Week Thirty-Five - 17 To Go

In this international espionage thriller, Gabriel Allon, author Silva Israeli master spy, once again will captivate the reader with his exploits. Even if you are new to this series, Silva provides enough back-story to bring you up to speed.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2015

Sweeney Todd

This evening Joan and I attended our fifth play of the 2015 season, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Once again we had not seen the movie, directed by Tim Burton and staring Johnny Depp. So Sweeney Todd's story line evolved in real time for us. We found the singing of the "Sondheim Sound" absolutely brilliant and the twist at the end a surprise.

The playhouse was about three-quarters full and the audience though somber throughout did give a standing ovation at the curtain call.

Some photos.

David Wilcox’s review in The Citizen.

Tony Curulla’s review in The Post-Standard.

Other shows of this season:
West Side Story
The Light in the Piazza
Late Night Catechism
The Calamari Sisters' Big Fat Italian Wedding
Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings

Camp Michael

Camp Michael Revisted

Joan and I made our way to Michael and Emily's early this morning. There we packed and left for Camp Michael. Michael drove.

After the usual pit stop at the Utica Visitor's Center, we headed North up by way of Deerfield Hill.

Arrived at Camp Michael to find the Olsons well settled in. After a lunch of burgers and hot dogs grilled by Brian, Heather, Joan and I took a walk to Francis Lake and visited Mosher Dam.

Some of the interesting bugs on the Camp Michael property.

Brown Moth

Damselfly

Dragonfly

 American Pelecinid Wasp

 

Before leaving our new family photographer took a team photo.

A fun day in the Adirondacks.

Week Thirty-Four - 18 To Go

Michael Bennett is one of the best character in the James Patterson stable. This eighth installment of the series with its despicable antagonists presents Bennett at his best hard-nosed posture. Fast-paced and current - this novel should not disappoint. Plus an update for those interested in Seamus and Mary Catherine.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2015

Second Baptist Church

Second Baptist Church

More interpretations at InSPIREd Sunday.

Story Walk - Wild About Books

The Story Walk features pages from a picture book placed on stakes along the walkway of Hoopes Park.
 
This summer's fifth book:

 

Wild About Books by Judy Sierra

First Story Walk of 2015 - Hurry Up and Slow Down
Second Story Walk of 2015 -  Monkey And Duck Quack 
Third Story Walk of 2015 - The Bear Ate Your Sandwich
Fourth Story Walk of 2015 - I Don't Want To Be A Frog
Sixth Story Walk of 2015 - There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books!
 

2014 Story Walks:

Diary of a Worm

If You Give a Dog a Donut

A Pet for Fly Guy

Week Thirty-Three - 19 To Go

C.J. Box’s characters will draw you into this drama set in a sub-zero environment. Non-stop action. Suspense right up to the ending which sets the scene for the next Cassie Dewell novel.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2015

Tyre United Methodist Church

Tyre NY

More interpretations at InSPIREd Sunday.

Birding - Knox-Marsellus

Montezuma NWR--Knox-Marsellus

Arrived at Knox-Marsellus overlook around 7:45 AM. After co-leaders Steve & Linda Benedict gave introductory remarks, a the birding group of 35 participants headed out at 8:20 AM.

Knowledgeable birders, Dave Nutter, Bob McGuire, Jay McGowan, and Matt Medler were helpful with shorebird IDs.

The highlights for me were rediscovering a transitional adult American Golden-Plover, previously seen this bird in 2012, and seeing a life bird, an Upland Sandpiper.

 

Upland Sandpiper

© 2015 Cornell University Jay McGowan

Another great day for birding.

Sterling Nature Center

Observation Deck Fence

Lake Ontario

Drove to the Sterling Nature Center. Arriving at 1 PM, joined Jim D'Angelo, Kelly and Megan and began our exploration for birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

Before proceeding to the Meadow Trail, observed a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in the flower garden near the office.

On the walk Jim pointed out several dragonflies:an Amber Meadowhawk, a Cabbage White, a Summer Azure, the common green Darner, and a Yellow Sulphur.

Eastern tailed blue azure (mating?)

After the walk ended made my way to Dragonfly Pond. Along a wooded path came upon this fellow.

Dragonfly Pond was quiet but peaceful.

Another great to enjoy the outdoors.

Week Thirty-Two - 20 To Go

With every chapter mirroring part of a basketball game and a diversity of poetry types, this book  will appeal to a wide range of readers

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2015

Marcellus First Presbyterian Church

Marcellus NY

More interpretations at InSPIREd Sunday.

Birding - Knox-Marsellus Marsh

About 40+ birders joined Dave Nutter as he led a shore birding field trip at Knox-Marsellus Marsh.

Before arriving at Knox-Marsellus Marsh I came upon 12 Sandhill Cranes just over the hill on Rt. 89. What a great way to start the day.

Everyone was most gracious in sharing their expertise and scope views. The Long-billed Dowitcher was a life bird for me.

Meet a father and son team from Dryden NY. The young man, Daniel, was a Mets fan. His favorite Met is Daniel Murphy.

 Dragonflies were plentiful. Photographed two pairs.

Just as I was planning to leave a flock of 16 Sandhill Cranes flew nearly directly overhead.

Another great day for birding.

Week Thirty-One - 21 To Go

The identity of the storyteller may surprise attentive listeners. A young child might need adult help in drawing the right conclusion.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2015

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

Marcellus NY

More interpretations at InSPIRED Sunday.