Life does not always give the opportunity to post on time, but sometimes it surprises you and presents the perfect opportunity...like today. 

Forgetting I had an 8:30 am assignment near home, I was up and ready to hit the road for Southampton at 6:30 this morning.  Then, memory returned and I turned my car to loop the dock and take the June photos.  What a spectacular morning. 

May Day 2013

What a beautiful day!  Today has to be the most excited I have been about documenting the First of the Month at the Village Marina.  Finally, we have color!  Spring leaves me speechless...the colors of Spring are...I have no words! 

As I drove into Bellport this afternoon (in between jobs) I was moved by the colors and knew I had to stop at the Village Marina before I did anything else.  The sky was blue, the flora and fauna presented with colors which I cannot name.  Then, upon arrival at the marina, a bank of fog was building just south of Fire Island.  It reminded me of home...southern California where just about this time of the year, in the afternoon, the fog gathers force just off shore then softly rolls in to blanket the shoreline and quiet the day. 

For that moment I was at peace. 

The photos do not quite reflect the fog experience, but you can use your imagination. 

So...here are the May 1st photos of the Bellport Village Marina. 

Guard kiosk (currently un-manned) looking north

Yacht Club looking north

 

Yacht Club looking south

Guard kiosk looking south

 

 

My friends, there is hope.  April showers brought more than May flowers!

 

April Showers, No Foolin'

On my way for the 1st of the month marina shots, the rain began to fall...

 

 

So I grabbed the shots and went home to dry out.

However...when the rain stopped I had to go back for another round.

But then I was distracted by this beautiful place...

 

 

And so April begins.

 

A Walk Worth Taking...

Since Super Storm Sandy caused the old inlet to reopen and became the new old inlet , I have wanted to walk the beach from Smith Point to the inlet to see the changes.  Until today I had to be satisfied with a cheap binocular enhanced glimpse from the Bellport marina and the great overhead photos posted on Bellport.com.  Vicariously experiencing the progression of the inlet, the Gun Club and the barrier beach was exciting enough, but as the great-granddaughter of covered wagon pioneers from the Show-Me state, I had to see for myself. 

Sunday we bundled up and walked the 2 or so miles from Smith Point to the inlet.  The barrier island has certainly changed since I last walked the beach and I am once again awestruck by the power of nature and the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Pacific Ocean is “my” ocean.  Humbled by the waves at an early age, I learned to survive and ride them by body, raft and boogie board in the ocean off Torrance, Newport, and Corona Beaches.  I learned about reproduction on the sand of Torrance Beach, under the full moon on a warm summer night…as my parents took us to watch the grunion run.  The power and immensity of the oceans of the world became very clear to me when I traveled from Los Angeles, around the world to Miami 1978.  As 1 person in a relatively small vessel in the midst of the mighty south Pacific, one tends to learn perspective; particularly when a huge storm hits just off the coast of South Africa, causing the ship to shudder and quake with each wave cresting over its bow. 

Until Super Storm Sandy, I had not experienced the power nature of the Atlantic.  Nearly 5 months later, I am still learning.  A resident of Bellport Village, from the safety of my non-waterfront home, I endured Super Storm Sandy as the raw power of nature hit our bayside Village.  The damage and destruction was incredible.  Considering what other communities along the south shore of Long Island endured, we were very fortunate to be in Bellport Village with Fire Island as our barrier beach.   

As we walked west from the Fire Island National Seashore ranger station at Smith Point, the change to our barrier beach was obvious.  As we neared the inlet, the landscape revealed in greater detail just how powerful the storm had been.  In earlier visits to the FINS station and to the Sunken Forest on Fire Island, I learned of the two sets of dunes; the primary (nearest the ocean) and the secondary (nearest the bay.)  In between the two sets of dunes is the swale with a rather uncommon ecosystem.  As we headed west, I began to realize that the barrier island system I had learned about was severely altered. 

Beaches change with the season; this I have experienced and enjoyed for many years.  Summer beaches are comfortable old friends, winter beaches less so, but truly intriguing.  This is now a beach I never imagined.  Inlets and streams, pools and marshes appeared in places I did not expect.  Tree trunks and remnants of structures were exposed like ancient ruins. 

