Wednesday, November 23, 2016

City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York on the day before Thanksgiving.

The extremely blustery weather we've had for the past few days vanished overnight, and was replaced by a beautifully sunshiny day.


Perfect for a walk across Central Park.


Although not many folks appear in these scenes, I saw hundreds upon hundreds of locals and tourists enjoying the sights at a relaxed pace.


As you can see, even with the recent windy days, there are still plenty of leaves on the trees.


The Park's many underpasses and overpasses provide all sorts of vantage points.  I liked this picture showing pathways leading downhill.


I'm also showing you all this view because it includes a cute little dog.  Dogs were also having a fine day, playing with newly found sticks and rustling around in fallen leaves.


I've shown you this part of the Park many times.  It is called Dog Hill, and is great for sledding when snow finally arrives.  Today it was a great canvas for colors and shadow shows.

After taking care of my errand on the Upper East Side, I waited at the bus stop to catch the 79th Street crosstown bus, knowing that bus route would no doubt be altered to allow afternoon and overnight preparations on and around 79th Street and Central Park West for tomorrow's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.


I got off the 79th Street bus at the corner of West 86th Street and Columbus Avenue, and walked downtown past the streets that were being cleared of parked cars, and where lots of parade-related barricades were being set up.


Prior to 9/11, a neighborhood tradition, on the eve of Thanksgiving, involved heading over to the area around the Museum of Natural History to watch the inflating of giant balloons that would grace the parade.  However, nowadays, that tradition has become much more security aware, with lots of police and stringent rules about how to get a brief close up view of the balloons as a very long queue of children and adults slowly snakes its way along a specified path.  


It is not as much fun as the old timey version that was quite laissez faire.


In these photographs you are looking east across Columbus Avenue.  The trees behind the police department tow trucks are on the grounds of the Museum of Natural History.


This view is not only a vanishing point exercise, but also a westward view of West 79th Street, indicating how even more barricades have been set up, probably for herding this evening's crowds hoping for a view of the balloons.


One more view, which may or may not be a more clear depiction of the line up of barriers.


Unusually shops along Columbus Avenue close up by about mid-afternoon, on Thanksgiving Eve.  The area really does become Parade Staging HQ.


I thought you might like to see one of the Museum's turrets, and one of the holiday snowflakes that have been hung along the Avenue.  And, another police vehicle.


Shady West 78th Street has been closed to all but residents.  In the distance, you might be able to see a large balloon.  Besides lots of police and sanitation department personnel, I also saw many Macy's employees with clipboards, directing proceedings in a friendly way.


Parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren were beginning to gather around, hoping that at this early part of the afternoon, they just might be able to experience a less regimented viewing as part of their family traditions.


One last view.


I am hoping that you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving and that you have enjoyed this collection of city views.  I am indeed thankful to be part of the blog community and additionally glad to have recently joined Instagram.  Thank you all for your visits here and there, and for taking the time to leave comments.  Happy Thanksgiving!

53 comments:

  1. I love the tree shadows on Dog Hill! And a very happy Thanksgiving to you, Frances!

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    1. Thank you, Vicki. Back when i first lived in NYC in the 1960s, a wonderful theater group, called The Off Center Theater/Players (can't remember) used to perform their Fractured Fairy Tails on Dog Hill. The performances always had a bit of politics mixed in with the familiar story lines.
      Ever since then, Dog Hill has special place in my heart. Happy Thanksgiving! xo

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  2. I particularly enjoy the views of the park Frances. You almost wouldn't know you were in the middle of such a busy city.

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    1. Dear Gina, I am so very thankful to be able to live close to Central Park. Just being there is restorative to the spirit. xo

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  3. So lovely to read a cheery post from NYC. The weather looks wonderful too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful local scenery and some of the excitement of Thanksgiving Eve.

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    1. Dear Sarah, I am so glad that you liked this post. I really enjoy sharing a place that means so much to me. Hoping you will visit again.

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  4. Oh to be in Central Park.Such wonderful memories.

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    1. I guess by now you realize how I do treasure being near to the Park. Central Park makes a big difference to my life in NYC, and I am sure that many others feel the same. xo

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  5. Love your pics Frances. From your new phone? Hard to believe all those people were around. Happiest day to you also.

