Monday, January 30, 2012

Then and Now: Upper Onondaga Park Grotto and Pond

This somewhat hidden grotto-like area of Upper Onondaga Park is a treasure. It doesn't receive the care it once did, though there are some, your photographer included, who keep it picked up and replace rocks that have fallen out during the winter. The city continues to fill the pond and run the stream which originates at the top of the mountain.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Then and Now: Upper Onondaga Park Bathing Pavilion

Women bathe on the Eastern half of the bathing area, men on the Western half. Note the guy on the roof. Staging this photograph was clearly an extravaganza! I love it!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Then and Now: Gale Spring

I've long been interested in postcards of local scenes. I have some of Syracuse, though my concentration is on the Oneida Community, Kenwood, Sherrill and Oneida, scenes of my youth and a decade in mid-life. 

The best postcards, and the most expensive, are real photographs. Often only published and sold in limited editions, they are becoming rarer and dearer. I once had my hands on a photo postcard of a border collie on a tightrope. The dealer wanted $50 and this was 10 years ago. I felt that was just too much. I regret that decision. 

Easier to find are hand tinted cards. These started out as photographs, they have a painterly quality which can be quite beautiful and they sometimes have interesting details.  

Today I begin a project of posting park scenes in Syracuse and modern photos of the same scene. I have discovered that the greater challenge than finding the right spot to stand is finding the right lens. I believe the photographers also used step ladders on occasion.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

What Glue...

...could possibly be holding this leaf onto the oak tree in our front yard? The leaves came down practically in one night in November, and then there was the wind storm Tuesday night. Yet this morning it is still there, fluttering in the breeze.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Spain Posts Up to Date! and Elmwood Park: Red-tailed Hawk, Interrupted

Spread throughout latter November and much of December are photos of our adventures in Spain late last year.

Enjoy! Go!

If you click on the label SPAIN at the bottom of this post, all of the posts will line up for viewing.

Also...


Saturday, January 14, 2012

Friday, January 13, 2012

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Automobile Logos

Can anyone guess (or know) where this combination of logos is located (on a commercial building near downtown Syracuse)? They are at the same location as yesterday's post.

The upper logo is Cadillac. How about the lower logo?
************
NOTE to seekers of Spain photos: Not all are posted yet (as of noon on Friday); those that are will be found scattered through November and December. 

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Tile Find in the City

Do you know or can you guess where these beautiful tiles can be found? 
They're at the same location as the logos on the January 5 post.
They're on a commercial building on the east side and not at eye level.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Auld Lang Syne and Finishing Up the Garden on New Year's Day


Auld Lang Syne passionately sung by Eddi Reader and all assembled upon the occasion of the opening of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood, Edinburgh in October 2004. Watch it on YouTube via the link.

Queen Elizabeth II looks quite dour, as well she might, for Scotland is on the rise.

Auld Lang Syne was originally written down as a poem by the Scottish poet Robert Burns.

May we continue to seek peace gladly in this increasingly complicated and difficult world. May we find peace for all and for ourselves.

Auld Lang Syne

Chorus.
And for auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne,
1.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o' auld lang syne.
2.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
3.
We twa hae run about the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin auld lang syne.
4.
We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.
5.
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right guid willy waught,
For auld lang syne.