the last day of 2009

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my family and I are on a "staycation" this week. this means we get to do all of the things we always dream of doing during a regular work week. yesterday that meant visiting our favorite long island apple store in the middle of the afternoon. it was very crowded, but fun nonetheless.
I hope you spend the last moments of 2009 doing something you enjoy. happy new year everyone!

x is for exhilarating

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I hope you will forgive the fact that exhilarating doesn't begin with an X...but I just found that out now & I have no other idea for the letter X! so, given the 4 degree "real feel" temperatures we've been having, I thought I would post more photos from my exhilaratingly cold day trip I took to cold spring harbor on monday. this was the view of lloyd harbor road as I stood looking from the village green in cold spring harbor. nice digs, eh?

today is abc wednesday thanks to our host mrs. nesbitt. the letter for the day is X. please go here to join in the fun.

winter hike at uplands farm

please click on photo to see hikers up close



if you look closely you can see some people hiking in this winter landscape, one of my favorite places to spend outside on this island. it's been a long few days of socializing and over indulgence so I thought it might be a good place to spend a couple of hours hiking and it was most definitely. it's always nice to hang out in the woods and get some fresh air. albeit a cold hike, at least it was sunny.

this post is a part of my world tuesday. to share a part of yours or just see more of others, please go here, thanks to klaus for hosting with his team of helpers, sandy, wren, fishing guy, sylvia and louise.

avatar in 3d

this shot was taken through my 3d glasses


this shot is from one of the trailers that were shown before the featured film. I wish I had a scene to show you from the movie avatar but to say I was captivated by this movie from the very beginning is an understatement. and though this photo was taken just moments before, as soon as avatar started, the last thing I thought about was taking a picture. actually I thought about it for a few seconds, but I just didn't want to miss anything! if you can see the movie in 3d, definitely do it. the 3d glasses that were provided are way better than the cheap cardboard ones I've used before and were quite comfortable to wear as well. the technology was seamless and the viewing experience itself was much like what I would imagine it to be if I were part of a hologram. I felt like the images were all around me. plus, the movie was amazing science fiction so it was fun to sit in a large audience and experience similar reactions to the 3d effects with a large group of people. it reminded me of going to the movies as a child when you first learn what it is like to watch a movie alongside hundreds of strangers. it's especially fun when the movie is an adventure like this one. I enjoyed it so much I am thinking of going to see it again soon.

village green in shadows and snow

please click on photo to see shadows up close



I waited all week to use this photo for shadow shot sunday. this was taken the night after the big blizzard we had last weekend. Ian and I went for a walk to mail some letters. everything was so quiet. it was beautiful.

this post is a part of "hey harriet's" shadow shot sunday meme hosted by tracy. thanks tracy! please go here if you'd like to participate or see more shadow shots.

bethpage state park

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it rained most of saturday washing all the snow away. sunday's forecast is lots of sunshine and temperatures around 46 degrees. I'll miss the pretty snow but I won't miss freezing. if you click on this photo you can see all the tracks in the snow where children were using the hills to go sleigh riding.

christmas morning aftermath

please click on photo to see priscilla's snuggie up close



have you ever seen those snuggies advertised on TV for people? well, now they sell them for dogs! my son ian gave one to our dog priscilla christmas morning. if you look carefully you can see her wearing it as she tears up the wrapping paper. the pictures on the snuggie box show a poodle sitting on the couch in her snuggie holding a remote in her paw. I'd love to know how many dogs received a snuggie for christmas this year. merry christmas!

and visions of sugar plums danced in their heads...

my son ian took this when we were out christmas tree shopping during the blizzard. I don't usually do two posts in one day, but that last one on ice melt just seemed too dreary for christmas eve!

black ice and ice melt

since the blizzard we have been enjoying lots of sunshine despite the unbearably icy winds. the good news is all of the snow is melting off the streets making it easier to travel. the bad news is once the sun goes down, all that liquid snow turns to black ice. so please be careful when hurrying about today but most importantly, have a very merry christmas. and if you don't celebrate christmas, I hope you have the day off!

w is for what else?...why winter wonderland of course!

coming home from christmas tree shopping we passed by this house. perfect giant snowflakes fit for a blizzard. can you see the electric snowflakes on the evergreen too?
today is abc wednesday thanks to our host mrs. nesbitt. the letter for the day is W. please go here to join in the fun.

holidays at the family grill

please click on photo to see decorations up close



it certainly seems like this place has got it covered as far as their holiday decorations go. we stopped here while out looking for our tree during the "blizzard of 2009". believe it or not, we weren't the only ones dining out last saturday night!

this post is a part of my world tuesday. to share a part of yours or just see more of others, please go here, thanks to klaus for hosting with his team of helpers, sandy, wren, fishing guy, sylvia and louise.

what I did during the blizzard...

