EASTER EGGS FOR BOCA BARB

I think I have been suffering lately from the photographer's version of "writers' block". Hence, my absence from blogging. So this post is for my good friend Boca Barb, who quietly sends emails with visual suggestions that help me to "see" again. Thanks, Barb!

AT LAST

It seems that summer is the season that takes the longest to get here. In the bitter cold of January as I shovel the driveway, I pin my hopes on the promise of warm summer days. Today it felt as though summer had finally arrived. Memorial Day is the traditional summer kickoff and this was a beauty....even if I was working today.

HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE

The expressions of these two women caught my attention. Their attention focused on the speaker and their expressions so serene. The moment seemed so harmonious and isn't that what it is all about?

Christmas Eve

For as long as I can remember my immediate family has exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve. As a little girl I would stare out my bedroom window (which always had an electric candle in it) waiting for my Grandmother and Uncle to arrive. Over the years the tradition holds, but it is only my Mom and me and a few very close friends. So this was the scene under my tree tonight. Tomorrow the entire family will gather at my home for dinner and another round of gift giving. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

COOKIES

One of my favorite Christmas memories are the cookies my Mom used to bake. It was a marathon cookie session involving more than ten pounds of butter that resulted in thousands of cookies. Mom would make pretty tins and give them to to friends and family. Her recipes were handed down from an earlier generation. At 90 Mom has stopped baking Christmas cookies and I just can't seem to find the time to carry on the tradition. So today, I was delighted when Laurel stopped by and dropped off some cookies that she made. The cookies really brightened my day and reminded me of all those holidays spent baking cookies with my Mom. Laurel's cookies are delicious and I can't wait to share them with my Mom.

MIXED BLESSINGS

In many households, including my own, families blend faiths and celebrate joint holidays. I like to think of this as mixing blessings and sharing traditions. Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah and to all who celebrate the festival of lights-- Happy Hanukkah!

TREE TRIMMING

I haven't been in the holiday frame of mind at all. Today I forced myself to put the Christmas tree up and to put the garland around the French doors. It took the better part of the day, but with the help of my Mom, my cousin Jimmy, Sonia and a few other friends Christmas has arrived at my home. I made sure the special ornaments got on the tree. I hung the old and very heavy green German kugel ornament that my maternal great-great grandmother brought with her when she came to the United States in 1858--- exactly 150 years ago. The lens ornament my friend Pam made for me from a cardboard toilet paper roll and plastic wrap 34 years ago is nestled among the branches. I recall that all I wanted was a 105mm lens that Christmas. Each ornament has a special memory. The one shown here is a handblown glass baseball player that my Mom bought for me in lower Manhattan years ago. There are no presents under the tree, but these memories are a special gift--especially this year.

TURKEY LURKEY

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

STARS AND STRIPES

When I saw these flags I thought of those veterans who are gone and I thank those who who have served and those who are currently serving.

P THE PUMPKIN

Halloween is definitely Pistachio's holiday. He borrowed Slugger's pumpkin costume for the occasion....everything was too big, except the hat! Slugger was relieved he didn't have to dress up, he just wanted treats. As you can see Pistachio was just thrilled to be dressed up. He sure is the perfect Halloween cat.

GRAVEYARD SENTRY

I drove through a quaint churchyard cemetery today and was surprised to see graves decorated for Halloween. There was something about this angel watching over what looks like skeleton masks, that I found made an interesting juxtaposition. Halloween decorations, an indication that life goes on and is even celebrated here in this city of the dead.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Tonight was the second night of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year and the start of the high holidays. Sonia and I went to her cousin Laurel's tonight for dinner and to celebrate the new year. Laurel's table included the traditional round challah bread representing the cycle of the year as well as apples and honey, to symbolize a sweet new year. The dinner and company were as warm as this photo.