Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Day (minus) One

As I walked to work this morning I liked the look of the old home, the shutters, the Benefit St sign, and of course the fire alarm box. 

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Day (minus) Two

A very welcome but unexpected gift arrived this evening. Still warm. We have the best neighbors who would bring a beautiful Bolo Rei. 

Monday, December 29, 2014

Day (minus) Three

I thought I'd get into the habit of ensuring I got a photo each day, so this morning while driving to drop off Una at her Audubon camp I thought the morning light looking out over Buzzard's Bay toward the Elizabeth Islands looked like a good opportunity.  A quick stop and I snapped this shot with my iPhone.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

365 Project

I've tried this before and didn't complete it, but I thought I'd give it another try.  I was inspired by a blog I follow, Click it Up a Notch, where the author pointed out that in some years she didn't complete her project. But, and this is what's important, regardless of whether she completed the project, she learned things, captured things, with every photo she took.

I, too, hope to improve my photography by constantly pushing to take pictures.  I hope you'll enjoy if you choose to follow along.  Encouragement is welcome.

Here's wishing you a Happy New Year.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Latke Party

Sally, Una and I were the fortunate invitees to our friend Amy's annual Latke Party.  What fun.  The tradition is to make and cook, then of course, eat the Hanukkah favorite latke.

Growing up in San Francisco, and attending Catholic school 1-12, I know very little of Jewish traditions.  I was thrilled to learn about making latke, as well as the lighting of the menorah, and the celebration of Hanukkah.

Here are a few shots from the party.  I look forward to doing this again next year.

 

On the left is Chef Sally with our host Amy in the background overseeing her technique.  You can see the purple bowl of the uncooked latke in the middle left.  I swear that bowl never seemed to decrease in content.  Oh, and the right picture is yours truly demonstrating my one-handed flip.  :-)

 

On the left latke in the making.  On the right, the finished delicious product.  


We finally found the bottom of the bowl.  

 

After the cooking was done, it was time to learn the tradition and to light the Menorah.  


The treasured recipe handed down from Amy's mother.  One of those grease stains is surely from one of my early attempts at a one-handed flip.






Friday, October 10, 2014

A Visit From Ohio

Recently I was lucky to have a visit from my daughter Ashley, her partner (more on that later) Cody, and my grandsons Corbin and Clark.  They were here for five days and it was wonderful to see them and enjoy some time with them.  Ashley introduced Cody to her old stomping grounds in and around Newport, RI.  We got to spend time together at our house, as well as Battleship Cove, New Bedford and where they stayed in North Kingstown, RI.  It was a terrific visit.

Ashley, Clark, Cody and Corbin

While their visit was a highlight in itself, the added bonus was Cody's proposal to Ashley.  They are now officially engaged.  Congratulations Ashley and Cody.  [Note:  I think Ashley will keep this shell forever.]


Here a a few of my favorite pictures from the visit.  


Cody and Clark
Grandpa with my grandbabies


Ashley and Corbin
Corbin enjoying the USS MASSACHUSETTS at Battleship Cove

Fun at Easton's Beach in Newport

Corbin enjoying the beach
Clark, too




Saturday, September 27, 2014

Fun in the Sun at Phantom Farm

We got a bonus Summer weekend here in Rhode Island today, so we took a ride up to Cumberland to visit Phantom Farm.  Una enjoyed getting her face painted and we all got a ride on the hayride.  We'll enjoy the apples and the pie a bit later.  

Sally and Una enjoying the hayride

Our Escort

Checking out the many varieties of apples.

Some seriousness while Una gets her face painted.  

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Snow and Cold

It was a bitter cold day on Jan 3rd, and we got about 10" of snow.  It was the light fluffy kind so not too bad to shovel (thanks for the help Sally).  Una played outdoors only for a short while due to the cold.  She enjoyed her time, regardless.

Here are a few pics from the day:
What now, Dad?

Clearing the slide of snow

A quiet Benefit Street and a couple of the historic homes

The Mergansers returned to the Providence River

Heat Rising

Thursday, January 2, 2014

More on Walking to Work

I've mentioned before that I enjoy walking from my parking space to my office.  I get to walk through some of the historic Providence homes on Benefit St, along the Providence River, and get to see the Providence skyline.  Today, I captured a couple of shots to share.

First, as we have fresh snow, I stopped to look at some footsteps in a driveway.  Upon more detailed examination, it seemed a bunny had passed by shortly before I did.

When I got to the waters edge I was pleased to see that the Mergansers had returned.  They were too far out into the river to capture with my phone, but I'll bring the better camera now that I know they are around.  The skyline I captured was blurred from the falling snow, but still a nice sight with the boardwalk and it's blue lights (some unfortunately burnt out).  Anyway, that's today's walk.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Homemade


New Years Day was a stay at home type of day.  Cold, snow in the forecast, time for some yummy comfort food.  What's better than a good hot soup (homemade, of course), and a delicious grilled ham and cheese (on homemade bread, of course).  Good times.