The Van Nostrand Blog

2010-09-27T06:33:00.001-07:00

For sale:

A late 90's (1998) Fanatic Mega Cat Long board Windsurfer. This board is very fast and very easy to sail. It's in B+ condition. This is great board for Tampa Bay sailing. It performs well on light wind days for recreational sailing and it smokes on high wind days - you’ll plane across the water. It’s easy to get up on a plane and has a pretty wide sweet spot.

This is a complete package - Board, Sail, Boom, Mast, U-joint, Mast Extension and straps. The sail is a North Wave Rave 5.7, the boom is a North Wind 165 to 215cm, and 2 piece 460cm epoxy mast.

All of this equiptment is in very good condition and ready to sail.

So for $350 you can have a very sweet board and rig.

Specs:

Board -
Carbon Dagger Board
Length: 380cm
Width: 29cm
Sliding Mast Track - works well!
Foot Straps
Slalom Tail Fin (skeg) 35cm
Volume: 250ltrs

Rig -
North Rave 5.7
460cm Epoxy Mast 2-piece
North Wind Boom - 165cm to 215cm
Chinock Medium Mast Extension
Chinock Universal Joint

Cell # 727 286 1205

2010-08-04T16:32:00.001-07:00

These guys make it look easy....

2010-04-16T06:01:00.001-07:00

The origen of Land Paddling.

SUP Land or Sea from Bmaui on Vimeo.

2010-04-16T05:56:00.001-07:00

Here's how we do it....

How to Land Paddle - For Longboarders from Kahuna Creations on Vimeo.

2010-04-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that easy and yes, it's as fun as it looks. I've been doing this for a couple of weeks now and I've already lost 6 lbs. It's a great workout.

Deco Drive Miami Beach - Land Paddling from Kahuna Creations on Vimeo.

2010-03-14T17:39:00.001-07:00

I can do these moves, but not on purpose.

HOOKED from stefan csaky on Vimeo.

2010-02-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

Marriage is nature's way of keeping us from fighting with strangers.

New Law Would Ban Marriages Between People Who Don't Love Each Other

2010-02-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

Living Vicariously

When I can't sail much, probably won't go out for a few weeks, I like to live vicariously. Here's some footage of James at the Ft Pierce inlet with gusty west winds.

Big West Wind Windsurfing in Fort Pierce Inlet from James Douglass on Vimeo.

2010-02-03T08:54:00.001-08:00

North Shore Beach Park

Finally had a good windsurfing session last Sunday. It was blowing about 12 to 15k but pretty gusty. I rigged my Neil Pryde 9.5 V8 Street Racer, but it just doesn't sail well in gusty conditions. I'd love to get an Ezzy Infinity 9.5....maybe someday.

My arms were tired on Monday, a good kind of tired though.

2009-11-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

Last night I laid my head to rest with sore arms, sore leg muscles and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for this weeks obligations; I got my fix. I finally got some good wind. And like a drunk who finally gets a drink after a long dry spell, I’m satisfied, at least for now.

The conditions were a little off, not ideal anyway. The wind was slightly off shore, side off shore. I sailed the broad reach which always challenges me. The chop was pretty high and unpredictable and the wind was gusty. I lost control of my sail by too much power and then by not enough power many times, but it was still a small slice of heaven. I did see a 3 to 4 foot black tip shark, that was definitely cool.

I picked up some more tips for rigging from Brian Moser (Master Jedi Windsurfer) and all in all had a great outing.

Venti has smiled upon me and I give thanks.

2009-11-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2009

Halloween is a pretty big deal in my neighborhood. Most of the neighbors participate in what becomes a very large and fun block party.

This year Colby and I went in costume. I was Michael Myers (Halloween fame) and Colby was a creepy vampire.

I was lurking in corners and dark spots and I managed to scare the hell out of a few people. What fun!

2009-10-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Lightning-struck survivor shares her experiences in bookBy Dylan Loh, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 31 October 2009 2234 hrs

SINGAPORE: Many people struck by lightning never live to tell their tale. Carolyn Lim, however, survived a lightning strike and now shares her experiences through her new book "Making Pink Lemonade". She was windsurfing three years ago when she was struck by lightning. Since the incident, she has difficulty walking and even feeding herself.

