Exploring Ulster County, Camera at the Ready

On Tuesdays the cleaning ladies arrive and I split, this time dragging Lil. In the quest to produce local shots for Art Craft we tooled down county routes 2,3, and 4. It was a beautiful summer day and the beauty of Ulster County, NY was on display. Fields, streams and waterfalls provided plenty of places to shoot away. These didn't make the cut but I do have five that I will bring in. It is funny but I have thousands of picts from all over the world and not many from here. Guess our Tuesdays will be filled with local exploration, camera in hand. Where is Shoul when I need him!

Camel, its whats for Dinner, Fez Morocco

 Doing a radio show in LA about a recent trip to Fez Morocco on Aug. 23. I am also just finishing my GN piece about Fez. Looking at my photos takes me back to some unusual food choices.

Body Parts

 

Its the Hudson Valley Corn's Fault

I always feel energized after chatting with Max on the phone. We go over some of GoNOMAD plans and get a few giggles in between. I was ready to get back to the keyboard when a flurry of hummingbird activity directly in front of me captured me. Then a required drive down the street to the farm stand for some world class Hudson Valley sweet corn and watermelon took center stage. Of course now that the tomatoes are turning red and the cukes green some picking in the garden is my new current event. I used to wonder why I get less done in the summer, it is now very evident.

Patrick R. Farrell Charity Softball Tournament

Yesterday I spent reliving my youth at the Patrick R. Farrell Softball Tournament, to raise money for scholarships, in memory of one great kid. Debbie Farrell has built up one of the best charity events of the area. This was the fifth time and I have made everyone, dragging out the mitt for its yearly outing. Best of all it is a chance to hang with the huge and fun Dillon clan and old friends. Teams from all around come to play and hang, even old guys like me. Despite my team getting slaughtered we all had a great time and it is an event that I hope I never miss.

Bud vs Coors

Mighty Mike D at Bat

Coach Kate and Future All Star

Where the Wild Things Are, Cottekill, N.Y.

This morning I went out to snap some flower photos for a local shop called ArtCraft that is displaying pics from five local photographers. While I shot tons of butterfly shots I missed a shot I have wanted for years. A huge Black Bear was in the yard as Lil and I walked to the barn. I went closer to the bird feeder to chase the bear away, until it reared and reality hit. Not messing with that sucker! The local foxes have been eating the next door chickens, thank god they got the crowing rooster first. I truly live where the wild things are.

Travel Writing, Father & Son

I got an email from Steve our associate editor yesterday telling me that my piece on St Lucia was right next to my son’s piece on Madrid. I have been dragging Chance around the world since he was three, funny to see an article by him next to mine. Fortunately he takes after his mom rather than me. Funny again, just as I was writing this he just called from Québec. I caught wander lust via my dad and it seems to pass down. I only hope he reverts to his mother’s more practical side, making a good living travel writing is hard work with stiff competition. The benefits are enormous but another source of income is so very beneficial. Still I love the part I share with him; it is a big beautiful world. Here are our respective articles; Madrid and St. Lucia.

Las Vegas, Over the Top and Spinning

Las Vegas isn't a place I thought I would get into but all in all it is a one of a kind destination.Over the top and Disney like, fast and frantic and a must see once. I have to admit that hearing the bells and noise coming from the casino as I headed to breakfast was very annoying. On the other hand eating dinner at Zeffirino overlooking the canal at the Venetian was fantastic even with a Jimmy Choo store in viewing distance.With resorts like Paris, Bellagio and Venetian I sometimes even got a little Europe in the LV mix.The best part however was meeting up with family and hanging out together.Soon I head to Germany and Switzerland and I wish I could bring them all with me. Tonight its on the deck at home at that is just fine.

Vegas Family Style

Jet Blue Delays = Another Night in Las Vegas

The sun rose early here in LV this morning and we ended the night with a great score at the tables last night. Lil and I headed to the airport for our trip home. Alas there was a 3 hour delay on our Jet Blue flight back to reality, rain in NYC was the culprit. In a flash I decided to rebook for the next day and we headed back to the Monte Carlo.We got to reconnect with our group as they all had later flights. When they left we went to the pool and relaxed. I loved returning to the Spa and we are now heading down to give some bucks back, Viva Las Vegas.