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    1. Happy Thanksgiving to you Donna, and many thanks for this comment. I really wanted to do a post for Thanksgiving...and Central Park came to the rescue as a huge reason to be happy and thankful.
      Among the crowds I saw in the Park but did not photograph was a brass band (with instruments) of young folks who will be in tomorrow's parade. They were wonderful in their wonder at being where they were. I did not want to have any picture I took have any power to take away any of that spirit. I think you know what I mean. xo

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  6. Wonderful photos and such a mix of subject matter. Our day has been at times cloudy, rainy, and sunny, heavy on the clouds. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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    1. I am so glad to see your comment, Wilma. I really never know when I might be doing a new post. I really do go with the flow. I used to try to remember to take my digital camera with me when I was out and about the city...but often forgot.
      Now that I have the smartphone, I may be better at taking it along with me. And yet...I definitely don't yet have the sense that the phone is a must. Fun yes, but not life changing.
      Happy Thanksgiving to you. xo

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  7. Wonderful views of a wonderful city.
    I am so sad this week as my daughter and I would have been flying to NYC this coming Saturday if our plans hadn't had to be put on hold.
    Ah well....hopefully next year.
    Happy Thanksgiving Frances.
    Hugs from The UK-x-

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    1. Sheila, I am sure that NYC will be happy to welcome you all whenever you do visit. Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes. xo

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  8. Thanks Frances for sharing such wonderful photos of Central Park and the preparations for the parade. Wishing you a peaceful and memorable Thanksgiving! X Chy

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    1. Dear Chy, I really appreciate those kind words. xo

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  9. Central Park is beautiful...and hard to believe it's in the city. Your photos show a beautiful country setting. A park in the center of the city. Perfection. The parade sounds very festive. It must bring lots of people together. How nice for everyone. Happy Thanksgiving! Susan

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    1. Susan, the Park is such a refreshing place to visit. New York has many parks, large and small, but Central Park will always be my favorite! Yes, Happy Thanksgiving!

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  10. What lovely city views and the fall leaves are beautiful. Plus any photo with a dog in it is always better.
    Your phone is taking such wonderful photos. Are you getting use to it yet ?
    So much of your/our life has been changed since 9/11. So much more security so many lines. But I liked very much to see people are out and about living their lives. Being happy. That is what makes a city alive.
    Macy's Parade is such a wonderful start to the Holiday season.
    I wish you a lovely Thanksgiving Day.

    cheers, parsnip


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    1. Parsnip...I just had to include that photo with the dog! What you say about times after 9/11 are so true. It's up to us to choose life and happiness and share it with others, too.
      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. xo

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  11. The sunshine and splendid trees must have soothed many New Yorkers on their walks in the park yesterday. Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving Day ... a day to remember simple goodness.
    xx

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    1. During my Park stroll yesterday, I did get that sense you mention, Celia. Being able to experience simple goodness is reassuring. xo

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  12. Thanks for sharing this glorious stroll, Frances. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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    1. Thank you, Bayou. It was such a splendid day...today is not quite so nice weather wise, and I will be a lazybones and stay home from the Parade. xo

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  13. Happy thanksgiving to you too Frances. I hope you have a lovely day. I really enjoyed those views of Central Park. When we were there it poured with rain in the afternoon (we met - and had coffee with - Elizabeth in the morning) so we didn't go into the Park, although our Hotel was almost directly opposite the gate. But isn't it good to have such a wide open space in the middle of such a city?

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    1. Pat, I appreciate all that you've written here. NYC would be a very, very different place without Central Park. All that Park green space has got to be good for our collective health!
      Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes. xo

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  14. When I was a child, my dad would take my siblings and I down to the parade every year. It was almost an hour from the very end of the Bronx (Yonkers area) and we looked forward to it every year. While we were gone, my mom and her sister would cook a wonderful dinner and when we got home, everything would be ready for the family celebration. I have such wonderful memories of the parade and the holidays in New York.

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    1. Oh what a beautiful memory! While I was looking at the Parade preparations yesterday, a young man who was working there quietly asked me what route the Parade would take. Even though he was helping prepare for it, he had never been to the Parade and was shy to ask his workmates. I cannot tell you how happy I was to be able to give him some viewing tips. (Almost made me cry.) xo

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  15. Lovely photos of our beloved park.
    So glad you documented it for us when I was running in circles downtown.....

    Hugs for a lovely Thanksgiving.

