Happy Summer 2015!

The widest point of the Hudson river, frozen

Today the sun began its southward journey so the days are going to get progressively smaller, and this makes me unhappy as I enjoy the outdoors and sunlight. It's been a brutal, long winter here in the northeast; I had cabin fever and got sick of dealing with bad weather, the mountains of snow, slush, and bitter cold. I like all seasons, but this kind of winter would be fine if I didn't live and work where I do. 

Anyway, I also feel bad because it was one year ago to the day that I wrote my last post here. Of course lots has happened in one year's time, but didn't get around to posting. It also makes me realize, again, how fast time moves. I know time is relevant to the physical environment--did you see the movie Interstellar? it deals with this concept--but also its subjective nature as to how we experience it. They say as we get older time moves faster, damn it!



The Mid-Hudson bridge over a frozen river. Only a thin navigational line is kept open

Even though the sun is moving south, there's a lot of summer left and I intend to take advantage of it. I've got extra time--ha, time--as I decided to work less this summer, a lot less. And, when I work, I'll do mostly interesting stuff. I'm so lucky to be able to do this. I mean I sacrifice money for leisure and choose to not do work that's stressful. OK, I understand, realistically speaking 99.91% of the jobs people do aren't ideal, but there are huge variations in personal satisfaction, stress, and difficulty.

There have been many days since the better weather arrived around here that I've been taking day trips around the gorgeous Hudson valley, NY. I've put several thousand miles on my motorcycle already. Riding is more engaging experience, not only because there's more to do and watch for, but it's like being in a movie instead of watching it through a glass. Convertible/open air cars come close to this kind of experience. We bikers totally understand why dogs who ride in cars put their heads out of the window!

Speaking of dogs, I'm thinking of getting one. I've been approved by the local pound/shelter as a responsible person. But, it's is a big responsibility and I do like the freedom to roam around without having to come home by a particular time to take care of a pet. They're fun though and they're great companions, if they're trained and are kept in an conditions appropriate for their breed and needs. I'll let you know. I'm sort of postponing visiting the shelter, because I know I'll be tempted right away....

Awaiting for the solar company to finally get their act together and show me some progress. We've been going back and forth since February; everything, they say, is in order.... 

Here are a couple recent pictures from the annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. They hold the parade rain or shine on the closest Saturday to the summer solstice. It was a very humid, cloudy/rainy day this year.
 
 
 

It was a hot day...

 This is worth attending if you're in NYC; every year is different and fun for the whole family. Coney Island has been undergoing lots a transformation. It used to be a happening place many years ago, then if fell into tough times and much dilapidation. It has gotten a face lift in the last few years. I think it beats most other attractions by the sea in the tri-state area. OK, it's tacky, but so are the other places that cater to summer crowds. At least, CI doesn't pretend, and it has free access to the beach!
 
Less than a mile away on the eastern, Brighton Beach is now home to many Russians, Ukrainians and some other groups from the former Soviet Union.

 


Coney Island at night; it was a humid, foggy one. [click on the pictures to ..embiggen them]