tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-282032072651447592024-03-13T14:58:49.641-07:00City Views, Country DreamsFranceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.comBlogger347125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-40737819082361163582018-08-05T11:35:00.000-07:002018-08-05T11:35:07.788-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good afternoon from a very hot and humid New York City.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yes, for a variety of reasons, it has been a while since my last post. During hot days like this Sunday, even neighborhood shady spots like Verdi Square provide no refuge from the heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTWC6I-f7Bo/W2cyyMqSYII/AAAAAAAAHyY/PZGttuYHOOMYMixRQ-Y0XnRTmzBgGIXIgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a0d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTWC6I-f7Bo/W2cyyMqSYII/AAAAAAAAHyY/PZGttuYHOOMYMixRQ-Y0XnRTmzBgGIXIgCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_a0d.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Last Sunday's weather was much milder, and a friend and I ventured up to the tip of Manhattan to visit the Cloisters, where The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval collections are housed. This summer the Cloisters is one of the sites of an exhibition called, <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions">"Heavenly Bodies, Fashion and the Catholic Imagination</a>." The rest of this exhibit is located within the Met's main Fifth Avenue location. If you click on the above name of the exhibition you will be linked to the Met's web site.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oERllOIRePs/W2cy9-sPyAI/AAAAAAAAHyc/E5RN8tzIJNgUGxSk1GrU5MrybcpTw45qwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oERllOIRePs/W2cy9-sPyAI/AAAAAAAAHyc/E5RN8tzIJNgUGxSk1GrU5MrybcpTw45qwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Cloisters is a much friendlier setting for this exhibit than the Fifth Avenue building. In my humble opinion. The above dresses are Chanel designs.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrGBMX54L5E/W2czG5izq-I/AAAAAAAAHyk/ye8isPn9vbotXNbhF-EzHu0KDIokYWZvQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a0e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrGBMX54L5E/W2czG5izq-I/AAAAAAAAHyk/ye8isPn9vbotXNbhF-EzHu0KDIokYWZvQCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_a0e.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I liked the way in which the dark arch silhouttes of the black cape's design mimicked the arches of this courtyard. I believe that the cape was by Balenciaga, but might be incorrect. (I forgot to take any notes.)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vuxFlGJo-vo/W2czOEsIi7I/AAAAAAAAHyo/oxz5kNQUPdss_KWSnFZlFvuZo_f1D8nPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vuxFlGJo-vo/W2czOEsIi7I/AAAAAAAAHyo/oxz5kNQUPdss_KWSnFZlFvuZo_f1D8nPwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The above wedding gown is a bit spooky but still rather beautiful. I played around with the reflections in the photo below, blending the architecture with the garments.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-rwBB1Oz-I/W2czUpkPAkI/AAAAAAAAHys/9H_LJO4MYtEddQtJ4DoWQMJ-Z4XrWPfGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-rwBB1Oz-I/W2czUpkPAkI/AAAAAAAAHys/9H_LJO4MYtEddQtJ4DoWQMJ-Z4XrWPfGgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This grey gown has quite a dramatic accent.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejoMRYhvslU/W2czcfCESgI/AAAAAAAAHy0/6nujvPKpVvknDJVRVFHoVM8gY5zPAq6lwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejoMRYhvslU/W2czcfCESgI/AAAAAAAAHy0/6nujvPKpVvknDJVRVFHoVM8gY5zPAq6lwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3916.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The next two pictures show an elegantly gowned mannequin who might be a sleeping beauty.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wBUhf4QGrM/W2cziu5SIDI/AAAAAAAAHy8/dy5gVqH1HUk1-UCCpnu5qcDRg3ZfgPaGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wBUhf4QGrM/W2cziu5SIDI/AAAAAAAAHy8/dy5gVqH1HUk1-UCCpnu5qcDRg3ZfgPaGQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3917.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Or she could be an elegant magicians assistant, floating in her Plexiglas box. Lots of children were viewing the show and were fascinated by this display...lots of tiny fingerprints on the Plexiglas!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNQ8swI6Cng/W2czpPd-ZUI/AAAAAAAAHzE/Bl-zLvjPC2MWsawThHmsenzahIrOcanfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNQ8swI6Cng/W2czpPd-ZUI/AAAAAAAAHzE/Bl-zLvjPC2MWsawThHmsenzahIrOcanfwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The golden silk embroidery on the next gown was extraordinary.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjqlIXKPu9s/W2czwMdk4EI/AAAAAAAAHzM/hwVcWKpQFY0-LPLJ3bXXbhU50raYPA_9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjqlIXKPu9s/W2czwMdk4EI/AAAAAAAAHzM/hwVcWKpQFY0-LPLJ3bXXbhU50raYPA_9gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am going to share a series of photos with you all to give you an idea of how some of the exhibition's staging was done. In one passageway room, a sort of orchard had been installed and the trees alternating with mannequins wearing garments featuring fabric inspired by Hieronymus Bosch.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwPVT2WX3Go/W2cz2SJLUtI/AAAAAAAAHzU/kODgZipaTEQT57FKOnO2Kf8tJtAvSKxHACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwPVT2WX3Go/W2cz2SJLUtI/AAAAAAAAHzU/kODgZipaTEQT57FKOnO2Kf8tJtAvSKxHACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The trees and mannequins were planted in gravel filled raised beds.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhwLuMXUu6I/W2cz-MqC4zI/AAAAAAAAHzc/HDS1Iu0P-fUY5vIbErfs4J1NYZGO-iqHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhwLuMXUu6I/W2cz-MqC4zI/AAAAAAAAHzc/HDS1Iu0P-fUY5vIbErfs4J1NYZGO-iqHgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was quite dramatic, and also allowed viewers to have good, close up views. Do note the shoes.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LufTd7iwaoc/W2c0EnGEvqI/AAAAAAAAHzk/UvlAGjB0yhASLPYtLj-aByB-eLdQ---GQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LufTd7iwaoc/W2c0EnGEvqI/AAAAAAAAHzk/UvlAGjB0yhASLPYtLj-aByB-eLdQ---GQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3923.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exh7DEcj_rk/W2c0KWOrg-I/AAAAAAAAHzo/e4WL4E4jgysWcCgFkK4_6iAo-DnhMwg5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exh7DEcj_rk/W2c0KWOrg-I/AAAAAAAAHzo/e4WL4E4jgysWcCgFkK4_6iAo-DnhMwg5QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3922.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To refresh the palate, here's a more dignified gown.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3LMVMt_1g8/W2c0S3RfvOI/AAAAAAAAHzw/GwRUhsOg-UcMQddFInG1sc34dKiSnMW2gCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1556" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3LMVMt_1g8/W2c0S3RfvOI/AAAAAAAAHzw/GwRUhsOg-UcMQddFInG1sc34dKiSnMW2gCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_a11.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One of the joys of visiting the Cloisters on a lovely summer's day, is to enjoy walking around its garden spaces. I was delighted to spy these pomegranates. I had never before seen these fruits growing, and now have a much better understanding of how they have inspired so many artists over the centuries.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GUEourZO-s/W2c0aU9SOEI/AAAAAAAAHz8/fTR0Ie6pnIo6vvH4Oxd5almNC-hCuS7bgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GUEourZO-s/W2c0aU9SOEI/AAAAAAAAHz8/fTR0Ie6pnIo6vvH4Oxd5almNC-hCuS7bgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In this same garden I saw many fruits, veg and herbs that were appropriate to the Medieval period.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1vbXjN4_uA/W2c0qOIIJMI/AAAAAAAAH0I/QCKuDX8iEbY8HYIv-vZO4tC8eLSR5HslQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1vbXjN4_uA/W2c0qOIIJMI/AAAAAAAAH0I/QCKuDX8iEbY8HYIv-vZO4tC8eLSR5HslQCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_a13.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Although many folks were also visiting the Cloisters last Sunday, the place still maintained a certain welcome tranquility.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCvyoCu3QXE/W2c0w2aRmiI/AAAAAAAAH0M/B-jk5BiIbGk-_1rt7bfUjKxIYaCxl4jAQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCvyoCu3QXE/W2c0w2aRmiI/AAAAAAAAH0M/B-jk5BiIbGk-_1rt7bfUjKxIYaCxl4jAQCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_a12.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The following photo, taken from the walled western edge of the herb garden shows just how close we were to the Hudson River. In the distance one can see the New Jersey border.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6w2GrtZ-7EE/W2c04ELR6xI/AAAAAAAAH0U/McMpyzvdXbM7jSbWTnh5RiPQUiH337blgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6w2GrtZ-7EE/W2c04ELR6xI/AAAAAAAAH0U/McMpyzvdXbM7jSbWTnh5RiPQUiH337blgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Cloisters is actually set at the top of Fort Tryon Park.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYByQRENq8w/W2c0-pJQi5I/AAAAAAAAH0c/w60YOSLVKf4lufafGdNo5RTxmySvCYogACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYByQRENq8w/W2c0-pJQi5I/AAAAAAAAH0c/w60YOSLVKf4lufafGdNo5RTxmySvCYogACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3930.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The lady in the above photo was clever to wear a sun dress for her visit. I saved the following photo for last. This single mannequin shared this room with the Met's famed Unicorn Tapestries. Quite a pairing.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUNeUUaAOcM/W2c1FW8Yd5I/AAAAAAAAH0k/L8UbJiQEPwAjd6HbW0LZ-8mw5wnZ8zt9ACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1511" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUNeUUaAOcM/W2c1FW8Yd5I/AAAAAAAAH0k/L8UbJiQEPwAjd6HbW0LZ-8mw5wnZ8zt9ACLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_a14.jpeg" width="377" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If any of you all will be in the NYC area between now and October 8, I do recommend traveling up to the Cloisters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Meanwhile, having returned to my own weekly routines, I try to find cooler parts of the day to take some neighborhood walks, and to find the shady side of the street.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ucdTu6Oxi4/W2c1MuTvbSI/AAAAAAAAH0s/wimFqmb4R_sMWnrh1S07XVT6Lim1LRG_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ucdTu6Oxi4/W2c1MuTvbSI/AAAAAAAAH0s/wimFqmb4R_sMWnrh1S07XVT6Lim1LRG_wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3943.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There have been a number of recent days and evenings in which we had multiple storms. Some of the clouds have been quite dramatic.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jlvF3IXWqo/W2c1ZRACZLI/AAAAAAAAH00/4SYzeECMH1AD3-Ps8mdeQY811QAjG3JUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jlvF3IXWqo/W2c1ZRACZLI/AAAAAAAAH00/4SYzeECMH1AD3-Ps8mdeQY811QAjG3JUQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This summer's farmers market produce has been delicious. I have taken lots of photos before dining upon these gems.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSH8iOM9WLM/W2c1uUsLLqI/AAAAAAAAH1A/Q3TBXRrIZTMWFjGPQ10w7-LBfm9DawrvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSH8iOM9WLM/W2c1uUsLLqI/AAAAAAAAH1A/Q3TBXRrIZTMWFjGPQ10w7-LBfm9DawrvgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This final photo is of a colored pencil sketch I made to honor some truly delicious ripe peaches before they disappeared.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZHXVKgRbCE/W2c12xrfmuI/AAAAAAAAH1E/tVO_2DhxOZoVW0HZOa3iWiXENgFBmrmWwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZHXVKgRbCE/W2c12xrfmuI/AAAAAAAAH1E/tVO_2DhxOZoVW0HZOa3iWiXENgFBmrmWwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I thank you all for your visits and comments, and also for your patience with my long disappearances. I cannot predict when I might manage to post another blog, but please do know that I have not given up on blogging. Meanwhile, if you wish to visit my <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">Instagram page</a></span>, please do click on the pink link.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Happy Summer! </span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-77764523560810601162018-04-01T16:25:00.000-07:002018-04-01T16:25:45.767-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good evening from New York. I would also like to wish you all a Happy Easter and Happy April Fool's Day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For a variety of reasons, it's been a while since my last post, but without further delay, I would love to share some photographs that I took at today's Fifth Avenue Easter Parade.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8PsVgAG2jE/WsFctPVPRGI/AAAAAAAAHvQ/4EznZKmqmqE3YEvU8BTpXC9xlK_u7F2fQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8PsVgAG2jE/WsFctPVPRGI/AAAAAAAAHvQ/4EznZKmqmqE3YEvU8BTpXC9xlK_u7F2fQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3293.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Let's begin with this pink clad Angel with the winning smile, and sensible footwear.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N25f64uFVwo/WsFczUR7UKI/AAAAAAAAHvU/7GWKaFWUdRw45teEx-XTzArasrkkGI6hACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N25f64uFVwo/WsFczUR7UKI/AAAAAAAAHvU/7GWKaFWUdRw45teEx-XTzArasrkkGI6hACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3295.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lots and lots of flowers adorned many hats this year. This fellow and lady were giving out some Easter treats from their baskets.