new keys, new view, new borough...

...I could go on, but I think you get the idea.  Moving day is on the 15th, assuming I finish packing this Saturday.  The new place is currently covered in sawdust, but only because my landlord is hooking me up with some sweet new Vermont hardwood floors!

Terra-Cotta Beauty

The New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Building sits humbly in the shadows of the 59th Street Bridge on Vernon Blvd in Long Island City, Queens.  The small beauty that can be easily missed if you're buzzing on by in a hurry, or can be mistaken for a boarded up parks department storage unit, seems to be in her glory at sunset.  Look a little closer and you'll see the brilliant detail that went into the makings of this tiny brick cottage, which was built in 1892!

couldn't help myself...  :)

Independence.

I had a lovely evening of BBQ, vodka infused watermelon, sipping of some fine tequila, mingling with some fabulous new friends and 1/3 of a view of NYC's over the top firework show.  (Hello, why do we show off our display to Jersey, and not Brooklyn & Queens?  What's wrong with the East River?)

Here's a taste of the evening...

Sunset from a Court Street Rooftop in Brooklyn.  Lady Liberty standing tall!

the best i could do in manual setting from a whole borough away...

Vegas!

Nothing like your first trip to Vegas being a 6 day HR conference!  Still... pretty sweet week, and hot as hell.  Highlight?  Met Richard Branson.  Yes, Sir Richard Branson.  Kind of had to chase him down to get my book signed... sometimes it just takes a little extra effort to get what you want.  Also heard Michael J. Fox speak.  Two incredibly inspirational individuals.  And, the pool was nice too :)

Long Island City.... Queens!

Long Island City.... the 'hood I've spent the past 4+ years working in.  My office is kind of in the slums (I work in manufacturing... what did you expect, Madison Ave?!), but here's a nicer part of LIC...

Dad, Pizza & Tequila

Father's day pizza lunch at Gruppo in the East Village, and then on to some ladies night tequila fun at Mayahuel, several hours later, and also in the East Village.  I give two thumbs up to and will be spending plenty of time in both establishments once I move into the 'hood.

cutest parents ever, waiting on our pies at Gruppo

Stokes fam, minus Wayne :(

love the tequila, love the tile.  go check out mayahuel.

Seeing Double. Seeing Double.

Got caught in a downpour on my way home tonight (third time in 2 weeks) and was ever so happy to have my camera on me this time.  How often do you get to see a double rainbow?  It lasted only a few minutes, and I caught what I could of it...

And we're back!

...with a serious upgrade!  I'd like to introduce you to my sweet Canon S95.  Finally bit the bullet and replaced my poor SD1400, and instead of going the SLR route, I decided someone on the go as much as me needs something more compact. Here are a few shots on my way home from the city tonight.  After scooting over the WB bridge, I stopped to take a few shots.  No tripod... just my somewhat steady hand...

Keep in mind the shots of the manhattan skyline were taken from Williamsburg, about 100 yards from the water, behind a fence (around Kent/N8).  Photos are untouched.

williamsburg bridge at dusk, from brooklyn

flag day