was opened in 1904, however destroyed by fire in 1954. However, the congregation was able to rebuild, and today’s house of worship was opened in 1955. It seems that it has the style that says modern but with the elements of the old world such as thenumerous Russian onion domes above…see more interesting details at this finememe!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Elevating

2012-01-14T11:30:00.037-05:00

For Shadow Shot Sunday (2) I am moving in different directions - up and down.

I started to use a wheelchair in November 1995, and it was not by choice...yet, it was not like life had ended, but became different.

In my walking days, I hadn't considered that one could actually drive - however, it can be. My three vehicles and their lifts are being showcased - as they also are full of shadows...Above was my first, taken on its second day at home, 21 April 1996. It was a used 1989 Dodge B250.

It was as hulking as it looks, and being used to driving a small Nissan Sentra (Sunny), I had to adjust, both to its size and the greater amount of petrol it needed.

The driver's seat is what the wheelchair transfers into, and turns it 90° to drive normally, whatever that is :)
I was obtained my next vehicle on 26 May 1998, a new full-sized Ford E-150 van, also with a lift and actually a bit bigger than the last one. The shadows are now from the inside looking out.

This picture was taken almost twelve years and 158,000 miles (254,000 km) later - just before I received my current ride...

A 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. This one is different than the last two, a minivan with floor modifications, a ramp entrance and shadows as well! From 10 March 2010, I have been enjoying this transportation device.

Smaller than its predecessors, although big enough at 4200 pounds (1906 kg), it rides more like a car and is quieter inside. Obviously, I would prefer to walk and not drive one of these - I would drive a small car and manual transmission if it were possible. However, acceptance is needed to move ahead, and since I am able to drive, it is the blessing we must accept with grace and not complaint...

Last week, I alluded to a YouTube video of the vacation slideshow. I actually made a 13 minute DVD with five classic Motown songs (Ain't that Peculiar, Get Ready, I Was Made to Love Her, I Can't Help Myself and Heatwave). However, YouTube is very conscious of copyrights and wouldn't allow its use. So, I found the old tunes - big band music and old black-white pictures go together well (there are duplicate pictures on both, but am still learning...)

Tina's Pic Story - White as...

2012-01-09T19:00:00.001-05:00

Tina again hosts her fun meme Pic Story. In this we provide the picture, and Tina provides the theme, which this week is White.

I think of the old Disney movie Snow White, so my themed white is snow. Happily, not this year! It was last winter, and we had so many snow events, there was almost nowhere to put it. This is a wheelchair height view on our driveway. Perhaps the Alps, maybe the Himalayas. It is not, although it looks similar. This winter is much warmer than last and with much less snow, which I am fine with...

Whimsical Windows - Derby Methodist

2012-01-09T18:30:00.001-05:00

Toby most graciously hosts the fun and educational meme Whimsical Windows-Delirious Doors, nowon Mondays! We look for architectural genius in windows, doors and other places.Today it is another local landmark, the Derby Methodist Church. The building is one of many churches that flank this small (13,000) town green.

The old saying about things not made like ths anymore is not an understatement. The red brick that looks fiery before the summer sunset is one, the large Tiffanywindows are another. The fabulous design of windows and doorsare all about – we merely need to capture them…

Ruby Tuesday 2 - Parking place

2012-01-09T07:45:00.003-05:00

Ruby Tuesday (2) arrives, and this week I am ready with a vision in neon.

The place is the parking garage in the heart of Derby Connecticut. We were at an artists event at the Gallery@37 Elizabeth Street. At these food and wine events, a few sub-parties form around the venue, at this one we are on the street (on a warm-for-January evening). I saw this and thought RT, and asked Allegra to capture the sign with her new I-Phone. Which she did! Follow the ruby reds at this fun meme!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Low Tide

2012-01-07T12:00:00.008-05:00

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives on a warm winter's day, about 58°F (14.5° C), not at all typical.

Today, I offer an old black-and-white print, a vacation day from many decades ago, the (then) five children along with Aunt Terry, at low tide at the, the New Jersey shore at Brigantine. Shadows are falling about the watery sand that sits below the classic Sea Gull Cottages. I am to the left...

I have spent this past December working with about 100 scanned prints, making slideshows and learning the many nuances of I-Photo, I-DVD and YouTube. That project is now complete, this old view part of that...Follow the shadows at this always fun meme!

Tina's WW - Ducking work

2012-01-03T20:00:00.003-05:00

The ducks know how to relax - in or out of the water. No worry or pressures, the day of fun is with the ducks...See Tina's WW!

Whimsical Windows - Contrasting eras

2012-01-03T15:00:00.001-05:00

Toby most graciously hosts the fun and educational meme Whimsical Windows - Delirious Doors. We look for architectural gems in windows, doors or even styles. It would seem that there is no city quite like Boston where the old and classic is surrounded by new.

Looking out the window upstairs at the Quincy Market, we look across toward Faneuil Hall, last renovated in 1899 and flanked by a tall modern building from maybe the 1990s. Not at unattractive, but devoid of New England style details such as dormers and half-moon shaped windows. A great city with great architecture!

Ruby Tuesday 2-Tilted Tree

2012-01-03T11:30:00.002-05:00

Ruby Tuesday continues! Thanks for making this second edition happen MMT!

We are fixated in the USA about Christmas being only on 25 December.

Yet in most other parts of the globe, the day can be as late as 6 January. So I am presenting a Christmas tree from a few years ago.

Balancing even a small point-and-shoot camera while in a wheelchair sometimes distorts the view slightly-the tilted (not real) conifer is the result here...

No matter the angle. with a few rubies, the pic still qualifies!

Tina's Pic Story - Atmospheric 'A'

2012-01-02T16:15:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year to all! Tina's Pic Story is back in 2012 and all is the same - we provide the pictures, she thoughtfully provides the weekly theme, which this week is the letter 'A'
I may be taking a few liberties here, yet there are several A's around, that are obvious I would hope. If not, how about...

This is the wing of an MD-80 Airplane,
the airplane wing made of Aluminum,
the plane going through the Atmosphere,
and...
the picture was taken by daughter Allegra somewhere over North Carolina

So the letter 'A' is well represented - I would say :)

Shadow Shot Sunday - Happy Birthday, Girls

2011-12-31T09:00:00.003-05:00

Shadow Shot Sunday is back, and takes me back a couple of days to December 29. Of course, the birthday of my two favorite ladies, the beautiful Patti and our lovely lass, daughter Allegra. The best of times, a perfect day. Allegra is now 23, Patti born in the 20th century and no need for further details...

As Allegra was in Boston on Thursday, we celebrated both birthdays at home yesterday, tenderloin fillets with a mustard sauce (thanks Cam!). Two beautiful ladies on a special day!

Shadows abound over the girls in these pictures seen prior in SSS (and still special): newborn Allegra arriving to our Derby (CT) home on 1 January 1989. The photos flanking are from a school trip to Paris. Shadows, smiles and wonderment make this shadowy retrospective a great memory...Happy Birthday to the girls...Happy New Year to all!

