Welcome home, Jimmy Murphy

Bringin’ it on home from El Paso. The email from old friend Jimmy Murphy brought great memories, a big smile and a trip to Shifty’s to see what’s up in his life these days. Murphy’s been living in El Paso for decades now. He’s carved a nice life for himself as an educator, writer and…

Welcome to the rota, Chang Jiang

Tucked away. My eyes always open to new Chinese takeout since either my tastebuds or cooking methods changed since the big virus visited us in 2020, little place Chang Jiang landed on my to-visit list a bit back when I noticed it sandwiched between various time-tested shops in a strip plaza that time won’t quite…

Railing at the lake

Winter walkways … I suddenly had the feeling that some workers pulled these walkways to a safer winter location as I investigated during my winter stroll. Unless that one spot is really important come warmer times. I wasn’t stepping out to look more.

Skating square

Take a spin. This frozen spot where in warmer months boat owners back their vessels into the Onondaga Lake Marina ushers other thoughts into my winter brain. When frozen, it looks like one heck of a spot for some skating spins.

Aligning at the lake

Coming together for my soul. The wispy shoreline vegetation wants to tickle the snowy buildup on the start of the spreading ice line. The smooth water won’t yet yield to winter’s freeze. The reflections mirror the sun’s winter struggles. Far-shore smoke stacks do their thing. Yes, my eyes adore you.

Still guarding the line

Right on the curve. Not much will get past these side-by-side seasoned trees.

Basking in the winter light

Two great candidates. Angling sun, spotty sky, stately trees. Winter has its virtues at our lake park.

Waiting for boat weather

Picturing other seasons … Winter is pretty, yes. But I surely do enjoy wearing shorts, a T-shirt and comfortable footwear as I take note of the interesting boat names in the Onondaga Lake Marina during the warm months.

One slip won’t freeze

Churning water runs deep. I’d expect that the Onondaga Lake Marina boat slips would have to be dug deep enough to allow clearance for the bigger boats that take up the shore slips come the warm months. And this would affect the freezing when deep winter finally arrives. Not that I’m an expert on any…