Snow

Niantic, CT

Here on the coast of Long Island Sound, we are often spared the snows that some this time of the year. The northern part of the state has already seen some significant snow fall, whereas we've had only rain. This past weekend, we got our first really significant accumulation of snow.  I'd guess about 4" or so.  It makes for a pretty site, for a short time.

Model Trains

Essex, CT

Who doesn't enjoy watching model trains?  During this time of the year, this model train set, housed in the Connecticut River Museum is open to the public.  I think it's maintained by a local model railroad club.  The model is quite detailed

Connecticut River Museum

Essex, CT

Founded in 1974, the Connecticut River Museum is dedicated to the study, preservation and celebration of the cultural and natural history of the Connecticut River, the river valley and its people.  The museum is housed in the old Steamboat Dock Warehouse which was built in 1878.   At one time this was a busy port and point of call for ships carrying all sorts of cargo from around the world.  Today the museum offers a number of interesting exhibits about the Connecticut River as well as some spectacular views of the river. 

Foot Bridge II

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

This bridge is along one of the hiking trails in Rocky Neck State Park.  It crosses over Bride Brook, just    before the brook empties into Long Island Sound.  I'm linking this to Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Have a nice "last weekend" of the year.  

Main Street

Willimantic, CT

I was hoping that there would be more festive Christmas decorations throughout the center of Willimantic. There was the occasional lighted tree, but it appeared to me that any decorations were left up to each local business.  

Frog Bridge

Willimantic, CT

Crossing the Willimantic River, in Willimantic, CT is the famous Frog Bridge, also known as the Thread City Crossing.  It connects state routes 66 and 32 and is famous for the theses sculptures of frogs sitting atop spools adorning either end of the bridge.  The spools are in honor of the rich history of the textile industry, which was once the major industry in this town.  The American Thread Co. was located here and at one time operated the largest thread mill in the world here.  The frogs, however have a much more colorful history.

Apparently back in 1754, the residents of the town of Windham, which now contains the area of Willimantic, were awakened by a god-awful sound on a hot summer's night.  Fearing the worst, they all grabbed their muskets and prepared to defend their town against whatever threat might befall them.  It was only after the sun arose the next morning that the town's people realized the sounds came from a nearby pond which was surrounded by carcasses of dead frogs.  The frogs had fought to the death the previous evening over a rapidly-drying pond.  Needless to say the residents became the subject of ridicule  in the ensuing years.  Today, the event, now referred to as the "Battle of the Frogs",  is forever memorialized with these frogs.  They look kind of creepy to me, especially at night when the ambient light of street lamps and traffic lights reflect off the eyes of these frogs, imparting an eerie glow.   

Merry Christmas 2012

Niantic, CT

Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  Enjoy the holidays with family, friends and loved ones.  May all your days be merry and bright.

Gas Station

Preston, CT

I have driven by this derelict gas station for many years, and always thought it would make a good subject for a photograph.  During the years, I've watched the building deteriorate even more.  There once was a roof which covered the rusty gas pumps.  That fell down after a couple of heavy snow storms.  The big sign on the front of the building was added fairly recently which further detracts from the pictures I had originally envisioned here.   I'm not sure exactly what project is being performed here, but someone must be looking out for the place.  They're certainly not repairing the site, nor are they completely demolishing the site.  I'm not sure how much longer this building and pumps will last here, which makes it even more important to take the photos when you can and not think you'll come back at a later time.  Things will change, and the shot you had imagined will have been lost.

Mystic River

Mystic, CT

Along  Interstate-95, just before the exit for the town of Mystic, CT there's a scenic overlook.  I've stopped here many times  at various times of the day and times of the year trying to capture a pleasing scene.  This particular time I thought the clouds made for quite a dramatic back drop to the Mystic River.  

Foot Bridge

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

Sunset Reflection

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

I'm linking this to Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Enjoy the last weekend before Christmas.  I hope everyone's shopping is done. 

Long Island Sound Sunset

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

Hydrant

Mineola, NY

I follow a number of blogs and there are a few of them with a penchant for posting pictures of fire hydrants.  They do a much better job of making the common fire plug look interesting.  Having seen those posts, I can't walk by one now without thinking about a possible photo opportunity.  I hope this one is worthy of posting here.  

Sand Bar

Rocky Neck State Park, Nianitic, CT

Buried Bench

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

Followers of my blog know that I've posted pictures in the past of interesting park benches I've found during my walks.  Something tells me that this bench is not supposed to be buried up to the seat in sand.   Obviously this is the result of hurricane Sandy,  but not nearly as bad as some of the damage caused by this storm.  

Tunnel

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

There are many areas along the coast line in Connecticut where the beaches are separated from the rest of the land by railroad tracks. This requires tunnels or bridges to get across the tracks if you want to get to the beach.  This is the tunnel leading to the East Beach at Rocky Neck State Park.  You don't see such stone work in today's bridges and tunnels.

Remember and Pray

Evergreen and Reeds

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

I'm linking this to Weekend Reflections.   Too bad there are no Christmas lights on that tree.  Have a nice weekend everyone, and thanks for stopping by. 

Reeds

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

These reeds grow everywhere, especially around the ponds and salt marshes found along the Connecticut Coast.  They're are not very colorful,  but match the browns and grays of the landscape well at this time of the year.