We moved along the ocean side to the inlet, navigating tide pools and streams as we walked.  Arriving at the inlet, we wondered if this was the site of the original inlet.  Or had, perhaps, the barrier island changed over the past 100+ years causing this inlet to shift.  The forceful movement of the water in and out of the inlet was mesmerizing.  The rumor of seals in the inlet was confirmed as we watched a lone seal seemed to frolic through the inlet.  Birds flew above and dove into the waters around the inlet indicating to us that there must be fish beneath the dynamic flow of water.  It was truly magnificent to watch. 

To get a better view of the remains of the old inlet dock , we decided to walk along the north shore of the island to better.  It now stands surprisingly strong in the middle of the new old inlet, in spite of the powerful force flowing in and out of the Great South Bay.  The Patersquash Gun Club building is currently stranded on Pelican Island.  It is pretty remarkable that it is still stands in a recognizable form, holding its ground…wherever that may be today.

We continued along the lesser traveled north side of the island for awhile, just to see what we could see.  This is where I realized how grateful our Village should be for this barrier island.  It survived well the violent side of nature.  Holding its ground, protecting the mainland, taking a beating and complying with the changes forced upon it, this island is remarkable.  On the north side of the island, much debris remains; natural and manmade alike.  Pieces of the marina are entangled with the root system of the vegetation; marshes have emerged, as have pools and ponds.  The bay side of the island is not as welcoming as the cleaner, sandy, ocean beach.  But it is definitely interesting to explore. 

Exposed by the storm, I saw and learned of the intricate network of a root system that sustains the vegetation on the island.  The particular root system I saw is rather impressive, if not chaotic ,and, for me, very unlike the rather orderly, less complex plant it sustains.  I am told that it is a non-indigenous plant, the name of which I have not learned.  To me, its non-indigenous root system seems to be the heart this barrier island.  As a California transplant, I felt a connection with this plant.  Not native, not always welcome, but strong and steadfast just the same, ready to serve its environment as it is able.  (Okay…I unjustly flatter myself.)  Seeing this root system helped me to better understand the power and strength of this barrier island.  Walking through the marshy side of the island, I saw how the powerful ocean has tried over and again to insist the island give in to its power.  The island is strong, resilient and though it has suffered definite causality, it has persevered and continues to protect our shoreline. 

Fire Island gave in to the sea and allowed the inlet to reopen.  It was a natural area of “weakness” which was never intended to be closed.  Seeing just how strong the island is has caused me to believe that the new old inlet is truly nature reclaiming what should be.  I have often wished I could experience Bellport in the days of the Old Inlet.  I have wondered how different our Village would be today if the inlet had never closed.  This is a magnificent time to be in Bellport, to watch nature take its course, purging  the bay, rebuilding Fire Island and bringing new opportunities and a chance to experience the marvels of nature.   

March is here!

 

 

 

 

March is here.  I notice a bit more color in at the Bellport Marina.  What I am most excited about is the new/old inlet across from the Marina.  I am anxious to walk the beach from Smith Point to the new inlet...have you done that yet?  Once the weather warms up and we can get the kayak back in the water, I am anxious to paddle to explore this new creation of nature.

 

So...what do you think about the new/old inlet?

So I employed a little artistic license and took these photos CLOSE to the first of February.  You see...we had a little snow and I thought I would show something a bit different from last month's panaramic shots.  Of course, had I waited a few more days, the view would have been significantly different.  I will allow myself only so much license. 

The first day of 2013...

The Bellport Marina - a panaramic shot from Shore Road.

Southern view from the guard kiosk.

The Great South Bay from the porch of the Yacht Club.

Northern view from the Yacht Club.

Northern view from the guard kiosk - Bellport Lane.

 

 

Here it is, another new year and another opportunity to get on track and follow through.

There are many things on my "to do" list. One is to post the 4 above panoramic views that I will take on the 1st day of each month in 2013.

Dramatic differences in the look and feel of our marina take place every year. It seems I often miss the subtle changes that lead to the greater drama. Taking photos from the same locations each month will bring greater awareness of these changes. It should be even more poignant as recovery from super storm Sandy continues.

 So here is my first 2013 contribution to this blog.  Let us see where 2013 takes us.

 

  

 

 

 

Things...they are a changin'!

We have lived in this house since May.  It is the house with the numbered trees.  Other than that, it has been a pretty forgettable structure.  Well...I suppose the blue door gave it a certain character.  But things, well, they are changing starting today. 

We have never experienced exterior renovation on a house.  Tom is quite talented when it comes to interior renovation.  In fact, he undertakes such projects about as often as I rearrange furniture which is pretty darn often.  We have been laying low on both fronts since moving into this house.  Perhaps we were stock piling patience in preparation for this fall 2012 project.

