Long Island

 

LONG ISLAND, NY, has a population of about 7.7 million in its 118 mile length from New York Harbor to its eastern terminus on the Atlantic Ocean at Montauk Point. It is about 28 miles in width from Long Island Sound on the north to the Atlantic Ocean on the south. Its western end includes the New York City boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. When Long Island is defined it generally excludes the Queens and Brooklyn sections of New York City. Long Island's political divisions consist of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, 11 towns and 109 villages -- all with their own administrations. The area has had an historical past from the arrival of the first settlers. Here are interesting facts: 

Mastic was the home of William Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Long Island's 

Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk is the site of the oldest cattle ranch in America, built in 1658, and birthplace of the American cowboy 

The Lighthouse at Montauk became NY's first coastal beacon in 1796. 

The first radio transmission, by wireless inventor Guglielmo Marconi, was in 1901 on Fire Island Avenue in Babylon 

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field, as he embarked on the first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. 

America's first supermarket, King Kullen, started on Long Island in 1930. 

Levittown, the first suburbia in the U.S., was built on Long Island in 1947. 

The Lunar Module which landed men on the moon in 1969, was built on Long Island by the Grumman Corp. 

The only working water mill and windmill in the US are located in the Long Island community of Water Mill. 

Richard Nixon's deceased dog Checkers is buried at Long Island's Bide-a-Wee Pet Cemetery. 

When the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883, it became the first land -transport route between Long Island and mainland USA. Before that, the only way to travel between the two was by boat. 

Long Island was sculpted by melted glaciers, which is why there is a clear difference between the hilly North Shore and the flat South Shore of Long Island. 

Long Island is the most populated island in the United States and the 

17th most populated island in the world. Interesting fact: Long Island is more populated than the entire country of Jamaica and of Ireland! 

If Long Island was its own state, it would rank 12th in terms of population. 

Robert Moses creation of a cars-only parkway system created the modern suburbs of Long Island and influenced a generation of engineers, architects and urban planners across the nation 

The North Shore is known for its large mansions, exclusive vacationing, and rich history of its affluent citizens and architecture. The South Shore hosts more entertainment and sports venues together with Atlantic Ocean beaches such as Jones Beach. 

The largest industrial park in the US is located on Long Island - The Hauppauge Industrial Park which houses 1,300 companies and employs more than 55,000 people. 

Together Nassau and Suffolk counties' nearly 180 fire agencies possess more fire trucks than New York City and Los Angeles County combined. 

Suffolk County is the leading agricultural county in New York State based on the wholesale value of its farm products. 

More 7-Eleven coffee is purchased on Long Island than in all of California. 

George Washington commissioned the Montauk Lighthouse so that the ships coming in from Europe could identify the Atlantic Ocean from the Long Island Sound. 

Fire Island got its name in the 17th century when it built fires to identify the coastline to the ships in the ocean. 

After World War II, the Japanese were nationalized and able to fly to just 5 places in the country with Idlewild Airport (JFK International) being one, which is why Canon, Nikon and Olympus located their corporate offices there. 

The Town of Hempstead with 800,000 residents is the largest township in the country, larger than Boston, San Francisco and Baltimore. 

The Nassau and Suffolk population is greater than 20 of 50 states. 

Hicksville was the original home of Fudpucker World Airlines, the Worlds only steam powered Airline. 

Long Island is the largest college "town" in the US with 175,000 students registered in 21 colleges. 

Long Island has the highest level of volunteerism in the world.

Personal notes- Long Island will always be my heart home. Loved the beaches, the farms and woods.

7 11 coffee was pretty good, it all depending on who was making it that day.

I spoke to dear friends who are in their 90's during the covid shutdown. A dear neighbor would shop for them, people who volunteered to make meals would drop off wonderful dinners for them. People took care of each other.

The perfect gift!

Limes & Jalapenos

My little Jalapeno has made quite a few roads trip back and forth to Florida. It's about 3 years old and still thriving.

 My Lime Tree which is over 38 years old ( my father gave it to me when he lived in Florida). Sharon and Don take care of it when we are in NY.

It wasn't doing well after I transplanted it but as you can see there are plenty of limes on it!

Thanks to Chi- Ling for the photos.

Kindness Surely Rocks....

                                            THE KINDNESS ROCK PROJECT.  