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUuPzIFIJ68/WsFc59d8rUI/AAAAAAAAHvY/NGxYcq17ydAiKCPSRmEuGQnbqFbFoX2SACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUuPzIFIJ68/WsFc59d8rUI/AAAAAAAAHvY/NGxYcq17ydAiKCPSRmEuGQnbqFbFoX2SACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3296.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I always like the conceptual hats that turn up on Fifth Avenue. The chap in the white suit brought along a spare hat for passersby to try on...and be photographed in.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myYD6NiTb30/WsFc_h1ph_I/AAAAAAAAHvc/g3D_68VDHiYb-1zlv13wsZ4oXVFMmwZCgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myYD6NiTb30/WsFc_h1ph_I/AAAAAAAAHvc/g3D_68VDHiYb-1zlv13wsZ4oXVFMmwZCgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">More flowers.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CNJdUC4yr0/WsFdo0_-JzI/AAAAAAAAHvk/eDFjad5y1HYSS0Nww37IHVal8w_5a0s1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CNJdUC4yr0/WsFdo0_-JzI/AAAAAAAAHvk/eDFjad5y1HYSS0Nww37IHVal8w_5a0s1ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Fifth Avenue Easter Parade is a mixture of individuals and groups who like to promenade together.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJaT8kQs-ts/WsFeOCMr64I/AAAAAAAAHvs/L1G6XZzPPvwLr5hwZzgw_2JtXn-3-TCcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJaT8kQs-ts/WsFeOCMr64I/AAAAAAAAHvs/L1G6XZzPPvwLr5hwZzgw_2JtXn-3-TCcACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I went for the back view complete with red backpack and cottontails.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YunCNzhWkoY/WsFecsywVCI/AAAAAAAAHvw/97ivybc2fIMW8f56d_yf8gTVigShpHtlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YunCNzhWkoY/WsFecsywVCI/AAAAAAAAHvw/97ivybc2fIMW8f56d_yf8gTVigShpHtlACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The lady in the red jacket wanted to be photographed next to this glamorous duo. Today's weather was mild, overcast with sun peeking through, and warm enough to encourage outfits like these.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQbUCzlFpok/WsFemg0f-TI/AAAAAAAAHv0/liKp1pdk-bkSHjM4k8jsxdGkLTlRLjwzACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQbUCzlFpok/WsFemg0f-TI/AAAAAAAAHv0/liKp1pdk-bkSHjM4k8jsxdGkLTlRLjwzACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Color blocking in several shades on display here on the zebra cross walk.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6GVGGwDuI8/WsFeymgffdI/AAAAAAAAHv4/5ytwJDLsdsgMtjmSH6G3YlxTsKXbEs0PwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6GVGGwDuI8/WsFeymgffdI/AAAAAAAAHv4/5ytwJDLsdsgMtjmSH6G3YlxTsKXbEs0PwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3304.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lilies on top with a fedora on the side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AO4UWqQEwIM/WsFfGi7rxyI/AAAAAAAAHv8/UxGv4f54Z7oisUgO2YodAS9WUxBSkfOVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AO4UWqQEwIM/WsFfGi7rxyI/AAAAAAAAHv8/UxGv4f54Z7oisUgO2YodAS9WUxBSkfOVACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3307.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Retro traditional, right down/up to the gent's hair cut.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWicOnLgNZc/WsFflfckcqI/AAAAAAAAHwI/HY3DuTZgJ8skRUkYl3Hl-Nop5Keen6P3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWicOnLgNZc/WsFflfckcqI/AAAAAAAAHwI/HY3DuTZgJ8skRUkYl3Hl-Nop5Keen6P3gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This couple have a grand sense of style and humor.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vEQQ6TtTAc/WsFfva2mocI/AAAAAAAAHwU/NepBtKh_Ydg-1LVvvZ0nroXP2bWivhhtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vEQQ6TtTAc/WsFfva2mocI/AAAAAAAAHwU/NepBtKh_Ydg-1LVvvZ0nroXP2bWivhhtwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The young lady in the center of the above photo liked posing for others while taking selfies.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urSUXka9pJE/WsFf9IoDpxI/AAAAAAAAHwc/pmLOM_B-PxEkIuwgPyexrusgYySvqK64wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urSUXka9pJE/WsFf9IoDpxI/AAAAAAAAHwc/pmLOM_B-PxEkIuwgPyexrusgYySvqK64wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Stripes, with flowers.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkj87NkOL74/WsFgETDchSI/AAAAAAAAHwg/SvQCrupBhR0AgqqNRlNgR5DhXeBJYBE2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkj87NkOL74/WsFgETDchSI/AAAAAAAAHwg/SvQCrupBhR0AgqqNRlNgR5DhXeBJYBE2gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">this lovely lady in turquoise with a great smile allowed this fellow in blue to pose with her.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ebAagIlsGjc/WsFgRmKBFAI/AAAAAAAAHwk/0x81O98M-AkyMmtRkl3L-IJCW5W3WkEFwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_961.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1336" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ebAagIlsGjc/WsFgRmKBFAI/AAAAAAAAHwk/0x81O98M-AkyMmtRkl3L-IJCW5W3WkEFwCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_961.jpeg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The above folks have a sense of humor and an angel standing near, just in case.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vP25WArepkA/WsFgeUtaIfI/AAAAAAAAHws/hZGqG3_bw_EeHFTI5SNKl7h3UgCi8-zvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vP25WArepkA/WsFgeUtaIfI/AAAAAAAAHws/hZGqG3_bw_EeHFTI5SNKl7h3UgCi8-zvACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This amazing conceptual pink hat was constructed from many, many plastic cups attached together with candies attached to their open edges. Rather remarkable and a real crowd pleaser.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YC9uEzEvDYU/WsFgtICVx6I/AAAAAAAAHww/8wIpvIlIZKIZVQwQ33X9Q4olZ49j7tGKQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_962.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1157" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YC9uEzEvDYU/WsFgtICVx6I/AAAAAAAAHww/8wIpvIlIZKIZVQwQ33X9Q4olZ49j7tGKQCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_962.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Glam girl wearing a glam girl chapeau.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMIW_GeqArw/WsFg7VexLxI/AAAAAAAAHw0/oBKca7_PCoc6YdT-dbc5b4Q1OJpzdocLQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_965.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="1600" height="385" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMIW_GeqArw/WsFg7VexLxI/AAAAAAAAHw0/oBKca7_PCoc6YdT-dbc5b4Q1OJpzdocLQCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_965.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">More flowers!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8knDjr9U-w/WsFhLqqniHI/AAAAAAAAHw4/BZABeN0iVmghcL8h3mCDjWOgcBLXIDA_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8knDjr9U-w/WsFhLqqniHI/AAAAAAAAHw4/BZABeN0iVmghcL8h3mCDjWOgcBLXIDA_ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This little sweetie in pink also was wearing old-fashioned white gloves, just like the ones I wore on Easter way back in the 1950s.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SBywFbWe5o/WsFhXaIXDtI/AAAAAAAAHw8/KrlF_cOrUIgdirocFsEyIBwmv24GgCHiQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_969.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1600" height="383" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SBywFbWe5o/WsFhXaIXDtI/AAAAAAAAHw8/KrlF_cOrUIgdirocFsEyIBwmv24GgCHiQCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_969.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ears, eggs and chicks!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yE2_giZH7j4/WsFhhRB_lcI/AAAAAAAAHxI/0tAol0hG1SUG2NQ8fg0_8lZ4vbZPmjdZwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_96c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1565" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yE2_giZH7j4/WsFhhRB_lcI/AAAAAAAAHxI/0tAol0hG1SUG2NQ8fg0_8lZ4vbZPmjdZwCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_96c.jpeg" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Some sort of bird...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEiYaIym_Uo/WsFhoYSXGXI/AAAAAAAAHxM/df61vNDwdBweFGScjC_J7x4VQFPSqrrUACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_96d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEiYaIym_Uo/WsFhoYSXGXI/AAAAAAAAHxM/df61vNDwdBweFGScjC_J7x4VQFPSqrrUACLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_96d.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Throngs of folks entering and exiting St. Patrick's Cathedral, with armed guards at the doors. What we get used to!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pX_O6onq0js/WsFhvPr0s7I/AAAAAAAAHxQ/3u0n2WEYqIom3foI3NO_2Wdf6SFy7jieQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_975.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1362" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pX_O6onq0js/WsFhvPr0s7I/AAAAAAAAHxQ/3u0n2WEYqIom3foI3NO_2Wdf6SFy7jieQCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_975.jpeg" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Colorful couple. Hoping you can see the bunnies on their hats.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxNA1dA8mnQ/WsFh3_Ayh_I/AAAAAAAAHxU/9NroUL53fGovNjlncz_798V57JRuvXw1QCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_97c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1558" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxNA1dA8mnQ/WsFh3_Ayh_I/AAAAAAAAHxU/9NroUL53fGovNjlncz_798V57JRuvXw1QCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_97c.jpeg" width="388" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">At least two types of style sense on display here. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBbZUqJ_Qb8/WsFiCf9N3PI/AAAAAAAAHxc/QcAYzcd5c-0p-zBsX3iXyrBU2BZ7QqgCwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBbZUqJ_Qb8/WsFiCf9N3PI/AAAAAAAAHxc/QcAYzcd5c-0p-zBsX3iXyrBU2BZ7QqgCwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lovely profile, with lots of ruffles!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUiNOgcNjEs/WsFiOvmSP_I/AAAAAAAAHxg/_ORYOxV6PyQ5CguATFgiLpJOl5z2XBwgwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_991.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1580" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUiNOgcNjEs/WsFiOvmSP_I/AAAAAAAAHxg/_ORYOxV6PyQ5CguATFgiLpJOl5z2XBwgwCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_991.jpeg" width="395" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These gents were having such a great Easter Sunday as the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I took many more photographs, but will not burden you all with more here. I did want to leave you with a little Easter painting that I have already posted on my Instagram page.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DI7tN4azBSU/WsFiXZ8X6wI/AAAAAAAAHxk/7wgVNsdU7GAGHOhg0GVuJS2L4UqRZcprQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DI7tN4azBSU/WsFiXZ8X6wI/AAAAAAAAHxk/7wgVNsdU7GAGHOhg0GVuJS2L4UqRZcprQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3286.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Happy Easter to you all. Thank you for your visits and comments. I cannot promise when I will return here, but will promise to return.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-69904981875085137632018-02-04T08:49:00.000-08:002018-02-04T08:49:21.119-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good morning from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yes, it has been a while since I last posted. There have been several reasons for that long pause.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">With no further ado, I would like to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8vSe-mjsY4/Wncv5XgHKxI/AAAAAAAAHuY/mOoQl8pSe10wjctFmFD4vBSQujL9FGj-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_939.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1600" height="381" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8vSe-mjsY4/Wncv5XgHKxI/AAAAAAAAHuY/mOoQl8pSe10wjctFmFD4vBSQujL9FGj-gCEwYBhgL/s400/fullsizeoutput_939.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I will now backtrack a bit to let you all know that I had a lovely trip to London back in late November and early December, and was also fortunate to fit in a Cambridge visit.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVjSg_K_ZTw/WncwXXJbwAI/AAAAAAAAHuo/HPMJd68y1S81OVB5SraJY86BbugC3MF-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVjSg_K_ZTw/WncwXXJbwAI/AAAAAAAAHuo/HPMJd68y1S81OVB5SraJY86BbugC3MF-ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_2904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was mostly fortunate with the weather, experiencing only one day during which my umbrella was required. My hotel was near the glorious Victoria and Albert Museum, and it was grand being able to visit its marvelous exhibits often during my holiday.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3QkrF1f2DA/WncwzZVaDTI/AAAAAAAAHuo/CM-iQL5b2b8dpH-mGmisvyYxo_g-VwBvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3QkrF1f2DA/WncwzZVaDTI/AAAAAAAAHuo/CM-iQL5b2b8dpH-mGmisvyYxo_g-VwBvwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I returned home to New York, I jumped right back into intense Santa's workshop mode, with days filled with baking, knitting gifts and even painting Christmas tea cup cards.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ_Vt6g1EIs/Wncw749v5PI/AAAAAAAAHus/pSjRatFpnzshOwQQ0WJnWLbNX8qJ_xxyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ_Vt6g1EIs/Wncw749v5PI/AAAAAAAAHus/pSjRatFpnzshOwQQ0WJnWLbNX8qJ_xxyQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The 2017 cards featured a green cup against a red background. The leaves on the cup were based upon an interesting plant called ivy leafed toad flax.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw3Jv6hUBqg/Wnc1hkEUqAI/AAAAAAAAHvE/WnIpFeBx3L0_FdMH88kXcWHyRSKPVrdfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw3Jv6hUBqg/Wnc1hkEUqAI/AAAAAAAAHvE/WnIpFeBx3L0_FdMH88kXcWHyRSKPVrdfwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2847.