Japan 2015

Japan turned out to be one of my most favorite places to visit. We took a group of college students to Japan in June and had the experience of a lifetime.  Since we were well versed in the Japanese culture and customs, it made the transition from our western culture to the ancient customs of Japan seem smooth and seamless.  From Buddhist temples to Shinto shrines, from Osaka to Kyoto, on the bullet train and coach bus, from Mt. Fuji to modern-day Tokyo, our students were able to listen and witness a culture that has been in place for centuries. Hiroshima, however, left us teary-eyed and speechless.  One must visit Hiroshima to see what I mean.  There are no words that could accurately describe our still yet peaceful visit.

Summer Rain

Summer Rain


I love the smell of summer rain; don't you?

Long Island

you know you live on Long Island when:

You take ferries to avoid traffic

Prefer swimming to driving

Lavender

I have a new appreciation for

Lavender

Jamesport farm

Mattituck ice cream

Japan ice cream (soft serve swirl with vanilla) amazing

Purple
Flavorful
Scentual (new word I made up)

A Summer's Diary 2015

Japan
 Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo

Utah, Logan
  NAPAHE

New York City

North Carolina
  Credo

Seabrook, New Hampshire
  Visit with cousins Karen and Jean, Aunt Mary and Uncle Russell

Maryland
  Visit with our niece, Alana, and her family

Tuckerton, NJ
  50th wedding anniversary Patti and Alvie

Naples, FL
  Sissy ended up in the hospital with a parasite from a recent trip to Turks and Caicos
  Legoland Timmy's first roller coaster ride

Saratoga, NY
  The Travers Race to see American Pharoah, triple crown winner, lose
  Beautiful day, met some wonderful people, including David Cassidy - ha ha - sad story about him

Vermont
  Arlington summer residence of Norman Rockwell
  Manchester favorite in southern Vermont
    Next time we are staying at the west mountain Inn
  Grafton nice place to have an overnight wedding
  Weston quaint and has Vermont Country Store and monastery
  Mt. Snow remind me to tell you about this experience living social recommendation.
    Had a delicious lunch at Mt. snow golf course overlooking Mt. snow trails on a warm summer day.          
    The view of the runway that appeared to be a part of the course, was memorable
    Bennington the only good thing here is the 4 Chimneys B and B  beautiful.
    Covered bridges
    Will return again

Manasquan, NJ
 Cousins weekend

A Summer's Diary 2014

A Summer's Diary 2014

Charleston (Gavin and Bridget's wedding)
Sullivan's Island
James Island
Folly Beach
Poe's Tavern
Kiawah Island
Fripp Island (next time)


Naples (visit mom and dad)

Denver (Mary Beth Sutton's wedding)
Centennial
Pike's Peak
Red Rocks
Garden of the Gods

S. Jamesport (rented a quaint home for last two weeks of July just steps from the water)
Fairhaven
Laurel
Westhampton Beach
Southold

Mattituck
Greenport
Mashomack Preserve
Shelter Island
Sag Harbor
Cutchogue
Nassau Point
East Marion
Island's End
North Haven
North Ferry
South Ferry
Rams Head Island
Sherwood Tasting Room
Southold
A Touch of Venice
The Crooked Fork
Magic Fountaun
Scoops
Duck Walk Winery


Naples

OBX
Corolla

August Day

What is it about a pelican that is perched atop a pine tree
Or the splendor of the Hudson River on a beautiful day?

That is so awe inspiring
And brings tears to my eyes

Is it the seldomness or the appreciation
For never taking things for granted?

Perhaps both

Eyes wide open
To what lies ahead