Photo of the Day - August 27, 2011

A Quick Trip to Michigan

My cousin's son Bar Mitzvah was this past Saturday, so I flew up to represent the entire Leshinsky family and my dad.  

This was the first time in many, many years that I have been with this side of the family.  My mom used to be the glue that kept us all in touch with each other's lives.  Since she left us, there has been a communication void.  Yes, some of us talk and see each other, but not everyone.  That just happens in a big family when they move around and live in different parts of the U.S.

So it was refreshing to be with these people who I used to spend many hours with in New York.  It was also a lot of fun to see the "babies" all grown up with children of their own!

However on Saturday afternoon, my cousin asked if we would like to take a walking tour of Cranbrook.  This is a private school, but really no ordinary private school  It is on about 300 acres of thickly wooded land including tons of paths that roll up and down gentle hills.  There are beautiful, architectural details on the school buildings.  Some of them look like they were influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.  You can click here to read more about the houses and gardens.

These are the images that I took on our three-hour walk.  Oh, did I mention that the weather was picture perfect and in the 70s with very little humidity.  A dream afternoon for a South Floridian!

Photo of the Day - August 22, 2011

First Day of School

I feel it.  The winding down.  Although today was the beginning of a new school year, I know that there is only one more before Joel and I are empty nesters.  It is a weird and funny feeling.  Sort of sad, but not really.

It was harder to let go of Rachel when she left for college three years ago.  Now she is a junior and when she leaves for school, I am used to the routine.

I may not like the fact that my children are growing up and will be leaving home, but on the other hand, I don't want my children to live here forever, but they are welcome to come back as often as they like, this will ALWAYS be their home.  I want them to expand their worlds, continue to grow, learn and experience life.  I want to see their accomplishments.

So as I took this photo of Adina this morning, although I was a bit sad, I was also extremely proud of her.  I have all of the first day of school photos, ones where both Rachel and Adina are standing on or near this rock.  When Adina was a toddler and going off to preschool, she could barely climb this rock!  Now she towers above it.  And so do her accomplishments . . . two AP courses, unbelievable artist and incredible at Interpretive Debate.

So the winds are changing here at home, but all for the better.

Photo of the Day - August 13, 2011

Gone Fishin'

So . . . my daughter has created an entirely new environment in her fish tank.  I feel so very sorry for the poor fish.  Although they seem alright, the water is a disgusting color of light brown and you can't even see into the tank to see the fish.

Since my daughter is off in Orlando with her girlfriend . . . Joel and I decided to clean the tank ourselves.

Off we went to the fish emporium on University.  I love going there and wandering around looking into the saltwater tanks.  The colors of the fish are so unbelievably beautiful.  I was trying my best to take photos of a sea horse, but he (or she) wasn't cooperating.  It was hiding behind a rock.  But I gave it a good try.

Then we were back home funneling half of the gross water out of the fish tank.  We had to pour most of it down the toilet.  And, I even saved the poor little baby fish that was born about two weeks ago!  

Then we poured the clean water into the tank and headed back to the fish store for more stuff . . . filters and filtered water.

The fish are doing fine.  Wonder how long this will last?

 This is the rusty color of the muck on the filter!

 See, you can't even see into the tank to SEE the fish!!

 Joel washed off all of the "plants" that decorate the fish tank and we left them in the sink to dry.

More decorative items that live in the tank but got washed up today!

Photo of the Day - August 7, 2011

Happy Birthday Gert

Today is Gert's birthday.  We ALWAYS celebrate her birthday.  Usually we go out to dinner, but it is a bit difficult to get her in and out of cars and restaurants.

So we opted for dinner at home and invited our new neighbors, Lynn and Richard and my Dad.  Unfortunately, Elaine was feeling quite poorly today and my Dad took her to the hospital and they wanted to keep her overnight.

So he came alone.  But he had a great time with us.

We were all rather loud, but it was all fun and I love these two photos of Adina bringing out the cake and then Gert about to blow the candles out.

I think this was the most peaceful moment of the evening!!

Photo of the Day - August 5, 2011

Greight Spaces

East Village Uncorked takes place on the first Friday of every month on the eastern portion of Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach.  I was invited to exhibit some of my works at Greight Spaces, an interior design house.  I have four pieces on exhibit so if you are in the neighborhood, check it out!  They will be on exhibit until November.

This photo, is obviously not the best one of me, I always close one or both of my eyes and for some reason, Jeremiah didn't take a few photos (which he ALWAYS does, not not this time!!).  And, I wasn't wearing my signature black that evening!!  I was all in white.  It was fun and so many folks came out to visit me.

Louis Davis (see I didn't forget this time), Pat and Marianne Burns, Madeleine and Hal Axler, Katy and Chris Mullon, Sandy Issac Allen, Jeremiah Jenner, Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Howie and of course, Joel!  Thank you so much for your support.

If you do go and visit, say hello to William and Shannon Meleski, they are the owners of Greight Spaces.  They are expecting a child this October!!  So wish them luck.