Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Moon Snail

I can't help posting just one shot...of the awesome Moon Snail specimens I found this past weekend. Nicknamed "Shark's Eyes" you can see why they are part of my shell collection.


Doing a bit of research on them though, I come to find out that the perfect little holes I find in clam shells are the direct result of the Moon Snail's feeding mechanism. You learn new things everyday...thankfully!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Marathon Weekend

Two brave souls from my family successfully ran the 1/2 marathon in Fairfield today! It started off as a "severe" fog morning...and weather forecasts did not expect it to lift. Well, it did. Just as they were lining up to the start (I was home trying to take a quick exercise/seaglass walk) the fog lifted and the sun with much humidity on top, smiled down upon them.  They ran together, brother & sister and crossed the finish line almost hand in hand. Or maybe that is just what my image is.....as a mom! Love them and congratulations for a "fait accompli".

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Getting Tall Tomatoes



These are the tomatoes just after they were planted. Notice the space around each and the height of the posts.




Fast forward to the first week of June. Already I can see I did not leave enough room for each plant!




June 25th....wow. I have been securing the growth constantly and am amazed how fast these plants are growing!


And finally, the first tomatoes are beginning to appear. I can't wait until I can make a fresh Caprese salad or grilled cheese & tomatoes or seafood saute or chicken cacciatore or......???


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The Tale of Two Beaches


These are my two beaches! I live out at one, Lordship and visit the other, Fairfield. I can almost see from shore to shore on a clear day with binoculars. Everything I write and everywhere I walk concerning beaches.....this is it.



 Lordship Light from Russian Beach on an overcast day.


Lordship Light up front and personal. A truly traditional light...
Lordship is a very unique place to live. There is even a song about it!!!  I will try to get the words to it soon from a born and raised Lordshipian. A wonderful neighborhood to bring up children, enjoy walking, running, biking and more! Check out the website...




This is Fairfield Beach, looking towards Lordship and then looking towards Penfield Reef. Fantastic sandbars, jettes and the best sand you can find. Less seaglass though!!!



Sunday, June 19, 2011

Father's Beach Day

Today was a perfect beach day to celebrate Father's Day. Pappa D had a nice relaxing day (I hope!) and now onto the Lobster Roll Dinner....Yummmm.  From one beach to the other, Lordship to Fairfield and back, I shelled, took photos because I can't sit still for very long. We are all a little sunburned, salty but so happy for the sensational day!



Hopefully tomorrow I will complete my shoreline watercolor map to show my 2 beaches, the view from each and more awesome seascapes!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Garden Conservancy Jaunt


Today I decided to take a little ride to view one of the Garden Conservancy's Open Days gardens. As the name implies, the Open Days Program opens private gardens all across the USA for a small donation at each. This garden belonged to Jean Sander of Sandy Hook, CT.


Of course, some of the things that excited me about this beautifully designed & maintained property were the sculptural elements.






A wonderful combination of wooded, shady areas, semi-formal and sunny spots with gorgeous early summer blooms.




Oh, to dream.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Beach Wildflowers

When walking down a sandy path to the beach yesterday I was sorry I didn't have my camera! Even though I was tired and hot today, I couldn't resist going back. I missed a few great shots so maybe I will have to visit this path again tomorrow. The cactus plants were in their glory!


This is NOT the shot of the beach rose I thought I took!







Wildflowers are so under appreciated. They exist compatibly with poison ivy, flourish without care and give the landscape unexpected color. 


A shot gone wrong....don't know what was up with me today!

Monday, June 13, 2011

My Next Shell

I have decided which shell to pursue this summer....mostly during my Fairfield Beach walks. You really have to pick something and stick to it. If not, there are just too many things to collect on beach walks!
An interesting shell, named Pandora gouldiana is my choice. It is small, iridescent when worn and quite beautiful. I have a small collection started already!

The opalescence of this shell seems fitting for me because I love pearls!


 This small collection seems right living in a shiny silver candy dish as you enter my home. Old silver is so hard to maintain so a few pieces in a prominent spot really make a statement.

Reflections and shimmer.


 The entry vestibule is a combination of old and new, natural and refined and lots of color! Hopefully I can fill these silver dishes with more Pandora pretties!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

A Long Walk on Sunday

Today was overcast with a slight chill in the air...at least when I began my hour and a half walk! There was some stormy weather in the last couple of days and I couldn't wait to get out there and search the beach. Sand was shifted, tides had been quite high and it was a perfect opportunity to really release myself for a spell. The "catch" was OK.....and I spent some time trying to decide which shell family upon which to focus my attention this summer.

The disk shaped shells that look almost like earrings are the backside of the Jingle Shells. Cousin Kate found these interesting and I agree...but I think I will leave these for her shell walks this summer. My Wampum finds were great along with a few nice pieces of aqua and small blues.

Not sure if you can spot the Ferry here....but it is always a bright spot on the horizon, traveling from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson and back daily. I will catch it again and get a better shot!

Here....now you can see it returning, I guess I spent more time out on the beach than I realized!

The Great Salt Meadow Marsh. Beautiful, peaceful and so important to the health of Long Island Sound. This is a path down from the beach to the shoreline of the marsh. The flora and fauna that thrive here are spectacular!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Rock Groups

A rainy Saturday walk produced little seaglass but I did happen upon a cool rock! Another collection, another "something" to look for and marvel at. I wish I took a geology course at some point in my life...but I know a few who did (sons John & Peter?). Maybe they can help me understand how these rocks came to be.

Black & White Rock...like the cookie?


Layer Cake Rock

 Oreo Rock, Hole In One Rock

Rock Group...needs a name?


My Garden Rocks...

Cluster Rock? Hmmm, no comments please!




Friday, June 10, 2011

Radishes




I don't have a huge garden. Sometimes I sneak lettuce and radishes into the flower gardens before they become full leaving no room for friends. I enjoyed these little radishes for a couple of weeks before they were spent. Wonderful color in a spring salad!