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Midway through January, my laptop encountered difficulties, which have taken a while to be sorted. During the interim, I have once again concentrated on my Instagram posts. You could click <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">here</a></span> and see more of my photographs from November, December and January.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djNpPy7U5d0/WncxF3QfmzI/AAAAAAAAHuw/_7fEQXECUtcYaUcdQ3nK0O3aIW0x5rjMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djNpPy7U5d0/WncxF3QfmzI/AAAAAAAAHuw/_7fEQXECUtcYaUcdQ3nK0O3aIW0x5rjMgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">However, mid-January, I regret that my own life changed when I learned that my 99-year-old Mom had passed away. It's been difficult to think of blogging, and even what to blog about.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndS3Lre6vMc/WncyqooYgyI/AAAAAAAAHu8/-EFCqr2z5wM4XxaMUebQkVqAIncJZa7swCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndS3Lre6vMc/WncyqooYgyI/AAAAAAAAHu8/-EFCqr2z5wM4XxaMUebQkVqAIncJZa7swCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Instead of my usual colorful fair isle knitting, I have turned to the serene comfort of this simple, soft alpaca scarf. This sort of knitting allows my mind to remember the most important person in my life in a very quiet, calming way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It may be a while before I will be posting again, but as always, thank you all for your visits and kind comments.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-65586946431686911172017-10-27T12:45:00.000-07:002017-10-31T14:47:41.939-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Good afternoon from New York on a lovely late October day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It's been quite a while since my last post, and I am delighted to report that the street repairs on my block were finally completed. It's been a relief to have normal peace and quiet restored.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XH14StkW1gA/WfN_uknktEI/AAAAAAAAHsA/D9FJAJyf-Dg_UGTyzVcgxuglbCogqJuSACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XH14StkW1gA/WfN_uknktEI/AAAAAAAAHsA/D9FJAJyf-Dg_UGTyzVcgxuglbCogqJuSACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2693.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The relative quiet has made it easier for me to concentrate on some fair isle knitting. Some of you all may have noticed that I have added some tubular cowls and fingerless mitts to my Foakley Arts Etsy.com shop.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VaUC_z3nijw/WfOABZRjdrI/AAAAAAAAHsE/oafuFkLiwbE9cU6jOpjS25mR4fUSo3FOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VaUC_z3nijw/WfOABZRjdrI/AAAAAAAAHsE/oafuFkLiwbE9cU6jOpjS25mR4fUSo3FOwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Chillier weather is gradually settling in, and it's been interesting to see changes occurring over in Central Park every time I take a walk there.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOZLU5oE7cY/WfOAIC3whlI/AAAAAAAAHsI/LyZsOVyTCXk4fGMWN5uKbp9_I7r6B7qwgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOZLU5oE7cY/WfOAIC3whlI/AAAAAAAAHsI/LyZsOVyTCXk4fGMWN5uKbp9_I7r6B7qwgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The Park's lawns are still beautifully green, and at last some of the tree leaves are beginning to change their colors.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNFqlb4jtnI/WfOARYSEoZI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/pGNGeno5M0ID0m10fMwFIO0iL71zHks0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNFqlb4jtnI/WfOARYSEoZI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/pGNGeno5M0ID0m10fMwFIO0iL71zHks0ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2712.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPTPIRh1qOQ/WfOAa7HUXtI/AAAAAAAAHsU/rIxW_kHbJ9sqP26jDPg9zXgfoDo2BbCDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPTPIRh1qOQ/WfOAa7HUXtI/AAAAAAAAHsU/rIxW_kHbJ9sqP26jDPg9zXgfoDo2BbCDwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2714.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Sitting on a bench with an ice cream cone no longer seems as appealing as popping into a cafe for a coffee or hot chocolate.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sJbAtEXkMQ/WfOAjfJP4XI/AAAAAAAAHsY/87d2JpjYxiAu8TGdB6Zf0mU2bGLaUQZ-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sJbAtEXkMQ/WfOAjfJP4XI/AAAAAAAAHsY/87d2JpjYxiAu8TGdB6Zf0mU2bGLaUQZ-gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I am still quite devoted to weekly trips to the farmers market, and recently based a little watercolor card, painted for a friend, on a string of hearts plant purchased at the Union Square Farmers Market.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-w5vZN4e7k/WfOAwHf-nJI/AAAAAAAAHsc/ndrT3AAd5BQyQsSwbTsnd_mTMKSwWz4IQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-w5vZN4e7k/WfOAwHf-nJI/AAAAAAAAHsc/ndrT3AAd5BQyQsSwbTsnd_mTMKSwWz4IQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2750.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Here is photo of some of the mitts I recently completed.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZhwg_Tai6g/WfOA62X1rpI/AAAAAAAAHso/PYcy3CdUAlgz2CAgyefh4_qcoVqiW4KRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZhwg_Tai6g/WfOA62X1rpI/AAAAAAAAHso/PYcy3CdUAlgz2CAgyefh4_qcoVqiW4KRwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2752.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors are appearing around town. Lots of orange on display.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9fEPOFd8CA/WfOBB8AyJlI/AAAAAAAAHss/0oFMVGunwVsKHe-ueLgMsDqoxNCjGKY4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9fEPOFd8CA/WfOBB8AyJlI/AAAAAAAAHss/0oFMVGunwVsKHe-ueLgMsDqoxNCjGKY4gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2763.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The above photo was taken at the Union Square Farmers Market. The following photo was taken at a much smaller Farmers Market held in on a triangular park just diagonally across from Lincoln Center's theaters and plaza.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7sFFV4AKcAQ/WfOLKxUmDVI/AAAAAAAAHt4/wVHL1VstK4kfgevgvqz0B8gDSGdHuzI2wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7sFFV4AKcAQ/WfOLKxUmDVI/AAAAAAAAHt4/wVHL1VstK4kfgevgvqz0B8gDSGdHuzI2wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2726.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Here is yet another sample of my recent knitting. Knitting has proved a good method for staying calm while still staying up to date with increasingly worrying current events.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlMgkAvtBoA/WfOBM5Xy17I/AAAAAAAAHsw/UHHzcaaaLRskmjuWqcxcvEPUIt6ez-iWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlMgkAvtBoA/WfOBM5Xy17I/AAAAAAAAHsw/UHHzcaaaLRskmjuWqcxcvEPUIt6ez-iWgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some houses in my neighborhood have begun decorating for Halloween.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzevrsCU8w0/WfOBW-1l8eI/AAAAAAAAHs0/wEe9AKMmV_Q40w846mudBcRLXUrVmTc-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzevrsCU8w0/WfOBW-1l8eI/AAAAAAAAHs0/wEe9AKMmV_Q40w846mudBcRLXUrVmTc-QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2776.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Yesterday was a very overcast day, which seemed to cause certain colors to became accented. I decided to take a walk over to the Park to check on how the changing leaf colors were coming along.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ku5cuDOnyGk/WfOBcBHgqAI/AAAAAAAAHs8/icLPPapwCCI2OMd_VS94HDaOE3__hEKZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ku5cuDOnyGk/WfOBcBHgqAI/AAAAAAAAHs8/icLPPapwCCI2OMd_VS94HDaOE3__hEKZgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">At several intersections I was puzzled to see these large, heavy barricades on the sidewalk corners.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9CRKo5HqkM/WfOBhUZHyNI/AAAAAAAAHtA/bU3zal9P4awEU898r3RZOg6kicxV-5w9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9CRKo5HqkM/WfOBhUZHyNI/AAAAAAAAHtA/bU3zal9P4awEU898r3RZOg6kicxV-5w9wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">They did not seem to be arranged in the same way on each of the corners, and I wondered why they had been placed there. Typically, around New York, similar barricades that might be deployed as a way to impede motor vehicles heading on to sidewalks (either accidentally or intentionally in our new normal) are somehow decorated to be a bit easier on the eyes. That usual barricade placement is also different from what I saw yesterday.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCvkWGS0R3s/WfOBme5j53I/AAAAAAAAHtE/aVw98wSud5QkQlX3GB05Ogjl0OaT8uTyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCvkWGS0R3s/WfOBme5j53I/AAAAAAAAHtE/aVw98wSud5QkQlX3GB05Ogjl0OaT8uTyACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2772.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">As I continued my walk, I began to notice a series of colored signs posted at intervals along the sidewalk. Aha! That told me that some film crews were at work somewhere nearby. I thought that part of their schedule might involve temporarily stopping regular traffic on some streets, so that the film crews could put down tracks for the cameras to roll on. Those barricades might be put to work.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LptSy2bLdYE/WfOBsF04hBI/AAAAAAAAHtI/gz2iuJvrQ-MX1TQVynKrLr0ZKYeQvWu-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LptSy2bLdYE/WfOBsF04hBI/AAAAAAAAHtI/gz2iuJvrQ-MX1TQVynKrLr0ZKYeQvWu-ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I continued to walk, and entered the Park, discovering that additional film crews seemed to be using several Park locations.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVH5BoLBfjk/WfOB6ewW2MI/AAAAAAAAHtM/UD3RuXlBzJsrL2vg0gzBWk-C77ExCD4-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVH5BoLBfjk/WfOB6ewW2MI/AAAAAAAAHtM/UD3RuXlBzJsrL2vg0gzBWk-C77ExCD4-wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Perhaps because of the dark sky, and chilly, damp air, the Strawberry Fields mosaic had not drawn its usual crowds, so I stopped to take a photo. I don't remember ever before taking a photo in this area.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZmEVpTjKCQ/WfOCBw26KgI/AAAAAAAAHtY/alhDbyhKeYIZhflMR-zT7yFaD3g3PohFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZmEVpTjKCQ/WfOCBw26KgI/AAAAAAAAHtY/alhDbyhKeYIZhflMR-zT7yFaD3g3PohFgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My curiosity lead me over to the old Band Shell area, where the trees were glowing, and lots of equipment was in use, and also standing by for future use.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAU97NZZIEA/WfOCN-cDSWI/AAAAAAAAHtg/MWSV-Qi4a1Yt-TwZZoWjybhKpprVJkGKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAU97NZZIEA/WfOCN-cDSWI/AAAAAAAAHtg/MWSV-Qi4a1Yt-TwZZoWjybhKpprVJkGKwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One of my friends has been involved in filming a major movie recently, making use of some locations near where I live. I am always hoping to come upon one of these shoots.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWDDTvYLC7o/WfOCVNSN0BI/AAAAAAAAHtk/wskaFcaN3xEPuuyOlh19WTF4uRHc5ZMPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWDDTvYLC7o/WfOCVNSN0BI/AAAAAAAAHtk/wskaFcaN3xEPuuyOlh19WTF4uRHc5ZMPACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I had no such luck yesterday, and actually was not able to discover just what was being filmed. I think it was for a television program.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pGNycQrEeHA/WfOCakcx_6I/AAAAAAAAHto/hutTPWPvAicq5Zm141GAKwvbuD0YmR8wwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pGNycQrEeHA/WfOCakcx_6I/AAAAAAAAHto/hutTPWPvAicq5Zm141GAKwvbuD0YmR8wwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The above scene seemed to involve some sort of mugging encounter. I witnessed several "takes," and got the impression that more would be required.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Should I eventually discover what was being filmed, I will update this post. Until then, this increasingly lazy blogger thanks you all for your visits and comments. I will endeavor to be better at visiting your posts. Wishing you all a very <b><span style="color: orange;">Happy Halloween</span>!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Update...what was being filmed in the above photo was a scene from Instinct, a new tv show starring and produced by Alan Cumming.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>I am horrified to update this post after this afternoon's downtown terrorist attack. It now seems as if those NYPD sidewalk barriers might well have been a proactive attempt to prevent a similar attack. What a world.</b></span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-61300674628343189522017-08-21T08:00:00.000-07:002017-08-21T08:00:22.224-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Good morning from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Later today we will be able to witness some of the effects of the solar eclipse. Before that happens, I will keep my promise to myself and catch up on blogging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Since I last posted, many terrible things have happened around the world. There is much to concern us, to anger us and perhaps, to encourage us to involve ourselves positively in our shared world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It has also been a time traditionally devoted to holidays, a time when school children are not required to spend days in classrooms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">A time to visit beaches. The following beach scene is a tableau set up in a neighborhood dry cleaning establishment. It makes me smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MawvHh_NyM/WZrkFDezJsI/AAAAAAAAHqE/MmOxBv2FoDA4-WKeSGYpUCZVMepYD7J7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MawvHh_NyM/WZrkFDezJsI/AAAAAAAAHqE/MmOxBv2FoDA4-WKeSGYpUCZVMepYD7J7QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In an attempt to not be consumed by bad news, I continue to encourage smiles. This is what I am currently knitting...a tubular cowl that will eventually be added to my etsy.com shop Foakley Arts.