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth. I thought it would be interesting to do my Thanksgiving post from a different angle this year.
      Happy T-day to you and yours. xo

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  16. Happy Thanksgiving to you Frances!
    Love the golden leaves against blue skies. Central Park looks beautiful; it looks very quiet and peaceful. The streets too; everything looks so neatly organised and ready for the parade.
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Thank you so much, Maria, for your Thanksgiving wishes!
      Central Park is a fabulous place...one can always find lots of beauty and some tranquility there, even when it is crowded.
      I did find it interesting to see the early stages involved in getting ready for this morning's Parade. Today's excitement will be massive.
      I admit to being a lazybones this morning, and not actually going over to the Parade. I've been to see it so many years...sometimes even in snowfall...and so every few years I take a break. xo

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  17. Great to have a chat with you last week my friend. Snuggled up in my study with my new wood burning stove, I have been enjoying myself catching up on your lovely blogs. The world has shifted radically following Brexit and the new President elect USA. We can only hold our breath and wait to see how life evolves from here on in.
    At least we have your blogs to brighten our days. Keep blogging girl!


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    1. Wasn't it grand, Irish Eyes! Glad that you've got that study ready for winter and hope that you will be doing lots of writing there.
      No fear that I won't keep on blogging. It's a great community. xo

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  18. Happy Thanksgiving, Frances. I love your pictures of Central Park and the parade. Sadly interesting how things have changed since 9/11. Your walks in Central Park seem to do for you what my walks along Buffalo Bayou do for me. Looking out my window, it is still very green here and a lovely day. If I get moving, I might have time for a walk before dinner. :)

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    1. Karen, thank you for your comment. I'm going to have to google Buffalo Bayou. Nature's beauty and generosity is definitely something for which we can be thankful...throughout the year. Best wishes.

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  19. I love the views in Central Park, the sky and the leaves are beautiful together. Enjoy thanksgiving. X

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    1. Thanks Su, The rolling landscape was designed to encourage strolling. I never grow tired of exploring the place.
      xo

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  20. You have still autumn Frances! Lovely! Here in Sweden is everything grey and dull, we need to light up here in the darkness :)
    Enjoy your Thanksgiving, take care...
    Titti

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    1. We've had a few really chilly days...even a few snow flurries, but yes, Titti, autumn is still here! And we are thankful. xo

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  21. I can almost feel the New England autumn day in your photos. Hope you had a restful day for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I always enjoy your photo reports of goings on in NYC. Thanks!

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    1. Carol, last Wednesday was indeed a glorious day! Santa's workshop has taken hold of my apartment, and I am greatly enjoying creating lots of things for Christmas. Thank you for your comment. xo

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  22. All over now, and no doubt a good time was had by all. I've only once experienced an American Thanksgiving, and that was in Grand Cayman.

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    1. It's been many years since I cooked or dined upon a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Nowadays, I just send a contribution off to my favorite charity and am thankful I can do that.

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  23. Lovely photos...so many autumn trees to enjoy there, as well as all the interesting city views. I hope you had a happy and restful Thanksgiving dear Frances.
    Helen xox

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    1. Thanks so much, Helen. My own Thanksgiving was very calm and a good day to reflect on my blessings. xo

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  24. I loved this post and I had just posted about the parade on my blog. I love the parade and watch it every year so this was a very interesting look at some of the behind-the-scenes! So glad you shared it. I don't yet know how to find people on instagram but if you find me and follow, I will follow you as well! I'm at @debbisfrontporch, hope to run into you over there! I've not been on instagram too long but I am enjoying it alot and so many amazing pictures!--I am just kind of muddling my way through it, LOL ha ha--but I have figured out how to post pictures.

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    1. Thank you for your message, Debbie. I'm always interested in "behind the scenes" reports, so it was fun to do one of my own.

      If you click on the "there" in the last paragraph of this blog post, you will see my IG page. I'll definitely have a look at your page, too. xo

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  25. I love very much your photoes from central park...so lovely autumn views!have happy sunday

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    1. Thank you so much Gabri. I should be posting more Central Park pictures soon. xo

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  26. You have been very quite here and I also haven't seen your comments on other blogs - I do hope you are ok, Frances?
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Dear Maria, you are so kind to inquire about my absence. I have just returned from a holiday! On the other side of jet lag, I plan to do a bunch of blogs. Meanwhile, maybe have a peek at my recent Instagram postings. (If you clicking on the "there" in the last paragraph of this post, you will arrive at my Instagram page. xo

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