Kat Pilato

Arty McGoo: Photographer Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Saying Goodbye to an Icon

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 02:47:00 +0000

Having never seen Coney Island in its heyday, I can't really feel the loss as much as some. As my son and I were walking around a few years ago, we did get a little taste of how folks are feeling. It has reopened with new rides, along with a few of the classics, but I think that the carney-feel is missing. There is the sense that a few characters and icons will be missed. Here are a some pictures that hopefully, capture a bit of what people love(d) about the place.

Getting your Kicks

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:08:00 +0000

If visions of Route 66 are in your dreams for a drive, how about I inspire you? If you are hip to that tip for your California trip? Traveling my way on the route that is best? Yeah, baby, my dream is to someday travel the iconic Route 66, photographing all the way. A snippet of it is in St. Louis, MO. Actually, it was a delicious snippet, I must say. My cousin took us to "Ted Drewes", a spot along the "Mother Road" during our summer visit to St. Louis. It was a brutally hot day and I couldn't get a shot of them handing off the cups as they were upside down, the famous serving stance, but I did get a few shots of such a fun place. There were no 57 Chevys to be seen but the concrete was enough to make me want to take that asphalt highway to heaven. Now, I'll get the song stuck in your head:

If you ever plan to motor west,

Travel my way, that’s the highway that’s the best,
Get your kicks on Route 66.
It winds from Chicago to L.A.,
More than 2,000 miles all the way,
Get your kicks on Route 66.
Now you go through St. Looey, Joplin, Missouri
And Oklahoma City is mighty pretty.
You’ll see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico,
Flagstaff, Arizona, don’t forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino.
Won’t you get hip to this timely tip:
When you make that California trip,
Get your kicks on Route 66.
Get your kicks on Route 66.
—Bobby Troup

Heavy, Man...

Walk This Way

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 01:44:00 +0000

Awww, come on...admit it. This picture is just funny!

Pasta-Mastah, sort of

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:43:00 +0000

Thinking that making homemade pasta would be way out of my league, I've never endeavored it. Seriously? If you can get your hands on a pasta machine (they are pretty pricey), it is actually less work than making cut-out cookies or a pie or even a quiche. I mean it! You make the dough with about four ingredients and don't even need a bowl for that. Drop a pile of flour, make hole in it, drop eggs, oil, and water, then pretend that you are about the age of 4 again. Keep mixing with your hands until it is incorporated enough to make a ball. Wrap it in plastic, let rest about an hour. Cut the resulting ball in quarters and sort of flatten with your fingers. The dough isn't as finicky as pie crust, so that makes it even easier. Pass it through the flat rollers on the machine, going from the highest number to the lowest. Then, you can choose if you want linguini or spaghetti or just leave it flat. Lasagna, ravioli, tortelloni, the choices are endless. Don't get me started on the sauces and 'gravy' or just some good, old butter, S&P and parm. Grab a fork and get busy!

A Lady of a Different Sort

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:21:00 +0000

Lady "bugs" Lady "birds"...I shall just call her the Lady in Red on a Green Leaf and sound poetic:

The colors just keep on coming

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 04:10:00 +0000

Ahhh, I just can't stop. Every corner, Canal St. Manhattan, Staten Island Ferry, just walking about. The colors splash everywhere. I will just have to share. Seriously, a rainbow would weep from feeling inadequate. Well, sort of. God always trumps with those rainbows but these are really close as far as color.

Colorful NYC

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:39:00 +0000

You can't go through NYC and not see colors jumping out at you from every corner. Chelsea Market is a good place to start. Oh, please go and check it out for yourself, that market used to house the Nabisco Biscuit Company...think Oreos (Yeah, I know, black and white) and now houses the FoodTV network, among many other great shops. When we went, there were tango lessons being offered for free, right in the hallway, from some dance instructors. Of course, the second lesson wasn't free. I will save those pictures for another post! The last few colorful pictures were from around Grand Central. Not only choo-choos, folks, but there are some great little markets within that cavern. Penzeys spices, for one. People watching is awesome, too.

Foggy mornings

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:37:00 +0000

Ugh, trying to be inspired and all I can come up with are some foggy morning pictures of bluebird houses. Maybe the colorlessness is what caught my eye. Guess that I am more ready for spring than I care to admit. Here are a few little reminders of the occupants to come in a few months!

Bit of NYC

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:58:00 +0000

Walking around with my son in Manhattan/Chelsea Market area, I saw such wonderful sights. Here are a few that I thought I would share!