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWFveUKEkak/WZrkOrNH0OI/AAAAAAAAHqI/tGDWACUGJlkx3NF65lUk-eA04HRjO7VRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWFveUKEkak/WZrkOrNH0OI/AAAAAAAAHqI/tGDWACUGJlkx3NF65lUk-eA04HRjO7VRACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2461.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been reading all sorts of books, from detective stories to serious literature, borrowed from The New York Society Library. The following photo shows a book I treated myself to purchasing. It was published to accompany a Winifred Nicholson exhibit that has been touring the UK. Since I was not able to see the exhibit, I am thoroughly enjoying this marvelous book and recommend it highly.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F296c-l3P_0/WZroVusNuUI/AAAAAAAAHrw/K1_i8h2JI_g_VgPCd4H__5heHISf7ekpQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8e3.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F296c-l3P_0/WZroVusNuUI/AAAAAAAAHrw/K1_i8h2JI_g_VgPCd4H__5heHISf7ekpQCLcBGAs/s320/fullsizeoutput_8e3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are so many wonderful places to visit and things to do in NYC during the summer. The outdoor places are more pleasant to visit when the weather is not too, too hot and humid. As many of you all know, Central Park's Shakespeare Garden is a favorite place of mine.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iV5kpVyzPW8/WZrkgF1iR1I/AAAAAAAAHqQ/8W_hb081WDo3dblYfKx1dVWJGHbck8hZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iV5kpVyzPW8/WZrkgF1iR1I/AAAAAAAAHqQ/8W_hb081WDo3dblYfKx1dVWJGHbck8hZwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Garden is currently in its full blown late summer look, quite overgrown and just a bit wild. I took lots of photos yesterday and will share many of them with you all.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOizED4DF00/WZrkoLFckpI/AAAAAAAAHqU/k5cMCqjQ_f8J8sFg1m2tX-pzxT07N3xOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOizED4DF00/WZrkoLFckpI/AAAAAAAAHqU/k5cMCqjQ_f8J8sFg1m2tX-pzxT07N3xOwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2470.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As one wanders along the sloping pathways of the Garden, it's possible to find all sorts of plants. The Park's gardeners are very talented in their selections.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2h671q54pk/WZrkvgOQomI/AAAAAAAAHqY/QAdsCpmfymoYvXTrupAx5ieR5i8SQTaSACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2h671q54pk/WZrkvgOQomI/AAAAAAAAHqY/QAdsCpmfymoYvXTrupAx5ieR5i8SQTaSACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One of my goals on yesterday's stroll was to keep a lookout for unusual butterflies. Alas, I saw only a few of very "usual" plain white butterflies. The good news is that I saw and heard many bees buzzing around the flowers.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0irS4aHF8o/WZrk4VR54gI/AAAAAAAAHqc/mywj8TQRy9cl8UgVmvJx-YebBDWLKmgWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0irS4aHF8o/WZrk4VR54gI/AAAAAAAAHqc/mywj8TQRy9cl8UgVmvJx-YebBDWLKmgWgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I like the rustic look of this Garden, and at this time of the year there are all sorts of interesting seed pods. It's quite a feast.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iztXliKZZ8U/WZrlAaOzhqI/AAAAAAAAHqg/Y5XJcZgVKngePlCWiUTOGQ8iGvfBfr98wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iztXliKZZ8U/WZrlAaOzhqI/AAAAAAAAHqg/Y5XJcZgVKngePlCWiUTOGQ8iGvfBfr98wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lots of plants had grown very leggy.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBkEwM69NY8/WZrlLYmjWoI/AAAAAAAAHqk/diBD0hF_67MDDMC_zAJNdlxZjyOZnHF9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBkEwM69NY8/WZrlLYmjWoI/AAAAAAAAHqk/diBD0hF_67MDDMC_zAJNdlxZjyOZnHF9ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A great variety of greens were on display.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Asndt0q9jM/WZrlWyUCuyI/AAAAAAAAHqo/z9H9TfhpsF044-xAoZ_UhwQKb0cg4nISgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Asndt0q9jM/WZrlWyUCuyI/AAAAAAAAHqo/z9H9TfhpsF044-xAoZ_UhwQKb0cg4nISgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In more shadowed areas, I found quieter plantings.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NT7fDM5wJvs/WZrlfOsYWfI/AAAAAAAAHqs/mem-h8V4qFw14esUvgn2OvrYnZo5OiPCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NT7fDM5wJvs/WZrlfOsYWfI/AAAAAAAAHqs/mem-h8V4qFw14esUvgn2OvrYnZo5OiPCACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am hoping to be able to make use of some of these photos as reference for drawings and paintings.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OcR42qsiECA/WZrllfRGvlI/AAAAAAAAHqw/ALODOmUjdq8BLd7Uxl-B-wtyGUkp0RmHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OcR42qsiECA/WZrllfRGvlI/AAAAAAAAHqw/ALODOmUjdq8BLd7Uxl-B-wtyGUkp0RmHgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My visit was just about midday, so there was the potential for lots of back lighting from certain angles.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZpWDOB770Q/WZrlsHZcDOI/AAAAAAAAHq0/QYT7BMHuxHIw03UQQAnxoyeHJ0HlLOQtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZpWDOB770Q/WZrlsHZcDOI/AAAAAAAAHq0/QYT7BMHuxHIw03UQQAnxoyeHJ0HlLOQtQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2491.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In this shady area, the leaves had a blue tinge.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0LL536Lw1Q/WZrlzymxErI/AAAAAAAAHq4/L6LuSeqOoxcvkNSRC0DEEObKtfYTRIF2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0LL536Lw1Q/WZrlzymxErI/AAAAAAAAHq4/L6LuSeqOoxcvkNSRC0DEEObKtfYTRIF2ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">At the top boundary of the Garden, there was evidence that some garden fauna had been nibbling on the flora.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ajDAoHd-JE/WZrl6cwd4bI/AAAAAAAAHq8/llUDS8zAxcICWgXBduBdWusyCqnfpf8rwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ajDAoHd-JE/WZrl6cwd4bI/AAAAAAAAHq8/llUDS8zAxcICWgXBduBdWusyCqnfpf8rwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I liked this back lighting very much.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NsCtsWWrs7c/WZrmB6zIhiI/AAAAAAAAHrA/VgcxsdhGVKgB04UWANNURgjX5MtpfVINgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NsCtsWWrs7c/WZrmB6zIhiI/AAAAAAAAHrA/VgcxsdhGVKgB04UWANNURgjX5MtpfVINgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here is my final farewell photo as I wandered away from the lovely Shakespeare Garden. During my visit I encountered only about 30 other folks also enjoying the sights.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MSjxyXHkJM/WZrmMTAOhpI/AAAAAAAAHrE/rYPcJs9YtA4jI8yBVFTXXlQVLZNvtZQkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MSjxyXHkJM/WZrmMTAOhpI/AAAAAAAAHrE/rYPcJs9YtA4jI8yBVFTXXlQVLZNvtZQkQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On my way home, I stopped by the farmers market, to purchase some wonderful tomatoes and green veg.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YS0QTDIgnCQ/WZrmTw4hQaI/AAAAAAAAHrI/fOQ2DGIgW_4KZt98oCrNomLenGG67A6GACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YS0QTDIgnCQ/WZrmTw4hQaI/AAAAAAAAHrI/fOQ2DGIgW_4KZt98oCrNomLenGG67A6GACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Somehow, I resisted purchasing any of the incredible flowers on display at this stand.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKAZSrwErZw/WZrmZOOY_dI/AAAAAAAAHrM/W13wU1uvTrU12VSxAcLZNlyN2N9zOgSHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKAZSrwErZw/WZrmZOOY_dI/AAAAAAAAHrM/W13wU1uvTrU12VSxAcLZNlyN2N9zOgSHQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The red dahlia in the following photo was the size of a dinner plate. It was absolutely dazzling!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G41QzVqplLI/WZrmkeB4X7I/AAAAAAAAHrU/Lz9whkmaTk4b5CNYs8Tf0lIqKEenPs1KgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G41QzVqplLI/WZrmkeB4X7I/AAAAAAAAHrU/Lz9whkmaTk4b5CNYs8Tf0lIqKEenPs1KgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the next photo is my homemade contraption that I will be using in a few hours to safely observe the solar eclipse. I learned how to "construct" it from the website of the Washington Post newspaper.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6MRvMlHcAw/WZrmqZ7tzgI/AAAAAAAAHrY/dzuS1nE-4nkB84oFTj-STmHy6MlQRCm0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6MRvMlHcAw/WZrmqZ7tzgI/AAAAAAAAHrY/dzuS1nE-4nkB84oFTj-STmHy6MlQRCm0ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am also going to show you all this painting which is my current "rescue" project. The canvas was abandoned about 17 years ago when it was a rather dark moody abstract. I've now decided to treat that moody bit as a view from a window. Work on this painting has been interrupted by continuing very loud street noise from my own open window.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfyDJF0_Ux8/WZrnEb4Ps7I/AAAAAAAAHrg/zRl0uHtFybEtBdGfKsYkvDlKzK34u6sNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfyDJF0_Ux8/WZrnEb4Ps7I/AAAAAAAAHrg/zRl0uHtFybEtBdGfKsYkvDlKzK34u6sNgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Electrical repairs seem to have been completed. Now the below ground gas pipes are being replaced. If you look very carefully at the Completion Date on the sign, you will see the letters ASAP.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJHAONk4Pk4/WZrnNpsNG8I/AAAAAAAAHrk/etoUFCJIhFIpKwwe8vBcbMZgjUlMHVAugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJHAONk4Pk4/WZrnNpsNG8I/AAAAAAAAHrk/etoUFCJIhFIpKwwe8vBcbMZgjUlMHVAugCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I took that photo several weeks ago. Work continues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">As always, thank you all for your visits and comments. I am going to try to do better at keeping up with your posts. Promise. Admittedly, my <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">Instagram page</a></span> is competing for my time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Enjoy the eclipse!</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-69458974065830859542017-07-20T13:08:00.000-07:002017-07-20T13:08:28.563-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good afternoon from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Since my previous blog post, much work has been continuing along my street to repair the damage recently done to the electrical power sources. The city heat has been oppressive, but the teams of Con Edison workers have nonetheless been working very long hours to complete the massive project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It is a pleasure to share some pictures that might illustrate the nature of the challenge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j69s333vX3Q/WXEIBTHiRUI/AAAAAAAAHpU/PwJgkzr4vvQ7JqFrQ3XaxOdogdqp8AH5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j69s333vX3Q/WXEIBTHiRUI/AAAAAAAAHpU/PwJgkzr4vvQ7JqFrQ3XaxOdogdqp8AH5ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The above photo shows a large tangle of old wires removed during the repair work. The following photo shows the same tangle, plus an iconic yellow taxi, a parked bike, and also orange traffic cones placed along our stretch of Broadway during the massive repair work being done below street level.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWOz_XRt1I0/WXEIKUSRJNI/AAAAAAAAHpY/MO5iGbYeJ0IrE1U5dzvjrgldmhnZcCVgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWOz_XRt1I0/WXEIKUSRJNI/AAAAAAAAHpY/MO5iGbYeJ0IrE1U5dzvjrgldmhnZcCVgQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The following picture, looking south on Broadway, indicates what a large section of that avenue has been temporarily removed from vehicular traffic access. If you look carefully, you will see some of the workers in that crevasse.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlGbuwWuKl8/WXEISIfG3oI/AAAAAAAAHpc/YRvalmUJNWM59Pt3Mq5TePaJlmMXdGvagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlGbuwWuKl8/WXEISIfG3oI/AAAAAAAAHpc/YRvalmUJNWM59Pt3Mq5TePaJlmMXdGvagCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On my own street, lots of large vehicles arrive for their part in the process and then depart, their places to be filled my other large vehicles and equipment. It is quite an operation.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbg6b3VrLhY/WXEIakroVOI/AAAAAAAAHpg/lvzsky9hOkUJC7Q5ujsWDlbgcB3ENhY7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbg6b3VrLhY/WXEIakroVOI/AAAAAAAAHpg/lvzsky9hOkUJC7Q5ujsWDlbgcB3ENhY7QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The workers are very professional and keep their various "work stations" very tidy and safe.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsU6oPRSVk/WXEIhm8iZhI/AAAAAAAAHpk/MK5-uUgnpK4Hxu7MzyoRtSrxOochxz_QACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsU6oPRSVk/WXEIhm8iZhI/AAAAAAAAHpk/MK5-uUgnpK4Hxu7MzyoRtSrxOochxz_QACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2304.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In this closer view of the same team, you can tell that one of the men is working below ground. The temperature above ground is 90 F.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlG5uceKcfE/WXEIoFPjvAI/AAAAAAAAHpo/mJmaW8eQtU01WGLtQ9H3uWMXDQz7kwzsgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlG5uceKcfE/WXEIoFPjvAI/AAAAAAAAHpo/mJmaW8eQtU01WGLtQ9H3uWMXDQz7kwzsgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Plywood protective boxes have been constructed to keep non-professionals from getting too close to the open man holes.