August 15, 2023
For the last 4 years I have spent some time in the off-season in the desert. “Off-season” as in going to the desert in August is not the most popular choice, though plenty still do. To follow, a few tips and guidelines I have learned throughout the years. 1) Fly Read more…
July 22, 2023
I had to hit Monster Vegan while in town… a horror movie-themed all-vegan bar and eatery. I got the Pumpkinhead, Part II for a sweet drink… it was pumpkin puree, matcha, oat milk, ginger simple syrup and cinnamon garnished with toasted vegan marshmallow The drool-worthy General Tso’s hoagie… two fried Read more…
July 19, 2023
This textile mill was constructed in the early 1900’s. Now it offers some views of glorious decay.
July 11, 2023
The last time I was at Strong Hearts Cafe was 12 years ago. But with an errand in Syracuse, I made day of seeing the area’s offerings! That means a vegan meal at this old school vegan gem. I was very impressed with their new space–service, space and ambiance are Read more…
July 7, 2023
On the way back to the Brooklyn area, a quick stop off my to-do list… heading over to an abandoned bowling alley before there is nothing much left. The alleys were completely ripped up, stacked haphazardly about the floor. Stray pins, balls and bowling shoes occasionally illuminated by my flashlight, Read more…
May 31, 2023
Like sands through the hourglass, and so are the days of our lives… The pistachio chocolate chip cookie from Yardsale is still in my rotation despite a severe sugar detox I underwent. 😬 Yes, I want the onion and the watermelon, sweet landlady. Henna-ed hair… not bad Lake Champlain Chocolate Read more…
May 30, 2023
Another report of vegan eats in Rochester and I still haven’t eaten my way entirely through the city! Though there were a couple of repeats, I am reporting on yummy new options at those spots. Can’t wait to return and eat some more… Crisp I love that Crisp is right Read more…
May 28, 2023
May 27, 2023
On my list this visit to Western New York, a early morning trip to Letchworth State Park for a hot air balloon launch. Somehow getting up at 4:30 am and setting out to the Castile entrance, an experience that was well worth the disrupted sleep: bright beautifully colored balloons floating Read more…
May 25, 2023
Lilacs are “a thing” in Rochester. Celebrated since 1905, the Lilac Festival at Highland Park is a gorgeous display of over 500 varieties of the fragrant flowering bush. Though I missed the official festival, I thought I might still be able to check out the purple. . . And there Read more…
May 13, 2023
Scenes from a unique place on Long Island: The Shrine of Our Lady of the Island
April 16, 2023
Welcome to a new series of posts about vegan food in and around Rochester, New York! Date Night with a vegan and a non-vegan… I had stumbled upon Ferona somehow, learning they had a vegan paella dish. And since, it has been high on my list. The beautiful restaurant in Read more…
More vegan food reporting from Rochester! Though there are some oldies but goodies included, there are some notable new recommendations as I eat my way through the Flour City. Unlike many eateries in New York City, most eateries in Rochester have thoughtful vegan options on their omni-menus. Sure, they’ve got Read more…
We were back at Chimney Bluff State Park to complete the Bluff Trail. It is on this trail where you can see the dramatic views of the pointy spires looking out at the blue expanse of Great Lake Ontario. A quick trip before my flight back to NYC… We’re down Read more…
April 15, 2023
With the morning on fire, we hit the road to see some sights before heading back to Rochester. We came upon two spots in this rural area of Pennsylvania to return to when time and perhaps rubber boots are more plentiful. First, the ruins of the Austin Dam. Its story Read more…
April 14, 2023
It’s been several years since I visited the first place I ever shot the stars. Though that evening was clear, too many times my plans were thwarted by the mountain’s tempestuous clouds. But we would give it a shot anyway, staying in town to allow for an easy check on Read more…
I would call the place a mess but it seems that even back in 1864 a county physician called it “rotten and filthy.” Still it persisted in some form until the 1960’s. Since then it lay on this land abandoned, a dumping site for many–which makes its allure multifaceted. Here Read more…
Swan Dive is a hip bar that happens to have some pretty outstanding vegan options. I appreciate a completely cheeseless, or marinara pie–especially when each component hits with simple perfection. Pillowy crust dreamy enough to make this a filling pie despite no hearty toppings. If I had to make a Read more…
April 13, 2023
After the mermaid shoot I had another photographic mission in Chimney Bluffs State Park: Star trails on a clear night looking out at Lake Ontario. The stars were crisp even though there was quite a bit of light about. Before my programmed sequence, some foreground shots standing on the bench Read more…
I’m getting ready for a mermaid shoot at one of my new most favorite places, Chimney Bluffs State Park. We’d shoot at dusk and stay for the stars. The chosen rock… Goodbye sun, hello mermaid It was really windy and the lake was cold. The inspiration from the Brooklyn Bodega: Read more…
April 12, 2023
It finally feels like Spring. The birds, the bees, the flowers and the trees. So here a quick little celebration of the season in its early onset. To more green…
April 10, 2023
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, New York has all the right stuff for gravers: the cemetery dates back to the late 1800’s; it has some beautiful angels and peaceful lush grounds including some resident deer. In any given plot is plenty to capture, but in this visit I tried the Read more…
April 7, 2023
Braddock Bay in northwest Rochester has a special draw. A hiking trail popular with bird lovers runs through Owl Woods. Here, owls make a roosting pit stop, resting and eating before a long migratory flight over Lake Ontario. Determined to make use of every day of my spring break, I Read more…
March 6, 2023
I knew when the snow was falling I had to see this angel. Holy Sepulchre‘s gorgeous Corona/Di Cesare angel. So much fluffy show How I look in the morning LOL Miscellaneous droids I liked Scenes from Krudco Skate Shop
March 5, 2023
Another round of vegan food from Rochester! This rundown includes some repeats, yes. But it also has a few noteworthy newbies. Mostly take-out as we were all chilling in the Covid zone, my next report will be of date spots in the area. Flavors of Asia Above is my vegan Read more…