City Views, Country Dreams

Good morning from New York.

May 2015 has been so kind to us, bringing gentle warmth and clear blue sky, day after day.  The flowering of Central Park picked up its pace and the green leaves deepened their hues.

As I walked along, I realized that iris season had pretty much come and gone since my last Park stroll.  However, there were still plenty of colors on display.  Lots of birds strutting around, looking for snacks.  

The birds were too busy to pose for any photographs, but the dandelions obliged me.

Funny to glimpse these plastic beads hanging from a tree.  I didn't see any of the yarn scraps I'd left amongst various branches and hope that they are now parts of various nests where young families might be hatched.

As usual, Bethesda Fountain's plaza was drawing a crowd.  Some musicians are always playing there, and its pleasant to sit by the Lake or even rent a rowboat.

What particularly drew me to the Park on that afternoon was the possibility of finding some fully blooming wisteria.   I knew that there was a large wisteria arbor just behind the old Band Shell.

I caught a glimpse of some flowering branches and tried to find a pathway to the arbor.  Some pre-summer preparations were underway at the adjacent Summerstage area where all sorts of performances, both free and ticketed, take place in summer months.  These preparations had caused some pathways to be fenced off to flower-seeking pedestrians like myself.

I could not take that winding stairway around the curved edge of the Band Shell.

However, I did persevere and found the way to this beauty.

I could almost imagine myself at Monet's Giverny.  Almost.

The scent was delicious, and hundreds of bees were enjoying the possibilities of the flowers.  There was no fence keeping the bees away, but they graciously shared the space with me.

From such old twisted roots and branches these flowers grow, year after year.  I love the shadows' patterns.

Lots of creative inspiration overhead, too.

I could not resist taking more photographs.

Now that the trees are fully leafy, the Park has a good mix of sun and shade.

This father and son were enjoying a bit of spring softball practice.

I do not think that I saw the son catch a single toss from his dad, so it's good that they continued on with the practicing.  In the background you can glimpse part of what's known as Lilac Walk.

I was delighted to find some of the lilacs were still in extravagant bloom, adding their scent to the spring air.

The shady spots had slowed the blooming progress.  The sunny areas's lilac flowers were a bit past their prime.

I still wanted to take their photograph.

This might have been this toddler's first May.  How wonderful to be introduced to lilacs at such a young age.

My past skin cancer experiences have taught me to cling to the shadows, but you can see many folks have taken to the fully sunlit area of the Sheep Meadow.

Refreshments are available nearby.  One can either sit there and enjoy a meal or a snack, or buy something to take away to a grassy lawn picnic.  Receptacles are available to discourage littering.

Somehow, the city buildings in the hazy background do not seem as appealing as the greenery of the Park.

I am so very fortunate to be able to visit the Park when it is not too crowded.  This past week, however, there have been some crimes committed in the Park during much less populated hours of the day.

Please do remember that this glorious place is in the center of huge city in which many wonderful people live.  It's generally a very safe place to wander, but also wise to use a bit of common sense while wandering.

Thank you all for your visits and comments.  It is a great pleasure to share some city views with you.