Full Story Here

I wonder how often this happens?

2009-10-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

Attempted to windsurf on Thursday. Man, I was pumped. I drove out to Dunedin Causeway after work I even rigged my new Maui Loco 6.0 Freeride sail, along with my Maui Pursuit 8.5. It was blowing about 10 to 13 knots when I arrived, not great but I’ll take it. Ok, so I was a little ambitious . But by the time I rigged up and hit the water the wind died to about 4 knots.

Venti what I ever done to you?

The Dalai Lama teaches that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck, but I doubt that he’s ever been a frustrated windsurfer. So now it’s Halloween and I’m still longing for that sweet Mistral wind.

2009-10-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Very cool photos from the Iwindsurf Community Forum

2009-10-21T17:47:00.001-07:00

It's about time!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

2009-10-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

2009-10-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Windsurfing in West Central Florida

North Beach Windsurfing School in Tampa Bay Florida provides Tampa Bay Windsurfing Lessons, Tampa Bay Windsurfing Instruction and Tampa Bay Windsurfing Rentals for beginners, intermediates, up to advanced Windsurfers.

My personal testimony is that Britt Viehman is a great guy, a true believer and excellent coach. If you want to try windsurfing, give Britt a call. I promise that you won’t be disappointed.

2009-10-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

2009-10-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

The wind is finally up, but I can't go! Ahhh! I'm a Pavovian Dog with out the reward after the bell ring. My senses are up, I'm full of wind anxiety and ready for my reward......

2009-10-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

2009-10-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

2009-10-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Sunsets on the Pinellas Peninsula are breath taking. I submit these for your approval, especially for those of you who live in the northern hemisphere.

Dunedin Causeway

Pass-a-grill Beach

St Pete Beach

2009-10-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

2009-10-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

Windsurfing at Dunedin Causeway last night, 10 to 15 knot winds and a light chop. The water was warm and welcoming. I rigged my Neil Pryde 7.5 but it took another rip - more tape - then I rigged my Maui 8.5 - much better.
I hadn't been out in a while; employed by life's distractions. It felt good to be on the water again.

It's the shear joy of complete humiliation that keeps us windsurfers going! - Bob Rowland

2009-06-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

2009-03-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from a town in upstate NY that I lived in for a while, Livingston Manor.
The Manor is nestled just outside of Catskill National Forest and well known for trout fishing, hunting and hiking.

It’s a beautiful Place.

One of only a few surviving covered bridges in NY

Trout Season

Entrance to the k - 12 public school

Livingston Manor Central School

RT 17 Towards Livingston Manor

Country Road

This is Where I lived

View of Town from Shandelee Lake

View From Shandelee Lake Rd

Stream

This Stream is Fed By the Deleware River

Another View From Shandelee Lake

Lake Shandelee

2009-03-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

It's Spring in St Petersburg and it's beautiful!

Al Copone once said:

“I am going to St. Petersburg, Florida, tomorrow. Let the worthy citizens of Chicago get their liquor the best they can. I'm sick of the job-it's a thankless one and full of grief. I've been spending the best years of my life as a public benefactor.”

St Pete Pier

Ft Desoto Park

View From Top of Pier

HMS Bounty

Saturday Morning Market

St Pete Marina

Mangroves

Central Ave

Down Town St Pete

Banyan Tree in Down Town Park

2009-03-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Al and Jeanine's New Doggie. Her name is Biscuit, she's six months young.

2009-03-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Colby is 4!!

2009-03-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

Snow Fest 2008

2009-03-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

Folk Fest 2008 at Down Town St Petersburg

2009-03-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

Busch Gardens 2008

2009-03-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys

We may have a new member to the family, no not a bun in the oven yet but a K9 companion.

We're watching a Great Pyrenees for some friends and they asked if we would consider keeping her.
Her name is Lucy. She's 13 Months old and already over 90 pounds. She's very sweet and great with Colby and yes, I've fallen for her already.

Click here to learn more about the Great Pyrenees

These dogs have quit a history.

From Wikipedia:

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, known as the Great Pyrenees in the United States, is a large breed of dog, used as a livestock guardian dog.