So today as I enjoy a rare day off, I have a shopping list that includes extra vacuum bags, tarps to cover furniture and some something to calm Chase the dog's nerves. 

Any advice from those who have experienced such a project?

Bellport Flash/Cash Mob...

My first dance lesson was when I was 18 years old and I signed myself up for Ballet as a freshman in college.  Following that I took tap lessons and then, as a junior at UCLA I started Square Dancing with the Bachelors and Bachelorettes in Santa Monica, CA.  That experience (I graduated from the 9 month course of study) led to Clog Dancing every Monday night and many weekends with various groups around Southern California.  I loved learning Ballet and Tap.  I had a great time and met great people square dancing.  But, it was the clog dancing experience that made my heart smile. 

Believe it or not, clog dancing was HUGE in the early 1980’s in Southern California.  There were weekly gatherings of cloggers, weekend clog dancing workshops everywhere, all the time.  There is just something amazingly inspirational when you are part of a huge room full of people dancing in unison.  Being a small part of the greater whole was empowering as well as humbling. 

On Friday, August 17, 2012 @ 7 pm, for me that feeling returned.  I once again had the opportunity to dance and be a part of something much greater than me, alone.

The Bellport Cash Mob has accomplished some pretty amazing things in the 7 months we have been in existence.  The Cash Mob concept was perfect for Bellport’s Main Street.  As we Cash Mobbed local business, we provided an infusion of HOPE for business owners.  We each have done a little and together have accomplished a lot.  We have given nice cash infusions to local businesses at times when income was lagging.  We brought awareness to local businesses and reminded people the importance of shopping local. 

However, one of the most incredible results was only realized following the first Cash Mob experience.  The experience of coming together, combining our efforts and making a difference…community building occurred.  The Bellport Cash Mob reminded us of the power of individual citizens coming together for one common purpose; without agenda, personal belief or opinion, the citizens of our little community could unite for the common good and truly make a difference.  That, as they say, is priceless.

Last Friday’s Bellport Flash/Cash Mob took this concept to a different level.  It was clear from the beginning of this venture that we would be appealing to a smaller group of citizens.  It took dedication to the greater cause to motivate some to participate in this event.  It took some of us out of our comfort zones, pushing us to break the barriers of conventionality.  For others, it gave us an opportunity to truly show who we were and what we were capable of doing.  We have extraordinary people in our community. 

Equally impressive was the support we received when we performed our Flash Mob.  Our numbers were tripled as many people came to watch and support the Flash Mobbers.  It was a sight to behold…and you can!  On YouTube!  We have the official Bellport Cash Mob video posted in the near future. 

The purpose of this Cash Mob was to support a business that has been instrumental in creating memories for the members of this community for many, many years.  The Brookhaven School of Dance and Barbara Mordente have played major roles in our lives.  Perhaps your children learned the basics of Ballet, Tap or Jazz at 10 Bell Street, Studio B.  If your child participated in the theatrical events at Bellport Middle School or Bellport High School, they were most likely guided by the very capable and brilliant hands of Barbara Mordente, her staff or experienced students.  She has caused many of our youngsters to realize their lifelong ambition.  She has provided us, the families with many lasting experiences. 

Personally, there has not been one event in which the Brookhaven School of Dance has played a role that I have not been moved.  Friday’s Flash/Cash Mob was no exception.  As I participated in the workshops and the performance at the Marina, I was moved by the excitement, dedication and accomplishment of each dancer/cash mobber.  We all bought in to the idea of supporting this Bellport institution and we were given so much more in return. 

50 years from now, when most of the Flash/Cash mobbers have passed, I hope the Long Island Advance will feature us in an August, 2062 issue:  “50 years ago today Barbara Mordente, the Brookhaven School of Dance and her Flash Mob surprised the Bellport Village Marina…”

Crabbing for the fun of it...

This is a sight most Bellportians are excited to see;

a stretch of open area at the dock offering one a choice of crabbing spots. 

After a great start last night (2 keepers in the first 5 minutes,) enthusiasm waned as the "too small" crabs began showing up, 2 at a time on each line, stealing chicken legs and leading to our disappointment.  No wonder there was space at the dock.