When I found the heart shaped rock below I was walking the beach and was thrilled to to find it. I didn't do anything with the rock, it was just a nice reminder that I am loved.

This was the first rock I painted. It was given away to my wonderful neighbors John and Elsie

A facebook group had a photo of faces painted on rocks. I was amazed of the time and talent it took to paint each rock! When she finishes she seals and hides them for others to find. How wonderful is that! I had to find out more about painting rocks.

I mentioned the painted rock project to the Sag Harbor Library. They never heard of it and I hope they add it to the fall programs this year.

If you never heard if painting rocks and hiding to spread random "rock's" of kindness I hope you find this post helpful. It's easy, anyone can do it. Florida has many Facebook groups. Type in your state and add rocks and you never know you might have a group in your community. Pinterest also has tons of ideas. You never will know if someone will find the rock you hid but if they found one, it may bring some joy into someone's life.

My kind of salt

Wanted to share this article about the area I grew up and love

Alliums

WW

  Walking pass WLNG ( local radio station) on Redwood Road is not our normal route we take but I wanted to Max to explore new territory.

The station  close to the water and as Max and I walked passed it the property adjacent is full of weeds. I couldn't believe it when I saw this bright red rose. 

Shows how something beautiful can be seen when least expected.

WW

The Blues

The above photo looks like the people might of taken a walk or maybe in the water- not!

I get to the beach at around 9. I'm usually the only person on the beach but the three blue umbrellas have been set up along with the chairs. 

Could the owners of the set up be walking the beach? They sure aren't in the water. Were the chairs and umbrellas left overnight?

My curious mind wanted to know so I decided to ask one of the lifeguards. She gave me the standard, they have a permit so they can set up where ever they want. Totally agree but why set up and not show up?

Another lady heard me and informed me the "butler" gets to the beach early and arranges the chairs, umbrellas and towel.

 I saw the people who own the chairs and umbrellas once. It's a couple. He didn't like the set up so he moved his chair and umbrella but what does he do? He plops his stuff right next to someone else! So much for six degrees of separation. 

WW

WW

Happy Thanksgiving

Flourless Oatmeal Lace Cookies

**Recipe came in second place at the Suwannee County Fair!😁😁


John and Elsie are dear friends and neighbors. I love making cookies for them.John loves my peanut butter cookies and I needed to find something that Elsie might enjoy.

Chinese Grandma posted this recipe in 2012. She has lots of photos that show you the step by step process in making the cookies.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cook, not instant)*

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)

* For gluten-free, check oatmeal before you purchase. Oatmeal should be gluten-free but is often processed in a facility that processes wheat or other grains with gluten.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F or 177 degrees C. 

Grease or spray baking sheets very well or line with parchment paper.

Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. 

Drop by teaspoonfuls on prepared baking sheets, forming  circles. 

Leave space in between for cookies to spread.

Bake 9-12 minutes, until cookies spread out and cookies are golden brown. 

Leave the cookies on the cookie sheet a few minute before removing.

 Remove and place on rack to cool.

Elsie was thrilled with the cookies! I also gave a few to one of the boys who came for a treat and when I heard the mailman I ran out. Robert, our mailman is quick and he was almost gone  when I got to the end of the driveway and yelled his name. I never knew mail trucks had such great brakes ! 

Featured 11/1/2015 on Happiness is Homemade

Featured 11/4/2015 on Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Old Drum

George Graham Vest was a lawyer, is know for  his "a man's best friend" closing arguments from the trial in which damages were sought for the killing of a dog named Old Drum on October 18, 1869.



"Gentlemen of the jury: The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.
A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death."

Montauk

                                                                            Shark ( it's fake)

Montauk is 25 miles from our house. We loved going in the fall when all the summer people leave. 

Additional Photos.

Hope you enjoyed seeing a small part of the area I live and  love.

Sagaponack Corn Pudding

Ina Garten has a home in Bridgehampton. Sagaponack has great little farm stands which Ina is very fond of.

Recipe is from Ina's cookbook Barefoot Contessa Family Style, which is now in the hands of one of friends.


Ingredients:

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter 
5 cups fresh corn kernels cut off the cob (6 to 8 ears) 
1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion) 
4 extra-large eggs 
1 cup milk 
1 cup half-and-half 
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 
1 cup ricotta cheese 
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves 
1 tablespoon sugar 
1 tablespoon kosher salt 
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
3/4 cup (6 ounces) grated extra-sharp Cheddar, plus extra to sprinkle on top 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease the inside of an 8- to 10-cup baking dish. 