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYym6XScLvA/WXEIvfYZ0iI/AAAAAAAAHp8/KelDwK6pKgIJlfUGwRId_APU17Q622AwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYym6XScLvA/WXEIvfYZ0iI/AAAAAAAAHp8/KelDwK6pKgIJlfUGwRId_APU17Q622AwQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_2307.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A close look at the next photo will show you that there are many such "purpose built crates" along the street. Everything is progressing steadily, carefully and surely towards a successful completion. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzwcrNNiYB4/WXEI3cCSv4I/AAAAAAAAHpw/QXSZabMYklQECJUQm68IDTDuaCssi3QYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzwcrNNiYB4/WXEI3cCSv4I/AAAAAAAAHpw/QXSZabMYklQECJUQm68IDTDuaCssi3QYACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just to switch up the photographs a bit, I wanted to share this bouquet that I saw at yesterday's Union Square farmers market. I have given the address of this blog page to some of the electrical rescue teams, and hope that they will see the flowers as a thank you for all their hard work.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xdh05-q1rNI/WXEI-fsbnOI/AAAAAAAAHp0/JexCN8q8O1QW6LVSJVk8tj2D4Cfx6HmJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xdh05-q1rNI/WXEI-fsbnOI/AAAAAAAAHp0/JexCN8q8O1QW6LVSJVk8tj2D4Cfx6HmJQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2296.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also thank you all who have visited and commented on my immediately previous post. Together, these two posts show some different city views from those that I often share. It's all part of NYC!</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-63124686800941989302017-07-17T09:09:00.001-07:002017-07-17T09:09:41.596-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good morning from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hot weather settled in here in the past week, and along with the humidity, some other challenges occurred in my neighborhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ-Gm-hhR1k/WWzYbCvOJrI/AAAAAAAAHoo/iQqwzoN6VxUy41Uhqy03AJEHs9vtzzfUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ-Gm-hhR1k/WWzYbCvOJrI/AAAAAAAAHoo/iQqwzoN6VxUy41Uhqy03AJEHs9vtzzfUwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Last Thursday afternoon, as I was washing my brushes after some hours of working on my current painting, I noticed that the electric lights were flickering and that my fan's rotating blades were slowing down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I suspected an electrical "brown out" which sometimes is put into place by Consolidated Edison, the electrical utility, to protect the electrical grid from an actual brownout. I clicked on a local TV station's 5 o'clock news and learned that some vast thunderstorms were in nearby areas, but would probably pass the City by. No mention of a brownout.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I switched out the TV, shut down my computer, and then the lights went out and my fan stopped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As sunset was still come hours away, I decided that I'd better fix a quick pasta supper in my tiny kitchen, making use of my gas stove and my two flashlights and that's what I did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Next on the pre-sundown agenda was to walk downstairs to see what was going on at street level. The elevators were shut down, but dimmed lighting was still on in the hallways and stairwells. I wanted to also buy some additional "D" batteries for my large flashlight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was when I reached the lobby that I discovered that my half of the block was roped off to any vehicular traffic and that many (perhaps over a hundred) folks from the City Fire Department, Police Department and Con Edison were hard at work putting out a very smoky fire that had been caused by underground electrical explosions. It was an amazing sight to see what was happening at the Broadway corner. Even the subway station and trains were affected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I walked in the opposite direction to find a shop and buy my batteries, then came home, chatted awhile with fellow tenants and apartment building staff and even a few firemen, then walked up the stairs to my apartment, had a wash, and went to bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The fire was put out overnight and massive Con Edison work has since continued to restore electricity and repair and replace damaged equipment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fv9ehCp_TE/WWzaBGlw0fI/AAAAAAAAHo0/ELUmVU-Bu9AsUAfv_ZB__M9JcQWG6AzqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fv9ehCp_TE/WWzaBGlw0fI/AAAAAAAAHo0/ELUmVU-Bu9AsUAfv_ZB__M9JcQWG6AzqwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These are just a few photographs from my front window showing a bit of the work and equipment.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUWK2PULmDk/WWzaIC7PFNI/AAAAAAAAHo4/zev6tubrV2U8x3Xg3QXiU9yxX3D2dQddQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUWK2PULmDk/WWzaIC7PFNI/AAAAAAAAHo4/zev6tubrV2U8x3Xg3QXiU9yxX3D2dQddQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the photo below, you might be able to make out the giant elevated "vacuum cleaner" that was being lowered into the man hole in order to draw out all sorts of trouble-making debris. While this was going on, other Con Edison workers were using hoses to flush out the area. This process was being repeated all along the block.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pq7olc46kWo/WWzdR94uGxI/AAAAAAAAHpE/qhFkHvz1TYMupqrLupJtz7gPL_gWeIP2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pq7olc46kWo/WWzdR94uGxI/AAAAAAAAHpE/qhFkHvz1TYMupqrLupJtz7gPL_gWeIP2gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm glad to report that my apartment's electrical power was restored by 10 on Friday morning. Other large building residents and businesses in the immediate area were not so fortunate, and had to rely on generators provided by the city. This was, and still is, a huge repair job. It is amazing to see how many stages are involved. I truly admire the workers' skill and dedication. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhpM2IwcmfE/WWzaUXXWgvI/AAAAAAAAHo8/XvNflbfHUZYVyFE0pHo-hYgst5r6ah4ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhpM2IwcmfE/WWzaUXXWgvI/AAAAAAAAHo8/XvNflbfHUZYVyFE0pHo-hYgst5r6ah4ZwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2268.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I wanted to take more photos, but did not want to get in the way of the amazing teams of workers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have returned to working on my current "rescued" painting that I abandoned about 25 years ago. I am thoroughly enjoying this process.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rl2jdlbi7Sg/WWzaaLrpOEI/AAAAAAAAHpA/Jrwi8XqIaUsUjcbXvuHRH6mYcTbIxwPpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rl2jdlbi7Sg/WWzaaLrpOEI/AAAAAAAAHpA/Jrwi8XqIaUsUjcbXvuHRH6mYcTbIxwPpQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's also grand to have my trusty little fan back in service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you all for your visits and comments. I have been continuing to post more regularly over on by Instagram page which may be found <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley" style="font-weight: bold;">here</a><b>. </b>Now it is time for me to return to work on that painting. It's almost, but not quite, done.</span></span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-13383823814063492932017-06-24T09:54:00.000-07:002017-06-24T09:54:12.815-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good afternoon from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As the end of June grows closer, and summer's heat and humidity have indeed arrived in New York, I admit to having become an even lazier blogger. Before July actually shows up, I'm determined to show you all some city views.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3VCrnF7hEs/WU6MD8QnfjI/AAAAAAAAHng/yOJL5y7z9MUmFkFM9CBLpjGCEERIcTvLQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3VCrnF7hEs/WU6MD8QnfjI/AAAAAAAAHng/yOJL5y7z9MUmFkFM9CBLpjGCEERIcTvLQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My favorite NYC farmers market is the one in Union Square, and it has finally come into its glorious summertime bounty. Flowers and produce displays grow more marvelous every week.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SO0lGLiHUq4/WU6MMbTTjEI/AAAAAAAAHnk/Fl8KrVbWAvAc7tqyZDRXz5muazoULrpEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SO0lGLiHUq4/WU6MMbTTjEI/AAAAAAAAHnk/Fl8KrVbWAvAc7tqyZDRXz5muazoULrpEwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another June feature is rain, even thunderstorms. Sometimes the downpours coincide with farmers market days, and keep me indoors. Sometimes the weather is perfect, just like the strawberries in the following photo.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6rzATMuA0Y/WU6MbXktN1I/AAAAAAAAHno/-K4iCfK2DtMYiMob4iK92ERnLbrRtSaIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6rzATMuA0Y/WU6MbXktN1I/AAAAAAAAHno/-K4iCfK2DtMYiMob4iK92ERnLbrRtSaIwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On rare cooler days, I continue to work on a current knitting project, a tubular fair isle cowl destined for eventual inclusion in my etsy.com shop. The colors are cooling, even if the wool yarn is not!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmLcdMqZFR8/WU6MniBpMOI/AAAAAAAAHns/3xJ8Z_gPwrccwYcuMBIwgr0cXkkoOQIvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmLcdMqZFR8/WU6MniBpMOI/AAAAAAAAHns/3xJ8Z_gPwrccwYcuMBIwgr0cXkkoOQIvgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Something else that has been taking my waking time is my recent return to oil painting after a sixteen year break. I have begun trying to rescue a painting I abandoned back then. Within the first few hours of sitting at my old easel, I realized how much I have missed painting.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttm0XFS-9QA/WU6MxiuPCGI/AAAAAAAAHnw/qBVfcafxslkvrQrBaOUaGHF2L0i1IgdBACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttm0XFS-9QA/WU6MxiuPCGI/AAAAAAAAHnw/qBVfcafxslkvrQrBaOUaGHF2L0i1IgdBACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Pleasant weather has also added opportunities to get together with friends. There have been lots of lunches and museum visits and walks in Central Park. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been reading quite a bit, and would recommend two recently finished novels, Transit by Rachel Cusk and Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves. Keeping up with constantly changing current events and writing and calling my elected government representatives has also been a regular activity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There have been lots of walks around my West Side neighborhood. My smart phone keeps track of my walking mileage, and I am sometimes surprised to discover how many miles I have walked! Always wearing sunscreen, as I dutifully follow the advice of my excellent dermatologist. A recent semi-annual skin cancer check up received the "your skin looks fine" verdict and I rejoiced.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F46hW80Nqo8/WU6M-oZH9pI/AAAAAAAAHn0/Oq0TBpeI1EUtI5Y79mOGB2hu78V0XlxSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F46hW80Nqo8/WU6M-oZH9pI/AAAAAAAAHn0/Oq0TBpeI1EUtI5Y79mOGB2hu78V0XlxSgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On Sundays, another farmers market takes place along the Columbus Avenue sidewalk behind the Museum of Natural History. It's a short walk for me, and a fine alternative to the much larger Union Square market that requires a subway ride.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVe7K6oxotQ/WU6NOigUmiI/AAAAAAAAHn4/EW9yPb7LFxMZ-QX5iabpgRS4Bp5sT9aiwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVe7K6oxotQ/WU6NOigUmiI/AAAAAAAAHn4/EW9yPb7LFxMZ-QX5iabpgRS4Bp5sT9aiwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Delicious tomatoes have finally appeared. Cauliflower looks grand, too. Actually, just about all the summer produce is now on display. Cherries, zucchini, varieties of peas and beans, lettuces...the works!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxdmc4Fgj1A/WU6NWr6apaI/AAAAAAAAHn8/9mwqxZRgmDcPAV5A0HbP8k_0vF3FB0P-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxdmc4Fgj1A/WU6NWr6apaI/AAAAAAAAHn8/9mwqxZRgmDcPAV5A0HbP8k_0vF3FB0P-ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On a recent hot Sunday afternoon walk home from the farmers market, I encountered a sweet little kitty who wandered onto the hot sidewalk in front of its home, offering me a warm greeting. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hNhGP_W4wU/WU6Ngm_-FXI/AAAAAAAAHoA/J_9KgiAQR5wiyx7NyfkLt1snqdlHbLA2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hNhGP_W4wU/WU6Ngm_-FXI/AAAAAAAAHoA/J_9KgiAQR5wiyx7NyfkLt1snqdlHbLA2gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">However, realizing just how hot that concrete sidewalk was, the little kitty gracefully retreated toward a shadier spot.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa5A_uPJj6s/WU6Nn3iyiOI/AAAAAAAAHoE/FR45xF9VgEA2dwqr00rbBpLiust3V3jCgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa5A_uPJj6s/WU6Nn3iyiOI/AAAAAAAAHoE/FR45xF9VgEA2dwqr00rbBpLiust3V3jCgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On another sunny afternoon, I left my oil painting, to take a walk around the neighborhood, and passed by Lincoln Center, discovering this rather wonderful oversized ballerina sculpture had been installed in Dante Park.