Sunday, April 30, 2017

City Views, Country Dreams

Good evening from New York.

It is now May Day Eve.  This realization reminds me how I have become a very lazy blogger.  It also reminds me that it's been grand to have been spending much more time outdoors as my winter down-filled coat has been traded in for various layers of cotton, silk and wool.


At home, on the breakfast front, Quaker Oats Old Fashioned oatmeal, prepared with raisins, a dash of cinnamon and brown sugar and milk, has been replaced by the simpler goodness of Cheerios.  Winter and summer oats promise to be kind to my cholesterol levels.  When berry season appears at the farmers market, strawberries will replace the raisins. 


Over in Central Park, flowering trees have been flowering.


Daffodils have surpassed their peak blooming season.  Tulips are on display.


The blue sky days are blissful.  Even when clouds roll into town, we now know that snow won't be part of the package.


Romantic couples (memories...) and friends rent rowboats to travel the Lake in Central Park.


My Mom just celebrated her 99th birthday, and I hope that she won't mind my sharing with you all the watercolor anemone blooms I painted for her card. 


On the knitting front that is always lurking around my apartment, I have begun an experiment with a new technique, Entrelac, that creates a sort of basket weave effect.  I have been following the technical advice given by Entralac.  Once you get the gist of the basic maneuvers, there are countless variations possible.  Give it a go...not that complicated.


My recovery from that February fall is almost complete.  I have participated in some more political activities and continue to communicate with my elected governmental politicians.  On a bus ride yesterday, I noticed that "stand by" barricades are still up in front of Bergdorf Goodman, located diagonally across Fifth Avenue from Trump Tower.

The NYC taxpayers continue to fund this, as the First Lady and her son still dwell in TT.


Moving along, here is a view of the current garden space that is planted just above the subway station at 72nd Street and Broadway.


On an afternoon walk today through my neighborhood, I stopped to take this picture of a classic Upper West Side brownstone building that features a well-chosen planting for its parlor floor window boxes.

Thank you all so much for visiting and leaving your comments.  I continue to also appreciate the pleasures of Instagram and invite you all to also visit me at my page there.  I also promise to continue visiting you blogging pals.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

City Views, Country Dreams

Happy Easter from New York.

Today is gloriously sunny and warm, and so I walked over to take a look at this year's Fifth Avenue Easter Parade.  I will share some of the photographs I took this afternoon.


Lots of folks were taking photos of themselves.


The man in the red hat was ready to let you join his frame.


Extravagant hat added a festive touch to the little black dress.


Another opportunity waits....


It almost looks as it the vendor's umbrella is part of this gentleman's hat.


Quite a stylish couple.


Balloon hats were available.


That is quite a hat to have resting on one's noggin.


Eager to pose and please many photographers.


Momma is encouraging her child to pose with this willing couple.


This father and daughter were having a grand afternoon.


This gentleman will probably leave the hat at home when he returns to his office tomorrow.


Ice cream became a popular choice as the sun warmed up the crowd.


If you click on the above photo to enlarge it, you might be able to see that this lady made it from folded paper.


Several dressing styles sharing the Avenue.


Global awareness.


These cheerful fellows were passing out chocolate eggs to children.  I broke my own Lenten chocolate fast with a stop into the busy Lindt shop.  Delicious truffles!


Lots of bunny tails on this group.


Some bonnets were very chic.


Some bonnets adhered to the more is more concept.


The above chap branched out!

I am also going to post some more Easter Parade pictures over on my Instagram Page.

Meanwhile, I will close this post with a photograph of a little painting I made and sent as an Easter Card.



I wish you all a wonderfully Happy Easter, and thank you for your visits and comments.  It is my intention to be less of a lazy blogger, even though milder weather is tempting me to spend much more time outdoors