City Views, Country Dreams

Happy Easter to you all from New York City.

Today has been sunny, but chilly.  I decided to leave my down coat at home, and to don several layers of light weight clothing for my stroll over to the Fifth Avenue Easter Parade.

I did not wear a bonnet.  The charming sisters in the following photograph wore lovely flowery bonnets and sweet smiles.

I like to arrive at the Parade around 11:30 before the Fifth Avenue church services conclude.  Fifth Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic between 57th and 49th Streets and everyone just sort of ambles along either posing for photographs, or taking photographs, or just enjoying the day.

As in prior years, there was a mix of elegance, tradition, imagination and just plain old zaniness.  Everyone seemed to be in a fine mood.

As I walked along, it was not always possible for me to take the photo from the angle I desired.  Crowd movements can be unpredictable.  One must go with the flow.

I hope that you all will be able to detect this sombrero wearer has adopted a bit of a rabbity disguise.

Lavender bonnet complimented her purple hair.

The following fashion forward trio seemed to know each other and were glad to pose together.

Some hats's designs are best viewed from behind.

Most shops along the Avenue were closed.  It was nice to see big planters of daffodils outside this jewelry shop.  The giant planters also act as safety devices, protecting the window from possible nefarious drive-in shoppers.

Quite a few bonnets featured architectural decorations.  I like the look of this storybook tower in the middle of Fifth Avenue towers.

This little girl in the lacy skirt and flowery hat was more elegant than her Mom with the tote bag.

This little bunny had a good view on Daddy's shoulders.  Mom had a pretty red jacket.

The pink bunny wanted her photo taken with one of the police officers on Parade duty.

Anyone with a sudden urge to don some bunny ears could satisfy that urge with the assistance of several vendors.  Parasols were also available.

This little girl was so happy that her doll donned bunny ears.

The following photo was clicked in haste in order to capture the giant chocolate bunny on the gentleman's head.

And, on the bunny front, this street magician actually had a rabbit in his act.

The fellow in the next photograph defies description.  His outfit and make up must have taken hours to perfect.

Here is an extra large sunny side up.

The Rockefeller Center Promenade featured the usual lilies, topiary rabbits and crowds.

Lots and lots of blossoms on this brim.

Ahh, an elegant trio on the Avenue.

I wonder if this glamorous lady's bonnet was heavy.  Its flowers were really pretty and pink.

I thought this scarlet and neon lime duo were quite striking.

The crowds were beginning to bother me a bit, so I took this final photo of an adorable little girl, and wondered what she might have thought of all that was going on around her.

Returning home, I wanted to take a couple of more photographs to show you all that I have now welcomed chocolate back into my domain.

The above rabbit is a milk chocolate rabbit.  The next photograph offers a look at the dark chocolate rabbit, along with a few chocolate truffles.

I do hope that you all have enjoyed seeing a bit of the joy that filled Fifth Avenue today and thank you for your visits and comments.  I am very happy to have a new follower, too.