Tina's WW - Christmas (past)

2011-12-27T18:00:00.003-05:00

Parents can never forget the joy of Christmas gifts when they were little. In 1993, Allegra was 5, Cameron 3. Radio Flyer wagon, Snow White and Goofy were the gifts. I think they like what they received...See Tina's WW

Whimsical Windows - Yale environs

2011-12-27T17:00:00.003-05:00

Toby hosts the unique meme, Whimsical Windows - Delirious Doors. In this, we look all about for doors, windows and other interesting architectural details. As we are only a few miles from the city of New Haven, it is old and full of styles from many different eras. The view around Ivy League Yale University is no exception.

The architecture from then is full of slate, brick, dormers, turrets and windows surrounded by arches. The structure on the right is Welch Hall, built in 1891. I do not have the name of the other. Whatever it may be called, it evokes olde Europe in many ways. In and around an older city, we just need to have our photographic device available to capture it all...

Ruby Tuesday - Gifts under the tree

2011-12-26T16:15:00.002-05:00

Ruby Tuesday arrives during the holiday season - and I hope it was as good for you as was ours. No matter how big the kids are, it is better to give. Really!

This view full of small but requisite rubies is a Christmas tree from a few years ago. The gifts were all wrapped with care (by Patti - a better gift wrapper than I).

The day and season is always a great family time, although the night of 25 December the floor is not this neat, with paper strewn all over the carpet.

Socks and ties are still fun to receive too...

To all and especially to host Mary, a Happy New Year

Tina's Pic Story - Relaxing

2011-12-26T15:45:00.008-05:00

Tina hosts this great weekly meme, Pic Story Tuesday. We hope to let our pictures 'talk' as we post to her weekly theme, this week it is relaxing.

In the spirit of the holidays this 26 December, I am showcasing the Christmas tree from a few years ago. As for relaxation, how about our cat at the time, Sir Humphrey. No, he was not a gift! However (and cat owners know this very well), not many beings can relax as well as a cat can.

Such is the cats life...

So the gray feline is enjoying is leisure time quite well as he sits under the tree...see more at Tina's fun site!

Vintage (family) vacations

2011-12-22T21:30:00.004-05:00

The past comes alive (sort of) with my first I-Photo slideshow converted into my first YouTube video...To those in the know, we are at the Jersey Shore in the vacation hamlets of Brigantine and Atlantic City in decades past. These days were full of sun, sand, salty surf. Luigis, pigeons and Boardwalk bicycles. A vintage vacation vignette...

Sepia Scenes - Christmas tyme

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tall and tinselly, 1959

Today's Sepia Scenes is a reprise of a picture from the past. Yet the memory of the person and his sense of decorating style stays strong.

Grandpa loved big Christmas Trees, and he liked lots of tinsel on his big tree. So a sepia edit of this washed out color print takes a bit of the shine off this tree, eye protection not necessary...

We are at their home on Oregon Avenue in Steubenville Ohio, 1959. Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Terry are dressed up for Christmas and the tree is as grand as can be. A happy holiday to all!

Whimsical Windows - Ansonia Public

2011-12-20T19:30:00.001-05:00

Toby thoughtfully hosts the fun meme Whimsical Windows-Delirious Doors, and here we get to look at unique buildings and chronicle the unique architectural details that make each structure stand out. Today it is a wheelchair vantage view of our hometown Ansonia Public Library.

We live in this small city (18,500) as we look at the library. It was designed by the noted American architect George Keller, known for many monuments, including the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Hartford.

It was
opened in 1892. The exterior walls are clad in red Longmeadow freestone from western Massachusetts, with the foundation walls were of granite from local quarries in Ansonia. A stylish beauty, even if its copper roof now an oxidized green.

The woodwork inside is absolutely stunning as the exterior, the woodwork amazing. I use the the first-floor ramp, the friendly and staff will fetch whatever book I am looking for. A fine place for learning as well as architectural study, too. This is a cool meme, thanks for hosting!

Tina's WW - Ornamental

2011-12-20T14:00:00.001-05:00

Parents are happy when the children are able to celebrate the Christmas season for the first time - and get ornaments for the tree to mark the occasion...see Tina's WW!

Tina's Pic Story - Contrasting Cat

2011-12-19T15:00:00.003-05:00

Tina's Pic Story arrives again, and we are ready to participate. We provide a story in pictures, as Tina provides the weekly theme, this time it is kontrast. The story includes instead of different colors or textures, size differences and even a cat...

The always lovely Patti sets up a Christmas village. The contrast is that in the real world, the buildings are bigger than we are.

Yet here, the buildings are much smaller than us - in fact, an entire village fits in our living room

Now, our feline is much smaller than us, weighing in at a low 12 lb/ 5.5 kg. Yet, the contrast changes when he decides to pay the village a visit...

He seems to be a giant visitor that looks threatening. I think that he is actually purring here. It would seem to be safer inside - although the two tiny women do not seem afraid of the the towering cat just around the corner. Since we know Linus quite well, we wouldn't be afraid either!

Ruby Tuesday - Holiday Lighting

2011-12-18T19:00:00.028-05:00

Ruby Tuesday arrives in the Christmas holiday time where many are rushing to decorate their homes. Of course, many of the items we like to show off are manufactured of questionable quality.

Like this 'tree' of lights, a inverted cone full of lights that is to represent a coiled conifer. Made of plastic, including the stakes, also made of the flimsy material.

This was a few years ago, and I think that a strong wind toppled the tree. When Patti tried to reattach the tree, said stake broke. It could not stand.

Ever resourceful, Patti attached it to the railing by the front door. Voila, the tree stood, the ruby lights shining on a snowy Christmas night. An interesting holiday ruby to say the least!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Yule past

2011-12-17T09:00:00.012-05:00

1964, East Hartford

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 is an awesome meme that has been hosted by Brisbane artist Tracy, and continues with a new team! It has and continues to be a fun meme to contribute to as I have since September 2009. Happily, it continues as Tracy steps down from the hosting duties. Always a great meme to enjoy, as we see shadows everywhere, and we anticipate and capture said shadows. Even in old scanned prints…

1993, Ansonia

Parents like to show off their children, a common place is the Christmas holiday cards. We take the digitized view to any mass retailer who converts into cards to mail.

It was not so easy to make a photo card in 1964 in East Hartford – maybe a family photo would be inserted into a bi-fold card. In those times, the one sided picture card was not considered.

In that era of new neighborhoods, salesmen would prowl the streets to solicit. Such as the Christmas card salesman/photographer. Mom thought the idea grand and thus captured all seven of us, and quickly those who could dress themselves (all but one month old Christopher) were to gather in their Sunday best for the photo shoot. Which was the 1964 card.

Naturally, when our kids were young cherubs, we did the same. Two examples that have been scanned (film was the medium in the 1990s) are in 1993 (Cam in the Snoopy attire) and Allegra thinks 1999 was the other, that being a bit blurry. But with shadows!

1999, Ansonia

It was always fun for us parents to capture and send the cards.

Of course, Allegra and Cam are big now, and bi-fold cards are what we send now…Happy continued shadow shooting in Queensland, Tracy!

Sepia Scenes - Sound Check

2011-12-14T18:00:00.004-05:00

Sepia Scenes brings me back to a familiar subject, that is grandfather Ralph I. The guess is that we are around 1955 in downtown Steubenville Ohio, perhaps Market at Fourth Street.

