City Views, Country Dreams

Good morning from New York.

I've been taking some time off from work this week, and have had more opportunities for long walks while Spring's beauty continues.

Last weekend, I walked over to Park Avenue to check on how the tulip blooms were coming along.  I took a route through Central Park that passed by the Sheep Meadow.

Naughty parents were allowing their children to swing on the tree branches.  I continued on with my walk.

Some folks were just relaxing.  Sitting on benches provided for sitting.  You all might be able to see the little metal plaques on some of the benches.  It is possible to donate money to have these inscribed with special dedications to honor friends and family members.

As I neared Fifth Avenue, I could glimpse some luxury buildings' rooftops over the tree tops.  Isn't that sky brilliant?

This area was once known as "dog hill" and was a fine place to see dogs frolicking around off their leashes.  Now it's called something else, and rules are posted.  Green on green.

Every year I promise Merisi that I will take photographs of the Park Avenue tulips.

The above photograph shows the very same median garden space that I showed you in a prior post as a natural midday "sundial."  It's in a shady block of Park Avenue, and so few actual blooms have yet appeared.

I could not resist raising my camera to show you the downtown, i.e. Southern, view.  I cannot yet believe that NYC planners actually approved the construction of that building.  I find the tower intrusive.

And so, let us return to our search of tulips on Park Avenue, walking uptown into sunnier blocks.

I discovered lots of tulips planted in curbside gardens in front of apartment buildings.

This median garden strip is ablaze with red tulips!

And here's another batch, with yellow cabs for contrast.

Another city view.

I took a peek down this side street and loved the quiet and shady beauty.

Some buildings opt for white tulips.

For a bit of variety, I offer you all this minimal window box.  I am not sure how the gardener got those planted. 

The following photograph shows a bird's eye view of an elegant planter at the entrance way to an elegant building.

Orange and yellow tulips carry a polite suggestion.

I'm including the next photograph to give you another perspective on the variety of architecture that makes up this part of the Upper East Side neighborhood.

I am hoping that you all have enjoyed seeing a few more views of what can be seen around New York City at this time of the year.

Pretty soon the trees will begin leafing out and pollen season will be upon us.  Sneezing is forecast.  I may not be taking any long walks through the Park for a while!