Marblehead, MA

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:37:00 +0000

Something about a cold, February day to make me think back on the hot summer we had. Visiting my daughter near Boston is not only a treat for the visit's sake but a treat for the senses. On the north shore of the Boston area, every nook and cranny is loaded with history. Marblehead doesn't disappoint. Even though the place was officially settled in the 1600's, it has been around much longer. The craggy shores, the sparkling water, the buildings that have been around for so long. One shot is off of the bridge from Beverly, heading into Salem/Swampscott/Marblehead area. Here are some photos to prove my point! The bird? well, he was keeping me company while I was photographing off the edge of a very high bridge!

Valentine's Day for One

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Its ok to have a Valentine's Day alone. The hubby is out of town, enjoying the Florida sunshine and me? Well, the remote to myself is like a box of chocolates and yes, I do know what I'm gonna get! Enjoy your own box of chocolates in your own way! Here are some pix of lonely settings that are actually beautiful in their own way. Have a good one!

Nighttime Neon...zapped with color

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:01:00 +0000

More walking on a hot, summer night. Neon colors blasting from different corners and hey, even out of the ground via splashing fountains in a park. More people watching and sky gazing as I meandered along. Who knew such a southern place could have so much charm?

Hot Summer Nights

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Walking through the streets of St. Louis, near the arch neighborhood, you get a real feel of nightlife and fun. Like a mini-Austin, TX. The architecture, neon signage and people watching are inspiring. I just couldn't stop taking photos. I did have to run back to the hotel because a hot, humid summer night usually ends in a thunder storm! Here are some of the sights that were mine to behold! The thunderbolts near the arch were taken from my hotel window, safely inside! I will probably post a few more tomorrow. Stay tuned!

When Pigs Fly

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Back to St. Louis. The arch, the lovely architecture and the food. St. Louis-style bbq. Most famous of all in this neck of the woods is Pappy's Smokehouse. This spot is located on Olive Street, almost a straight shot from the Arch. Don't let the long lines intimidate you, they have their service down to a science. You stand in line but don't you dare have your buddy grab a table for your group. A waiter would be on you in a heartbeat, evicting you from your "butt-claim". You just stand in line like the rest of the folks and drool as the platters are being carried out of the kitchen. The smells are overwhelming...in a good way. Set your eyes upward toward that tin ceiling with the displays of bbq sauces from around the world. Think of what awaits your taste buds. After you have ordered, THEN you look for a spot to sit. I don't know how it seems to work but somehow, a place opens up in a few minutes. Grab it then and make your new butt-claim. Plant your fanny and open your mouth to what is now in front of you. The wait is just a few minutes because this bbq has already been pulled apart, ready to be made into the goods. The owner would tell you his bank account number but hey, don't ask for the recipe to the rub. He will even let you peek at what goes on around that smokey bbq pit but there are not many more secrets that he will divulge. If he ever does spill...look to the sky...you might see a little curly tail attached to a pig...flying.

St. Louis--mARCH your self down there!

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Hot and sticky. That could be two things: St. Louis at the end of July or Pappy's BBQ on Olive St. I'll post today on the Arch. Ah, at first glance it looks like, well, a big, silver disjointed paper clip, jutting out of the ground. We spent about 4 days staying near the arch. The paper clip changed with the sunlight, moonlight and lightning bolt. It really is beautiful. It is as wide at the base as it is tall from the ground. You can ride a little pod that fits about 4 people up to the top. Looking out of the windows is amazing and I highly recommend doing so at dusk. If you don't mind being in a small area or WAY up in the air in a paper-clip structure! Every time I looked at it, it had a new dimension! I did resist the urge to have a photo taken of myself holding it up, a la the leaning Tower of Pisa. One shot is taken out of the window from inside of the arch. Here are a few shots:

Quiche me Quick

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:01:00 +0000

After viewing Renee's blog about quiches, I was inspired to make one for myself. I had lots of ingredients, just not all that the recipe call for! I did have a tart pan and the pie crust to start. And a big, double Viking commercial oven at my disposal. Actually, it takes up a chunk of wall in the kitchen and I feel like a queen. My husband and some of his friends helped to install this behemoth. I admit that I don't give it the workout it deserves. This weekend...yeah, I did. I made a quiche with leftover breakfast sausage, peppers, onions, tabasco, lots of spices and, to make it truly taste like a breakfast, something sweet. Apple butter is all I had and let me tell you, it worked. Sweetness along with all of the sausage spice. Here are some pictures. The pie was the result of the leftover crust that just HAD to be used up. My mom bought some canned pie filling and well, can't have that laying around either!