When he went downtown, he dressed for the occasion - we see the coat, tie, jacket and hat. I saw this was a kid, and it shows his stylish side. Note the women who also dressed up for the city...

His business was the lease and maintenance of police and fire department two-day radios, mostly in Steubenville and Jefferson County Ohio, Brooke and Hancock counties in West Virginia.

Undoubtedly, he had something to do with the communications on the truck - maybe this is in a parade? I cannot say for sure, however this picture beautifully captures the man, his profession and his era very well...

Tina's WW - Barriers and walls

2011-12-13T15:00:00.002-05:00

I hope I don't offend, but I remember this picture from age seven. The man in glasses is my father, then a reporter for UPI based in New York City. The year is 1962, the background is the Berlin Wall as seen from West Berlin. The sky is gray, the feeling is dark. At least it has been gone 22 years...

See Tina's WW

Whimsical Windows - Older New Haven

2011-12-13T14:00:00.002-05:00

Whimsical Windows (and Delirious Doors) is back again, This fun (and perhaps informational) meme is hosted by Toby in Judea. She notes that we are merely tasked to captureswindows, doors and other interesting architectural items, post and link. I amhappy to contribute…

We live 15 minutes from New Haven Connecticut,home of Yale University – and full of old buildings. The top photo was capturedon Orange Street. It once was full of upscale homes that mostly are attorneyoffices. This one is eye-catching, I guess from the late 1880s, and full of classicdetails like turrets, arches and gingerbread trim. The modern day utility wiresare not distractions from this brick beauty – we ignore them andadmire this architectural gem.

The second subject sits along more upscale Whitney Avenue, near East Rock and north of downtown.

It is the St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The congregation started in 1840, and this building was opened in 1931.

Houses of worship bak then seemed to harken back to centuries old Europe. I do not know what the exterior of this building is clad with, but it looks very substantial.

Its windows have an old world style, the gothic (?) arches wonderfully detailed. Beautiful in a way the modern style cannot replicate.

This is a fun meme, and we all have lovely architecture that is local to us, which prompts us carry our cameras with us at all times...

Tina's Pic Story - In the Kitchen

2011-12-12T15:00:00.002-05:00

Tina so thoughtfully hosts the Tuesday fun meme
Pic Story. In this, we let the pictures do the talking, adding descriptions to enhance our photos. She has chosen the theme for the week as "In the Kitchen"

In 2005, we decided to renovate our kitchen to make it more friendly for me in the wheelchair.

I like to dabble in cooking, so it would be much easier for me to do so. The counters were lowered and I have a roll-under space for food preparation.

In the first view, I am inspecting the work. It seemed fine, and I fit under, as designed.

In the other two, I am preparing something in the ceramic slow cooker, stew or perhaps soup. During the construction, we did not have a kitchen to cook in. So when we did, it was time to cook again.

I have nothing against restaurants and microwave meals...however. but home cooking is always a little bit better.

Ruby Tuesday - Christmas in East Hartford

2011-12-11T19:15:00.001-05:00

Ruby Tuesday, hosted graciously by Mary, arrives for the week. The only rule a lot, a little red. Given that it is the Christmas/holiday season, my theme is Christmas at home in earlier times on in East Hartford Connecticut.

At left is the sort of thing we do not see these day on siblings - matching nightwear for Christmas Eve pictures. My mother purchased five matching ruby nightgowns and sort of matching ruby sleepwear for the two boys. I am hazy on the year, but believe is 1967. A while ago...

The other picture is from 1976, and I took it with the then revolutionary Polaroid SX-70 instant picture camera - those of a certain age do remember these. I was in college by then, so no matching sleep clothing. Plenty of things to open. though.And lots of ruby wrapping paper and old style (non-LED) lights. Nice memories of families together...Follow the rubies at Mary's fun meme.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Skyview

2011-12-10T10:30:00.031-05:00

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives courtesy of Tracy, down under in Brisbane.

We see shadows on the ground, underneath the sky most of the time. However, in the sky? Of course...

A couple of years ago, Allegra travelled to Grand Rapids MI for a church conference. Naturally, given my blog name, I commissioned a photo or two from upstairs. Allegra thoughtfully complied.

This is on a Continental Express EMB-145 jet somewhere between Cleveland (KCLE) and Hartford (KBDL). Shadows appear on and inside the fluffy cloud, the subtle lighting changes a treat for the viewer.

There is also evidence of the photo hunter in the window also...The graphic shows the flight tracker at the time, going the other way. Note that the computer generated plane has a shadow, too...

Ah, shadows abound all over and we (and obliging kids) capture them, so see many more at Hey Harriet!

Sepia Scenes - 7 December

2011-12-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

Sepia Scenes, thoughtfully hosted by Mary, is back. Today is December 7, the day that 'lived in infamy' back in 1941. It seems that WWII mobilized the entire USA in one form or another, and by its end, Americans were happy to see its end in August 1945.

Note the huge flag that is draped across the porch of the house.

The picture has a relative (the girl) and I guess other neighborhood kids in Steubenville Ohio involved in the shot, taken by my grandfather. It was a day to celebrate. I believe that the headline is splashed across the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and the children (and dog) are really celebrating. What began that December 7 finally ended...

Tina's WW - Kids, behave...

2011-12-06T21:15:00.003-05:00

Manydecades ago, maybe at 20 months, I was trying to make a point with big sisterMichele. Really, really trying, that is…see Tina's WW!

Whimsical Windows - Derby Neck

2011-12-06T20:00:00.002-05:00

Whimsical Windows is a neat new (to me) meme is hosted by Toby. We are tasked to captures windows, doors and other interesting architectural items. I am happy to comply!

Today we see the Derby Neck Library in our neighboring town of Derby CT.

The original structure opened in 1907, and was financed by industrialist Andrew Carnegie as one of almost 1700 Carnegie libraries built in the US. I like the style, and even with two additions in 1972 and 2002, inside and outside the style of its original era have been maintained.

It is not as sleek as modern architecture may dictate, but is classy and beautiful…

Tina's Pic Story - Trees

2011-12-05T15:00:00.002-05:00

Tina thoughtfully hosts the always fun Pic Story. In this meme, we try to let the picture 'talk', letting the scene explain itself, we merely add the background. Tina provides the weekly theme, which this week is trees.

This is an urban view from neighboring town Derby CT across the Housatonic River toward Shelton. The trees line the riverbank, and are nicely seen above - and below - the waterline. The industry is the main feature here, but a little nature improves the scene a little bit. A tree makes every scene a little nicer!

Ruby Tuesday - Classic carriage house

2011-12-04T20:00:00.001-05:00

Ruby Tuesday is back, with Mary's short proviso: a lot or alittle red. Today it is the beautiful carriage house on Elizabeth Street inDerby CT.

I have always liked the look of the red brick and Victoriangingerbread, and can almost picture the stable of horses and wagons that servedthe old owner many tears ago.

A house of elegance, style and refinement.

It was built sometime in the 19'th century, and Patti wroteof (and took the picture) of this beauty and its new owners.

Some things willnever go out of style...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Mallards and more

2011-12-03T09:00:00.005-05:00

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives courtesy of Tracy, down under in Brisbane, in the sunny springtime state of Queensland.