Vegas Vickie and the Penny Slots

This lovely lady is my sister Vickie and what a sweetheart she is! Once vehemently anti-gambling she now has the nick name of Vegas Vickie. With her amazing energy she hit just about every penny slot in Vegas. Better yet she took them down. Thanks Vegas Vickie for putting together an amazing time for us all in Las Vegas.

Loaded Dice, Marked Cards and Fantasy Blog Stocks... Its Las Vegas Baby

Due to the time difference I woke up early here in Sin City and walked the Strip. As I walked through the casino I found guys with brews still plugging away at the tables and slots. The casinos here go 24/7 raking in the $$ to keep these huge temples of capitalism humming.

As I was paying for some stuff at the CV drugstore near the Monte Carlo I noticed that loaded dice and marked cards were for sale. The though of opening an illegal operation back in Cottekill was a fleeting thought. I couldn’t stand guys guzzling brews in my basement at 6 A.M. looking sad and broke. Craps lessons at 11 A.M. anyone?

Fantasy Blog Stock Market, Be Our Guest a Hot Pick

It is weird but I found Be Our Guest rated as # 4 out of the top 100 on the hot stocks list on the Fantasy Blog Stock Market. I had no idea that that there was such a thing. There are 4000/5000 shares going for 26 cents a share. I have a PE that appeals due to my relative price per evaluation. I smell a Gordan Geko out there. Gordan Geko was the manipulator in the movie Wall Street, buy low sell high.

Jet Blue Falters, Monte Carlo Pleases and its a Dry Heat

The heat as we stepped out of the airport in Vegas was one that reminded me of summers spent in Scottsdale when we lived there, the dry kind. Still I reminded Lil that an oven is dry also. The real heat was back in JFK when our Jet Blue flight was delayed by about an hour and a half. They had another 10:45 flight leaving for Vegas and the crowd around our gate was pissed. They couldn’t understand why the later flight was going to get there before our earlier one.

The flight was fine and my first trip on Blue was filled with hours watching the tube. We have checked into the Monte Carlo and it is huge. Everything in Vegas is huge. From the 26th floor the cranes rise and building seems to be moving at a rabbit’s pace. I played a few hands of mini baccarat and am up a princely $175, raising that slow and easy is the goal. Still casinos don’t exist because they lose, and a dry heat is still hot.

The Women of the French Revolution

I picked up a great book for my flight to Las Vegas tomorrow but couldn’t resist opening it up tonight in my room at the JFK Holiday Inn. The book is called Liberty and is about six women in Revolutionary France. All six played different roles during that bloody time in French history, social and political. One I was familiar with, Manon Roland, she lost her head when her politics fell short of Robespierre. I have always been fascinated by the French Revolution and this book will give me a totally new view into it. Chances are that the 36 channels of Direct TV on my Jet Blue screen will go unwatched.

Darfour in Paris

 

Hemingway's Cats Under Federal Fire

You would think that the federal government has enough on its plate other then the cats at Hemmingway’s House in Key West. The claws are out whether or not the 47 cats all descended from Hem’s original cat Snowball should be under federal care. U.S. Animal and Plant Inspection Services argue that as a National Historic Landmark the cats require a Federal Welfare license. According to our guide over $50,000 is spent a year on cat food and a high paid vet is a frequent visitor. I loved the felines on our visit there last spring. To the Feds, clean your plate first, and then worry about the kittys.

Amongst the Suits, HBO's Entourage

Like Billy, the maniacal director on HBO’s Entourage I am fighting the battle of the “suits”. I am smack dab in the midst of hustling corporate America. The Westin in Stamford CT. is set amidst several corporate headquarters and this Westin is no place to head for a vacation. Still I will get a chance to warm up for Las Vegas this weekend with a smaller group.

I am some what disappointed with this hotel and its impersonal style and feel. The cost is high as most visitors’ bills are handled by corporate home offices and Westin seems to add any cost they can to that bill, including the fee to log on to blog this morning. The place is also a wee bit run down and long in the tooth. When I checked in my reservation couldn’t be found with credit card # or frequent club member card. I had to truck back to the car and dig up my emailed conformation. Perhaps if I was decked up in a suit they might have found my reservation easier? I guess I am more like Billy than I thought.