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6AGy0B8MaIU/WU6N0ATaBHI/AAAAAAAAHoI/vcea2Hf2D3k-CCfNq74th-ekr27PLKSXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6AGy0B8MaIU/WU6N0ATaBHI/AAAAAAAAHoI/vcea2Hf2D3k-CCfNq74th-ekr27PLKSXACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The sculptor (whose name I did not discover) clearly was having fun with inspiration from Degas. This ballerina seemed to be wishing she could be on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House, along with the American Ballet Theater company.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBiloC6iQYg/WU6N9Zh4OnI/AAAAAAAAHoM/sG2A0YGDU28o6ppIj__V_faIt5grUr_nQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBiloC6iQYg/WU6N9Zh4OnI/AAAAAAAAHoM/sG2A0YGDU28o6ppIj__V_faIt5grUr_nQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Or was she perhaps gazing at the ice cream truck parked right in front of the Lincoln Center Plaza?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PG-jcoMR2-c/WU6OF4dw5TI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/dLKIdWzIXjg4wl_3vIJF3AjxRbKUXE-BQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PG-jcoMR2-c/WU6OF4dw5TI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/dLKIdWzIXjg4wl_3vIJF3AjxRbKUXE-BQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2180.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One late afternoon this past week, NYC's commuting home hour was also the time for a series of very fierce storms to pass through the metropolitan area. Lots and lots of strong rain and wind. The following morning was a gorgeous sight as I walked across Central Park to meet a friend at the Met Museum. After viewing a very interesting exhibit of ancient Chinese art, we had lunch at a Park cafe terrace and then walked a bit. That was when I saw the above scene. One of the grand old willow trees by the Lake had toppled over during the storm. It will be interesting to discover how the Parks Department will handle this fallen beauty.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0yNDxFABIY/WU6OOL75R5I/AAAAAAAAHoU/XcssSPNIZ1IymCy24Rp3KUSlST14_BlYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0yNDxFABIY/WU6OOL75R5I/AAAAAAAAHoU/XcssSPNIZ1IymCy24Rp3KUSlST14_BlYQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am hoping that this long overdue blog post will give you all an idea of what else has been going on around here. I will leave you all with this view of the progress that I have been making on rescuing my old painting. I think it is almost done, but want to let it rest for a while. (Hot summer days can also encourage painters to take naps!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As always, thank you all for your visits and lovely comments. I realize that I owe you all many visits and will be trying to catch up with commenting on your summer posts.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-70618663141237700182017-05-29T10:37:00.000-07:002017-05-29T10:38:46.030-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Good afternoon from New York on a cloudy Memorial Day Monday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I am sure that many families who've wished for better weather are hoping that the sun returns in time for a picnic or other outdoor plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Clouds outdoors give me a great opportunity for an overdue blog post, showing you all some city views from late May.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ5NcE37TlM/WSxU57lGZmI/AAAAAAAAHnA/5kDZDTAyDJwx8QQPuHx95ThFj6oeg9c_QCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8ca.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ5NcE37TlM/WSxU57lGZmI/AAAAAAAAHnA/5kDZDTAyDJwx8QQPuHx95ThFj6oeg9c_QCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_8ca.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Even though yesterday was also a bit overcast, I went out for a long walk, passing by some of my favorite brownstone buildings on my way over to the neighborhood Sunday flea market and farmers market. It's always a pleasure to make note of the old houses' decorative details.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The photo below of 108 shows a building that has recently had some facade work done. I rather like the entwined vine motifs, but wish that the seams between the panels had been better disguised.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFtGLogjfYI/WSxVJOXaLQI/AAAAAAAAHnE/1J_C1Z8MKKcubjnulg1ubOWYv32VtdvQwCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8cb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFtGLogjfYI/WSxVJOXaLQI/AAAAAAAAHnE/1J_C1Z8MKKcubjnulg1ubOWYv32VtdvQwCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_8cb.jpeg" width="383" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The two houses in the following photograph have also recently had some loving care. I'm glad that the moss wasn't all scraped off. You can tell that this is a holiday weekend by the plastic-encased newspapers that have been left on the front steps.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUz5Lm4mZiI/WSxVTnLG8pI/AAAAAAAAHnI/X5lSBktCnOA0CLehzOO6sIeMTtXue2KBgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUz5Lm4mZiI/WSxVTnLG8pI/AAAAAAAAHnI/X5lSBktCnOA0CLehzOO6sIeMTtXue2KBgCLcB/s400/IMG_2081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I only bought some Cameo apples from the farmers market and did not find much of interest at the flea market. I continued my walk along other avenues and discovered a rather lack luster street fair along many blocks of Broadway. Lots of fried food, grilled meats, lemonade, and somewhat suspect linens, carpets, handbags and cosmetics. The straw hat stands had possibilities, but would have been busier on a sunny afternoon.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">During the past week, while not reading detective novels, knitting and keeping up with the breaking news from the President's foreign trip, I've also been continuing to post photographs of some of my old paintings over on Instagram.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoHFsgSp4G4/WSxVtJl1xFI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/ITz600c2YAUgwGdl7fHp3yXqK2MWQu6SwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoHFsgSp4G4/WSxVtJl1xFI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/ITz600c2YAUgwGdl7fHp3yXqK2MWQu6SwCLcB/s400/IMG_2057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">After having these paintings all to myself for decades, it's been fun to have a quick way to share them with other eyes. If you all would like to see them, just click <span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">Here</a></span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Thank you all for your visits and comments. I do apologize for my not having done much visiting myself. I promise to have a major round of catching up very soon. Ahh, looks like the sun might be trying to break through, so I might now go out for another walk.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-79397701422461372182017-05-22T08:07:00.000-07:002017-05-22T08:07:02.876-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good Monday morning from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's a bit cool and rainy today, but at the weekend the sun was shining and I noticed that some new sculptures have appeared along the median malls along upper Broadway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-KREwmGeb8/WSL6RXpc6gI/AAAAAAAAHmk/_USz0DOhbx4Va-67lt5Vx9ULTO1lEdk0gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-KREwmGeb8/WSL6RXpc6gI/AAAAAAAAHmk/_USz0DOhbx4Va-67lt5Vx9ULTO1lEdk0gCLcB/s400/IMG_2035.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This large bronze mother and child sculpture is by Joy Brown and has been installed at the West 71st Street exit of the 72nd Street subway station.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8t4xl05VIs/WSL6dG9MppI/AAAAAAAAHmo/3XWbHd7X1n4Jjvn3Vy5CuY_ZA83_j4gpwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8t4xl05VIs/WSL6dG9MppI/AAAAAAAAHmo/3XWbHd7X1n4Jjvn3Vy5CuY_ZA83_j4gpwCLcB/s400/IMG_2036.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It is possible to find out more about this public art project by having a look at the Broadway Mall Association link <a href="http://broadwaymall.org/">here</a>. The following photo shows the Joy Brown sculpture on the mall at Broadway and 79th Street. Its curves seem to echo the architecture of the Baptist Church in the background.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqPE9d0lpQs/WSL6mG17-wI/AAAAAAAAHms/om4eF6-iV88kCgzS0QiDc-Gn7kB9o69AACLcB/s1600/IMG_2047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqPE9d0lpQs/WSL6mG17-wI/AAAAAAAAHms/om4eF6-iV88kCgzS0QiDc-Gn7kB9o69AACLcB/s400/IMG_2047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm still probably spending far too much time trying to keep up with various current event developments, but thought I would share with you a photo of a painting I completed towards the end of the last century. I am thinking of getting out the oils again this summer when it will be possible to keep my bedroom/studio window open without fear of a pollen attack. I am posting more photos of old paintings on my <a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">Instagram page</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyBdWRHgEvQ/WSL6wc2zLWI/AAAAAAAAHmw/lGgV65AAuUYg-sCE8wFiFP8A6OkcoTqUQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyBdWRHgEvQ/WSL6wc2zLWI/AAAAAAAAHmw/lGgV65AAuUYg-sCE8wFiFP8A6OkcoTqUQCLcB/s400/IMG_2043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you all for your visits and comments on my prior post with the pictures from the Met exhibit. I will be getting back there eventually for another look and more photographs.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-43401185688766822152017-05-11T08:07:00.000-07:002017-05-11T08:07:35.276-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good Thursday morning from New York.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This has already been a tumultuous week in our country. I have spent many hours indoors, staying away from hay-fever-producing pollen, but instead following developments on the political, governmental front. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The pace of various investigations seems to be quickening, even though the President has fired the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Russian governmental officials met with the President in the Oval Office of the White House yesterday. American press members were not allowed to take photographs. Tass was allowed to take photographs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On Tuesday, I did escape my apartment. I met a friend at The Metropolitan of Art to view a fabulous new exhibit honoring the <a href="http://metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2017/rei-kawakubo">Comme des Garcons designs of Rei Kawakubo</a>. You all may enjoy viewing the link in the previous sentence. I will also share with you some of the photographs that I took while touring the exhibit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nXlQOKotQE/WRR16obVv8I/AAAAAAAAHlo/ahJoT4Wr4hocUaUkigKgwlsYMYSzZQpqwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nXlQOKotQE/WRR16obVv8I/AAAAAAAAHlo/ahJoT4Wr4hocUaUkigKgwlsYMYSzZQpqwCLcB/s400/IMG_2032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The exhibition designers have created a set of bright white stages and "fitting rooms" that are starkly lit to allow viewers to see many details.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfEPMFITY2w/WRR2DMqG0MI/AAAAAAAAHls/CQTAouM9_hAMFCkLerokWxgMVgC6dsEkACLcB/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfEPMFITY2w/WRR2DMqG0MI/AAAAAAAAHls/CQTAouM9_hAMFCkLerokWxgMVgC6dsEkACLcB/s400/IMG_2020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The groups of mannequins sometimes show designs from differing collections.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd5Ryl6a33c/WRR2JImNKhI/AAAAAAAAHlw/Ose7oxKt90Eko4XTlW9uchBsZyfSA_lPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd5Ryl6a33c/WRR2JImNKhI/AAAAAAAAHlw/Ose7oxKt90Eko4XTlW9uchBsZyfSA_lPQCLcB/s400/IMG_2021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In many instances, it is possible to have a very close up view, allowing one to examine the tailoring and materials.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WKFJd9XA9I/WRR2SJCCV5I/AAAAAAAAHl0/gPwiGGdaZxUK7KHzdy4yzZziZmM2iIRaACLcB/s1600/IMG_2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WKFJd9XA9I/WRR2SJCCV5I/AAAAAAAAHl0/gPwiGGdaZxUK7KHzdy4yzZziZmM2iIRaACLcB/s400/IMG_2034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lots of creativity has been used in creating the head dresses, too.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJbAXMFED6s/WRR2d9klWwI/AAAAAAAAHl4/5eK98q6iItokIfsHllWrNMVtWQf2sx4cgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJbAXMFED6s/WRR2d9klWwI/AAAAAAAAHl4/5eK98q6iItokIfsHllWrNMVtWQf2sx4cgCLcB/s400/IMG_2022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Many of the black garments reveal to the viewer that they are not completely constructed from one shade of black. Black can have a cool blue tone, or a warmer brown tone.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5mR2RUGtMs/WRR2kZQimNI/AAAAAAAAHl8/q9Pm7-QwUQUNZ_8CH4D_TI0I2U1zzGcXACLcB/s1600/IMG_2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5mR2RUGtMs/WRR2kZQimNI/AAAAAAAAHl8/q9Pm7-QwUQUNZ_8CH4D_TI0I2U1zzGcXACLcB/s400/IMG_2023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Some of the garments might not be what one would choose to wear, and yet in some cases, a particular garment might be very wearable.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOgxPaH5jvo/WRR2uM_1OoI/AAAAAAAAHmA/Lq8rAGzbbWMKAahZlVwfUnVNFJ2o0AZPwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOgxPaH5jvo/WRR2uM_1OoI/AAAAAAAAHmA/Lq8rAGzbbWMKAahZlVwfUnVNFJ2o0AZPwCLcB/s400/IMG_2024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I do plan to visit this exhibit several more times and only present a small sampling here of what I saw on Tuesday.