Obviously, as winter is slowly arriving, and as I age I am not really fond of the seasonal cold, The visual views of a warmer season, specifically August 2008, offer a bit of solace.

The always lovely Patti and I went to the Sunnyside boat launch for her story soon to be written.

The place is in Shelton CT, along the Housatonic River. Thee reason we were at this place launch was to watch the owners launch their boat and begin their seafaring journey toward Florida.

As the Patti's newspaper article noted at the time, the couple built this boat in California and actually drove east with the craft on to launch the boat in the Housatonic River for a boating adventure to Florida.

A trip to points perhaps unknown, on a watercraft built by your own hands - that seems to be the purview of novel writers. A story that has us hooked...

The second frame shows the intrepid couple motoring their way toward the Gulf coast. We wonder if the journey may be fraught with risk, yet admire their moves.

Now that the boat was out of sight, there were other pictures to be sought.

Being in a power wheelchair, I do not attempt to traverse the rocks near the water, but the intrepid Patti captures all of these cool views near the waterway.

Such as the sextet of Mallards that are hugging the shore.

Shadows abound along the banks of the river. The ripples along the surface accent the sky reflecting upon it.

The trees that line the banks fall upon the ducks, who are no doubt blissfully unaware of the photographer and the shade of the trunks. Paddling, waddling or climbing the rocky shore, they casually pose for the photographer.

Who can see inside the mind of at least our favorite waterfowl? The duck's life does seem without worry or care...

On the way home, Patti captures the river from above while we traverse the Commodore Hull Bridge back home.

The last view is in actually an urban setting - yet feels like the country. The foliage along its banks offers shadows, the boat below seems to be quietly moored. I wonder what its ultimate destination will be?

Follow many shadowy exploits from all over at the always fun Hey Harriet

Sepia Scenes - Snow covered

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sepia Scenes is back, and I like this view of one of many 1960s tract homes, the suburban reality of the era. More specifically, it was our home around December 1963, The place is Wickham Drive in East Hartford, Connecticut, the time around Christmas - and snow on the ground. A perfect painting with a mild antique edit. Enough antique, in fact, to take care of the sun-drenched and nearly blinding snow. The kids at the time just wanted to play in it - and did. See sepia artistry at Mary's meme!

Tina's WW - Retrieving

2011-11-29T16:27:00.004-05:00

Not my dog - but Golden Retriever brandy will happily return whatever you throw into the water. Nice doggie...see Tina's WW!

Tina's Pic Story - Glass

2011-11-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

Tina thoughtfully hosts the fun weekly meme Pic Story. We are to try to let the picture speak its '1000 words' as she provides the weekly theme - this week it is glas (glass)

I see a vehicle as the place where I glass, the view outside as well as inside. To see where we are going and maybe where we have been. So I offer two examples of the weekly theme. The first was taken by the always lovely Patti. As I drive, Patti keeps the camera and on a longer trip, she finds the subjects. In this case, she captures the photographer in the passenger side wing mirror. The glass is what she looks through to get the picture on the mirror, also made of this material

On the second, we were on vacation/holiday on Cape Cod one year, and the kids noticed this rear window. What is hard to believe is the number of colleges/universities are represented. Wow, that is a lot of higher education on the rear window. Great I think, except for the only question: if they had that many children in college, how could they possibly afford to go on holiday? See more pictures in this theme at Tina's fun meme!

Ruby Tuesday - Colonial kids

2011-11-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mary thoughtfully hosts the fun meme Ruby Tuesday; and the rule is simple: A lot or a little red.

Today, that simple dictum takes me bak to a recent open house at the historic David Humphreys House in Ansonia.

The house dates back to the early-mid 1700s, and today, thee open hearth cooking was delicious (squash pie, pumpkin soup, real cornbread, etc). A treat!

What of the rubies? The Derby Historical Society is populated with junior docents, kids that have an interest in history and assisted in preparing the feast. The colonial dress adds the appropriate air to the open house, as well as today's ruby...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Luxury Living, 1762

2011-11-26T09:00:00.008-05:00

Shadow Shot Sunday brings me to one of my favorite homestead museums, the Humphreys House just down the hill from us in Ansonia, once part of our small neighbor City of Derby. David Humphreys has been written about before, a unique person of history who lived close to us, and there is unique history in every town - we hope to learn it well.

This is a typical well-to-do home of the day. This room, the study, looks Puritan stark. However, it nevertheless spoke of luxury living in its day. This being the 'formal' room, it is plain by our modern day soft ideas, the softest thing here the wicker chairs. Not to mention no central heat with three drafty fireplaces that are warm for no more than one meter beyond the embers. Brrrr!

Nevertheless, a fineabode in the pre-Revolutionary US. Style and comfort are of their respective eras, and it represents an affluent living for a gentleman of his day...see more shadows of style, comfort and substance at the fun Hey Harriet!

Thanksgiving - Reasons

2011-11-24T12:00:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving is a holiday that advises us to give thanks for all of or blessings and abundance. Of course, any measure of this does not need just one day, but should be part of us always, every day.

Naturally, our family is reason enough. We go through trials, yet we are here together. Still, every day a blessing, the four of us as one.

Patti has her share of trials these days - and we are all thankful that the prognosis is excellent, and Patti's once voluminous hair is returning - another blessing!

This view is not on a sunny day, the low ceiling and briny Atlantic mist might not seem the day for this place. With my favorite three, Nauset Beach on the Cape is as brilliant a day as ever. Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Sepia Scenes - Sunset at 31,000 ft

2011-11-23T11:00:00.002-05:00

Sepia Scenes is back, and I am ready! Today is an old print from the 1986. It is the setting sun on the port side wing of an L-1011 (a fine plane) of Eastern Airlines (remember them?) winging its way to La Guardia airport in New York City (not a fan). The print is old, the golden sun allowing a perfect reason for a slight antique edit, cutting the glare a bit...everyone have a fine Thanksgiving!

Tina's WW - Birthday

2011-11-22T14:00:00.003-05:00

On 23 November, we wish a Happy Birthday to college kid and son Cameron. 21 years is a milestone, even if you are still a big kid to us! The pictures speak at Tina's WW...

Tina's Pic Story - Jungle Cat

2011-11-21T15:00:00.002-05:00

Tina again thoughtfully hosts the fun picture meme Tina's Pic Story. She provides the weekly theme, we showcase our story-in-a-picture. The theme this week is Leafs.

So, how about a jungle plant (of sorts) full of leaves, the perfect thing to hide the suburban hunter Linus. He looks as if he is a jungle cat himself, but alas for him, he is too soft to actually live there. At home he is safely protected by wood, vinyl and glass - and food when he wants. He can then pretend to to be the brave cat he is not really...

Ruby Tuesday - Stuffing

2011-11-21T09:00:00.004-05:00

The start of something good

Thanksgiving arrives this week, and I have a few reds for Mary's Ruby Tuesday. We have much to be thankful for, and all four of us will be home to enjoy conversation and food - in that order...

We will not stuff the bird, but will make the stuffing anyway. We like this particular brand, however will enhance the product a bit for more flavor: onion and celery for aromatic flavors; an apple for a hint of sweetness; sausage (turkey sausage is a fine sub); cider for moisture and butter. The apple cider is added to the mixture before baking for moistness. I love the smell of onions and celery cooking in butter on Thanksgiving morning.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Shadowy worship

2011-11-19T09:00:00.005-05:00

Shadow Shot Sunday returns amid this cold autumn morn. Underneath a sunny and clear and brilliantly blue sky, a day to admire and dress warmly.

