Shadow Shot Sunday - Pre Sandy Shoreline

Shadow Shot Sunday is back after the super storm Sandy wreaked its way onto the northeast earlier this week. 

As we live about 8 miles inland (13 km) from Long island Sound, we never lost electricity and damage in this area was minimal, although New Jersey, Long Island, New York City and much of the Connecticut shore are devastated - the thing about water is its beauty when calm yet ugly in its fury during a storm...





I chose early autumn pictures of the water in West Haven CT on a beautiful day - as a contrast to this week's destruction. The day was beautiful, the water calm and sky blue.

The first video shows erosion of the beach but not as much as other parts of the shore and at about 2:57 (at the 12:00 position), the gazebo may still be there as it sits above a sea wall. We cannot understate the force of this massive tidal surge - but can marvel at it on a nice day..

Whimsical Windows - Road Food

Retro cool neon sign on the equally classic rail car ans stainless steel Olympia Diner

Toby hosts the most fun meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors where we look for cool elements in windows, doors and such. This week I am using picture seen before, but still a favorite - the neon-signed Olympia Diner on the famed Berlin Turnpike in Newington Connecticut. The stainless steel structure was built in 1952 and evokes the classic rail car era diner of the past - and when we make the one-hour trip to Hartford, we often detour to dine here. For me, their corned beef hash is the best, and the rest of the menu, such as club sandwiches smothered in fries are perhaps not good for you. But really good anyhow!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Pre Halloween

The pumpkin maintains its composure despite the odd weather. Photo by Patti

Shadow Shot Sunday is back at an odd time - what is it with weather systems and Halloween? Usually the end of October is cooler but not full of weather phenomenon it seems. Last year, it was the Saturday before Halloween (29 Oct 2011) and just before the spooky holiday, a coastal storm left lots of snow in southern Connecticut. 

This year, megastorm Sandy is churning up the Atlantic coast about to hit the area Sunday (28 Oct) - I hope our power stays on with the massive winds and rain forecast, too warm for snow this year, the only plus I see to a hurricane/cyclone in 2012.

But perhaps it is the time for weird things to happen...the Perfect Storm in 1991 also started on...28 October! Spooky coincidences or worse - who knows? Anyway, snowy ground does make for nice shadows. Trick or treat I guess...

Ruby Tuesday - Parents last weekend

At the University of Hartford that is! Our son and software expert Cameron will have enough credits to graduate in December, so the last Parents Weekend is the last. Perfect for Ruby Tuesday 2 also as their colors are red and white. At the BBQ luncheon, it was quite cool but at least sunny - and the favors on the table were young and not-quite-in-bloom ruby mums. On the tag on the plant is noted Hawktober weekend in honor of their mascot, Howie Hawk. A bonus ruby is the new addition to Hillyer Hall, its ruby detail adding some angular style to the classroom building. A nice day of family and food (in that order)...

Whimsical Windows - New feeling old

Connecticut made crafts and food may be found at this charming store in Seymour Connecticut. Photo by Patti

Toby hosts the fun window/door/architectural meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors, and here is I the All-American Valley General Store in neighbor town Seymour. The lovely Patti captured the subject for this post for a newspaper article and I made the edit a light sepia edit that allows this modern iteration of an old general store look more in character - the structure was built in 1917. I haven't been here yet, but the proprietor sells only Connecticut-made products and crafts - an idea of real merit. The porch and ricking chairs evoke a long-ago gone and simpler time...