Join me today as I share the beauty of a small park where two rivers (the Susquehanna and Chenango) meet in downtown Binghamton, New York.
It's mainly a place to stop a few minutes and relax. When I worked downtown, I would sometimes walk along the Chenango River's walking path with a workmate.
There is a pollinator garden maintained by the local Sierra Club.
From another angle. You'd never think you were in a downtown of a small city.
Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday.
The month of festivals lasting from mid-August to mid-September (and even a bit beyond this year, due to at least one rain delay), continued Saturday with our 23rd annual Blues on the Bridge. This free concert each September brings both local bands and talent who have performed with nationally known artists to downtown Binghamton, New York.
It seemed like things were so normal. Well, maybe they are. The new normal, that is.
But first, the good stuff.
This bridge, built in 1886 and currently only used by pedestrians, was the original bridge the concert was held on. It's now held on a much sturdier bridge
The signature statue at each annual concert.
But then, the world intrudes. Today is the anniversary of a good friend's death and this year I'm missing her and my wisdom.
Yes, I know what she would say about my mood today. She would tell me to put on my big girl panties and face the world, just like she did during her second and final battle with cancer.
But I also wonder what she would have thought about our current world.
Sunday, the second attempted assassination of a former President and current Presidential candidate in a little over two months.
A city of about 58,000 people in southwest Ohio continue to be terrorized by bomb threats against schools, a hospital, and a college, as the latest episode of what can happen when your city is in the bulls eye of social media, as memes continue to go viral. I will not mention what the topic of discussion is but, if you don't live in the United States and haven't heard of Springfield, Ohio, you will quickly find out what is happening if you do a search.
Ukraine. The Middle East. Other places at war.
And the more trivial.
The continued list of major league baseball players who played in my youth but are now dying, grows bigger. Just think, this year - Bud Harrelson, Carl Erskine, Ken Holtzman, Jerry Grote, Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, And now, Eddie Kranepool, back on September 8. Like me, he was from the Bronx. He played his entire major league career for the NY Mets. He was only in high school when the Mets signed him. 18 years with the Mets, more than anyone other Mets player. What amazes me is that I didn't even know he had died until about four days ago.
I feel like I am getting older by the minute and, come to think of it, I am.
The September 15 death of Tito Jackson, founding member of the Jackson 5 and sibling of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, added to today's blue mood. At least I found out about his death right away.
We can wish we lived in happier times, but happier times tend to be an illusion.
We are at war with each other, and I thought it was appropriate to post a 2021 song from Tito Jackson, called Love One Another.
If only we took his advice.
Enough with the sadness. Now, I'll take my friend's advice and start the day.
It's Monday and it's time for music!
Today I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers, a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post may be labeled "No Music".) Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, me.
Every other week, we have a theme. Today our theme is "you pick" and I decided to do some songs about places or songs mentioning a place in the title.
From 1968, Wichita Lineman from Glen Campbell.
Another Billy Joel song, because I can - Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway), from 1976.
BONUS: A BBC broadcast from April 10, 1940. It's over 15 minutes long. If you want some chills, all you have to do is listen to the first couple of minutes with Big Ben tolling and the catchphrase "London calling...."
And that's a wrap!
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
Welcome to the September 2024 edition of Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, brought to us each month thanks to Carol at May Dreams Gardens.
In my zone 6a garden in the Southern Tier of New York State, the weather has been mostly sunny and rain free the past few days, allowing us to dry out. The weather in early and mid September is usually some of the best (in my opinion, anyway) we get during the year.
Fall is just about here, and the flowers that I associate with fall are blooming or getting ready to bloom.
Japanese anemone. Right now this is the first and only bloom.
Garlic chives.
Finally, another geranium.
Before you go, why not click on the link above to Carol's blog and visit flower gardeners from all over the world who participate in this meme?
Hope to "see" you October 15.
Yes, it's Saturday, but because tomorrow is September 15, I will be participating in Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, brought to us by Carol at May Dreams Gardens. I hope you'll also join me tomorrow for some lovely flower pictures.
So, I am posting my Shadowshot a day early.
Joining Lisa at Lisa's Garden Adventures for her #ShadowshotSunday.
Next week, back to my normal Sunday schedule.
I had known about 3,855 ft above sea level Mt. Equinox in southern Vermont for the last four years but we had never visited it. This year, during a brief visit to Vermont over Labor Day, we decided to do it.
The only way to get up Mt. Equinox is via a privately owned toll road. I thought the entrance fee was a bit steep (no pun intended) but spouse and I decided to drive to the top, anyway.
I blogged about approaching the mountain last week.
It was clouding up fast and I didn't know what we would find at the top. How about coming along with us?
But first, a little background, much of which we didn't know when we started the drive.