Granted, these temps seem chilly now (36°F / 2°C) but balmy if on a day in mid-January. I guess it takes awhile for us to adapt to the seasonal changes...

With the trees minus most of their leaves, the trunks and limbs allowing for shadowy highlights.

The stone subject is Christ Episcopal Church in Ansonia. This house of worship dates back to its Anglican roots as far back as 1737. This building, the latest in the parish lineage itself was completed in 1896.

The outside structure was constructed in granite from Ansonia and graystone from New Jersey.

The always lovely Patti was on a
story assignment today, covering a local third-grade class program at the church, and since I was not working today, I drove.

As I am height challenged, I commissioned Patti to take a few shadowy photos - a nice day made even nicer with shadows. The fine detailing is from a time long gone. The gothic arches over windows and doors are classic, the granite nicely delineating the stained glass from the stone.

The neatest detail sits at the top of the bell tower, and these are gargoyles. The mythical stone creatures seem to aim toward the four corners of the world from their perch located above South Cliff Street.

Shadowy entrants from all over congregate at Tracy's fun meme. To see them all, visit Hey Harriet

Tina's WW - Bearly moving

2011-11-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

A cute and furry bruin on a hot Nebraska day. However, do not confuse him with your favorite teddy bear! See Tina's WW!

Furry? Yes! Friendly? I'd rather not ask...

Tina's Pic Story - Heart

2011-11-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

Tina thoughtfully hosts the fun meme Pic Story. We try to let the picture tell the story. She provides the weekly theme for us, and this week is Heart.

I see it is being both the feelings we have, and the familiar shape we all know. So I showcase of our firstborn, daughter Allegra (who was once little). We always have that affection, even as a really big kid (22) now. And, the old scanned print has a surprise that we see between Mickey and Minnie - a number of red hearts floating on the denim outfit.

So now we have heart and see hearts too. Thanks Tina for this week's theme!

Ruby Tuesday - Meal and a half...

2011-11-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

Mary's Ruby Tuesday brings me back all the way to yesterday. A co-worker of mine had her wedding/reception last night. The bride and groom are such an attractive couple and nice too. And we got dressed for the occasion, Patti a dress and a jacket and tie for myself - fun and semi-elegant pair well...

On RT, we looks for reds, and at an Italian eatery in West Haven, my choice was veal Riccardo, with the addition of eggplant, ricotta and mozzarella, all sitting under a ruby red sauce. Patti had the same in chicken. I know what we are having for dinner tonight. That is the first ruby...

The second is the Merlot that the waiter kindly poured for Patti and myself. We celebrated the newly married, while in this digital age we capture rubies too. Multi-tasking can be fun!

Shadow Shot Sunday - East Hartford Easter

2011-11-12T09:00:00.048-05:00

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives courtesy of Tracy - based normally down under in Brisbane, but currently on holiday on the Great Barrier Reef. Hoping you are enjoying the sun and surf...

This week's submission takes me back to my youth in East Hartford Connecticut. The year is 1968, the day Easter Sunday, in the front yard along Wickham Drive. The yellow easter finery is on sister Michele, the era where a new outfit was often purchased.

The two gentlemen are also named Ralph, Grandpa (L) and my father. Shadows abound, under the three participants.

A shadow falls underneath the new family hauler, a maroon 1968 VW Microbus with a mere 57 horsepower (43 Kw).

All I remember was that this VW was slooooow, molasses flowing faster than this. However, when shadows are available, who cares about speed?

Time and poor storage have not been kind to these prints, full of fade and blemish. I scanned these a few years ago, and I do not have proper photo software to fix, so edits were not made. Yet, the past seems quite alive even if full of scratches. My seventh grade memories are a bit scratchy these days too...See more of the shadowy world at the always fun Hey Harriet!

Tina's WW - Seasonally cold

2011-11-08T20:00:00.001-05:00

Not to worry, this was not last week, but 12 January (38 cm). Buried in this is a Hyundai and a shrub or two...see Tina's WW!

Tina's Pic Story - Indoor and inside

2011-11-07T19:30:00.002-05:00

Tina most graciously hosts her fun meme, Pic Story. Here, we let the pictures talk, explaining as little as possible, each frame a story. She has chosen for this weeks theme as Indoor.

So, we have here a pair of kitties with their instinctive curiosity. What has captured their fancy is a cloth grocery bag. Not only do they jump onto the table to inspect your food purchases, they are even more insistent on inspecting the bag that you carried in. Not just the outside, but the inside too. So the indoor felines are both indoor as well as inside. Good cats!

Ruby Tuesday - Laundry comfort

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ruby Tuesday is Mary's fun meme, with the mere requirement of red, a lot or a little.

This week showcases Linus, our family feline friend. I am not sure how he ended up in a pile of clean laundry - although probably now with a trace of white/tan dander included.

Did he jump into the full laundry basket, and it tumbled off the futon? A likely scenario. The ruby is the small corners of a red beach towel, not counting his pink (derived from red) nose? I think the towel better represents a proper ruby...See Mary's meme for many worldwide ruby subjects!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Snow way

2011-11-05T10:30:00.008-04:00

View to the north

Toward the South, and driveway

Shadow Shot Sunday is thoughtfully hosted by Tracy in sunny and dry Brisbane. If weather is the theme for the day, how about a freaky autumn snowstorm.

Last Saturday, 29 October, it snowed. Problems for many in this state - there are those north of us, many customers do not have electricity still.* We kept ours thankfully, so we could focus on at least the nice snowy views.

The always lovely Patti captured these shots early last Sunday. Cold and snow are not preferred, but shadows and sun add a bit of artistry to any home...See shadowy art from all over the globe at Hey Harriet!

*Falling trees full of leaves and heavy and wet snow fell onto utility lines, which caused the power problems for over 600,000 customers in our state...

Sepia Scenes - Kids, 1942

2011-11-02T07:00:00.001-04:00

Sepia Scenes and Steubenville seems to be a recurring theme for me. However, so many neat prints are being discovered in the inherited archives, it is a theme that bears repeating.

I will guess the year is 1942, and I know the players (L-R) as Grandma V (Agnes), baby Aunt Terry and my father, the photographer Grandpa, Ralph I.

By the summer of 1942 and in WWII, gasoline rationing was in place and long trips in cars were out. So I assume they stayed close to home at a park (nearby Belleview?). Terri seems to be a happy baby...a fun look at the past.

See more at Mary's monochrome magic meme

Tina's WW - Snow kidding

2011-11-01T16:30:00.005-04:00

Snow on 29 October is way early. Patti's smiling pumpkin does not seem to care...See Tina's WW!

They arrived, they tricked, we treated

2011-11-01T09:30:00.004-04:00

Halloween last night - 121 costumed beings showed up, and we were pleased. Instead of tally marks, we kept the laptop open. Alas, we ran out at 7:19 PM. Only four pieces of candy left, with eight consumers not too far away. Not enough for all. So. we extinguished the light. The day an unqualified success...

