The plan was to get together with my brother Andy to take some pictures. A very good photographer, Andy had helped me as I started to think about getting my own camera. We agreed on dates and I flew to New York on Thursday, October 2, for an extended weekend on his side of the country.

The next morning, Andy and I took off to photograph fall color, driving north into Connecticut and Massachusetts. The photo on the right was taken in Taconic State Park above New York City. We arrived in time to enjoy beautiful reflections on Rudd Pond. Andy had planned a wonderful day, and even arranged for a memorable sunset!

On Saturday I met my sister-in-law Claudia to spend a day in Manhattan. She suggested visiting the High Line, an elevated park built on a recycled overhead rail line on the west side of lower Manhattan. More great opportunities to take pictures! And that evening, we met both of my brothers for a concert in Greenwich Village.

Saturday was quiet, ending with a family dinner on Long Island. If you don't know these folks, that's Andy and Georgeann in the upper left; George with Aunt Fran in the upper right; Joe and Andy in the lower left; and Claudia with Aunt Fran in the lower right.

Andy is also the Director of the Track Program at St. Kevin's parish and he organizes their CYO Track Meets during the school year. Andy's team, including Joe, makes it possible for hundreds of youngsters to enjoy themselves while getting valuable exercise and experience. There was a Track Meet on Sunday, October 6, and I did a few things to help out, but mostly I just tried to stay out of the way.

Finally, Andy brought me to the airport on Monday for my flight home. On the way, we stopped in Manhattan at the new World Trade Center and the National September 11 Memorial. The area was largely under construction but the Memorial was open to the public. One final opportunity to put our cameras to use - and to pause for a little quiet reflection after a busy weekend.

This page is my way of saying "thank you" to my NY family for a great visit!