The Great Pyrenees is a very old breed, and has been used for millennia by the shepherds which includes Basque people, who inhabit parts of the region in and around the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France and northern Spain.[2] More recently, the breed served as the official dog of the royal French court (whose prominence began circa the Middle Ages, and lasted until the middle of the nineteenth century). During World War II the dogs were used to haul artillery over the Pyrenean Mountain range to and from Spain and France. They are related to several other large white European livestock guardian dogs (LGD), including the Italian Maremma Sheepdog, Kuvasz (Hungary), Akbash Dog (Turkey) and Polish Tatra or Polski Owczarek Podhalański.

2009-02-21T19:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day 2008

2009-02-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2008

2009-02-20T06:04:00.001-08:00

Some Photos from last Easter 08 at Aunt J's house

2009-02-18T05:26:00.000-08:00

Some Photos from a trip to Clearwater Beach, winter 08. Colby Sr, Ryan and Polly were in town from Atlanta

2008-12-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

World Champion Tampa Bay Rays Playoff Game

Tampa Bay Ray VS. Chicago White Sox

2008-08-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Colby on the Rock Wall at the YMCA.

2008-08-18T12:04:00.001-07:00

2008-08-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hurrican Shumurican!!

2008-08-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

What Hurrican!!!???

2008-08-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Colby and Daddy doing the Honey Do List

2008-08-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Latest Fay Update

St Petersburg is well with in the "Cone of Danger", but it looks like the best models are showing that Fay will make land fall to the south of Tampa Bay. With any luck she will only get to a Catagory 1 (sustained winds of 80 mph).

Currently Fay is a tropical storm with high winds of 60 mph; although she will likely pick up speed and strength while moving through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
In St Petersburg we get storms at 50 mph pretty often so our response is pretty routine so far – move in the plants, lawn furniture, etc.
If Fay becomes a Category 3 or higher (sustained winds over 125mph) we’ll start to panic then.

2008-08-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

IT'S COMMING RIGHT AT US!!!

Hurricane Fay is expected to move up the West Coast of Florida and may make land fall on Tampa Bay by Tuesday evening.

Hopefully she'll just be a catagory 1 storm with winds less than 80 mph. I'm not sure if we are going to leave or ride this one out; that all depends on the strengh of the storm. If the winds are higher than a catagory 2, more than 100 miles per hour, we'll drive north, maybe as far as Indiana.

If not, maybe I'll go windsurfing........

2008-08-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

MISSING A KITTY ?

2008-08-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Summer 08 Photos

A day at the beach and a chocolate ice cream smile

Colby and Daddy goofing off

Colby and Mum Mum (Sydnee's Mom)

Colby and Kyle ( a neighbor's daughter) making funny faces in the back yard

2008-08-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

This year for the 4th of July celebrations we went to Gulfport; a small town waterfront treasure tucked in between St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach.

Colby loved the car show, several of the participants let him sit in their classic cars.

Here's Colby just before the fireworks, he's pretty excited.

2008-08-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Various 08 Photos

2008-08-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

Colby's 3rd Birthday at Busch Gardens

2008-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Little Late....

Here are some Christmas Photos from Christmas 07'

Colby was a reindeer in the

Christmas play

2008-04-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few random photos of the Tampa Bay area. Enjoy!

St Pete Beach Sand Dune

Dolphin in the Gulf of Mexico

Cresent Lake Park - photo by Caleb

A Gator at Saw Grass Lake
One of these was found in a

local woman's kitchen yesterday.

It was an 8' gator that broke through

a screen door looking for food.

Imagine waking up to an 8' gator in

your kitchen.

Stingray

Painting by Caleb - local artist and friend

2008-01-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks for stopping by. Here are some random photos from 2007.

Colby and Dad at the Zoo

Our House - we've done alot of work this year but

still have a way to go.

The backyard playground

Colby at the St Petersburg Pier

lookout deck

Thanksgiving dinner

Colby and Megan at Treasure Island Beach

2007-10-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

Winter is coming, finally!

It's time for windsurfing the Gulf of Mexico!

2007-10-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here's an old picture. It's a shot, oh I think around 1985, of Al, Jeanine, a baby named Caleb and me. It was taken at the old trailer on Apple and Gordon Road when Al and Jeanine were visiting us in the Catskills.

2007-08-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Submitted For Your Approval....