Tina's Pic Story - My kind of town

2011-10-31T14:00:00.003-04:00

Tina graciously hosts the fun meme Pic Story. We hope to let the pics shout their 1000 words, while she provides the theme for the week it is meine Stadt - my Town. I am happy to provide information while letting the pictures do as much talking as possible.

My town is Ansonia, Connecticut, population about 18,500. It sits near Long Island Sound, about 85 miles northeast of New York City. An old manufacturing town, it has a only a little bit of industry left. However, it now more is a suburb for the nearby New Haven and Bridgeport.

We have lived here since 1991, when Allegra was aged two years and Cameron a baby at four months. Thus, it is our home.

Here are two views of the Ansonia city hall, decorated for the autumn. The views were taken on two different years at different exposures. The building was opened in 1905, and modified in 1993 for wheelchair access. It is gorgeous inside with beautiful and ornate woodwork from that era.

This is a brief bit of detail about my town - Thanks Tina for this week's theme!

Ruby Tuesday - October snow?

2011-10-31T07:00:00.001-04:00

Ruby Tuesday arrives a mere day after an odd occurrence.

Snow on October 29, that is. Ansonia received 4 inches (10 cm) of the frozen precip, Being in southern Connecticut not far from Long Island Sound, makes this stranger still.

The ruby is the taillight on my Dodge the morning after. A strange phenomenon, it may look pretty, except 29 October is a tad too early...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Shadowy Statuary

2011-10-29T10:30:00.006-04:00

Derby, CT - Town Green

Seymour, CT - French Memorial Park

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives courtesy of Tracy Brisbane. Spring may be down under, although we are awaiting snow tonight - snow is a dumb idea in October in southern Connecticut. We are not the Great White North here...

However, shadows are the theme so I revert to the summer and its sights. These statues are in two nearby towns, and represent this Pennsylvania battle America July 1-3 1863. Much has been written of the battle, and we agree that a civil war needs to be avoided at all costs. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is an eloquent two-minute, 221 word speech that alludes to this (if only today's politicians could be as brief as this...)

That said, we see on the left the statue in Derby, south of Ansonia, and in Seymour, to the north. Both are somber with the soldiers (in Union uniform) looking the same. Each offers an artistry that accepts light and shadow equally and ought to make us think...See shadows from all over at her meme Hey Harriet

Sepia Scenes - Halloween Party

2011-10-26T09:30:00.002-04:00

Sepia Scenes brings us back to little kids at this time of dressing up in costumes. Here, it is our then babes at Allegra's pre-school Halloween party - sibling Cameron was invited.

Daughter Allegra is two months shy of her fourth birthday, Cam a month before his second.

The gathering occurred in 1992, and snacks were provided!

Allegra was the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland.

Cam was a stegosaurus, a smiling dinosaur on a dual purpose costume and jammies - parents like that multi-tasking...

The snacks were happily devoured. Dress up and little kiddies are always a fond memory. See Mary's meme for sepia all over.

Tina's WW - Under the Rainbow

2011-10-25T15:00:00.003-04:00

Allegra graduates high school, 2006 - mom Patti captured the rainbow, a sure sign that her future is bright...see Tina's WW

Pic Story - Silver

2011-10-24T15:00:00.013-04:00

Tina thoughtfully hosts the fun weekly meme, Pic Story. Our task is to let the picture do the talking while she provides the weekly theme, which this week is gold or silver.

I do not have the gold subject now, however will happily go for the silver. Although my subject for this week might not describe a piece of jewelry, but an equally precious item, our late family feline, Sir Humphrey of Upland.

A Maine Coon, he was gray, and that of many shades. However, I see silver in his mane - granted, most might see gray, but the argent seems to be there also (at least as I see it :) To make things even more color challenged here, this guy even had a hint of brown too, but that is even harder to see here. He was a fine specimen, and silver is here - not like a necklace or bracelet, but a jewel of a feline in his day!

Ruby Tuesday - Shark Fin

2011-10-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

Ruby Tuesday arrives with a ruby that was posted in passing before. Yet, in the world of ruby red captures, it is a favorite of mine.

The underlying vehicle is a 1961 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport, a beautiful restoration of a quick performing car of its day.

What appeals to me here is the 1960s American car trim. Here, the front fender (wing) chrome plated shark style dorsal fin sitting upon it. We see it here in three modes: subject, shadow and reflection.

A bold capture of style in the details - American cars may have been of dubious quality back then, but fabulous style - they had it all!

See ruby magic from all over at Mary's fun meme!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Boardwalk Bicyclists

2011-10-22T10:30:00.001-04:00

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives courtesy of Tracy, down under in hopefully sunny Brisbane. Sun reminds me of family vacations on the New Jersey shore. That would include the Sea Gull cottages and the later Sea Gull Motel on Brigantine Island for normal kid beach activities.

Atlantic City was a playground in the 1940's, but by 1965, the glitz for grownups had disappeared - however, the kids loved the place as a vacation was fun. Casino's arrived starting in 1978, and perhaps saved the tourist destination - if rundown, I never cared.

We went to nearby Atlantic City for family diversions, Ralph I (the sage of Steubenville) was the photographer with his then state of the art German Exa SLR camera. One of these was early morning bicycle riding on the famous Boardwalk. The day probably started with a cool Atlantic Ocean mist (given the sweaters) but warmed up nicely. If I recall, the bikes had to be returned by 10:00.

The year is 1965, and the boardwalk was empty early. I assume the day started misty, as sweaters were donned for awhile. The day was a beauty with subtle shadows about. The girls all had matching outfits. I am in the upper left with a fourth grade sense of style - stripes and plaid? Even the patriarch rode a bike with someone else taking the shot.

Summer and shadows - a natural pairing. See shadows from all over at the fun Hey Harriet!

Sepia Scenes - Wading

2011-10-19T07:00:00.003-04:00

Sepia Scenes goes back to the vacation days of yore (1961) on the New Jersey shore.

Younger sister Vicki (age 2) seems to enjoy the low tide, walking in the wet sand with the receding salt water. Naturally, Grandpa occupied the same area, Exa SLR in hand.

Vicki has a two-year look of the world, and complies perfectly with an impish look.

The black-and-white print, beach and Brigantine's Sea Gull cottages seem a perfect fit for sepia. The vacation days of yore make for fine memories.

See more sepia magic at Mary's meme

Tina's WW - Symphony on Ice

2011-10-18T15:00:00.003-04:00

Big sister (still) Michele at age 5. The 1959 ice queen of Minnesota?...See Tina's WW

Tina's Pic Story - Grilled to perfection

2011-10-17T15:00:00.002-04:00

Tina thoughtfully hosts Pic Story, a really fun meme. We use our pictures to tell a story and hopefully it is told well. She picks the weekly theme, and this week it is food.

The restaurant is the fine Carmine's Tuscan Grill in New Haven, the subject this week - grilled vegetables with a balsamic vinegar glaze. Eggplant, zucchini, asparagus and peppers are used. Stylish and delicious, with a glass of Pinot Grigio, a light yet filling meal. Buon appetito!

Ruby Tuesday - Ruby Triumph

2011-10-17T07:00:00.004-04:00

Ruby Tuesday arrives at the end of the car show schedule up north. The cars will be taken out sparingly from this point until the mere hint of snow. Naturally, given my avocation for rolling sculptures from the past, the point-and-shoot comes along.

