Shutters

Pennant Fever

With two games to go, the Phils had a one game lead on the New York Mets atop the NL East and their destiny in their own hands. The Mets trashed the Florida Marlins 13-0 and the Phils fell to the Washington Nationals 4-2. So after 161 games, with the Phils and Mets tied for first, it comes down to the last Sunday of the regular season. What a wild ride and exciting season for a win starved city and franchise. Citizen's Bank Park will be crazy tomorrow!

Sign of the Season

Fall has arrived with all its splendid colors. I stumbled across this pumpkin patch on my way to a hockey game. Reminds me of the animated feature "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."

Early Morning Fog

A early morning fog rolled in on Tuesday and appeared to shroud the upper floors of the Comcast Center.

Blooming Jungle

A bugs eye view of a floral centerpiece....a blooming jungle of colors.

Reflections in the Sand

A brief pause from a productive meeting to take a reflective walk on the beach. I love this shot!

Living Fossil

The Horseshoe crab is an arthropod that is more closely related to spiders, ticks and scorpions than true crabs. They are often referred to as "living fossils", as they have not changed much in the last 350 to 400 million years.

The Dunes

The path to the beach cut through the dunes has been the subject of an endless number of drawings, paintings and photographs. In the early morning, this scene quietly screams "peaceful" and always brings a smile to my face.

Seashells

...down by the seashore.

Beachfront Property

This beachfront property sits just beyond the dunes at the southern most part of Avalon. No one was home this September morning...the light in the windows is the reflection of the rising sun.

Fire in the Sky

Before beginning the exploration of "Good to Great", I spent the early morning exploring the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Avalon. I never tire of watching the sun rise and set. This morning's rising set the sky on fire...or so it seemed.

Street Vendor Florist

Some view the street vendors of Philadelphia as less than desirable and believe they detract from the city's cultural renaissance. For me, the sights, sounds and smells that emerge from the carts and stands of these small business entrepreneurs are an integral part of this city's personality and culture, reminiscent of a time when business was conducted in open marketplaces. My favorite are the flower vendors who beautify our city with their floral arrangements one corner at a time.

Baby You Can Dry My Car

The blow dryers of the car wash created some interesting water formations as pooled water was forced from my cars windshield. Multiple clicks of the shutter captured the process.

Cadillac Reflections

This Cadillac DTS reflecting the tree lined street, overhead wires and cloud formations seemed to have a mural painted on its trunk. Pictures within pictures are everywhere!

Car Wash

I was just about to enter the car wash when I noticed the colorful brushes and wraps as they swallowed the vehicle in front of me. I reached for my camera which was sitting on the front passenger seat and snapped this photo.

Skate Board Prodigy

I was killing time today waiting for my son's hockey game to start. Adjacent to the rink is a public park that includes a really cool skate park with a variety of ramps and rails. This young prodigy was the best of the skaters enjoying this beautiful day.

Those Summer Days

The days are getting shorter and there is a hint of fall in the air..a time for one last reflection on those summer days. "That's when I had most of my fun, back...high high high high there. Them summer days, those summer days." - Sly and the Family Stone

Cloud in the Centre

Cira, derived from Cirrus, the most common form of high level cloud characterized by thin wispy strands and tufts. I caught this Cirrus reflecting off the Cira Centre. Does it appear to you to be a cloud in the Centre?

Art Behind Bars

I took this shot on the upper east side of Manhattan. This abandoned gated building entrance served as a canvas for some unknown artist.

Incredible Planet

It has been six years since the horror of September 11, 2001. The graphic images of that day are indelible and are a reminder of the violence and hatred humankind is capable of...the atrocities we have committed against each other stain our history and cast a shadow on the evolution of our species. I could think of only one image to post this day...."Earth Rising." We are fortunate to share this tiny blue planet. I hope I will live to see the day when we recognize we are all human beings and learn to revel in our diversity and differences.

No. 1787 of 1965

In the spring of 1966, during the recording sessions for "Revolver", John Lennon and George Harrison acquired a pair of Epiphone Casino guitars. The Epiphone Casino stands out as one of the most significant electric guitars used by John Lennon and the Beatles and can be heard on many of the most memorable Beatle recordings. By the mid-point of Lennon's career as a Beatle, when guitar manufacturers of the day would have done anything to get their instruments into his hands, Lennon often chose the Epiphone Casino over all other guitars for recordings, live performances, television appearances and films. In 1968, Lennon decided to "strip" the finish off his Casino. This is my newly acquired replica "Revolution" Casino. The John Lennon "Revolution" Casino is a faithful reproduction of his with a "stripped" natural finish as it was then and as it remains today. Only 1965 of these replica guitars have been produced.

Main Sail and Old Glory

The main mast, main sail and old glory against the blue Newport sky. Perfect winds!

Sailing Narragansett Bay

The Adirondack II is a wooden hulled traditionally rigged schooner that is modeled after the turn of the century pilot schooners. She provided a comfortable ride and a number of interesting photos on a near perfect sailing weather day.

The Breakers

The Breakers is the grandest of the Newport Mansions that were the summer "cottages" for those who made their fortunes in steamships, rail roads, coal, cotton and steel during this country's industrial revolution and serves as an example of the upper class's opulent self-indulgence during the period of American history known as the gilded age. Cornelius Vanderbilt II engaged architect Richard Morris Hunt to build this lavish 70 room mansion which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is named for the waves that can be heard crashing into the rocks below the 13+ acre estate.

Butterflys Are Free

The adult Monarch Butterfly lives for 2-6 weeks unless it is one of the lucky to be born of the 4th generation in September/October of each year. The 4th generation Monarch will migrate south and live 6-8 months in Florida, the Texas coast and Mexico where they will hibernate for the winter. In February/March, the Monarch awakens, finds a mate and begins the flight northward to lay their eggs in milkweed plants and begin the cycle of life again. This is a shot of an adult Monarch in Rhode Island. I hope it is one of the lucky ones.

Busy Bee

While traveling through New England today, the late summer colors and nature made for some interesting shots. Usually the bees of September find fun in watching me run from them. This bee was busy doing what bees do best. Thanks for the great photo and for leaving me be.

Truckin

I'm a bit behind on postings and was struggling with ideas for new material. While browsing through my archives, I found this photo of a Jerry Garcia poster that I shot at the World Cafe. Hopefully he will provide some inspiration to keep on Truckin...."Sometimes the lights all shinin on me; Other times I can barely see. Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip its been."

Garden Orb

That is me making a cameo appearance in the reflection of this garden orb....somewhat Hitckockian!

Napping With Flowers

Sometimes you need look no further than your back yard to find a photo opportunity. In this case, a neighbors yard provided the subject matter. I never realized how many angels find refuge in the beds of great gardens. This little guy was found napping with the flowers in the late afternoon sun.