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOwCNy7zF5E/WRR22H0V5dI/AAAAAAAAHmE/Smyn34kV12UShDRJZD1Zy9rV4FdEgc_twCLcB/s1600/IMG_2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOwCNy7zF5E/WRR22H0V5dI/AAAAAAAAHmE/Smyn34kV12UShDRJZD1Zy9rV4FdEgc_twCLcB/s400/IMG_2027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It will be interesting to see if the exhibit draws crowds as the weeks go by. On Tuesday, it was fun to see that some of the visitors were also dressed in very interesting ways.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4BTpQcKZ8U/WRR29zrYgFI/AAAAAAAAHmI/RFO62PDN4MIlt0BSkzP7qNsjzdXIyKqrACLcB/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4BTpQcKZ8U/WRR29zrYgFI/AAAAAAAAHmI/RFO62PDN4MIlt0BSkzP7qNsjzdXIyKqrACLcB/s400/IMG_2028.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am hoping that some of you who see these photographs might also be able to visit the exhibit.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xgp3r4yZSU/WRR4iWtBjHI/AAAAAAAAHmU/V9_EOp9-HZUWhiqm-y8gfjgczwHl1rDAQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xgp3r4yZSU/WRR4iWtBjHI/AAAAAAAAHmU/V9_EOp9-HZUWhiqm-y8gfjgczwHl1rDAQCLcB/s400/IMG_2030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Over on my <a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">Instagram page</a> you will also be able to see a short video I made at this exhibit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you all for your visits and comments. Now, I will turn my attention back to watching Senate hearings and working on my current Intrelac knitting project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-48825179900900283732017-04-30T16:07:00.001-07:002017-04-30T16:07:15.184-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good evening from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8OV-a2KLYQ/WQZjp1xk4TI/AAAAAAAAHk0/u-Q5jxSR5yE1Er98Ygx7IPFuWhf7uNrbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8OV-a2KLYQ/WQZjp1xk4TI/AAAAAAAAHk0/u-Q5jxSR5yE1Er98Ygx7IPFuWhf7uNrbwCLcB/s400/IMG_1972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HxtUH0BTL0/WQZj6_hhzqI/AAAAAAAAHk4/1nwrA1gi4yUMvHKtXVk36Gnjrws2pxaqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HxtUH0BTL0/WQZj6_hhzqI/AAAAAAAAHk4/1nwrA1gi4yUMvHKtXVk36Gnjrws2pxaqQCLcB/s400/IMG_1973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Over in Central Park, flowering trees have been flowering.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StA7cdEHpUc/WQZkRPT4pDI/AAAAAAAAHk8/u2AwVtfXq5EVCXr0IwafygAzi5HHkEy0wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StA7cdEHpUc/WQZkRPT4pDI/AAAAAAAAHk8/u2AwVtfXq5EVCXr0IwafygAzi5HHkEy0wCLcB/s400/IMG_1974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Daffodils have surpassed their peak blooming season. Tulips are on display.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CB1xlyEzsYk/WQZkfRks47I/AAAAAAAAHlA/xcn1C77cstUFWPZBhq2Eu0Pj6KM9rYFlQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CB1xlyEzsYk/WQZkfRks47I/AAAAAAAAHlA/xcn1C77cstUFWPZBhq2Eu0Pj6KM9rYFlQCLcB/s400/IMG_1977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The blue sky days are blissful. Even when clouds roll into town, we now know that snow won't be part of the package.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9keXkR6SanQ/WQZk2GCAUeI/AAAAAAAAHlE/bKe2KKhiQKkUE7gfnn2-cHXmDHLQ0O2fACLcB/s1600/IMG_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9keXkR6SanQ/WQZk2GCAUeI/AAAAAAAAHlE/bKe2KKhiQKkUE7gfnn2-cHXmDHLQ0O2fACLcB/s400/IMG_1980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Romantic couples (memories...) and friends rent rowboats to travel the Lake in Central Park.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQL6mY_wYJA/WQZlGcFrl3I/AAAAAAAAHlI/UBwwN2UJV84E5g64eASTYXqrD6yLs1VuwCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8c1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQL6mY_wYJA/WQZlGcFrl3I/AAAAAAAAHlI/UBwwN2UJV84E5g64eASTYXqrD6yLs1VuwCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_8c1.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5GEWAh-DwU/WQZlUqKhqHI/AAAAAAAAHlM/TSvEXXceV2oaSiBUb5AI1I_nR8Iq30bsQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5GEWAh-DwU/WQZlUqKhqHI/AAAAAAAAHlM/TSvEXXceV2oaSiBUb5AI1I_nR8Iq30bsQCLcB/s400/IMG_1988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Entrelac-Essential-Guide-Interlace-Knitting/dp/1936096005">Entralac</a>. Once you get the gist of the basic maneuvers, there are countless variations possible. Give it a go...not that complicated.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye9k1JRL64I/WQZloTgDoQI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/ATV_vX5jUfIditwSO0bLl3Zu1xiY7KTQQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye9k1JRL64I/WQZloTgDoQI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/ATV_vX5jUfIditwSO0bLl3Zu1xiY7KTQQCLcB/s400/IMG_1990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The NYC taxpayers continue to fund this, as the First Lady and her son still dwell in TT.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZBeBS9tAh0/WQZl5tGBBBI/AAAAAAAAHlU/ZLC3V2LQ9OkMhNHavHsu_booNmwijH7iACLcB/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZBeBS9tAh0/WQZl5tGBBBI/AAAAAAAAHlU/ZLC3V2LQ9OkMhNHavHsu_booNmwijH7iACLcB/s400/IMG_1991.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Moving along, here is a view of the current garden space that is planted just above the subway station at 72nd Street and Broadway.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btmELlU-n54/WQZmH6CZB-I/AAAAAAAAHlY/xtfgjzRcFAgAFm6ySmnbwhrNVPBCxtexgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btmELlU-n54/WQZmH6CZB-I/AAAAAAAAHlY/xtfgjzRcFAgAFm6ySmnbwhrNVPBCxtexgCLcB/s400/IMG_1995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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 <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">my page there</a></span>. I also promise to continue visiting you blogging pals.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-52815183052832974742017-04-16T14:00:00.001-07:002017-04-16T14:00:56.431-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Happy Easter from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bD-f7SCDR6o/WPPSSKCjljI/AAAAAAAAHjE/vCgBYd204MoEYeM6_q5FAKY35BXvBIMbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bD-f7SCDR6o/WPPSSKCjljI/AAAAAAAAHjE/vCgBYd204MoEYeM6_q5FAKY35BXvBIMbwCLcB/s400/IMG_1912.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lots of folks were taking photos of themselves.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCpG5QPeYHA/WPPScVXCHDI/AAAAAAAAHjI/PXZyFlzxKQk8D8qc2dyBhCjbRdmGUoPKACLcB/s1600/IMG_1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCpG5QPeYHA/WPPScVXCHDI/AAAAAAAAHjI/PXZyFlzxKQk8D8qc2dyBhCjbRdmGUoPKACLcB/s400/IMG_1913.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The man in the red hat was ready to let you join his frame.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DW9srQZz5mk/WPPSkgNnypI/AAAAAAAAHjM/ZLpZBbqVs3IWk4QO-o48yXoUsUBcXo7FwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DW9srQZz5mk/WPPSkgNnypI/AAAAAAAAHjM/ZLpZBbqVs3IWk4QO-o48yXoUsUBcXo7FwCLcB/s400/IMG_1914.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Extravagant hat added a festive touch to the little black dress.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryjdScUuhuc/WPPSts536gI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/3H7GP0mA_kIc_X7O0Sy5pr5vVPbkGwSAACLcB/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryjdScUuhuc/WPPSts536gI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/3H7GP0mA_kIc_X7O0Sy5pr5vVPbkGwSAACLcB/s400/IMG_1915.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another opportunity waits....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h2wN7Y_KK5o/WPPS2QlT10I/AAAAAAAAHjU/f6UCQT2cWOEW584zRkFSDgoDC1IgaKTbACLcB/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h2wN7Y_KK5o/WPPS2QlT10I/AAAAAAAAHjU/f6UCQT2cWOEW584zRkFSDgoDC1IgaKTbACLcB/s400/IMG_1916.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It almost looks as it the vendor's umbrella is part of this gentleman's hat.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe8HU67zqSs/WPPTDa0nqyI/AAAAAAAAHjY/Hs2T1f-bxDQMJCfuVkyiGmQvTwho66YMACLcB/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe8HU67zqSs/WPPTDa0nqyI/AAAAAAAAHjY/Hs2T1f-bxDQMJCfuVkyiGmQvTwho66YMACLcB/s400/IMG_1919.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Quite a stylish couple.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8Qzb7j9uso/WPPTNyCpypI/AAAAAAAAHjc/XKreu925mkYBcjij4h-fRJJE8cIR91kHwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8Qzb7j9uso/WPPTNyCpypI/AAAAAAAAHjc/XKreu925mkYBcjij4h-fRJJE8cIR91kHwCLcB/s400/IMG_1921.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Balloon hats were available.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hukuP9aCLo/WPPTYaNyFPI/AAAAAAAAHjg/CSi5RfE_gWo8J18ZTIQrq42CvB8C2vwqACLcB/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hukuP9aCLo/WPPTYaNyFPI/AAAAAAAAHjg/CSi5RfE_gWo8J18ZTIQrq42CvB8C2vwqACLcB/s400/IMG_1922.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That is quite a hat to have resting on one's noggin.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmevi_FQn1I/WPPTe6YqbkI/AAAAAAAAHjk/q3MMMWWj4UoXuk-mea7n9g-7Dm2tG4SOgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmevi_FQn1I/WPPTe6YqbkI/AAAAAAAAHjk/q3MMMWWj4UoXuk-mea7n9g-7Dm2tG4SOgCLcB/s400/IMG_1924.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Eager to pose and please many photographers.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvJge8F_g4A/WPPTobOoUrI/AAAAAAAAHjo/Mefqx-6suA4kQ2u-tSMYCTVDl8GFbrjPwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvJge8F_g4A/WPPTobOoUrI/AAAAAAAAHjo/Mefqx-6suA4kQ2u-tSMYCTVDl8GFbrjPwCLcB/s400/IMG_1925.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Momma is encouraging her child to pose with this willing couple.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Enfo0IFd4zE/WPPTxDo0MBI/AAAAAAAAHjs/b9B6kFt6zr4JUXUrwFzkOcm4BzrqCwQugCLcB/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Enfo0IFd4zE/WPPTxDo0MBI/AAAAAAAAHjs/b9B6kFt6zr4JUXUrwFzkOcm4BzrqCwQugCLcB/s400/IMG_1926.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This father and daughter were having a grand afternoon.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONzM92mHLMo/WPPT343V3UI/AAAAAAAAHjw/uG1KqpPizecEVwuNX9kPSuFLItRUC6xiACLcB/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONzM92mHLMo/WPPT343V3UI/AAAAAAAAHjw/uG1KqpPizecEVwuNX9kPSuFLItRUC6xiACLcB/s400/IMG_1927.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This gentleman will probably leave the hat at home when he returns to his office tomorrow.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5gZFfhTDzU/WPPT-HG9z2I/AAAAAAAAHj0/2x-EKtqZNw0aX0sfXJjPRWqB8H6JcBDawCLcB/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5gZFfhTDzU/WPPT-HG9z2I/AAAAAAAAHj0/2x-EKtqZNw0aX0sfXJjPRWqB8H6JcBDawCLcB/s400/IMG_1929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ice cream became a popular choice as the sun warmed up the crowd.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQpKBKHLMig/WPPUE2q-XAI/AAAAAAAAHj4/6bqFnD0UU7ANVoy3eWZUuS8T1QWx3rV-wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQpKBKHLMig/WPPUE2q-XAI/AAAAAAAAHj4/6bqFnD0UU7ANVoy3eWZUuS8T1QWx3rV-wCLcB/s400/IMG_1930.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you click on the above photo to enlarge it, you might be able to see that this lady made it from folded paper.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-re03e8tLeGA/WPPUL923w4I/AAAAAAAAHj8/uX5S2M6aAewEO__ALcZZfU5EebcmyDe9ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-re03e8tLeGA/WPPUL923w4I/AAAAAAAAHj8/uX5S2M6aAewEO__ALcZZfU5EebcmyDe9ACLcB/s400/IMG_1932.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Several dressing styles sharing the Avenue.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9_P1lVCTRA/WPPURy2KvaI/AAAAAAAAHkA/PWRXAt43kgw7RgZNWlsRflY6BwAoPYRIACLcB/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9_P1lVCTRA/WPPURy2KvaI/AAAAAAAAHkA/PWRXAt43kgw7RgZNWlsRflY6BwAoPYRIACLcB/s400/IMG_1933.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Global awareness.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piQzpV2F3yg/WPPUYWOcQkI/AAAAAAAAHkE/nROecRmQpcc6Di7hyaQNY6u9na28kH4qgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piQzpV2F3yg/WPPUYWOcQkI/AAAAAAAAHkE/nROecRmQpcc6Di7hyaQNY6u9na28kH4qgCLcB/s400/IMG_1935.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcorA5ryOMY/WPPUgsR3otI/AAAAAAAAHkI/oHCOZuJThRs4ZX7we_YFNjo6D1wEvWCSACLcB/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcorA5ryOMY/WPPUgsR3otI/AAAAAAAAHkI/oHCOZuJThRs4ZX7we_YFNjo6D1wEvWCSACLcB/s400/IMG_1937.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lots of bunny tails on this group.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ozb7fHTK3KE/WPPUnPlIG3I/AAAAAAAAHkM/7qdoqiRcHPk8COxcTZW2s7-8QVhOzjynwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ozb7fHTK3KE/WPPUnPlIG3I/AAAAAAAAHkM/7qdoqiRcHPk8COxcTZW2s7-8QVhOzjynwCLcB/s400/IMG_1938.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Some bonnets were very chic.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVs6BjNx4cA/WPPUuu7kwcI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/r3k5MZ3gbk09tN9kU3OAtqj9E4rVL1gpgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVs6BjNx4cA/WPPUuu7kwcI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/r3k5MZ3gbk09tN9kU3OAtqj9E4rVL1gpgCLcB/s400/IMG_1940.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Some bonnets adhered to the more is more concept.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-RyjxiORwc/WPPU0oDa7tI/AAAAAAAAHkU/jZQVY-NQ5CsrWg5gJ8-04TwR9BZCxsGwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-RyjxiORwc/WPPU0oDa7tI/AAAAAAAAHkU/jZQVY-NQ5CsrWg5gJ8-04TwR9BZCxsGwwCLcB/s400/IMG_1941.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The above chap branched out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am also going to post some more Easter Parade pictures over on <a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">my Instagram Page</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Meanwhile, I will close this post with a photograph of a little painting I made and sent as an Easter Card.