Patti and I went to one last week, and this very cool 1960 Triumph TR-3 captured my attention in shape and style, especially the wire wheels and cut down doors of this two-seat sports car. But what made this vehicle so beautiful is the sheen from the bold paint, so smooth that both picture takers appear in the red mirror. A perfect hue for RT (or is it TR)! See more iterations of ruby at Mary's meme...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Mandatory Chrome

2011-10-15T09:00:00.007-04:00

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives courtesy ofTracy, down under in Brisbane

Up north the autumnal skies are blue, theambient temperature a warm 82°(28°C), the sun in the South with itslong rays – perfect for shadows.

And what better subject than cars, the olderthe better. It sounds like a broken record, but I am enamored in old vehicles,the American cars so overstyled, almost like abstract art.

Wildly sculpted sheet metal, flowing all over and accentedby chrome. And the brightwork in not applied merely on the small details, butdraped all over.

The vehicle on top is a 1932 LaSalle, (seen earlier) a companion brand to the more expensive Cadillac. This cost $2395 in its depression year of sale, an astronomical price in those tough times. The chrome is more gingerly applied to highlight the heron ornament on the radiator and the lights.

By 1954, this Chevrolet had a brilliance on the grille and bumper. The shiny chrome offers no challenge to reflecting the photographer and Patti traversing the grounds under the cars…

The chrome covering this 1963 Impala wheel offers a neat styling touch.Of course, the shiny metal offers a sort of fisheye view of the shape andshadow of the vehicle 1957 Chevrolet resplendent in its sweeping fins and Dusk Pearl paint parked next door. The convex shape allows the reflection within toalmost float.

As early as age 4 (1959),American cars looked different every year, the changing details that drew me into admire the details at a young age, which continues to this day. Patti joinedme in this quest, visiting an old car show at the technical high school about1000 feet from our home

Granted, cars of that day had more style but less ofeverything else, especially safety and quality. Once you have a family, give methe things of today that matter, like lots of air bags, ABS and dual air.However, today’s cars are more functional and not rolling the rollingsculptures of the past.

There were also stylish trucks exhibited theretoo. I was drawn to a 1964 Mack with six massive chrome wheels and lots ofshine to catch one’s eye. On the hood here many shadows around and under thebulldog and trim.

Given my height challenges, Patti captured the traditionalchrome Mack bulldog ornament - see her (in yellow) in the reflection? The canine stands tall, proud andreflective under a blue sky.

Old cars are interesting as art, and maybe the thinking of their era. Function ought to count for far more of why we choose a vehicle. Butthe days of fin and chrome seem to command our attention and emotions a bitmore

See shadows from all overat the always fun Hey Harriet!

Sepia Scenes - 1932 Shopper

2011-10-11T21:00:00.000-04:00

Sepia Scenes arrives courtesy of Mary in Whitestone NYC. This monochrome meme brings an enhanced period quality to all pictures and other printed material from its era.

It seems that we all remember how low prices were in the 'good old days'. Well, how about food shopping in 1932 (way before I was born :). As part of the 1932 La Salle V8 exhibited at last weekend's car show in Ansonia, the owner supplied period advertisements for our review - and we looked in awe at the selection and prices of the Depression era...

Daniel Reeves was a New York City based grocery chain, totaling 408 stores when the chain was acquired by Safeway Stores in 1941.

By 2011 standards, the pricing is low indeed: 1/2 gallon of apple cider for $0.25, their coffee at the same price and Bells poultry seasoning at $0.08. But as we see today, prices only seem to go in one direction...Sepia and the past pair nicely!

Tina's WW - Baby arrive home

2011-10-11T15:00:00.001-04:00

Allegra arrives home, 1/1/1989. Three days old and mom admires the miracle. The print may be faded but never the memories...see Tina's WW!

Tina's Pic Story - Reflective

2011-10-10T15:00:00.001-04:00

The picture is worth many words - perhaps as many as 1000. Yet we hope to look first at the picture to see if we can figure out the scene - but sometimes an explanation is okay, too.

Tina thoughtfully hosts her fun meme, Tina's Pic Story. We enjoy this because we all have a few views to share, and the varied weekly theme is chosen by her. This week it is reflections.

This past Saturday, daughter Allegra and I went to a street fair in our town of Ansonia (CT), known as the Harvest Festival. It was a not typical cool Autumn day, but sunny and warm with a temperature of 78°F (26°C), a day to enjoy the outdoor sights.

Here is a beautiful old car, a 1932 Cadillac LaSalle 'rumble seat' coupe. It is a stunning burgundy in color, and with the strong sun, allowed for reflections of the both of us and the 1932 magazine sitting on the running board. Allegra uses her phone to capture us admiring the car. The car has a classy style that reflects well - what about us?

Ruby Tuesday - Harvest Fair

2011-10-10T10:03:00.001-04:00

Ansonia's Harvest Festival was held on Saturday, and the vendors (and ruby opportunities) abounded. The day was a gorgeous early autumn 78° (26°C), with blue skies and no humidity.

So, Ruby Tuesday allows the obvious reds to appear from the obvious subject: food. Any street fair has lots of it, and the signs here have the requisite reds. Although, I actually had a chicken quesadilla - but took no pictures. However, what is more fair food than fried dough? See rubies is all forms at Mary's colorful meme...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Serene Scene

2011-10-08T10:18:00.001-04:00

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives during the early stages of our Autumn in the northeast US. Yet, warm weather still sits overhead, and we keep the warmth in our minds as the snow will fall someday soon. Our memories will keep us warm (sort of)...

Above is a capture courtesy of the delightful Patti, and it is a summer view of the trees and water in a park in our neighboring small (13,000) city of Derby CT. It was owned by the local water company, but donated to the city as a park. It is a very serene scene, the day warm but not humid; the water still, barely a ripple traversing the surface.

I would love to have a home with the glass door leading to a deck with such a view in the summer. In the winter not so much, minus leaves on the trees and ice on the surface. Above is shown the seasonal view to savor... See more of the shadowy fun at Hey Harriet!

Sepia Scenes - 1939 Exhibition

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

An old monochrome black-white picture is a fine glimpse into the past. A sepia edit often adds even more character. Mary's Sepia Scenes is a fine meme for monochrome memories.

This is my father at the New York World's Fair, I guess in the summer of 1939, which would make him almost 12 years old. The sign says this looks to be the Futurama exhibit, sponsored by General Motors. There seems to be long line to enter.

The fantastic imaginary future was on people's minds in the USA, and at the fair, probably no one was thinking of the terrible war in Europe to begin in Early 1940. However a fair is a place to relax and perhaps escape reality (for a while, at least). Which my father and parents no doubt did...

Tina's WW - Ralph at work...

2011-10-04T15:00:00.002-04:00

Not me, I was a mere babe in 1955, but was named after my grandfather...See Tina's WW

Tina's Pic Story - Slim Sunset

2011-10-03T15:00:00.004-04:00

The back yard of our home in Ansonia Connecticut, USA
About 85 miles (137 km) northeast of midtown Manhattan, New York City

Tina's Pic Story is back, and I am ready. She nicely explains its simple premise as One picture is worth a 1000 words, and we agree. Tina has picked this week's theme as Sunrise/Sunset.