Heroic Secret Service Agent Takes Question Intended for Bush.

Clinton Goes Back in Time, Teams Up With Golden Age Clinton

Six-Year-Old's Birthday Party Hampered 85,000 Gallons of Combustible Fuel Oil

2007-08-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Various Photos from 2007

Sleepy Head and Colby

Carol and Rob's Rental House in Orlando

Colby and Easter Egg

Bad Boys John and Johnny

Home Depot Colby

Colby wearing Windsurfing Glasses

2007-08-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Tickle Me Colby

Colby will come up to the sofa and say, "Tickle me daddy"
It's pretty cute so I thought that I'd get some photos of a tickle sequence.

Why'd You Stop?

2007-08-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Uncle George and Colby

2007-08-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Better Late Than Never.

Here are some shots from Colby's second Birtyday Party on January 18th, 2007.

2007-08-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots take while at the St Petersburg Pier with the kids.

George and Stacy

Afterward we dinner at my place

It was a fun day, thanks guys!

2007-08-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Here are some shots from Angela's wedding on Treasure Island Beach.

2007-08-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I have a lot of photos to post, but I'll start with a photo shoot that John Sr and John Jr took for us at Treasure Island Beach on the evening of Angela's wedding.

Thanks guys, they all came out great.

2007-05-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

Al's Trip to Chicago

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is Al wearing a White Sox cap in front of Wrigley Field?
Is he be brave enough to wear it inside?

Representin' the Rays where the White Sox play!

"A baseball team, that’s your second family.” -- Cubs president John McDonough

Interesting Story:

The foul ball that Chicago fans believe cost the Cubs a trip to the 2003 World Series has been bought by someone who plans to destroy it -- and is going to let Cubs fans decide how the destruction should take place.
(If you've been living in Mars and don't know what this is about -- in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, Cubs fan Steve Bartman jumped up and deflected a ball that seemed about to fall into the glove of Cubs outfielder Moises Alou, thus turning an out into a home run. The Cubs, who were winning the game -- and would have gone to the World Series for the first time since 1945 had they won -- ended up losing. Then, they lost the seventh game. So it was the Marlins who went to the World Series instead.)

Who bought it: Grant DePorter, managing partner of the Haray Caray restaurant chain (these restaurants not only bear the name, but were founded by, the Hall of Fame Cubs broadcaster).

How much did DePorter pay for it: $106,600 (a $92,000 plus bid, plus a 15 percent commission the auction house charges on top of it). This makes it the eighth most expensive baseball in history. The most expensive of all? McGwire's No. 70 homer, which sold in 1999 for $3 million. The most expensive baseball connected to Chicago? Sosa's 66th homer, which sold in 1999 for $172,500, and ranks fourth in the all-time list.

"I don't know why we bought the Cubs. We already had a perfectly good company softball team" -- After the Chicago Tribune Company bought the Cubs in 1981.

"My favorite umpire is a dead one" -- Robert Verdi, Cubs Owner

"There's no trying in baseball. You either go out and do it, or you don't." -- Brant Michael Brown

"It is not how much you do, but how much you love doing it that matters" -- T Van

2007-04-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

TIME
It flies by us, when we're having fun.
It makes the moon rise, and lowers the radiant sun.
It wrinkles a young face, with old age.
It breaks a teenager's bond's, from the motherly cage.
It beats a mountain, until it falls.
It births a child, whenever life calls.
It changes the verses, while you're reading this rhyme.

How this all happens, you will know, with time.

"We seem to be going through a period of nostalgia, and everyone seems to think yesterday was better than today. I don't think it was, and I would advise you not to wait ten years before admitting today was great. If you're hung up on nostalgia, pretend today is yesterday and just go out and have one hell of a time." – Art Buchwald

2007-04-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had time to post, but now that Colby is in daycare there'll be a little more freetime.

Wow, he's growing up fast. When I think back, it seems like yesterday he was just learning to walk. Now, heck he's a runner.

Here are some shots from last year.

Halloween!

Chillin' in July

2007-04-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of Lilly's band - it made the local news paper -- Way to Go!!

2006-06-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of Colby and Aunt Jeanine at the Florida International Aquarium

2006-06-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Break Out the Flack Jacket!!

