trains

Some photos I took from a visit today to the N.Y. Botanical Gardens holiday train show. The show itself is a family tradition for many New York families . It is interesting to view the ever expanding collection of miniature versions of N.Y. landmarks like Lady Liberty, Yankee Stadium, the planetarium (I still call it that),the airport ,the Guggenheim and other well know sites. The detail is amazing & it is a joy to watch as visitors young and old marvel at this version of the city's skyline-all while trains glide by.If you love plants like I do -there is nothing like the lush setting on a cold winter day!

L.I. boulders for art?

NPR ran a story today on an artist who will be collecting boulders from Long Island for a sculpture show at the Guggenheim in 2011. See story here.I am not sure how I feel about this. Actually, I object strongly. Many of the "boulders" on Long Island are the only thing that remains unchanged as the land has gone from farms to sod to vineyards , houses and malls. Why would I want some artist to take them, changing the landscape forever-"just" for some art?

Quick trip

We made a very quick trip out to Long Island on Wed.

The usual winter wind had already set in, making the otherwise warm and strongly sunny day very chilly. The clouds were traveling fast. The sand was blowing off of the beach and into the sky like a sunlit hazy fog. The beach was empty but for 2 gulls.

We made the trek to Orient Point-just in time to see the ferry load and leave and passed through Greenport on the long trip home.

Just outside East Marion we came upon 2 cars stopped-one had just hit and killed a deer. So sad.

Several farm stands were still open but had closed by the time we passed them on the return trip. I would have loved some cider. Fresh apples and cabbage. Brussel sprouts.

Off season is my favorite time to visit Long Island. It is so quiet and peaceful but for that strong, constant wind.