Brighton Beach/Coney Island/other great sites NYC

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:01:00 +0000

A few years ago, I visited New York City with my son, Joe. My friend said you've got to check out Brighton Beach, it is so unique. Well, I'm all about seeing the different side of the tracks. BB didn't disappoint! I think we got to witness the last gasps of life of Coney Island, along with some strollers on their Sunday walks. The grandmas, arm in arm in their fur along with their purses draped over their arms...walking along the boardwalk. Just a treat for the eyes. As we walked along, we came to a stop. The boardwalk literally ends...just like that. I felt like Forest Gump as he reached the end of the pier. Brighton Beach and Coney Island ending right there. Time to turn around and check out the Ukranian markets and Nathan's hot dogs. Go and see it off-season. You won't be sorry. Bring your camera!
There are other shots from around NYC. Little Italy..Eating al fresco in February, a chinese musician in the subway (until the cops showed up and ticketed him!), Joe and his rendition of an album cover...haha.. Yup, you must have a camera.

Days gone by...Midtown

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:49:00 +0000

As I was driving in to work this morning, I noticed that the skyway bridge crossing Broad Street was completely out. Kinda makes me sad to think about it. I could go on and on about how functional and wonderful that skyway is but hey, the city doesn't listen to me...sigh. Here are a few shots from when Midtown Plaza (the first indoor mall in the United States) was in it's waning days. I wish I could say I knew it "when" but I wasn't around town then. My loss. The first picture was in the eating area. I really wanted to walk home with one of those marble tables, they were cool. The second, is a view from the trashcan. Boy, if that metal cylinder could talk....Lastly, is a shot from the underground garage. Hope that it will be bigger and better than before, when they are all done.

summer camping

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:02:00 +0000

Camping in the (almost) north country with a great family. I just love these folks. The kids would rather play outside, cook amazing food or just take something apart to see how it works than watch TV or other boring stuff. Sean got this great civil war style cap at a flea market or something. The pose was au naturel, he just looks great in it. Lauren was meeting the fish my husband caught.
The Mennonite guy, I think, was taking a well-deserved break from his usual routine, I'm pretty sure. I love how he improvises with the non-moving bass boat. funny.

Rockport, MA

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:01:00 +0000

After Piera, Gabriella and I wandered around Bearskin Neck, we popped into a little shop and had an ice cream. The buildings are lovely. Old and salt crusted, rustic but still colorful. This lantern seems to be in the perfect spot to do its own version of people watching. Here it is, from the wide-eyed view of the lamppost!

Lobstah

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:50:00 +0000

This July, I wanted to visit my husband's 2nd cousin, who was with a group of students from Italy going to Boston. They had stayed about two weeks and I caught up with them on the last few days. One of their trips was to Rockport, way north of Boston. BearSkin Neck. We had a wonderful time and Piera (Frank's cousin) and her friend, a fellow teacher/chaperone had lamented that they came all of this way from Italy and didn't get to taste what a lobster was. They had checked restaurants in Boston and, surprise, were overwhelmed with how pricey it was. Asking around, we found an inexpensive, family place. With just an hour to spare, we went in and we ordered. They were absolutely delighted to taste this goodness from the sea. I had baked crab, which was also so, so good. Can't you just taste it? Piera is on the right and forgive me, I can't recall her friend's name. I think it was Gabriella or something so beautifully Italian and lyrical.

Skittles

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Photographing some children of a friends that I know on Long Beach Island. With these rashguards, they look like little skittles, lined up along the shore. There was nothing more fun at the shore, when we were kids, than sitting there letting the waves lap at our toes. Of course, the sludge at the bottom of the bathing suit made the rest of the day interesting! Fond memories of a warm, summer weekend make me almost forget that it is ten degrees outside!

the shack

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:40:00 +0000

A fond, fond memory for me is Long Beach Island, New Jersey. This little strip of beachie goodness starts with a greeting from the causeway, as you are heading east...toward a beckoning ocean. You can smell the ocean, hear the gulls and get a little rush in your throat. On your right, you spy the official harbinger of your vacation on LBI...no, not Ole Barney...it is this shack. A ramshackled building that reminds you of crusty old men, hip waders on, ready to find some dinner the proper way. They are going to rebuild this building, last I heard. I'll have to keep everyone posted. Here is a view as the sun was rising in the morning sky. Makes me warm thinking of it!

Where is That Corner?

noreply@blogger.com (katpilato) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:18:00 +0000

We all know that spring is right around the corner. Sometimes, I need a little reminder. Hope this helps you to feel a little "spring" in your step.