The mountain, some surrounding land, and the toll road is privately owned by the Carthusian order of Roman Catholic monks. Founded in 1084 C. E. by German born St. Bruno, who died in 1101, these monks live an austere life in silence. They eat one meatless meal a day (bread and water only on Fridays), wear hair shirts, and spend much of their lives in prayer. The monastery, needless to say, is not open to the public.
This charterhouse, as they call it, is the only one in North America.
But, as you climb the mountain on the beautifully maintained toll road, there is an overlook where you can see the monastery if your vision is sharp.
Continuing on the road.
But I know you want to get to the top and see if the clouds had closed us in, so let's do it.
But first one more photo, with goldenrod.
Here we are at the top.
We can see for miles and miles! To be exact, we can see the states of Vermont, New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. On a really clear day, if you are fortunately, you might see into Canada and Montreal's Mt. Royal.
Even more treats await us at the top. There is a welcome center, a gift from the monks, named after Saint Bruno. Here's the sign that welcomes you, wishing you peace and joy.
The trip was worth the toll on the private road.
As for what else awaited us at that building, that is worth its own post. Maybe one day.
Joining Yogi and other skywatching bloggers each Friday for #SkywatchFriday.
As we approach fall, some recent sightings.
Goldenrod is a staple of late summer, and there are over 100 different varieties. Here are three:
a. Zig zag goldenrod in my back yard.
b. Canada goldenrod (or so says my plant ID app) growing on Mt. Equinox in Manchester Center, Vermont.
c. Grass leaved goldenrod (per same app), also growing on Mt. Equinox.
One of my hardy mums, blooming. I think this one is three years old.
Apples, farm in Bennington County, Vermont.
What looks like a Jerusalem artichoke plant, my yard. I didn't plant this. I wonder if a bird did.
My Japanese anemone (not shown) have buds but no open flowers yet. Ditto for my New England Aster variety "Pink Crush" but here's a sneak preview.
It's been chilly, with some daytime lows in the 40's (5 to 6 degrees C) but so far, but summer returned yesterday.
We will enjoy it while we can.
I have written a lot of 9/11 posts. I know people who were personally affected (a man who lost his son and a man who lost his best friend) and had some indirect connections to others who died that sad, sad day.
This year I'm keeping the post simple, in keeping with the Wordless Wednesday meme.
May those who perished, including those who died years later (and are still dying even today), forever rest in peace. May their loved ones find healing.
May we never forget.
Taken September 11, 2016, at a cemetery in Putnam Valley, New York (Putnam County).
The actual monument at the cemetery. Some 126 resident lives were lost, between Putnam County and its neighbor Westchester County.
Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday on this sad 23rd anniversary.
I am saddened - another great has passed away.
James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, Mufasa in the Lion King, and"This is CNN" passed away yesterday at the age of 93.
Here, a short tribute. I chose videos because....that voice. But were you aware that Jones was a stutterer? Or that he won three Tony' awards, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe, plus an honorary Academy Award (Oscar) making him an "EGOT".
Mufasa in The Lion King. He was the only cast member to appear (so to speak) in both the original movie and the 2019 remake.
Jones voicing Darth Vader in various Star Wars movies.
This is...CNN.
May this talented actor rest in peace.
It's Monday, and it's time for music!
Today I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers, a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post may be labeled "No Music".) Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, me.
Every other week, we have a theme. On alternate weeks, we can blog on any music theme we want. This week's theme is based on these "National (whatever) Day" you find on calendars. We can pick from Dimples, Cow Appreciation, or Sugar Cookie Day.
Hmmm....
Yes, these are all real things. Cow Appreciation Day in July was originally created by the fast food chain Chick-fil-A to encourage people to eat more chicken. National Sugar Cookie Day is also in July.
National Dimples Day "celebrates the dimples that make smiles even more beautiful." Now, beautiful smiles are something we could all have more of in our lives I am going to devote today's playlist to songs about smiles, songs with Smile in the title, or videos that will make you smile.
But before I begin, I again pay tribute to the late king of bossa nova Sérgio Mendes, who passed away September 6 at the age of 83 from long COVID. He brought Brazilian beats to the world with his band Brasil '66.
My first selection is his song Your Smile
When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles with You) Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra. I tried to find an original recording from 1929. This may be it. I hope this plays outside the United States.
Smile - I chose the 1954 cover by Nat King Cole. This song was adapted from music composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times. In 1954, John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons took the music and added lyrics inspired by Chaplin's Little Tramp character.
Finally, You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile from the 1982 Broadway play/later made into a movie Annie. This version is sung by Peter Marshall.
And that's a wrap!
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
Taken in the past week.
Large gourds. To me, they resemble a flock of long necked birds at rest.
Joining Lisa at Lisa's Garden Adventures for her #ShadowshotSunday.
Sadly, it is time to induct another musician into Rock and Roll Heaven even though he wasn't strictly a rock musician.