Melt the butter in a very large sauté pan and sauté the corn and onion over medium-high heat for 4 minutes. Cool slightly. 

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and half-and-half in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal and then the ricotta. Add the basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked corn mixture and grated Cheddar, and then pour into the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with more grated Cheddar. 

Place the dish in a larger pan and fill the pan halfway up the sides of the dish with hot tap water. Bake the pudding for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top begins to brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm. 

Sag Harbor, New York

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I grew up in Southampton, which is 20 miles south west from Sag Harbor. Gabe and I moved to Noyac which is 5 miles to the town in Sag Harbor in the early 80's.

People come from all over in the summer to see the east end of Long Island. My photos on this post and in the Shutterfly album show how beautiful the town is.

The home above is my favorite in town. It was once a sea captains house when Sag Harbor whaling industry was at it's peak.

Indian Pipes

Do you know about Indian Pipe Plant ? 

Other common names for the plant are Ghost Flower and Corpse Plant, references to the sickly grey-white color of the stalks, leaves, and flowers.

Indian Pipes had some medicinal uses. Both the Native Americans and the European settlers used this plant for medicine. The sap was used as an ophthalmic lotion for treating inflamed eyes or for sharpening vision.


 Externally used for treating bunions and warts. This plant was used as a poultice for treating sores. The stems and leaves were used fresh or dried as a tea for treating aches,pains and fevers. The roots were dried and powered as a tea to treat convulsions, fainting spells, fits, epilepsy, insomnia, muscular spams and nervous irritability.


 Indian Pipes also had some edible uses. It could be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled.

Although it often tasted like Asparagus it was considered to be
bland and tasteless.

 However, this plant contains toxic glycosides, such as andromedotoxin. This plant’s safe use is questionable plus the plant is too scarce to harvest.

I have a few in our yard. When we moved into the house Indian Pipes were everywhere. 

July Photos Of Home

I added another album to Shutterfly . Hope you enjoy the photos.

Greenport Tall Ships Festival

Historic Greenport Harbor welcomed six Tall Ships from all around the world during a four day event. 

The six ships were:

AJ Meerwald-    A.J. Meerwald is the state ship of New Jersey. She is a restored oyster dredging schooner, whose home port is in the Bivalve section of Commercial Township in Cumberland County, New Jersey.

Lynx-    Lynx is a square topsail schooner based in Newport Beach, California. She is an interpretation of an American letter of marque vessel of the same name from 1812.

Picton Castle-    The Picton Castle is a fully certified and registered Cook Islands tall ship whose mission is deep-ocean sail training and long distance education.

Kalmar Nyckel--The original ship — a new type of gun-armed merchant vessel called a Dutch Pinnace — was built by the Dutch in Amsterdam in about the year 1625.  She was purchased in 1629 by a Swedish consortium to serve as an auxiliary warship for the Swedish navy, which she did until her decommissioning in 1651 — except for the years from 1637 to 1644 when she sailed the Atlantic for the New Sweden Company.  An exceptional ship with a long and remarkable career, she was sold to a private merchant after being decommissioned from the navy.  No completely definitive records have been uncovered as of yet, but Kalmar Nyckel was probably resold to the Dutch navy as an escort vessel and sunk in the North Sea while fighting for the Dutch in a war against the English in 1652. More information HERE

Sagres-   The NRP Sagres is a tall ship and school ship of the Portuguese Navy since 1961. It is the third ship with this name in the Portuguese Navy, so she is also known as Sagres III. This ship has lots of History.

Hermione-  The Hermione was a 12-pounder Concorde class frigate of the French Navy. She became famous when she ferried General Lafayette to the United States in 1780 for extension and spread of the war in the American Independence Movements 1754–1763 on behalf of the French interest. She grounded and was wrecked in 1793.
In 1997, construction of a replica ship started in Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, France; the new ship is likewise named Hermione.

My friend Rita lives in Greenport and walking distance to the festival. We walked into town to see the ships Sunday night. The Hermione came in Monday morning which was a thrilling.

I took lots of photos and hope you enjoy the SHIPS.