when I mentioned to the guy that I couldn't believe we were buying our tree during a blizzard, he said, "you're not the only one, there were twenty people ahead of you". getting the tree back to our house was easy. all the smart people stayed home so the roads were empty and the snow had just started to kick in. trying to get the tree to stand upright was a different story. we wound up having to cut off about twenty dollars worth of its branches just to wedge it into its tree stand. after that experience I can see why people get fake trees.

on a side note, last week the food reporter erica marcus, from newsday's "feed me" blog on exploreLI.com contacted me to find out if she could use a photo of bigelow's I had posted here on LIDP. if you'd like to check out erica's review, go here. this is a great resource for anyone looking for a place to eat on long island.

homemade decorations

please click on photo to see shadows up close



I love it when the light shines so brightly, illuminating the inside of our home making everything look perfect-even these tired homemade decorations that have seen better days!
it always amazes me how the sun can do that. meanwhile, we are experiencing quite the blizzard here. I hope you are staying warm!

this post is a part of "hey harriet's" shadow shot sunday meme hosted by tracy. thanks tracy! please go here if you'd like to participate or see more shadow shots.

reflections on a snow globe

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searching for some holiday reflections, I found some in this snow globe. can you see them?
for more weekend reflections, please visit james of newtown area photo here.

sunset over sunrise mall

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as I was exiting the mall, noticing this sky made my day. isn't it glorious? it's freezing out here on long island. how is the weather by you?

today is skywatch friday, if you'd like to see more skies from all around the world or if you'd like to add your own sky, please go here, thanks to klaus and his team, sandy, wren, fishing guy, louise and sylvia.

glee club and mr. grinch

please click on photo to see mr. grinch up close

if you click on this photo you can see mr. grinch nudging the chaminade high school's glee club as they sing his favorite song, "your a mean one, mr. grinch." I think the grinch actually enjoyed it, these guys can really sing. tonight, garden city high school is having their holiday concert at 7:30. I hope I can make it. I know they have some very good talent there, plus it's free!

vintage santa and company

please click on photo to see adorable faces up close


I'm guessing this photo was taken around 1961 right here on long island. my two brothers and santa claus...way before I was born! (he-he-he)

today is abc wednesday thanks to our host mrs. nesbitt. the letter for the day is V. please go here to join in the fun.

a christmas story...

  






















click on this photo to look inside the window and you will see the essential props that were used in the classic movie, "A Christmas Story". most obvious is the sexy lamp, remember it was the "major award" mr. parker won? upon closer inspection you can also see, not only ralphie's bunny suit, but the red rider bb gun that ralphie wished for that one memorable christmas. I love this display in farmingdale. this is the same house that does a scary job decorating for halloween too.


this post is a part of my world tuesday. to share a part of yours or just see more of others, please go here, thanks to klaus for hosting with his team of helpers, sandy, wren, fishing guy, sylvia and louise.

can you see the christmas trees?

please click on photo to see trees up close

I saw signs at my local fairway that said their christmas trees were $29.99. that is quite a bargain for these parts. I wonder if there are any left? we always put our tree up a week before christmas. this year I wish we put it up earlier. meanwhile I still have lots of shopping to do. how about you, are you enjoying your holiday festivities?

shiny christmas wreath

please click on photo to see shiny wreath up close

I love bright shiny christmas decorations. the love of them probably goes back to my childhood since my mom was very into decorating for the holidays, still is actually. she would hang up colorful glittery garlands all around our living room and always had tinsel on the tree. I waited for the evening when she would only turn on the christmas lights, illuminating the room with color and sparkle. this is one of my happiest childhood memories.

this post is a part of "hey harriet's" shadow shot sunday meme hosted by tracy. thanks tracy! please go here if you'd like to participate or see more shadow shots. happy sunday!

we have a winner! and some reflections too...

please click on photo to see sunset reflection up close



congratulations bobbie! you have won the giveaway! my son pulled your name out of a hat filled with twenty contestants-I know, we are so modern! for those of you who may not have heard of bobbie's thoughtful and thought provoking blog, "almost there", you may want to check it out here. she always has something interesting to share whether it be a personal story or some important news that may be helpful for her friends to know. & between her toonlets and her savage chicken comics, bobbie also likes to share a good joke. I don't know how bobbie found my blog, but I am sure glad she did so I could find hers. thanks for always leaving comments bobbie, I hope as a former long islander, you will enjoy the calendar.
and thanks again everyone for participating too!

today's weekend reflection is a bit ironic. this photo of traffic congestion was taken on old country road in garden city. I see nothing here that remotely suggests any resemblance to an "old country road" or a "garden". although I do have to say I thought the building reflecting the sunset is quite beautiful amongst the traffic.

today's post is a part of "weekend reflections" hosted by james over at newtown area photo. please go here if you would like to join in the fun. happy saturday everyone.

beautiful sunrise and last day to enter giveaway!

please click on photo to see the sun close up.



