nature
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Clark Reservation State Park
Memorial Day is the traditional kickoff for summer, so my family took the opportunity to visit one of the many New York State Parks we plan to hit over the course of the season. Today’s destination was Clark Reservation State Park located in Jamesville, a suburb of Syracuse. The park’s webpage describes the place as Continue reading
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Salmon River Falls
In my corner of upstate New York, there are certain sights that one never has to travel very far to see. A few such entities that come to mind are Dunkin’ Donuts locations, abandoned factories, and all manner of items emblazoned with a Bills logo. Oh, and also waterfalls. We are very fortunate to have Continue reading
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Peonies
The peonies in our front yard are in full bloom. I get sentimental seeing peonies as they remind me of my late mother, who always enjoyed them. Their blossoming is also a welcome sign that summer has arrived. I’m no botanist, but there are two things I know about peonies. The first is that, as Continue reading
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New Year’s Hike
I started 2024 off with a hike at Beaver Lake Nature Center. I can’t say it’s a full-blown tradition, but it’s something I’ve done on a few past New Year’s Days and will continue in the future as weather permits. A nature hike seems as good a way as any to celebrate the new year, Continue reading
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Orange Byways
Every summer, around this time, rural roadsides in CNY see a mass blooming of orange lilies. I’ve always referred to them as tiger lilies, but upon doing some quick online research, I discovered that not all of these orange lilies are necessarily of the tiger variety. Whatever they are called, they grow in ditches along Continue reading
About Me
Researcher. Marketer. Teacher. Father of adult children and dogs. 20th Century holdover. Central New York native. Long-suffering Buffalo Bills fan. History nerd. Traveler. Vintage advertising enthusiast. Hat wearer.
a.k.a. V.J. 