We found a small but affordable house in Port Jefferson Station and after 4 more years we had our second child, Jennifer. I was self-employed so I was able to see my children grow and to be with them for a good part
of it.

One year when Jason was 7 and Jennifer was 3; we had a terrific snowstorm. Looking outside in the morning released the little boy within me and I decided to take the day off and to take my kids sledding around the neighborhood. This meant that for the most part they sat on the sled and I pulled it. While towing them around I noticed an undeveloped plot of land about 3 blocks from our house. I had never walked this far and had never noticed what to us was a forest. I decided to take them in because this was as close as I ever got to a forest. We did not have anything like this in the Bronx.

After about 5 minutes we were pretty deep in the woods and I heard other voices. It sounded like children and laughter so I followed the sounds. Sure enough we happened upon a hill with about 20 kids with sleds. Since I had never been on a sled in my life and I did not want to have my first try with 20 kids as unwilling targets so I kept walking. After a little longer just out of the sound of all the kids we came upon the most beautiful place I had ever seen since moving out here. It was just a hill but it was perfect for us. It was only about 50-75 yards long but it was perfectly hidden by rows of tall trees on both sides. A wonderful mixture of trees unlike any we had ever seen. There were Pine and Maple and Oak all clustered together but with a distinct trail right down the middle. I took the kids up and we all made out first trip down any hill, anywhere. It was terrific. The slope was perfect for a novice like two young children and myself. It was not too steep and not too long so the walk back up was good for everyone. We spent many hours going up and down that hill and at the end of the day we vowed to return the next day.

The next day we got up early and the kids were anxious to get back to our special spot. My wife, Ellen, has never been very adventurous but even she decided to come because of all she had heard about it the day before. When we got to the forest we passed the big hill with all the kids and proceeded to our little secluded hill. Just as the day before we had a really good time and stayed until no one was able to make one more trip
up the hill. As we walked back we discussed how lucky we were to have found a secluded, safe place to use and it seemed to have been truly undiscovered. We had our own private hill! We decided over dinner that night since we discovered the hill to call it McKenna’s Mountain.

Over the next few years we visited McKenna’s Mountain every time it snowed and the memories grew. Along with the memories came more baggage too. We now would routinely bring hot chocolate and Cambells Vegetable soup in several containers with spoons, napkins, crackers, and other assorted treats to last the day. After many years we selectively invited a few of our children’s friends and shared our little secret with them. We were careful not tell too many people lest our spot become crowded like so many others. We kept our secret and truly appreciated this special place.

I went on the radio, for the first time.

I enjoy myself by doing new things when ever possible. Sure, I would love to tell you aboout a big vacation trip, but that is not in my plans right now. To replace that I take mini vacations that really are just breaks from the realities of my daily routine. last week I wad on the radio and then this week I modeled for the first time and those pictures will be shown on TV. Is this considered play time? To me it is. Am I having fun? Yes. Am I at work? No. Does it bring joy to me? Well if you don't consider that combo Play, then I don't know what will.

I am a bored guy if I just sit on the beach. Now give me a microphone and it is Time to Play.

Brian Cohen

Yesterday I went to Manhattan for a late afternoon event at Times Square. After that, I decided to walk over to the Rockefeller Center to take a few pictures. I didn't plan to stay, but then I figured I might as well stay since I was there. I got in the line. The police checked my bags and let me in the pen. I thought I was never going to leave. It was madness. I ended getting caught up with all the crowd. People pushed. They argued. They complained. They joked. They laughed. They sang. Emotions were all over the place. Some grew impatient as they waited for the Rockefeller Tree lights to go on. They pushed to get out of the line. I decided to stay. It wasn't easy, but I didn't want to give up. I had not been to a Rockefeller Tree lighting in a very long. My back ached. My feet too. I wanted to give up and push my way out of the line too. But I didn't.

I'm glad I didn't because it was a beautiful feeling when the beautiful colorful lights finally went on. I hope those lights shine bright in these dark and stressful times. The reality hit quickly. As I walked away from the bright Rockefeller tree, a guy approached me with his Flip Camera. He told me he was working on a project to send greetings to soldiers serving our country. I delivered a simple greeting: "Feliz Navidad. Merry Christmas" and blew a kiss. Clarisel Gonzalez

I tend to get bored when it comes to just going to the gym or running around my block. I prefer more extreme activities to stay healthy. Last week my friends and I found this rock climbing warehouse on Long Island. At first it seemed like a piece of cake. I figured I would be climbing all over the walls for hours - I was wrong. It was extremely challenging and I loved it. It was something new and different. I kept pushing myself to get to a new height or different rock path. Kevin

Whats my story? I dont know, my personal story is boring, but I can write a little I guess. Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a photographer. I didnt want to be a "hack" you know shoot weddings and things like that. I am an artist, at least i try to be. But, I have FOF. what is FOF? FOF is Fear Of Failure. So I have always been afraid to take that chance and just go for it. Latey however that is changeing and I am starting to post my work. I hope you enjoy. The picture I am posting is one I took last year in Ridge NY.

Michael Mendel

I used to live in the Pocono Mountain region right in the valley of the Delaware Water Gap. There were always so many places to hike. A few friends and I would try to go for a hike once a week, even in the colder months. It was always a great way to get out of the house, get a little exercise, and enjoy the great outdoors. This picture taken was a particularly hard hike. There was still ice and snow on the ground but it was all the more exciting. Getting to the top of a mountain is an amazing feeling and accomplishment. Now living back on Long Island I really miss the mountains and realize what a great little escape it was.

Kim

Living on the coast in North Carolina we love to spend a lot of time at the beach. It is so relaxing to spend the day at the ocean watching the waves roll in, reading a book, or boogie boarding.

Our beach season usually begins in April and can go all the way through to the end of September. It is such a peaceful way to spend the weekend after a busy week.

Taking a stroll on the beach in the evening or going first thing in the morning to pick up all of the new sea shells that have washed up overnight just resets your mind and brings you to a peaceful place!

Chrissy