Take cover!! Colby is starting to feed himself!!

I'm sure glad that we don't have carpet in the dining room.

2006-06-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Bed Time Stories

Here are some photos of Daddy (played by me) reading at bed time to baby Cole.
Baby?Well that's become a stretch.
He's 16 months in these photographs and already the size of a toddler.

2006-04-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

These photographs have not been altered in any way, they're wierd, creepy and silly - but true.

2006-04-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Colby Thomas In His Play Area

Colby is walking now. These photos were taken while he was playing in his play area in the Family Room.

2006-03-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

Study: Dolphins Not So Intelligent On Land
February 15, 2006 Issue 42•07

GAINESVILLE, FL—Although dolphins have long been celebrated for their high intelligence and for appearing to have a complex language, a team of researchers at the University of Florida reported Monday that these traits are markedly less evident on dry land.
According to study researchers, a group of 25 bottlenose dolphins removed from their holding tanks failed 11 exercises designed to test their basic cognitive abilities and reasoning skills.
"The dolphins were incapable of recognizing and repeating simple gestures," said study co-author Dr. Scott Lindell. "Their non-verbal communications were limited to a rapid constriction and expansion of the blowhole, various incomprehensible fin motions, and heavy tremors while they lay prone on the lab table."
After capturing the dolphins from the ocean, Lindell and his colleagues tagged them and placed them under the intense, high-wattage lights of a moisture-proof lab. The researchers then administered an extensive battery of tests designed to measure everything from the dolphins' self-awareness to their aptitude for writing and reading comprehension.
"Dolphins have a popular reputation for being excellent communicators," Lindell said. "But our study group offered only three types of response to every question we posed: a nonsensical, labored wheezing, an earsplitting barrage of unintelligible high-pitched shrieks, and in extreme cases, a shrill, distressed scream."
Even the dolphins' proven ability to navigate through a form of sonar called echolocation was ineffective on land.
"The military has claimed great success in training these mammals, utilizing their echolocation skills to detect mines that have been placed underwater," said Lindell, who conducted a similar experiment in a concrete parking lot. "We were unable to replicate this finding ourselves."
Lindell added: "In most cases, the dolphins succeeded in finding land mines only when we placed them directly on top of the mines."
Enlarge Image
A dolphin performs poorly in a University of Florida land-based locomotion test.
In another test, several pounds of mackerel were placed on the ground, separated from the test dolphins by only 20 feet of concrete. The dolphins were unable to reach the food and feed themselves.
Despite their failures in the initial series of tests, the animals were given further opportunities to demonstrate their intelligence on land. The dolphins were unable to display novel behaviors, use a map to pinpoint their location on campus (spatial reasoning), or complete a simple obstacle course and wall climb.
"Their learning curve was actually negative," Lindell said. "The more time we gave them to complete basic land-based tests, the more pitiful their efforts became, with many of them opting to bask in the sun rather than perform a simple task."
"In some cases," Lindell added, "the dolphins appeared to be looking directly into our eyes, as if pleading with us to help them perform better in these tests."
Many scientists believe these findings may help to explain why dolphins, for all their vaunted intelligence, have never developed technology or agriculture, or harnessed the power of fire—skills still exclusively in the domain of Homo sapiens.
Said Lindell: "Their failure is a great disappointment to all of us who once felt an intelligence-based kinship with these majestic animals."

2006-03-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

First Time In A Year

I took my Kayak out today, first time since last April. And let me tell you, it was great to be out on the water again.

I launched from North Shore Park and headed towards the St Petersburg Pier. There was a westward wind, about 20 knots and steady. The chop was high , about 12 inches. Some avoid these conditions, I love them!
There are few things more challenging than a high chop while navigating a 15 foot kayak – good times.

I made my way around the Pier towards the USF campus, then a huge cruise liner came in, I thought I was going to fumble in the wake, but my training kicked in, and all was well – close one!

After going about 4 miles, I headed back towards the Pier for some lunch – a bottle water and a hot pretzel – yum.
The chop in the Vinoy Basin was smooth, refreshing after fighting to get there. I circled the basin a few times then headed back to the beach at North Shore.

“Sea Canoeing is 80% mental, and 20% physical.”