Then we met 2 great kids, Emilio and Antonio, summer visitors, crabbing with their family for the first time and anxious to master the skill. For me, this is the best part of crabbing. They were so excited to learn something new. They watched, listened and learned from the experienced old crabbers (not me...I am still learning;) politely asked questions and enthusiastically participated. Emilio worked on mastering the string, Antonio the net. The best part? They were never discouraged when the only thing emerging from the murky water was a partially consumed chicken leg. They joyously celebrated every success, even if the catch had to be tossed back. They truly just enjoyed the journey, not really motivated by a goal. They were living for the moment. Another life reminder from the younger ones among us.

We left our lines in their now rather capable hands, donated our meager catch to their bucket and went home quite satisfied.

. 

This is the first of the two feisty guys lured by our fresh chicken legs.

Read the anger in his eyes...you really can...those are eyes, right? 

Sure, we lost our initial investment, but we, along with Emilio and Antonio, decided we were feeding the babies so they would be ready for future crabbers to snare and enjoy.  From my perspective, my kitchen was spared the odoriferous creatures and I was reminded why I enjoy crabbing...just for the fun of it.   

  

Spending time in 11968…

My jobs require me to spend a good amount of time in the 11968 zip code (Southampton Village) each week.  Each Thursday I spend about 12 hours away from 11713 and in this famous South Fork Village. 

(Note:  there is a claim that Southampton was the first English settlement on Long Island.  However, I have it on good authority that Southampton is actually the SECOND oldest English settlement…after Southold founded in 1639 (in part) by my ancestors, the Horton and Budd families.  But that is another story.)

There are a few hours of free time between my Thursday jobs.  Since summer traffic in Southampton is laborious, I usually head for a local spot where I can park and enjoy the summer weather; such as the park at the head of Lake Agawam.  I may walk about or sit and read or just ponder.  Yesterday I sat and pondered. 

(Henry's Bench)

This day I chose to sit on the Henry Barclay bench; it was shaded and offered a nice view of Lake Agawam.  The small plaque affixed to the bench gave me pause.  You see, it tells me that in 1906 Henry was born on Lake Agawam.  Interesting choice of words.  Was Mrs. Barclay on the lake, unable to make it to shore when she gave birth to babe Henry?  Was she on a boat?  Was this an early 20th century "waterbirth"?    My mind easily wanders when given such fodder. 

Henry Barclay’s name appeared many times as a result of a Google search.  However, there was no reference to a Henry born in 1906 on the lake or any other such dramatic entrance into this world by any of the many Henry Barclay’s I found. 

Perhaps a Google search of Lake Agawam would offer some information.  The search resulted in many entries including a link to Southampton Patch where there appeared a short video tour of the lake from a helicopter by Jeff Cully of Cully/EEFAS: 

 http://southampton.patch.com/articles/scenescapes-see-agawam-and-bathing-corp-from-the-air#video-7320613 . 

You can see that there are many amazing homes on the lake; I wonder if Henry was born in one of these homes.  Note:  I was sitting at the end of the lake looking south towards the beach and great Atlantic ocean.

(Lake Agawam from Henry's bench.)

Still, nothing was revealed about this man born on this lake.  Filling in the blanks was left to my imagination. 

As I sat considering Henry, his birth and his bench, eventually a group of fowl gathered near by.  No doubt they assumed I had food; I did not.  If I had had food, unlike the folks sitting on the other benches in this park, as a Weight Watchers Leader/Member I adhere to that unwritten rule:  when counting PointsPlus Values of all foods consumed, there will be no sharing.  I wonder...were the ancestors of these birds on Lake Agawam when Henry was born? 

(Fowl of Lake Agawam)

So I think about Henry's circumstance and enjoy the bucolic setting of Lake Agawam.  I will continue my search for more clues on this bench worthy citizen of yesteryear…and continue to spend free Thursdays at this great little park.

42:45 - The Official Time!

It is done.

I have completed a 5K race within the time parameters, did not finish last and I lived to tell about it.

There are some things that remain a mystery to me. Like how people can take pleasure in doing this? How some of these women look as great -- or even better -- after the race as they did standing at the starting line? What compels one to attempt this more than once? Why someone decided to hold a 5K on a July evening on Long Island?

Truly I understand the satisfaction of athletic accomplishment. My muscles have great memories of such. They (and my lungs) remember the 100 laps we always had to swim before sailing class at University High School. They remember bicycling up hills in Santa Barbara with my friend Carrol as we rode from LA to SB one year. They remember clog dancing for hours on end with my friends in LA and Las Vegas. They even recall the 10 miles I once ran on the paths of Laguna Hills, California. There is great satisfaction in completing something of great athletic magnitude.

