Photographs and thoughts on photography and camera collecting
It’s that time of year again. School’s out and the Briarcliff Manor Recreation Department organizes a variety of different summer camps. That means that there are swarms of excited children all around the village.
As I was walking into the village to have some lunch, I spotted a “bouncy castle” in the distance. I didn’t need to get too close to as the little Sony DSC-H50 that I was testing has a 31-465mm (35mm equiv) lens.
The children seemed to be having a great time.
Taken with a Sony DSC-H50
I went with my friend, Gustavo to lunch in Mount Kisco, NY the other day. He wanted to go to a particular place, but unfortunately it was not open that day. So instead, we went to Stonefire. Anyone who reads this blog will know of my interest in cemeteries. Stonefire is directly opposite the entrance to Oakwood Cemetery (See: A Cemetery in Mount Kisco). I’d noticed it as I was leaving Oakwood and thought that it might be nice place to try. Apparently, Gustavo thought the same think. We had a very pleasant lunch.
When we left Gustavo suggested that we pass by the place he’d originally chosen – the one that was closed. As we were driving by I noticed that the door was open, so we decided we’d check it out. Gustavo parked the car and off we went. It’s called The Ambleside Pub and its website describes it as follows:
The Ambleside Pub is an authentic British pub in the heart of Westchester, NY. We are proud to serve real cask ales, a selection of draft beers, cocktails, wine and imported British non-alcoholic drinks. Pop in and immerse yourself in a little British culture for the evening.
I’ve been to other pubs around the area and indeed they often look a little like English pubs, but they don’t serve English style beer (there’s nothing worse than a fake English pub that only serves Budweiser and Budweiser Lite). This one apparently has an arrangement with Old Glenham brewery in Beacon, NY that provides them with authentic Bitter and Mild beer (I haven’t had either for a long time), which they serve in English 20 oz glasses. You also order English style at the bar (both for drinks and food) and carry your order back to your table yourself.
We each had a pint of bitter and then went back home.
Apparently, the owners also have a British store, also in Mount Kisco. It’s called The Hamlet. I must check it out sometime.
Taken with an Apple iPhone SE II.
These are long time, good friends. The pictures were taken about a year ago on the occasion of one of them celebrating both retirement and a birthday.
Taken with a Sony A7IV and Rokinon/Samyang AF 24-70 f2.8 FE
Just about a year ago I found myself in Woodstock, NY. The pictures I took will be posted shortly (I’d forgotten that I’d taken them), but in the meantime, I wanted to share this picture of a man on his motorcycle. With the cigarette in his right hand, and the coffee cup in his left I thought he looked “cool” so I asked him if I could take his picture, and he agreed.
After I’d taken it, I showed it to him, and he seemed quite pleased with the way it came out.
Taken with a Fuji X-E3 and Sigma 18-50mm f2.8
Yesterday was the Executive Director of the Briarcliff Manor-Scarborough Historical Society and my friend Karen’s Birthday. So, we had a little celebration. I had earlier invited the Historical Society’s Board members. In that invitation I had asked if one of them would volunteer to pick up something to eat. Unfortunately, I must not have been clear enough, because everyone brought food – including me because I didn’t think anybody else was going to. So, we had way too much food, all of it sweet: cupcakes, mini-cupcakes, carrot cake etc. All of the Board members save one who had babysitting obligations came. As did our friends and neighbors from the Briarcliff Manor Recreation Department.
A good time was had by all.
Taken with an Apple SE II.