Satelite view of St Petersburg Water Front

2006-03-08T04:21:00.000-08:00

A Smitten Colby With Some Well Dressed Friends

A picture of a well dressed Uncle Colby, Austin and friends in tuxes last weekend at a birthday party.

2006-03-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

National Weather Service To Give Hurricanes Full Names
February 27, 2006

SILVER SPRING, MD—The National Weather Service announced Friday that, in response to the increasing number of hurricanes, it is revising its naming system. "The hundreds of hurricanes we expect in the North Atlantic in 2006 will receive both proper and surnames," Max Mayfield of the weather service said. "In fact, tropical storms Alberto Fergus, Beverly Stenwick-Brown, and Chris Stubbs Jr. have already received names under the new system." After all possible first and last names are exhausted, storms will be given titles, beginning with Hurricane Assistant Accounts Manager Alexander Epps, CPA.

2006-02-27T06:16:00.000-08:00

A Day at the Zoo

2006-02-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

Peek-A-Boo!

2006-02-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

Chillin By The Pool

2006-02-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

Various Photographs from 2005

2006-02-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

"Superman, Superman, I wish I could fly like Superman" - Ray Davies

"Superman don't need no seat belt" - Muhammad Ali

"It's the Superman complex, isn't it? If you're more powerful than a locomotive and can leap tall buildings at a single bound, what do you have to worry about?" - David Eddings

2006-02-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

Colby's First Halloween (2005)

2006-02-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

Places Where We Lived Part 4 - Cold Spring

Cold Spring N.Y.

Haldane Central School (Above, right and below right)

The Smoking Wall (Above)

The Village of Cold Spring

Tunnel To Hudson River

Village History:

Until 1818 Cold Spring was a small settlement nestled on the shores of the Hudson River at its narrowest point -- although folk lore would have it that the it was christened by General George Washington when, around 1780, he took a sip of water from the spring and announced, "Cold Spring."

The village of Cold Spring grew up around the West Point Foundry. The foundry, which opened in 1818 and made guns, cannons and steam engines, employed 1,400 people at its height and closed in 1911. Most of the housing in the village dates from that era. The West Point Military Academy is visiable directly across the Hudson River from Cold Spring Harbour.

Fun Fact:

The Village of Cold Spring Board gave the green light for Paramount Pictures to film a scene from their big-budget remake of "War of the Worlds" on the lower half of Main Street. The shooting ran from 3:00 pm to 7:00 am every day from December 6 through December 9.

The scene promised to be a spectacular one in the $270 million Steven Spielberg picture, and it was. Tentatively titled "Out of the Night." In it, hundreds of people are trying to board a ferryboat to cross the Hudson River to escape from the alien invasion. Cruise’s character jumps on the boat just in time, as alien blasts explode a nearby ticket booth and generally wreaks havoc on the nearby surroundings.

Bear Mountain Parkway

Bear Mountain Outlook

View from Perkins Drive

2006-02-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

Places Where We Lived Part 3 - The Catskills

Lt Brender Highway Harris N.Y.
Bethel N.Y.

Walnut Mountain Liberty N.Y.

Woodstock Mucic Festival site Yasgur's Farm

Harris Hospital from Route 17

Village of Livingston Manor

Livingston Manor

Liberty High School

Liberty Elementary

“You bet I arrived overnight. Over a few hundred nights in the Catskills, in vaudeville, in clubs and on Broadway.”– Danny Kaye

The Catskills

The Catskill Mountains (also known as simply the Catskills) a natural area in New York State northwest of New York City and southwest of Albany, are not, despite their popular name, true geological mountains, but rather a mature dissected plateau, an uplifted region that was subsequently eroded into sharp relief. They are an eastward continuation, and the highest representation, of the Allegheny Plateau. They are sometimes considered an extension of the Appalachian Mountains into Upstate New York, although they are not geologically related. The Catskills are west of the Hudson River and lie within the bounds of six counties (Otsego, Delaware, Sullivan, Schoharie, Greene, and Ulster).

