When the combination of ocean, beach and sky are all in harmony all appears well. I love the sound of the ocean and as I listen to the crashing of the waves I often wonder where this water has been. As a child I patiently waited for my parents to say, "We're going to the beach today." That was a time when the beach was without dunes and the Atlantic City piers were still in existence. Being near the pilings of the piers made the sound of crashing waves against a firm structure. I can listen to and enjoy the waterfall from my backyard fish pond or listen to the water as it travels down stream in the near by rivers, but it is the sound and smell of the ocean that I enjoy the most. As long as I can remember there is another sound, the sound of the boisterous seagull that adds to the charm of the shore. It would be difficult to imagine what the shore would be without the busyness of the gulls as they soar in flight searching for scraps of food.
A resting seagull is a sign all is well.
When does the next cruise take place?
After a gourmet dinner, a water break is necessary.
My reflection shows no ruffled feathers and everything is cool. Looking good!
May the ocean waves provide a bounty of food for the gulls. Or perhaps their human friends will provide a tasty snack.
If you are the last one to reach the beach buffet --- sorry about your bad luck.
This certainly is a "gulluva day." A gull's view indicates all is well.
Time to make way for Mighty Gull.
The sun will soon be setting and so it appears another day has come and gone.
MAKE WAY FOR THE CANINES!
The Sunday after the Miss America parade the Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino sponsored a boardwalk "Show Me Your Paws Dog Pageant." Canines and their masters could enter contests consisting of canine speaking and best bathing suit. It was very entertaining as pet owners proudly presented their faithful companions and canines presented their well trained owners. Each contestant exhibited their own personality and the smiles and applause from the crowd was indication it was very entertaining. Some of the loving pets were judged for his/her speaking talent while others were judged for their bathing suit attire.
Every animal was well behaved, no barking, howling or misbehavior.
This is where I became a little sentimental. These little guys were from a local shelter and they were up for adoption. They are such a team that the shelter was hoping someone could adopt both.
Job well done, speaking was a breeze.
It only took a little piece of carrot to get a tiny bark from this big guy.
THE BATHING SUIT COMPETITION
Big dogs, little dogs, they all were well deserving a special honor.
I'm sure the judges had a difficult time choosing the winners. This gentlemen was from New York and he was well versed in animal behavior, since he has appeared on the TV show Animal Planet.
All contestants and their owners patiently waited their turn.
I personally enjoyed every minute of the show, although I was unable to stay to find out officially who the winners were. In my thoughts they were all winners and it was especially nice to learn some of the pets were rescue dogs, and some were therapeutic dogs. My little rat terrier is now blind but we succeed through each day because we are best friends.
SKEETER
Everything is beautiful in a fall way. The warm fall colors invite travelers and residents to experience the wonders of cooler temperatures, radiant blue skies, puffy cumulus clouds and colorful scenes only Nature can create. The frost will soon be on the pumpkin, the harvests completed, and closets will display seasonal clothing, a welcome change from summer's attire.
Reds and gold, yellows and brown, and a touch of green reminds us of the summer past.
Many people find relaxation as they canoe or kayak the Wading River this time of year. The surrounding forest offers scenes to be remembered.
The rustic fence adds the special touch needed to complete the scenic view.
Oh, the wonderful smells of apple cake and pumpkin pies. Seems like its time to get the ingredients and baking pans out.
Although the cranberry harvest is still underway, Ocean Spray Cranberry Company is reporting a very fine New Jersey crop.
Farm markets have great varieties of locally grown apples. Now for the apple pies, cookies, cakes and just eating the one a day fruit. Remember an apple a day might keep the doctor away!
Garden Centers display seasonal decorations, its a pleasure to look at the items which often become the attraction in someone's Halloween garden or yard.
Perhaps I'm still a kid at heart because Halloween still remains my favorite seasonal event. Childhood memories of trick or treat, making your own costume, and hoping you would get a nickel candy bar from a particular house all helped create fond memories.
The wooly worm legend says the direction a wooly worm is found traveling is a hint about the coming winter. If the worm has more black bands, then the winter is to be more severe. The Native Americans taught the pioneers about the wooly worm predictions. Maybe TV meteorologists would benefit from the worm's predictions. Good luck!
There really is a reason to enjoy the season. Here is hoping your fall is bright and colorful.
+(1).jpg)
