More From NY

Since my foot isn't really getting any better, the doctor now has a soft cast on it along with the Cam Boot. This is really limiting my ability to get out there and shoot. So, until I'm able to get around better, I'm going to have to post some of my older stuff.

While I was in NY, I got up early one morning before the kids got up so I could have some time to shoot alone. I walked up and down the road looking for whatever caught my attention and lo and behold, I came upon this cute little scene in my son-in-law's neighbor's side yard.

For whatever reason, it reminds me of olden days on a farm. I'm sure the bench is just decorative; at least it doesn't look like it would hold much weight--and I love the old milk can with the Daffodils in back of it.

So, what are your impressions of this little scene?

Tom

Meet Tom. Tom is one of my grandchildren's cats. He had a partner, Jerry, who was recently run over by a car when he darted across the street. Now Tom is not allowed outside. We all thought the kids would be devastated by the accident; and they were--for a couple days. Mommy and Daddy explained that Jerry is up in heaven with Grandpa and Grandpa is taking care of him for them. They seem to be fine with that.

What's amazing is that their father doesn't especially like cats. He only agreed to allow the kids to have a cat after their Grandpa died to help them with their grieving. The one who's devastated the most is the kids' father. He's lost without that cat. It's amazing how an animal in the house can become a part of the family in no time at all.

I made this photo "just in case". It's too bad I wasn't able to make one of Jerry, but the cats are only a few months old, and I never met Jerry.

The kids love this photo, and since they have a link to Grammy's photo blog, I'm sure they'll be pleased to see Tom on it tonight.

This is for you all, Nick, Nathan, Noah, Austin and Alexis; Grammy loves you! XOXOXOXO

Church Overlooking Oswego, NY

I took this photo from the City of Oswego Library through the second floor window. The name of this church escapes me, but for this image, it isn't important.

I love the way it seems to be overlooking the city--sort of like it's taking care of it. The old architecture is also beautiful. In the Winter, when all the trees are bare, it's a lot easier to see the design, but this is the first time I photographed it in the Summer and I like the way it looks with the trees and only the tops of the houses showing.

Beautiful Lake Ontario sits just behind the church, where one can easily see the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse. I love the City of Oswego, just not in the Winter. It is hilly, cold, slippery and with the narrow streets, it's hard to get around. Because it's so close to the lake, it gets lake effect snow 9 months of the year and it's not unusual to see more than 5 ft. of snow on the ground from January through April. It also snows everyday. The city is very good about keeping the streets free of snow and ice with their sand trucks and plows going out on the first sign of snow.

The Oswego County Courthouse

I lived in Oswego for nearly 4 years and never got around to photographing this beautiful building even though I was always drawn to it. It's a shame that we all feel that we need to travel to photograph things that fascinate us until we move away and think about all the lost opportunities.

There is so much old and beautiful architecture in the City of Oswego, but this is one of my favorite buildings. It is the Oswego County Courthouse and it is located in downtown Oswego, NY on Oneida St. It was built in 1860 and made the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

The Oswego County Courthouse at Oswego, built between 1859 and 1860, is historically significant for its association with the development of government in Oswego County in the nineteenth century and architecturally significant as an outstanding example of mid-nineteenth century Renaissance Revival public architecture. Designed by the noted Syracuse architect Horatio Nelson White, the stylish and expensively built courthouse reflects a period of extended prosperity in the county based in great measure upon the success of the Oswego Canal and the port of Oswego. Joining several other distinguished public buildings of the period including the Market House (1836), the United States Customs House (1858), and the Gerrit Smith Library (1855), the Oswego County Courthouse reflects Oswego's mid-nineteenth century stature as an important center of shipping and commerce. Continuing in use for 140 years, the Oswego County Courthouse stands out as one of Central New York's finest examples of historic civic architecture.

Reflections

Reflections have always fascinated me and these of the Oswego, NY Courthouse on the window of the Oswego County Legislature Building are no exception.

I love how they bend and twist throughout the photo, yet manage to stay clear enough to show what building is being reflected. I also like how they contrast the old with the new or modern architecture.

My friend, Frank, a member of my photography group lives in upstate NY, not far from my grandchildren's home. He stays there 4 months a year and 8 months in St Petersburg, FL. It's always a thrill to visit him during the summer when I visit my grandchildren. It gives us just a little more time to shoot together. This was taken on our day. Frank came to Oswego with his nephew, Carl, and we went out shooting for a little bit. We didn't have a lot of time, but we made the most of it. After our shoot, we went to our favorite place in Oswego for lunch, Rudy's Lakeside Drive-In. It's just like the old Drive-In restaurants that were so popular in the '50's and '60's.

Rudy's is a hamburg, hot dog and sea food place near SUNY Oswego College. It's fairly large and a favorite of the locals. Since it's not open during the winter months, it's a big treat to go there for a hot dog by the water. He has inside and outside tables. The outside tables sit on a deck overlooking Lake Ontario. The only problem is one has to be careful the Gulls don't steal our food. They've been fed for so many years by people, that they think the food is for them. They've also lost their fear of humans, so the Gulls have no problem stealing french fries or a hot dog right off your plate. Here is a link to learn more about Rudy's (Click Here) If you're ever in the area, it's a must stop--you won't be sorry you did.

Oswego, NY Snow Storm

During my trip up north I also stopped to visit my grandchildren. It snowed every day I was there. You can see by this photo how much snow they have. They won't see the ground until May!

I enjoyed the visit, but didn't go outside to play with the grandkids because it was not only snowing, it was very cold. The highest the temperature got while I was there was 11 deg. F. Not great weather for a Floridian to go out and play in.

During the next week, I'll be posting more photos from my vacation, so check back often.