a blustery day here yesterday, but that didn't take away from a day filled with sunshine, which made up for the fact that it was freezing! I hope the sun is shining where ever you are.

today is skywatch friday, if you'd like to see more skies from all around the world or if you'd like to add your own sky, please go here, thanks to klaus and his team, sandy, wren, fishing guy, louise and sylvia.

it's hard to believe we are at the last day of my calendar giveaway-time flies when you are nursing a cold for the better part of the week! I am feeling so much better thanks to all of your well wishes. & I'd also like to thank all of you who have participated by leaving a comment here it's not to late if you'd like to join in the contest, you have until midnight tonight, friday december 11th. just leave a comment here and I will post the winner this saturday. good luck everyone. stay warm and have a great weekend!

the real santa

this little boy reminded me of my own son when he was this age. if you click on this photo you can get a close up view of his adorable expression. you can also see santa up close too.
remember last year when I posted about the saint james general store? I went last sunday and it was packed. normally I don't care for crowded stores but everyone seemed like they were in a good mood so it was fun.
sorry I haven't been visiting all that much, I've been very busy fighting off an annoying cold.

please don't forget to enter LIDP's calendar giveaway by leaving a comment HERE. Happy Thursday!

U is for Unwieldy...

please click on photo to see tree lights up close

as in how does one go about trying to do this? I don't know about you, but I have enough trouble getting my lights around a tree a tenth the size of this one.

last evening the weather was perfect for walking through manhattan. plus, I got to see this guy decorating the tree in washington square park. doesn't the arch form the perfect backdrop?

today is abc wednesday thanks to our host mrs. nesbitt. the letter for the day is U. please go here to join in the fun.

please don't forget to enter long island daily photo's holiday giveaway by leaving a comment HERE thank you very much.

new york city police

if you click on this photo you can see this police car is a vintage new york city police car. there was much rubber necking taking place as I drove down this busy street in smithtown. everyone wanted to stop a moment and stare at this car. ahhh, I love new york!

this post is a part of my world tuesday. to share a part of yours or just see more of others, please go here, thanks to klaus for hosting with his team of helpers, sandy, wren, fishing guy, sylvia and louise.

a bright spot and a giveaway

please click on photo to see wreath up close



please leave a comment here if you'd like to enter my calendar giveaway. if you look over on my side bar you can preview the calendar by clicking on the photo. the contest closes this FRIDAY AT MIDNIGHT. the winner will be posted this saturday.
the wreath was my bright spot-it was rainy and I noticed it while stuck in traffic. have a great week everyone!

pink fire hydrant with shadows

originally this must have been red and than faded by the sun. though we did get a bit of a first snow today, none of it stuck. it's not like I have a choice, but I have to say, I'm not ready for winter quite just yet.
I snapped this picture last march and never had the chance to post it. you can see someone shoveled a path from the hydrant out to the street in case of emergency. I know all about having to do this since we have a fire hydrant directly in front of our house too.

this post is a part of "hey harriet's" shadow shot sunday meme hosted by tracy. thanks tracy! please go here if you'd like to participate or see more shadow shots. enjoy your day everyone.

christmas trees in schools

please click on photo to see tree up close



albeit a catholic school so you can see why it is allowed. does anyone remember christmas decorations hanging up in their public school as a child? my dad remembers a morning prayer at his public school but that was close to 70 years ago.

late autumn sky

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this looks like a winter sky to me. normally if it isn't really cold outside this time of year, it usually gets frigid the day after thanksgiving. although we had cloudy skies at the end of the day, yesterday we had a high temperature of 64 degrees. it was beautiful!

today is skywatch friday, if you'd like to see more skies from all around the world or if you'd like to add your own sky, please go here, thanks to klaus and his team, sandy, wren, fishing guy, louise and sylvia.

snow birds

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have you ever heard of the expression, "snowbird"? I know some people who leave new york the day after christmas to live in florida until a few days before easter. sounds like a pretty cool gig to me. when I saw the signs on this ice cream shop yesterday, I wondered if they do the same.

t is for telephone pole

with a big fat full moon next to it. well, almost full moon. technically tonight is the full moon. this one pictured here is from last evening and is only 99% full. new years eve will be our second full moon this month which qualifies it as a "blue moon" since this rarely happens,... but once in a blue moon.
it's amazing what one can learn while googleing the moon! wait, wasn't this post supposed to be about the letter T?
a big thank you to my son ian for capturing this beautiful moon shot.

today is abc wednesday thanks to our host mrs. nesbitt. the letter for the day is T. please go here to join in the fun.

gap dressing room

I had an interesting view sitting in the dressing room while waiting for my son. pondering my christmas list I realized that in exactly three weeks from today those who shop for christmas will have just three days left to do so. I imagine this store to be a lot more crowded on that day!
this post is a part of my world tuesday. to share a part of yours or just see more of others, please go here, thanks to klaus for hosting with his team of helpers, sandy, wren, fishing guy, sylvia and louise.