Monet's Waterlilies in the Bronx

We made a quick visit to the New York Botanical Gardens a while back. James had a few days off and midweek we headed there late knowing the property closes at 6. The goal was to see the Monet exhibit, which we rushed through admiring all the while. Emerging outside, we wandered around the pools planted with beautiful varieties of water lilies. Along with the other visitors documenting the wonderfully sunlit ponds, I took some photos. Hope you enjoy.

Reveries of Small Things

La Dame

Le Monsieur

During Max's visit, we started making collages and I found myself pulling out bits and pieces tucked away in boxes, jars and drawers, gathered over the years. Since Max's departure, I've been working on them more. My own kind of artistic upcycling of dreams.

Granola Goodness

It's been cold and gloomy lately and October has rekindled my desire to bake some home goodness. I decided to make granola and my daughter Sarah said she would help (she sort of did-thank you Sarah for turning it while it was in the oven and not letting it burn) but I thought a few photos during the process couldn't hurt.  The granola came out very well and was a big hit. Hope you like my kitchen snaps.

Pumpkins for a Good Cause

There is an outstanding pumpkin sale going on right now at St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 669 Albany Post Road- (Rt. 9) in Scarborough (on the right side going north of Phelps Hospital). This is the fourth year that they have taken delivery of over a 1000 pumpkins trucked east from a Navajo Reservation. The proceeds go first to the tribe who grew them, and the remaining funds are used to assist children and families in need. There are many ways to procure your jack o' lanterns and autumn decorations this time of year- but when the revenues go directly to support the growers and a worthy cause- that's a very good thing. Something local to check out if you're on a pumpkin quest.

Election State

The upcoming election looms large. The anxiety of the possibility that President Obama might lose compels me to contribute to his campaign. The division of party ideals regarding the distribution of wealth, abortion rights, gay marriage and health policy policy in this country is something that upsets me profoundly. Ultimately I feel Barak Obama is someone who better represents my values. And Mitt Romney, who has a lot of good convictions, seems completely out of touch with most Americans.