City Views, Country Dreams

Happy St. Patrick's Day from New York.

Although by the time some of you all might see this post it will probably be March 18, I did want to share a bit of what is still the 17th in NYC with you all.

 In preparation for my upcoming post-retirement relaxed schedules, I thought that I would walk over to Fifth Avenue today, rather than opting to use the subway or bus.  I smiled to see this topiary-to-be in the works in front of a neighborhood brownstone.

I had an errand to tend to in a major NYC store, looking for a few new cosmetic products at Bergdorf Goodman.  It was fun to walk around the edge of the Sheep Meadow as I headed diagonally southeastward.

Lots of green on the meadow, but not any people.  They were all crowding the midtown Fifth Avenue sidewalks, having a good look at the big St. Pat's Parade.

My shopping errand was unsuccessful, and so I decided to walk back uptown through the eastern edge of Central Park to find a Fifth Avenue sidewalk parade viewing spot that was less crowded than midtown.

The weather was mild and around midday any forecast showers were not yet appearing.  Great to see lots of daffodils.  Lots of security measures were also on clear display.  I am never quite sure whether seeing police and police vehicles, helicopters and park police, too, actually makes me feel more secure.

In any event, I managed to get my first glimpse of the marchers around East 70th Street.  Orange headgear on the two young ladies, and several police officers apparent on the edges of this photograph.

Pipers and drummers, and a green hair bow.

These lads had grown bored with the parade and decided to have a rest on the wall around the Park.

The band in the above photograph were dressed quite formally.

I am hoping that in some of these pictures you'll be able to see the green stripe painted down the center of Fifth Avenue.

Isn't this young lass lovely?

A very large green hat and some bright green trousers at this corner.

You can tell from this photograph that the parade watching crowds were rather skimpy uptown.

This band clearly had been practicing their marching and music playing.

The above photograph shows a variety of approaches to the wearing of the green.

If you click to enlarge the above photograph and look at the upper left corner, you might be able to see one of the low-flying helicopters that looped up and down over the parade route.

I still cannot believe how long this young lady was able to carry her friend on her shoulders.

Look at this little cutie in her frou frou skirt and green hat and tee shirt.

The fellow in the following photograph was not having a very profitable day trying to sell his souvenirs.  In general, I thought the mood of the day was a bit subdued.

I had difficulty trying to take photographs of the large banners.  Some bystander always picked a not-perfect-for-me moment to step into the frame.

These beautiful horses got a well deserved round of applause.

Beautiful horse and rider.

This parade contingent were twirling large banners very skillfully.

Not everyone wore green.

Can you imagine marching two miles carrying those shiny large horns?

Ah, finally I got a clear view of one of the banners.

Here's another band that's clearly been practicing.

And here is another beautiful banner.

And here come more pipers.  And another marching military group.  I admit that I have mixed feelings about seeing such young folks expertly marching along with weapons.

There was suddenly a change in the weather, with a bit of cool breeze and some very dark clouds began to arrive from the west.  Having trusted the weather forecast that there would be no rain, I had no umbrella with me, and decided it might be wise to start my walk back home across the Park.

The dramatic dark sky in the above photograph was in deep contrast to brilliant patches of blue sky still visible to the east.

A "living statue" performer was preparing to begin his/her act, and I paused in my walk to take some photographs of this preparation, as well as more pictures of the gathering clouds.

The parade still had at least another hour to go at this point, and I felt sorry for the bands and marchers who stood a chance of getting wet.

You can see a bit of blue sky in the upper right corner of the following picture, and can also tell from the shadows at the feet of the folks waiting for refreshments that sun was still shining.

But turning just a few degrees to my left, I glimpsed a very different scene.

I am pleased to report that the rain held off until very late in the afternoon.

I'm sure that the performer in white was also glad that rain did not fall.

Here is just one final view of those dark, low clouds.

I continued my walk home, and took just one more photograph.  The following photograph is of the side door to a busy pizza/felafel cafe at the corner of my street.  If you click to enlarge the photograph, you may be able to read the printed sign on the screen door. 

It says Not an Exist.  Do Not Open.

Hoping you all have had a fine St. Patrick's Day.

Thank you all for visiting here, and for your very kind comments on my previous post.  Five more work days before my retirement.