Signs

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

I guess I know why there's in no kite flying. 

Utility Trucks

Mineola, NY

Mineola Station

Mineola, NY

Pond

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

I came across this scene on a recent walk around Rocky Neck State Park and thought it was worthy of posting to Weekend Reflection hosted by James.  There are many fine reflections posted there, so please stop by there and take a look.

My recent computer problems aren't completely solved, although I am able to use my laptop with an external monitor attached.  It sort of defeats the purpose of having a laptop, but with a borrowed monitor attached, at least I can use the programs and files stored on my laptop.  It's a temporary fix until I break down and buy a new computer.   Santa??  Are you listening or reading my blog???  ;) 

Have a nice weekend, and thanks for looking.

On Hiatus

I'm sorry I have no picture to post today, and I think it might be a couple of days, if not longer before I'll be able to resume regular posting here.  As I sat down to select an image for today's post, my trusty MacBook Pro failed to boot properly and I was left with a black display.  Despite my best attempts to revive my ailing laptop, I was unable to breath any new life into my 4 year old computer.  I know that's ancient in computer years, so perhaps it's time to look at a new and improved model. 

My dilemma is, I have not only this MacBook Pro ( early 2008 Model) but an even older iMac G5 which still works well, but is not able to run the latest software or operating systems on which I've come to rely for archiving, processing, displaying and sharing my photographs.  I enjoy the portability and convenience of the laptop, but I would prefer the much larger display of the latest iMac's for viewing and processing my photos.  If money were no object, I'd replace both, but realistically I really need to decide which one to replace.

I'm off to the local Apple Store tomorrow to talk to the "Geniuses" there.  Perhaps they might be able to easily repair my laptop in which case I can hold off on making a purchase for a little while longer.  I know for sure they'd be more than happy to sell me the latest and greatest Apple computer.  So for the time being I won't be posting photos, but I promise to resume once my computer issues are resolved.  Thanks for reading and following my blog.  Wish me luck......

Long Island RR

  

Mineola, NY

The Long Island Railroad is one of many commuter rail lines that service the New York metropolitan area. This particular line runs the length of Long Island with many stops and branches along the way.  The top photo looks west towards Brooklyn and New York City.  One can see the Oyster Bay Branch going off to the left in the bottom picture, which looks towards the east.  

Amusement Rides

New London, CT

Boardwalk Creamery

New London, CT

One of my big weaknesses is good ice cream, and I'm always on the look out for a good ice cream parlor.  I'm sure this place must do a good business in the summer time.  I'll have to sample some next summer

Water Slide

New London, CT

This water slide towers over some of the smaller amusement rides at Ocean Beach Park in New London, CT.  Next to the water slide is an Olympic-sized swimming pool.  I've always thought water slides looked like a lot of fun, and maybe one day I'll try one out.  However, if I go to a beach along the ocean, I would much prefer to swim in the ocean than go down a water slide or swim in a concrete pool.  There's something about the waves and salt water. 

Quiet Playgrounds

New London, CT

Jordan Cove

Waterford, CT

This is being linked to Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Please check out that blog for other reflections.  Have a nice weekend, and thanks for looking

Ocean Beach Park

New London, CT

Beaches are quiet and lonely places in the late fall, and winter seasons.  On this particular afternoon, there were a few people walking the boardwalk, but I had the beach to myself.  

Sea and Sky

Ocean Beach, New London, CT

No Wheels

Westbrook, CT

I'm assuming those in authority here don't want any roller skating, roller blading or skate boarding on the jetty.  This was found at the Town Beach of Westbrook,  CT.  I'm not familiar with the beach  and had not seen it before Hurricane Sandy, so it was hard to assess the damages here.  It was obvious there was sand in places where there shouldn't be sand and some erosion of the beach.  I would like to believe that this concrete block is supposed to be exactly where it is and was not moved from some distant place as a result of Sandy.

Hewitt Flyfishing Pond

North Stonington, CT

This is a view of the pond mentioned in my previous post.  It's also known as Gallup Pond.  I've never done any fly fishing, but might pick it up as a retirement activity, just so I can spend some time at this hidden pond.

Two Dams

Waterford, CT

This dam is at the site of an old grist mill which operated in Jordan Village from 1731 until it was destroyed by fire in 1905.  Some structural elements of that mill remain.  A modern woolen mill was built on the site in 1920 and is well preserved and used for specialty manufacturing today.  The bridge connects the old mill site across Jordan Falls, where Jordan Creek enters into Jordan Cove, to a small park.  Unfortunately the bridge is closed and unsafe to cross.  I couldn't find another entrance to the park.  A very similar bridge is pictured below.

North Stonington, CT

This bridge was built in 2007 and crosses the Shunock River and is in much better shape than the bridge in the first picture.  The dam forms Hewitt Pond, also known as Hewitt Flyfishing Pond or Gallup Pond.  It's a popular fishing spot.  The bridge was made possible by the Thames River Chapter of Trout Unlimited.  

Utility Poles

North Stonington, CT

I'm not sure what moved me to photograph these utility poles.  They seemed a little out of place running through the middle of this field.  There were no houses nearby and they were far removed from any main street.  Still it does appear that they can be serviced as evidenced by the tracks, although I didn't see an obvious way any truck could get to this field.