I have a sunset that sits slender in the frame, and is from a few years ago, I think in autumn. What makes the fiery sky look so small here is the very dark and stormy clouds that sit between the setting sun on the bottom and the blue/gray evening sky on top. We are looking toward the west-northwest from our living room window. We see how dark it is outside as the streetlight below is on...we are always intrigued by our views of the sky...

Ruby Tuesday - Before and After

2011-10-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

Ruby Tuesday returns, and our quest begins for any/all items in red.

This is the before and after of yesterday's dinner, and that was chili, the ubiquitous American meat and bean stew. The classic Texas chili is made of beef and hot peppers. However, mom modified it, including celery, and onions.

Our family was of seven children, so one-pot meals, like chili, were the norm.

Meals were made to taste good (and were) while feeding all, but she would not make anything else special for any one who chose to not eat the Entrée du Jour...

The before is on top. When I make it, I like to sauté the onions, celery, ruby bell pepper and red jalapeños prior to adding the meat. Today it was ground beef, but (please don't tell the traditionalists :) I have also used chicken, turkey and black beans...

The rubies show up well in either form...

Our kitchen has been modified for the wheelchair with lowered and roll-under counters. However, that is not the best for picture taking - Allegra kindly took these shots from a standing position - the view above makes it easier to spot said rubies.

See more and more red at Mary's fun meme

Shadow Shot Sunday - Farmville finery

2011-10-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Shadow Shot Sunday arrives courtesy of Tracy in sunny Brisbane. Shadows show up in many a frame if sought. If not, and shadows present themselves, it might make a fine SSS entry.

Last week, winter was the theme, today it is a warm summer landscape. This week is in the Summer a few years ago, the place looking like a true gentleman’s farm on Route 254 in Northfield CT. There are chickens, cows, pastures and a barn. It appears to be more a labor of love than a giant place of agribusiness. I have always liked this view.

This picture was taken by Allegra (hand controls and cameras do not pair well at speed :). Under a brilliant sun, shadows fall under the trees. The bonus unplanned effect: the reflections on the interior glass inside the van feel like sun rays.

Shadows and reflections can be artistry in motion or still. See so many more at the fun Hey Harriet!

Sepia Scenes - Autumnal low tide

2011-09-28T09:30:00.004-04:00

Sepia Scenes returns in a new season, the Summer now gone. In the warmer season, one might think more of a swim in Long Island Sound at low tide.

Now, we stay on the walkway on the West Haven beach walkway. On a cloudy day, the water with a gray-brown color, not the preferred fair weather blue. So the antique setting allows for softer hues of both sand and water...

See more sepia at Mary's fine meme.

Tina's WW - 'Say Cheese' said the photographer...

2011-09-27T16:37:00.001-04:00

See Tina's Wordless Wednesday; 1957, L-R: Claudia, Mom, Michele, dad, myself

Tina's Pic Story - Colorful eatery

2011-09-26T12:30:00.004-04:00

Tina graciously hosts the unique blog Tina's PicStory - every picture allows for 1,000 words. We merely need to capture the photo. The theme this week is Colors.

This is one of our favorite eateries, the Olympia Diner on the Berlin Turnpike (Routes 5 and 15) in Newington CT. Opened in 1952, this seems to be the last of the era of stainless-steel train car style diners. One of my favorite dishes is the corned beef hash - the best I've had anywhere.

The colors stand out especially in the neon sign - the bold red Olympia and the bright yellow Diner are combined with the green walls inside the restaurant. The fluted steel is a fine silver color and the building sits under a pale gray-blue evening sky. I think that I am able to comply with this theme...

See the wonderful world of color at this fun meme!

Ruby Tuesday - Waiter...please!

2011-09-25T23:00:00.001-04:00

Ruby Tuesday arrives, and for Mary's fun meme, we today feature our erstwhile feline, Linus.

There are some my might advise that Linus has a caramel color, not ruby at all. I agree...however, the Yankee Candle offers a requisite red to the scene. As a lot or a little qualifies, we are now set. However Linus is a participant in the scene. Was customer Linus satisfied with the service? He is not saying...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Beyond Autumn

2011-09-24T09:00:00.004-04:00

Shadow Shot Sunday, by Tracy in Brisbane, accents any season quite well...

Happily, in Oz and NZ, it is now Spring. It matters not in the climate is temperate or four-season, the end of Winter invigorates us, with new flora and longer days.

Of course, the change to Spring down under means that it is now Autumn in Southern New England - which has its charms especially early on. In fact, it is warm and humid today.

The choices for this SSS do not hint of Autumn. The end of Summer does not mean a cold snap now...

So I am not anticipating the blunt hammer of frozen precipitation.

Yet for us, the snowy winter was abnormal in accumulation - the latest winter season got old, and quickly with three snowy blizzards and a massive ice storm. We may not in a precursor to this yet. However, cooler temps and shorter days are now the rule.

The elegant Patti captured these nice views of the morning-after-the third major snow of 27 January.

I have written before of the beauty of the newest snow and crisp, clean air.

And shadows abound, as the storm front has departed last night and the long southerly sun leaves very pleasing effects from the trees to the houses to the vehicles.

It looks cold, and wheelchairs and snow make for an unholy mix. But on such a day, the shadows are celebrated.

In fact, we were tired of the many snowy occasions - so the artistry of shadows were the sole redeeming factor of the weather...Not to worry about these sights, tomorrow it will be a rainy 74° (25°C).

See seasonal shadowy sights at the always delightful Hey Harriet!

Sepia Scenes - Reclaimed memories

2011-09-21T09:45:00.003-04:00

Sepia Scenes arrives, and the monochrome meme brings me back a few generations to my youth...This old photo is one of the many prints that have been scanned. This actually is a quite faded color view of the homestead at 115 Wickham Drive in East Hartford, CT. I guess the time is around Christmastime 1965. I picked that date because:

As a color pic, Grandpa took it, and he and Grandma visited our families in the odd years (Aunt Terry's family the even years).
The trees that were planted when the sub-development was built in 1963 have not grown much
My guess as to the probable ages of my younger siblings: Vicki (age 6) and Christopher (16 months)

The quality of this color print is poor - replacing the faded hues with sepia is an improvement. The snowfall is nice, a white Christmas a rare event in these parts...See Mary's meme for more monochrome memory magic!

Tina's WW - Stealthy Camino Capture

2011-09-20T13:29:00.003-04:00

See Tina's WW

The director's chair...

Tina's Pic Story - Macro-Micro Canine

2011-09-19T12:00:00.003-04:00

Pic Story is thoughtfully hosted by Tina, who has chosen the theme this week as Macro.

I have not actually used yet the macro function on the family Canon point-and-shoot camera. So this is a new thing for me to try, and I think that I have found the subject that is small enough to use the macro to allow the subject to grow a little more.

It is a neighbor, a large guy who is presenting his new pet, a Toy Chihuahua with the big dog name of Rocco. At a mere three pounds (1.5 kg), this is a small canine that poses nicely for the meme chaser (me :)

I was happy to try a macro edit...nice doggie! See more artistic themes at Tina's Goodies For a Pleasant Life!