Silver & Gold Friendships

It has been one of the best weekends I have had in ages, quiet times with very old friends. Even though Lil is battling with yet another health issue (Lymes) she has been a trooper. In both cases I have been friends with one or the other of the couples for over 35 years.
Saturday night was dinner at the Dill’s in one of the best backyards in America, matched with stunning gardens and superb barbeque. As dusk fell humming birds were replaced with fireflies. Easy conversation and many memories made for a perfect summer night. A very nice message from Max and Cindy on the answering machine when we got home reminded me that it doesn’t always take 35 years to place a friendship on the solid gold friendship level. Many of the same qualities of time spent happen when we get together.

On Sunday we went with the Goggs to New Paltz to shop and have a late lunch. Again the banter was easy and flowing and memories filled the pleasant hours. In my job I meet a lot on new faces and am creating new friendships. Some will survive today’s fast pace and changing world. Still it is through both good and bad times that long time relationships are forged. When I am on the road traveling I will pack along new memories of great times with old friends.

http://www.newpaltz.org/

The Mayor and the DA Candidate's Wife; Show Down at Mariner's Harbor in Kingston NY

What is going on with politics? Even here in Ulster County tempers are frayed and heated. A DA candidate’s wife scuffles with Kingston Mayor in a local restaurant. I really like Mayor Sottile and find it hard to fathom, he is a great guy. The confusing part is it isn’t the usual partisan politics between Dem and Repub, right or left. Sottile supports another candidate for DA other then Mrs. Sennett’s husband; Sottile backs Bradley who also wants the Dem nod.

I wish my Dad was around to explain it all; he was the youngest DA in Ulster County history. I am glad that he forwent a political career after that stint. For a better explanation check out www.dailyfreeman.com complete with video. This should keep the very witty and entertaining Hugh Reynolds busy. Hugh’s City Beat column is my favorite local read.

Air Tahiti Nui Bucks the Trend

Last Oct. I flew Air Tahiti Nui to Sydney with a stopover in Tahiti and I thought it was a great airline. With fares going skyhigh this summer Air Tahiti Nui is going the opposite way.


I just found out that Air Tahiti Nui has launched a quick weekend sale to Paris from LAX for $635 plus taxes from Oct. 25-Dec. 10, 07 and only $575 plus taxes for Dec. 24- March 25, 08. Air Tahiti Nui flies nonstop between LAX- Paris. (Right now, flights to Paris from LAX are at least double this price!) Check them out, great fares!

Petra, a Winner, Voted or Not. New Seven Wonders of the World

Its kind of funny, some of the blogs I have been reading about the New Seven Wonders of the World. Some say that they will now never go to any. I understand that some people do not want to go where it is crowded, I hate crowds. That said I also wouldn’t let crowds keep me away from some amazing places either. Imagine not ordering the best dish at a restaurant because everyone does or not going to my favorite place in my yard because the rest of my family head there also.

It maybe hype and it may be silly but it does bring tourism dollars and some of those dollars do go into maintenance. I have been twice to Petra and on my second visit I saw some of the protective steps. Sure I wish I could have the place all to myself, but that would be selfish. Is tourism growing in Jordan, you bet. Are there places still off the track, absolutely, even within Petra. Would I not see Petra if again if I had the chance, no way, it is amazing.

Petra is a winner whether voted one of the seven or not. It is a place that I wish every traveler or tourist or local could see at least once, what ever label you travel by. Here is a piece on Petra from GoNomad’s David Rich.

Coconut Bay and St. Lucia a Perfect Choice

I am not a wedding consultant but I did well by my favorite clerk at Stone Ridge Liquors. Knowing what I do she asked me if I knew any great places to stay on St. Lucia? I had happened to return from just such a place not long ago. I brought her info from Coconut Bay where I stayed during my visit. The responsibility of playing a part of picking someone’s honeymoon choice is not to be taken lightly, but I knew her and knew her lifestyle.

I ran into her today and was so pleased that her visit to St. Lucia was a huge hit as was Coconut Bay. The pairing of hotel and island suited her perfectly. Its one thing to write for strangers but it is fantastic when your choice for a friend is spot on. Time for a glass of chilled white from the local store.