But I am embarrassed to say that that was all before life in New York. Since moving to Long Island, my activity has been limited. I have lived here nearly 18 years; those muscle memories are fading. It took this 5K to cause a call to reactivate activity and create new memories for my slightly older (ahem) muscles.

There is much that I have learned in the past 3 weeks of training and then competing.

·         I can improve on my athleticism.  Three weeks ago it took me 63 minutes to complete 5K; I cut nearly 11 minutes off that time yesterday. 

·         It is humbling to “run” a 5K in front of neighbors, family and friends.  (I love the applause and cheers!)

·         Training without music is great free thinking time; watch out Bellport!

                  ·         I love to walk; loathe jogging.

·         I SO appreciate Dr. Joe, the Chiropractor. 

·         I am ready to reactivate my activity.

A big thank you to my WW compadres for the encouragement and the inspiration to even try this 5K.  I will be waiting for you at the finish line every chance I get!

A butterfly and the Bellport Clipper Classic…

For 3 weeks now I have been “training” to participate in the Bellport Clipper Classic.  I love exercise.  I love being active.  I love a physical challenge.  I love what exercise does for my body, mind and spirit.  This, however, has been an interesting adventure. 

Good:  I am revisiting Dr. Merckling, the Bellport Village chiropractor, for that competitive edge. 
Not so good:  the pain in my neck and shoulders is the real reason I returned, though the treatments surely improve my overall state of being. 

Good:  my Nikes are getting used as they should be.
Not so good:  I change band-aids more often than I change my underwear.  

Good:  I feel great after completing a 3.29 mile trek.
Not so good:  I have gained 5 pounds during this training process. 

Good:  I have encouraged others to participate as well.                                                                         
Not so good:  I cannot back out of the event. 

During this same period of time, I have kept a rather hectic schedule.  However, it is summer on Long Island and no matter how busy, one must make time to enjoy the weather and the late setting of the sun.  (Perhaps you do not realize this, but in the southwest, the sun does not stay up this long…ever.)  Our patio is lovely, the backyard is lovely and we have even been able to enjoy the chiminea.  (You have a chiminea, don’t you?)

About 3 weeks ago after my first week of training, I was sitting in the new Adirondack chairs by the chiminea one evening and something kept buzzing my head.  I could not imagine what this creature was until he lighted on my arm.  Shocked, I realized it was a butterfly.  He flashed the most vivid orange colors at me as I asked him who he was.  His response was to fly away.  However, he soon came again and rested on my shoulder.  I tried to get a photo of him with my cell phone, but he flew away just as I pressed to “take” the photo. 

There are many myths and legends about butterflies.  We know their transformation is rather miraculous.  Their beauty is other-worldly.  Admittedly, I spent a lot of time pondering the visit and its meaning. 

He has been back 2 other times.  Saturday he buzzed the jamming circle during my daughter’s graduation party.  Yesterday I caught his visit with my phone.  I tried very hard to get a shot with his wings open, vivid colors displayed.  That just did not happen.  He landed on the wood pile and cleverly blended in, refusing to open his wings until he was ready to fly away. 

According to legend and myth, I could choose to believe that he is someone I know who has passed, coming to bring me a message like, “Do NOT run the Bellport Clipper Classic!” Or “run and not be weary, but you are going to have to fly with wings like butterflies...the eagles have gone to cooler climes.”  Or he is hanging around waiting to take my wish to the Great Spirit.  In the event this is the case, I have been frantically trying to narrow down the one wish I want him to take.

So today is T minus 6 days until the Bellport Clipper Classic.  This morning I walked a steady but slower pace (swollen/painful feet, ankles and legs) and completed 3.29 miles in 50 minutes without stopping and talking to one single person.  I am ready for the challenge; I want to check this off my own bucket list and move on.  I am pretty sure the butterfly could be there to warn me to take it easy and move on to the next challenge.  But I also think he is hanging around to carry my wish.  I just hope he hangs around long enough for me to make a decision on the one best wish I could make.  (Note:  it will have NOTHING to do with the Bellport Clipper Classic!) 

14.41 minute mile...

This is the start and end point of my course.  It was a shortened course today due to, well, life.  Still, I stayed under the 15 minute mile and felt good.

Now...off to address the issues of life after workout.  It is all fun...why am I so stressed?