The National Debt Clock

They Turned this clock off in 2000 because Slick Willy left us with a surplus and they couldn't figure a way to make it run backwards.

The clock was taken down and stored until Shrub's financial expertise made it run forward once again.

By the time he had so expertly finished managing our finances, they had to expand the sign to add another digit.

The ominous placement of the sign - above the entrance to the IRS office in NYC.

Watch your wallet. Always good advice in NYC. 

Arthur Avenue - the real Little Italy - or so that say

It was a beautiful Sunday in my part of the North East so I decided to check out Arthur Avenue - 

The real Little Italy

My first stop was Tito's - real Italian Deli. When I walked in, the stereo was playing Volare'...

I sung along as I shopped for some serious Balsamic Vinegar of Modena - $16

Not their best but better that what they have at the A&P 

There were lots of food vendors along the surprisingly small street

Here is a candy that will pull your fillings out.

The proximity of Yankee Stadium is not lost on the residents

Look closely, you'll see Italian celebrities on the menu

If Mario Batali eats here, the food has to be good, right?

These made in China Italian souvenirs should help you appreciate real Italian culture 

I guess this just about sums up the true Arthur Avenue attitude

I went on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I imagine that Saturday would be more populated...

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2010

Went to the Parade once again. Had a great time as usual, but for the first time, didn't shoot stills.

Here is the parade in 2 min 21 secs.

Final Vintage Event for 2010 - Lime Rock Park

VSCCA Fall Fling - Lime Rock Park

The weather was typical October in New England - windy, cool with splotches of rain. But the cars were on track and the drivers raced like it was 6 months until their next on-track dice.

Everyone had a good time - including yours truly. Here are some pictures of great cars on a great track.

The close action in the Porsche Alfa Race

The Best Race of the day - the Bugatti started last and finished Second!

Left hander action

Dee-troit Iron

Aston Martin

Not the cutest car but FASTTTTT!

Polished Metal - Aston Martin

Pre-war Bugatti

Sunday Brunch in the Rain

August is quiet in NYC on Sundays so we went to SOHO for brunch at Balthazar. Pat had her favorite quiche and I had their famous fruit and yogurt over granola. A very civilized way to start your day.

Afterward, Pat went to their bakery for take-home goodies - bread, cookies and fruit fococcia. I went to the car for the umbrellas. 

Their bread is tadiefor!

While she shopped, I peeked back in at the growing crowd.  NYC woke up earlier than usual today!

The inside is faux french bistro but the food is for real. A real gem.

Parked in front of our car was a Porsche with an interesting plate...

  

Not sure about the opinion or the color. The Cayman looks better in silver with a red interior.

Birthday at the Cloisters, NYC

 These pictures are vision of hell that must have reformed a few 14th Century sinners.

A brief video clip of the carvings below

The Unicorn Tapestries are still a main attraction

This room is kept cool and dark to protect the tapestries

Despite their age, the colors are still beautiful

You have to read the signs to get the story - hint, it's about salvation!

This is the "Rosary Bead" a meatball-sized carved devotional artifact

My favorite piece in the museum

The gardens are open in the summer - a joy in good light

It was windy but cool and beautiful.

Lobster in the Rough

Along the Northeast coast, there are wonderful Lobster pounds - places to get a fix on these fishy dishes while watching boats and gulls. Abbott's is our favorite place. 

Stuck out on a finger of land in the Atlantic, it's located in nearly invisible Noank CT. A few miles away from more famous Mystic.   

The reason we go - hot lobster roll sandwiches. Not cheap but really quite good.

They, of course, also have the yummy shore dinner.

And what's a shore attraction without kitch and t-shirts?

Belly up to the bar and place your order

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

The view of the water adds to the experience.

Some folks even have room for dessert.

The best way to eat - facing the water and noshing on lobster.