Rio a Worthy Choice for Seven Wonders of the World

I have been to five of the latest seven places to vote for as a new Seven Wonders of the World. In the running are places such as the Coliseum in Rome and Machu Picchu in Peru. It is a tough decision as the five I have been to are all amazing and two are neck in neck for my choice.

I went to Piccasa today to use some photos I have taken to see if that would tip the scales. I must admit that seeing the pictures of Christ the Redeemer that sits high above Rio is a very worthy candidate. Twice I have been up to what can only be called an engineering miracle. Indeed the whole city of Rio is a heavenly place, once isn’t enough. In fact twice isn’t either, I long to again wander the streets of one of my favorite cities and again experience its robust lifestyle. For a take on my visit click Rio.

Butterfly in Las Vegas

The Butterfly Bush planted in May is doing its thing and attracting all sizes and shapes of the species and my sisters pool just down the road is an everyday stop. Still an offer to go to Las Vegas to attend a sports convention is a powerful draw. I have awhile ago decided to try some speaking gigs. I get to bring Lil and have a captive audience and a chance to make some money. It is enough to leave summer in Ulster County, at least for a weekend.

Flying with Johnny Jet

You would think that going on travel writing trips that you would run into the same people over and over again. That usually isn’t the case, sure on occasion you re- hook up but often it is new faces. One guy I have met on several trips is Johnny Jet and it has always been fun. His enthusiasm is catchy and his interest in traveling huge.

His camera is always clicking and he puts together some awesome videos that can be found at his site and You Tube. I am in two of them Fes Morrco and Opio France. As Johnny would say, “Check it out”.

You Say Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe was once Rhodesia and while most of the world was paying attention to South Africa and its problems, Rhodesia was going through huge changes. I just finished two books about life there during those times. Both are written by women and well done. The first was called Don’t Lets Go To the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller and the second was Rainbow’s End by Lauren St. John. The stories are very similar and both about overcoming amazing hardships. Both authors are also obviously deeply in love with Africa, and filled with bitter sweet memories.

Ah, a summer weekend! Summer used to be my least favorite season but it has jumped up a few notches. Last night I joined the buds for nine holes at the Rondout Country Club, we vow to do so every Friday night available this summer. Today Lil and I went to the farmers market in Kingston and stocked up on fresh produce and wrangled some lobsters for dinner on the deck.Tomorrow we see the final run of Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Quimby Theater and end the day at the cast party. Parting with days like this will be sweet sorrow.

Condom Girls in Cannes France

When I was walking the streets of Cannes a few weeks ago I came upon the Cannes Condom girls.Their hats were made up like condoms. I am still wondering why they would stop an old guy like me to give me a lecture on condoms. With the little French I speak and the little English they spoke it was quite an encounter. Still I gotta say I like the idea.I promised I would spread the word, "don't be silly wrap your willie".

Condo Rental on St Croix, A Few Weeks Next Time

This view has been burned into my memory since the 70's, Buck Island from Coakley Bay condos. As a kid I went with my dad up a mountain to check out just where our St. Croix retreat would be built. Throughout several hurricanes and changes in attitudes, it remains a special place for me. I hadn't stayed there in many years but pledge to spend some time there every year from now on. Donna Ford has aptly handled our unit G-15 for rental for years, save a few weeks for me Donna!

St. Croix Hook

I have had one for many years but we all have new ones now. The St Croix hook braclet is one item you should get when on the island. All around the world I have run into people that know what it is and have one of thier own. We got our new ones at the place where they were first made and designed, Sonya's. They have been copied by everyone on the island but hers are the best!

World's Biggest Pool

Imagine the biggest swimming pool in the world complete with colorful fish swimming by, columns of massive coral complete the picture. That is exactly what swimming in the Caribbean feels like to me.

Sail on St Croix

There is nothing that can put a smile on your face better than sailing with friends to Buck Island, St Croix. D & D obviously are enjoying the pool like waters and the wind billowing the white sails.

St Croix, a Great Time

We have been having a great time here on St Croix, sailing, eating, exploring and chillin! The only problem is no internet for blogging daily, we will be home in two days. I will be posting pictures and pieces then, have a great 4th of July!