Sérgio Mendes, the king of bossa nova and Brazilian jazz music passed away yesterday at the age of 83. The cause of death was complications from long COVID.
Mendes released more than 35 albums, many of which went gold or platinum, won three Grammy awards and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for the movie song "Real in Rio" Forced to flee from Brazil in 1964 during a military coup, he found success in the United States.
Here is a sampling of his music.
His cover of The Look of Love, a song from the movie Casino Royale. Dusty Springfield was nominated for an Academy Award for this song but Mendes and Brasil '66 performed it on the Academy Award telecast in April, 1968, helping to launch his mainstream music career in the United States.
Fool on the Hill, also from 1968.
Mas que Nada, originally recorded in the mid 1960's, was given a 2006 update featuring the Black-Eyed Peas.
Mendes toured with Herb Albert. Here is Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 being introduced by Herb Alpert and then singing Out of My Head. Sadly, the relationship was strained after Alpert married Lani Hall, one of Mendes' vocalists. Mendes accused Alpert of stealing Hall, who had been pursuing a solo career at that point, from his group.
I thought I would include a 1967 performance of Mas que Nada, introduced by Eartha Kitt.Why not end this tribute with Real in Rio?
RIP, Sergio Mendes.
We spent a couple of days in Vermont this past Labor Day, and decided to drive to the top of Mount Equinox.
Mount Equinox is between Arlington (one of the homes of Norman Rockwell) and Manchester Center, Vermont. It is the tallest peak in the Taconic range, some 3,855 feet above sea level. It is the second highest point in southern Vermont. The name supposedly originates from 1823 and a visit around the autumnal equinox by one Captain Alden Partridge.
From its peak, on a clear day, you can see Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York. It is said that, on an especially clear day, you can see all the way to Montreal, Quebec.
These photos were taken before, and at the beginning of our drive.
We began our adventure in Arlington, Vermont. (I don't think the peak shown is Equinox.)
Uh oh, the clouds are building.
Did we get to see what we had come for? Or will we be clouded out? Join us next week and see.
Joining Yogi and other skywatchers for #SkywatchFriday.
It's festival season in the Binghamton, New York area.
We had Porchfest the last Sunday of August. The last Saturday of August we had our garlic festival (we didn't go this year). This weekend is Colorscape in Norwich, New York (well worth the 30 mile drive) and LUMA. Next weekend is Blues on the Bridge. That isn't all, either.
But one close to my heart is Porchfest. I don't know the organizers but I do know one of the performers who comes year after year.
What is a Porchfest? It's a neighborhood celebration of music and the arts, organized by the community. People open up their porches to musicians, who play half hour or hour sets. There are vendors, some closed streets, and a family friendly atmosphere. My thanks and congratulations go to all the hard working people who get it done every year, in the tradition of the first Porchfest, held in Ithaca, New York in 2007.
This first performer we saw grew up here but lives in Brooklyn now. Give her a nice round of applause, especially because we had no intention of hearing her. The band we wanted to hear, several doors down, didn't show. No band? No problem, just walk around and find another one. I enjoyed this talented solo artist who sang covers and original material, playing either an electric guitar, keyboards, or a ukulele.
Her name is Chelsea Bolles. She sang a song about her grandmother's dementia that touched me. I can't seem to find a good version online but I would be certain it's on Tik Tok, which I don't use.
I think you are getting the idea now. It was a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
It's a lot more than that, though, and it circles back to the origins of the original Porchfest.
How many of us know our neighbors? Or people a few blocks away from us? Where I live, more and more houses seem to be becoming rentals. There's nothing wrong with renting or renters, but, instead of having people living next to you for years, it is a too-often annual parade of tenants. We've become the old timers of our block.
With a Porchfest, you get out, walking from street to street. When you stop at a house playing music you like, you may see people you haven't seen for a while. You may even meet and like a neighbor. It's not forced. It becomes natural.
Our Porchfest takes place several miles from where I live. It's too bad it isn't in my neighborhood, but I've seen enough of these interactions in the years I've gone to Binghamton's to know the value of the festival.
It's a lot of work, though, organizing it. Each year it grows bigger. Shuttle buses and golf carts now run. Police give protection. Vendors have to be selected (all family friendly). Schedules (and there are schedules so you don't have two loud bands playing right next to each other and so you have an idea of where you want to go) have to be compiled. There is the need for a lot of volunteers day of, and fundraising, too. There are sponsors but a lot of money from individuals is also needed.
The good news? There will be another Porchfest in Owego, New York on October 6. That's only 20 miles from here.
Hopefully, the idea will continue to grow and grow. We need this.
I was visiting Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard in Fly Creek, New York, which is near Cooperstown, New York. From the outside looks a bit over-the-top touristy but it's actually a true working water powered cider mill dating from 1856. They sell hard and soft cider, delicious molasses cookies, pies, cheese, great apple wine, and gin made from apples.
Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday.