Category: Travel

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White Shout!

Juno. No. Not Juneau, Alaska. Not the cute movie, either. The monster blizzard of 2015. Worst storm in history! DeBlasio had to have a talk with his son Dante about the overwhelming whiteness that is about to overtake New York City. Where is Al Sharpton? Mega plows will not be able to keep up with this beast of wind and snow. Weathermen bundled up in parking lots showing us flakes. It’s great. Until you can’t see them anymore because of the whiteout. Or, the power’s out. Stuck in our icy ugh-loos. Eating peanut butter and jelly by candlelight.

Yeah. Can’t wait.

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Back to Future II

2015 the “future” when movie came out in 1989. It’s here. Constellations clear.

Turn of the calendar at Side Trek Falls. West End Pub’s crunchy grilled sandwiches overlooking Bridge of Flowers. Turkey with kim chee. Ham and cheese with chipotle sauce. Broccoli slaw with dried cranberries zesty refresh. photo-57-4

Visit to Wandering Moon jewelry. Laura Roberson’s artistry and collections afford auld lang silver cheer. photo-59-2

Did Jerry Jones pay off ref to pull pass interference call? Ask Chris Christie.

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When Pigs Fly

Have we finally reached the pets v. people tipping point? When do the rights of the one trump the rights of the many? Bradley International down the highway had vocal local residents incredulous as they saw a woman with a pig boarding their Thanksgiving flight. Her “support animal” was allowed by U.S. Airways. What? Stunk up the whole plane. Finally they got kicked off.

In the same article, a tiny mention of a woman who is allergic to cats saying she couldn’t breathe and realized it was because her seat mate was holding a kitty. Get it. You love your pets. But, now they have more rights than people. Peanuts and cigarettes are verboten in restaurants, hotels and airplanes. So, why is it the new trend to welcome pets everywhere? Tabby-poo nuzzles up to you on your pillow at the Hilton. I am next to sleep on that bed. Without warning, I could be anaphylactically dead. Publish pet policy at the very least.

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Recovered Scraps

Parts Unknown this season resurrects America’s wasted past. Bourdain’s recent tour to Vietnam was hard to watch. Reminded how many contemporaries lost so much there. As did they. Why? In Iran this week, Anthony was able to get a rare glimpse of attractive, modern, vibrant families at sumptuous if vigilant tables. Where a mystery action can render a journalist couple jailed. It also shone the light on how U.S. sanctions and old transgressions deeply affect everyday life.

Election over. Can we stop talking about gender and race, now. Please. And focus on competence and governing. What? I woke up from my nap. Nevermind.

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Got Away

Three ferries to the Hamptons. Only way to go. Last minute availability on our favorite plage. Left Northampton at 9am. On the beach in Amagansett at 2pm. photo-90

Stayed until sunset. Last cocktail with the seashore to ourselves. Bliss. photo-87Steamed lobster at perennial ClamBar. Breakfast at Bird on the Roof in Montauk. Crêpes and crispy bacon. A real roly poly pig in the middle of the road in the pouring rain. What?! Quite the sight. Shelter island ferries back again after a few fun days. Lunch by the dock at Blue Canoe in Greeport. Miso encrusted cod rivaled Nobu standards. Spicy mussels, too.

DSC_0044Stopped for a tasting at Kontokosta Winery on the way to Orient Point-New London ferry. Rosés in tow. Ready to go. Another great spur of the moment getaway.DSC_0040

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2013

GOOD

FoxSports1- Reege Crowd Goes Wild
Game of Thrones– Red Wedding
Hotel Giraffe
Gramercy Tavern, Da Silvano
MadDad Photo Contest- Side Trek
Joey3Sticks- 50 Clambake
Book of Mormon, Motown
Fabritius’ Goldfinch at the Frick

BAD

Carnival (Ted) Cruz
Phippy wins British Open
Boston Marathon Djokers
Trayvon Martin jury
Carlos’ undangerous Weiner

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mAd Dad Trek

Fun Columbus Day Weekend SideTrek photo competition. mAdBen vs. Dr.Dad. DSC_0008DSC_0053DSC_0011
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Meandering along the backroads of Western Massachusetts through Whately, Conway, Shelburne. Stopping when a vision struck either photographer. We all won. More on  TravelTreks. DSC_0029

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Forking Around

New London to Orient Point Ferry Cross Sound. Our circular tour around Long Island’s North and South Forks. Lunched at BlueCanoe on Greenport’s dock. Fried local oysters. Took scenic Route 25 past wineries reminiscent of Napa in the early ’80’s, before they jammed the valley and the byways. To Peconic Lane, and NorthFound, a trove of treasures from around the globe.

Drove down to Riverhead and up the South Fork through the Hamptons to our perennial beachfront haunt in Napeague. Favorite Clam Bar was almost blown away by a violent thunder storm the day we arrived, and we found it closed. Oh no! But, next morning all was well. IMG_0703Several days of perfect weather, lobster, little necks fresh from the sea. Had to end sometime. Took three ferries from Sag Harbor to Shelter Island to Greenport back to Cross Sound. It sure was fun forking around.