The name "Catskills" did not come into wide popular use for the mountains until the mid-19th century — in fact, that name was disparaged by purists as too plebeian, too reminiscent of the area's Dutch colonial past, especially since it was used by the local farming population. It may also have been a continuation of the British practice, after taking possession of the colony in the late 17th century, of trying to replace most Dutch toponyms in present-day New York with their English alternatives. The locals preferred to call them the Blue Mountains, to harmonize with Vermont's Green Mountains and New Hampshire's White Mountains. It was only after Irving's stories that Catskills won out over Blue Mountains, and several other competitors.
While the meaning of the name ("cat creek" in Dutch) and the namer (early Dutch explorers) are settled matters, exactly how and why the area is named is a mystery.
The most common, and easiest, is that bobcats were seen near Catskill creek and the present-day village of Catskill, and the name followed from there. However there is no record of bobcats ever having been seen in significant numbers on the banks of the Hudson, and the name Catskill does not appear on paper until 1655, more than four decades later. (Source)

The Concord Resort and Casino (aka - The Jewish Alps Headquarters)

2006-02-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

Places Where We Lived Part 2 - Elmsford

1624 Woodside Drive, Elmsford N.Y.

Cookie Crisp!!!~George, Ricky and Joey should get the reference.

On another trip to Fishkill N.Y. I jumped off the NY State Thruway and made my way towards Rt 100a. Except for the homes, you would not recognize the old neighborhood. The entrance to Woodside drive, once dominated by several Victorian style homes, is now a commercial business park. The bridge that we called "the wall", where we spend many a time contemplating our future exploits, is completely gone, and the stream that it once covered is now obscured by asphalt. The Shell station across Rt 100a is still there but instead of the tennis club to its immediate right, there is a professional office building - progress, maybe not?
The KnollWood Country Club maintenance shack is still right behind our old house, but now there is a fence demarking the two properties - I guess they got smart after we "borrowed" their gulf carts so often.

I came across this quote about time; it seems apropos.

"The present is the point at which time touches eternity". - C. S. Lewis

2006-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Places Where We Lived
Part 1 - Yonkers

984 Mclean Avenue, Yonkers N.Y.

The old building still sits on top of a pizzeria

View of Mclean and Sterling

View of Sterling Ave (right)

St Barnabus Park (Below)

St Barnabas Church (Above)

This is where we played stick ball (Below)

View of Mclean from St Barnabus Park (Above)

“I came from a real tough neighborhood. I put my hand in some cement and felt another hand.” – Rodney Dangerfield

Public School (P.S) 11 (Below)

Merk Chemist - there since 1886 (Below)

P.S. 11 baseball field (Below)

Hillview Resevior on Kimball Ave (Below)

On a recent trip to NY I decided to exit the Taconic Parkway at Mclean Ave and visit our old nieghborhood. It's true that one cannot go back in time, but I found Mclean Heights to be preserved as if it were still 1979. In fact it is cleaner and even more quaint.
On Mclean Avenue between Bronx River Road and the NY State Truway there are several Irish pubs and restaruants. There are several Irish shops and many actually speak in Irish tongue. The pizza shop under our old building has incredible pizza. I ordered a cheese slice and walked the neighborhood, just like old times. It was an enjoyable outing. I hope that you enjoy the pictures.

“'The past is not dead, it is living in us, and will be alive in the future which we are now helping to make.'” – William Morris

2006-02-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Tamp Bay Devil Ray's Fan Fest

Yesterday was Fan Fest for the Tampa Bay Devil Ray's. Al was kind enough to invite me - thanks Al.
We had an opportunity to see Alan's season ticket seats ( where Al is sitting). The seats are terrific. They are located right behind the Ray's Bull Pin, and have no rows in front - plenty of leg room. The seats are field level and offer an excellent view of the first base line - nice choice! It was also very cool to hang out on the field and in the dougouts. I hit a few balls in the batting cages, and both Al and I won a signed ball by completing a word puzzle.

It was a fun time. I can't wait for the regular season.

"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." - Yogi Berra

2006-02-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

“Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous prospect. For what has happened? A miracle. You have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything.” - - William MacNeile Dixon

Benjamin Alexander Yovicson was born on December 15, 2005 at 2:03pm at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. Benjamin weighed in at 6lbs 12 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Congratulations, he's beautiful!

Benjamin's Daddy (Brian) and Mommy (Megan)

Benjamin, Mommy and Aunt Lilly

Pop-pop and Benjamin(below) and Uncle Johnny and Benjamin (below)

A child is born
A child is the greatest gift
That our lives can bestow.
It brings the most exquisite joy
That we will ever know.

