Is it still a really pretty tree?

So the City of Syracuse switched out to an artificial Christmas tree for the traditional spot on downtown’s Clinton Square for the first time this year. Lots has been discussed in local media spots regarding costs, the saving of one really big live tree that won’t be cut down each year, this and that. I…

May the campus feel united

There’s a feeling of peace that ran through me when I walked past the earth exhibit on my way to evening football games at the Carrier Dome. The Syracuse University Orange is playing basketball games under the big bubble now. My wishes go way past any results on the court. Unrest hit the local campus…

I’m ready for my next Mets moments

My dear wife Karen and terrific daughter Elisabeth hit the mark with their birthday gifts. Karen remembered how much I loved visiting memorable Mets exhibits when we visited the Hall of Fame a while back. Mike Piazza, enshrined in Cooperstown. Tom Seaver, in the Hall before him. Now part of my gear. I will be…

Could Jersey Mike’s live up to those TV commercials?

For what seems like a lifetime, the Jersey Mike’s TV commercials have made my stomach growl. Yes, please, on that piled-high sub slathered with The Juice. Alas, often my home Syracuse area is late to land national food chains. Cheesecake Factory. Sonic. Chick-Fil-A. On I can go. Hover over a gallery photo for a description.…

OK, now the backyard stuff will rest well

The snow came so quickly this season that I did not get a chance to properly take care of my usual backyard routines. I mean, it seemed to go from 60 F to plow guy in the driveway. In my mind, at least. But the trip to Lowe’s was accomplished to replace the ratty old…

Holdouts on the water

When it was warm enough to take my work break walks past the Onondaga Lake Marina, It was still warm enough to take a small boat out on the water. I counted three small vessels holding out. The Fihal Three!

Come right at us, sun

Yes, it comes to greet us kind of late in the morning. But I do like the fact that this late autumn sunrise aims straight toward me through the backyard trees when I let our cherished rescue mutt Ellie B out for her morning meandering.

It shaped up as a good day

A solo trip to the final game of the Syracuse football season allowed me plenty of snapping time for interesting scenes. Even though it was below freezing, some fans still dotted the reserved lots and tailgated for all they were worth as time wound down to the 12:30 p.m. kickoff vs. Wake Forest. It was…

Where have all the fans gone?

It didn’t seem like too far past that the parking lot up on the Syracuse University hill was packed with optimistic football fans for a big night football game against defending national champion Clemson. When I pulled into our Lot for the final game of the season at the end of November, I felt isolated,…