City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York.

Yesterday, we were warned that a blizzard would descend upon our city overnight.  Businesses, including my own employer, closed their doors earlier than usual.  Transportation was affected.  For the first time because of snow, the subway system shut down for the night at 11 p.m.

The snow had begun falling and accumulating before midday.  

It was a relief to get home last evening and know that whatever the blizzard brought us, I would have today as a "regular" day off.

Around 9 p.m., I took a few photographs of the view from one of my windows.  Dark and ominous, with some lingering Christmas lights, some street and building lights, and the glow of fallen snow.

Heavy clouds added to the dark sky.  Vehicular traffic was limited to emergency vehicles (which did not include either taxis or take-out delivery bicycles) and Sanitation Department trucks with affixed snowplow attachments.  The city's quiet was interrupted only by the scraping sounds of snowplows making their rounds, keeping the streets clear.

When I woke up this morning, I realized that the blizzard had not lingered in New York.  News broadcasts revealed that it was Boston that was now hosting the historic snowfall.

Yes, a delicate snow was still falling, and the air was very cold.  Snowplows continued their rounds.  Some brownstone steps and sidewalks had already been cleared.

The views from my window did not look quite so ominous in the grey morning light.

Having promised to show you all some snow scenes, I quickly finished my breakfast, donned layers of clothing to keep me somewhat warm, picked up my camera and headed outdoors.

You can see that the street and most sidewalks were already cleared of snow, with only a bit of slush to be found around the edges.

I encountered quite a few young men carrying shovels for hire.  They do a fine job for residences and businesses whose folks do not wish to take care of this duty themselves.

I include this close up view of the fire hydrant against the stripes of the plowed roadway in order to show that the snow's depth was not very deep.

Continuing my stroll around the neighborhood, I discovered that nourishment was available for those who had not brought home groceries before the snow began.

Cabs were once again traveling along Amsterdam Avenue.

Pizza by the slice or whole pie was available.

However, many banks were closed and seemed a bit frosty.

This quaint little church, in the shadow of high rise apartment buildings, seemed shut up tightly, although its walkway had been cleared.

These fellows were working well as a team and swiftly taking care of business in front of this brownstone.

Over on Columbus Avenue, I liked the filigree appearance of these trees.  The red lights of the Don't Walk sign add a touch of color to the scene.  The holiday snowflake decoration is still attached to the street lamp pole.

I wonder how this small bike came to spend the night at the curb?

The steps up to the doors of 110 had been liberally sprinkled with chemical, snow-melting "salt" that is very dangerous for dogs whose owners do not outfit them with protective boots.

Across the street, the red doors of this church seemed firmly shut.  In the foreground you can see that sidewalk shoveling has effectively covered over garbage left on the sidewalk for overnight pick-up by someone who clearly didn't comprehend that the usual garbage truck rounds would be otherwise engaged.

This beautiful entrance way always catches my eye, no matter what the weather.

It has become more and more rare to spot payphones along the sidewalk.  I guess it was during the peak of last night's snow and wind that snow actually found its way into the Titan's enclaves.

These benches in the middle of Broadway can be pleasant places to rest during milder weather.

It was only 25 degrees F. as I took my brief stroll, and I admit that my camera clicking fingers were beginning to feel the chill.  And so, I began to head home.  Just then, I saw yet another snow plow getting ready to make a turn up a street that was already rather clear.

I could not resist the photo op.  The driver made too wide a turn, had to reverse, correct his angle and give it another go.

Mission accomplished on the turn, he made his way up the street.  I made my own way up the sidewalk.

How pleasant it was to return to the warmth of my apartment and prepare this little report for you all.

I am now going to have a bowl of delicious lentil soup.  Regular readers might remember that I'd put some of last week's soup in the freezer.  Its time has now come.

I send my very best wishes to all the folks up in New England who are now having to deal with the blizzard that spared us.  Thank you all for your visits and comments. We are now a day closer to springtime.