Some days deliver happiness,
Far more than we can touch.
We need the help of all our friends
To comprehend how much.

And so we thank you for the gifts,
Both those you brought and are,
That celebrate this rich,
full lifeAnd its rising star!

"No one who has ever brought up a child can doubt for a moment that love is literally the life-giving fluid of human existence” - Smiley Blanton

2006-02-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

In loving Memory of Ethel "Mango" Smith

Do believe I'll never leave you
Always I'll be in your heart.
Don't forget my soul is near you,
And so we'll never be apart

"The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity". ~Seneca

SMITH, ETHEL R., 90, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 9, 2006). She was born in Ansley, Ala., and came here 35 years ago from Dublin, Ga. She was a homemaker and a licensed practical nurse. She was a member of Northwest Church of Christ. Survivors include two sons, David B., Sugar Hill, Ga., and William W., St. Petersburg; two daughters, Margaret Winters, Atlanta, and Carol Voelker, St. Petersburg; three sisters, Ruby Melnik, Sun City, Erlene Flinn, Grady, Ala., and Jo Jolley, Enterprise, Ala.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Mango left this world with a legacy of three generations. She was very proud of her family and had much love for all of us. She was a kind person and a generous soul; always putting others before herself . She will be greatly missed.

On the left: Cousins from Alabama.

On the right: A photograph of the grandchildren

Mango with Colby Thomas (Left) and Mango's great grandson Chase Youkin (Above)

"He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for to him all are alive." - Luke 20:38

Love is stronger then death even though it can't stop death from happening,
but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love.

It can't take away our memories either.
In the end, life is stronger than death.

2006-02-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

Colby's First Christmas!! (2005)

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”
Christman Poem:
Christmas is a time of little time.
How we get there is a mystery.
Racing madly mall-to-mall, we climbInto fields of sunlit harmony.
Shopping, cooking, clearing walks and yards,
Trimming house and tree while working, too;
Making phone calls, wrapping, writing cards,
As all worn out we do what we must do
So that this day of joy might joy renew.

“It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.
May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!” – Charles Dickens

Remember - When you stop believing in Santa Claus is when you start getting clothes for Christmas.

Weird fact: To deliver his gifts in one night, Santa would have to make 822.6 visits per second, sleighing at 3,000 times the speed of sound. At that speed, Santa and his reindeer would burst into flames instantaneously.

2006-02-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

Ft Desoto Picnic - Summer 2005

2006-02-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

Chase meets Colby

Recently Colby Thomas has an opportunity to meet his cousin Chase. Chase is from Arkansas. His mommy's name is Katie, his daddy's name is Mike. Katie is Sydnee's cousin.

2006-01-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

I took this online survey. It's sort of funny, but true I think.
--Van

Which File Extensi on are You?

2006-01-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

Colby Thomas Van Nostrand is ONE year old Today!!

Happy Birthday Colby~01/18/06!

He had his first taste of sugar today and I think he liked it.

Colby was born on January 18, 2005 at Bayfront Medical Center in St Petersburg Florida. He was 7.4 lbs and 19.5 inches. Now he's 30 inches long and 23 lbs - Wow he's grown!
It's hard to believe that a full year has passed. This has been an exciting time for our family. We have learned much about sacrifice, giving, patients, and love. It's been difficult at times, there have been moments where sleep and rest were not optional, but I wouldn't trade this time for anything.
I never really understood what parents meant when they would say, "having a child will change everything". Now I know. In fact, I wouldn't change anything.

Special thanks to all of you who supported and helped us in this past year and Thanks for coming to the party!

That's all for now - Bye Bye.

2006-01-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

BirthDay Party!!
Come and celebrate with us.

Colby Thomas Van Nostrand is going to be one year old on Janurary 18th 2006.

Yes, it's true - he's already a year old.

The party will be at 5:00 so please don't be late.

There will be New York style pizza, cake and ice cream.

Check your mail box for an invitation.

See Ya There!

2006-01-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

Digital Camera..........$250.00

Elf Suit for Baby..........$20.00

First Picture With Santa Claus............$Priceless$