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GV1WK0v2KY/WPPaPXpyjfI/AAAAAAAAHkk/ok7cuqtrHOk9ISzraM9dxOifLrfTYFcnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GV1WK0v2KY/WPPaPXpyjfI/AAAAAAAAHkk/ok7cuqtrHOk9ISzraM9dxOifLrfTYFcnwCLcB/s400/IMG_1890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-50078591177494048092017-03-29T17:49:00.002-07:002017-03-30T06:20:02.281-07:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Good evening from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The calendar tells us that Spring has officially arrived. We have reset our clocks to Daylight Saving Time. March is just about to yield to April. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In some ways, time has seemed to move quickly. In other ways, as I have continued the healing process after my fall in late February, time has been measured not in days or weeks, but rather in intervals between applications to my forehead of my makeshift ice packs. I have seen my facial bruising patterns change colors, perhaps mimicking the aurora borealis. My lacerated finger has had its stitches removed, and I have heard the hand specialist doctor tell me I could stop using Neosporin and no longer need to use non-stick gauze pad bandaging. He advised me to keep moving the injured finger.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Even as these gradual improvements were taking place, I admit to retaining a certain sense of fragility. When I ventured out for neighborhood errands, I was extra careful to watch where I was headed and to check the streets and sidewalk surfaces for dangerous uneven areas. I never before was so wary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It's been cold and I have spent lots of time indoors, reading </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1MY41lln80/WNxMdErFBxI/AAAAAAAAHhk/G_cJ4hHy7F8Bp1NqUuaDvQy9UgoIFyMMgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1MY41lln80/WNxMdErFBxI/AAAAAAAAHhk/G_cJ4hHy7F8Bp1NqUuaDvQy9UgoIFyMMgCLcB/s400/IMG_1831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">several good books and lots of articles from The New Yorker,</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MD9dkfEaqs4/WNxMmTEDoLI/AAAAAAAAHho/UXeoF9SjnM8yNUu1UeP5bB682ZV02TjEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MD9dkfEaqs4/WNxMmTEDoLI/AAAAAAAAHho/UXeoF9SjnM8yNUu1UeP5bB682ZV02TjEgCLcB/s400/IMG_1844.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">or knitting, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18vKwGSZM6M/WNxOJGyP4zI/AAAAAAAAHh0/BQXEuB6u_YIWyZkNJmm2-VGpttOdXNBrACLcB/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18vKwGSZM6M/WNxOJGyP4zI/AAAAAAAAHh0/BQXEuB6u_YIWyZkNJmm2-VGpttOdXNBrACLcB/s400/IMG_1861.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">or watching Congressional hearings regarding either the Russian investigations or the questioning of various Presidential appointments to his Cabinet. I haven't been to any more marches or rallies, but have been keeping up regular email correspondence with my elected governmental representative.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I've had the pleasure of getting together with old friends for lunches and phone calls. On days with temperatures above freezing it has been a pleasure to take some walks in Central Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWuUBSmvgGM/WNxWFp1bF6I/AAAAAAAAHiw/TCdOSs6fawAiqMEqks_Tra4ibPeb4FgagCLcB/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWuUBSmvgGM/WNxWFp1bF6I/AAAAAAAAHiw/TCdOSs6fawAiqMEqks_Tra4ibPeb4FgagCLcB/s400/IMG_1843.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some time has also been devoted to doing a draft of my Federal and also my New York State and Local taxes. Naps have been part of the healing regimen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Finally, today's bright sunshine broke into a recent pattern of damp, grey, cold days. It was time to take the subway downtown to Union Square to replenish my apple supplies and to see if any flowers might be on offer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60gXuL-70dQ/WNxPDjBqjdI/AAAAAAAAHh8/vce7Na6vbTEKt-GhNjk_6nSoFZL4sJG1gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60gXuL-70dQ/WNxPDjBqjdI/AAAAAAAAHh8/vce7Na6vbTEKt-GhNjk_6nSoFZL4sJG1gCLcB/s400/IMG_1857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">How grand to discover quite a colorful selection was available at several of my favorite stands.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UW8JsTjWTq8/WNxP9yXKOYI/AAAAAAAAHiE/XpEKkeg2fLcdLCyoG4vtjFtDi21uu5oGACLcB/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UW8JsTjWTq8/WNxP9yXKOYI/AAAAAAAAHiE/XpEKkeg2fLcdLCyoG4vtjFtDi21uu5oGACLcB/s400/IMG_1845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I'm showing you all just a small sampling of the flowers I saw.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rT6_bOBHQTg/WNxQEhrfJOI/AAAAAAAAHiI/OfBbJ7REhR05LaZq4ldrWdigjrav1rfdACLcB/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rT6_bOBHQTg/WNxQEhrfJOI/AAAAAAAAHiI/OfBbJ7REhR05LaZq4ldrWdigjrav1rfdACLcB/s400/IMG_1847.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">If I had some sort of garden space, or terrace, or some such area to give plants a chance, I suspect that I would make many purchases at this time of year.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_0B9KDOBMg/WNxQMNhC2nI/AAAAAAAAHiM/U5h7Nrgd6Ko7wuGoeS0eaFAM9SGyeAt7ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_0B9KDOBMg/WNxQMNhC2nI/AAAAAAAAHiM/U5h7Nrgd6Ko7wuGoeS0eaFAM9SGyeAt7ACLcB/s400/IMG_1848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">However, my small apartment has no garden or terrace.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ7w-R99soU/WNxQSVW2s3I/AAAAAAAAHiQ/vCDKQZiNBBkjB7gVfHRYdx2WI60woxhkACLcB/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ7w-R99soU/WNxQSVW2s3I/AAAAAAAAHiQ/vCDKQZiNBBkjB7gVfHRYdx2WI60woxhkACLcB/s400/IMG_1850.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I do have several windows, but they provide what might be termed limited sunlight, definitely not full light. The larger windows also have at their bases steam radiators.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUVN8F9TkdY/WNxQfGI9iVI/AAAAAAAAHiU/fESz5sg6vZ8nKPCc1esR87BzzySt8qpqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUVN8F9TkdY/WNxQfGI9iVI/AAAAAAAAHiU/fESz5sg6vZ8nKPCc1esR87BzzySt8qpqgCLcB/s400/IMG_1854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And so, even when I admire displays such as those I saw today at Union Square, I limit myself to very minor purchases.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dq0oR5tx5bo/WNxQog1MI3I/AAAAAAAAHiY/dWNuLW8Jth0v-GePkqTyuFbxJHTI2HL3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dq0oR5tx5bo/WNxQog1MI3I/AAAAAAAAHiY/dWNuLW8Jth0v-GePkqTyuFbxJHTI2HL3QCLcB/s400/IMG_1856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Part of the fun of visiting the green market at this time of the year, is seeing what other folks are selecting and vicariously sharing their enthusiasm for the season's potential.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZCcXCjaR1A/WNxQzH8fXaI/AAAAAAAAHic/BHeeUtZkU_Iu2VpQnFA4nJNbvvlGiwaLACLcB/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZCcXCjaR1A/WNxQzH8fXaI/AAAAAAAAHic/BHeeUtZkU_Iu2VpQnFA4nJNbvvlGiwaLACLcB/s400/IMG_1858.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Today, I bought this pretty potted primrose and also a small rosy red ranunculus plant. It is my hope to keep the duo alive and in bloom until late April We shall see.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAxxNhNdSQ4/WNxQ5QsWFxI/AAAAAAAAHig/YBuFzFoNFSEUoUjVFsLC6n_17YTcL2cxACLcB/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAxxNhNdSQ4/WNxQ5QsWFxI/AAAAAAAAHig/YBuFzFoNFSEUoUjVFsLC6n_17YTcL2cxACLcB/s400/IMG_1859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It has now been a year since I retired. I have thoroughly enjoyed having made this change in my life and am now looking forward to adding even more interests to my already full days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Blogging may remain intermittent, but I don't want to give it up altogether. I so appreciate our community, and as always, thank you all for your visits and comments. See you soon!</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-29200369584029550432017-03-10T10:28:00.000-08:002017-03-10T10:28:26.203-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good afternoon from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I look out my window, I notice that the morning's big floppy snow flakes have now yielded to very fine snow. The sky is brightening, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you all for your kind response to my previous post. I am pleased to report that I am steadily recovering from my fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yesterday was sunny and unseasonal in its warmth. A friend and I had plans to visit the <a href="http://morganlibrary.org/">Morgan Library</a>. It was to be my first such day out for pleasure, not merely accomplishing a required errand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As I was having my oatmeal and tea breakfast, I followed my routine of listening to BBC Radio London via the laptop. It's fun to have this vicarious London visit at the beginning of my day. However, yesterday's news of the death of a favorite artist, Howard Hodgkin, at age 84, definitely saddened me. As a small remembrance, I took this photo of a postcard I bought at London's National Portrait Gallery many years ago. The postcard is placed on top of the cover of the current issue of The New Yorker magazine that features a scene from an art gallery opening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JwBE0NdVMM/WMLlHEs8BYI/AAAAAAAAHgw/KziEAUx6tf40L6OolMxhsKAIifQ8AbJ2gCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_871.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JwBE0NdVMM/WMLlHEs8BYI/AAAAAAAAHgw/KziEAUx6tf40L6OolMxhsKAIifQ8AbJ2gCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_871.jpeg" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I now understand that the NPG will be exhibiting a Howard Hodgkin retrospective this spring. I would like to see that show, as well as quite a few others that are on a late winter/early spring schedule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">However, yesterday I went to see the marvelous Emily Dickinson exhibit at the Morgan. I admit to not being as familiar with ED's work as I would now with to be. My introduction to her genius has arrived via the beautifully poetic blog post <a href="http://www.viennaforbeginners.com/">Merisi's Vienna for Beginners</a>. I definitely recommend this site to you all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The current exhibit is in a medium-sized gallery space on the second floor. reached by a glass-walled elevator. Entering the door to the gallery takes one into Dickinson's 1800s era in New England.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjyYBhSMIEw/WMLlM6qEkII/AAAAAAAAHg0/nRBi3kkiUt8L2bH7EOACdOMrVp2C6Mv1QCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_86d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjyYBhSMIEw/WMLlM6qEkII/AAAAAAAAHg0/nRBi3kkiUt8L2bH7EOACdOMrVp2C6Mv1QCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_86d.jpeg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I took a few photographs to give you an idea of the quiet, yet thrilling atmosphere of the exhibit. The above photo is in Dickinson's mature handwriting, and the following photo of the adjacent label tells of her interest in another poet. Please forgive my not quite centering the photo of the label...I'll blame my bandaged finger.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKrJ32hWn1s/WMLlSQoqtFI/AAAAAAAAHg4/_Nfxptrr5ocJJ71jQ_dZJsPEboGVuZWoQCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_86e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKrJ32hWn1s/WMLlSQoqtFI/AAAAAAAAHg4/_Nfxptrr5ocJJ71jQ_dZJsPEboGVuZWoQCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_86e.jpeg" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another section of the exhibit features a digital slide show of the poet's herbarium, which clearly indicates her close observation and desired connection to nature.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjLsQ7zknts/WMLlad_gKyI/AAAAAAAAHg8/QN2CzQVPLuMJKToYe_RuK9WIFKHmZwGQQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjLsQ7zknts/WMLlad_gKyI/AAAAAAAAHg8/QN2CzQVPLuMJKToYe_RuK9WIFKHmZwGQQCLcB/s400/IMG_1816.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here is a photo of just one page from the slide show. In a protective glass case next to the slide show device is the precious herbarium itself, open to one page. I decided to rely on the digital pictures for my own photographs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I would recommend this exhibit to any of you all who love poetry.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0h4KfQfhwQc/WMLli7RRQoI/AAAAAAAAHhA/0_dphmXTMekajwirKkS0R2Kw_-zmyGM-wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0h4KfQfhwQc/WMLli7RRQoI/AAAAAAAAHhA/0_dphmXTMekajwirKkS0R2Kw_-zmyGM-wCLcB/s400/IMG_1818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I would also recommend settling into the sunlit atrium cafe on the Morgan Library's main floor. My friend Elizabeth and I decided to each order the extravagance of the Morgan Tea. It was delicious!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9gI7OVwzKg/WMLlqHlNbgI/AAAAAAAAHhE/eumu9-FtAd47VRRTpTZRO9YpxPGFcM1RwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9gI7OVwzKg/WMLlqHlNbgI/AAAAAAAAHhE/eumu9-FtAd47VRRTpTZRO9YpxPGFcM1RwCLcB/s400/IMG_1819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The "new" extension to the Morgan is a well-designed three-story space. Through a doorway, one may also enter the original Library building which is also a must see. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6m5V6U0g-lM/WMLlxmW0ffI/AAAAAAAAHhI/aAV9o2SLv6spHb8fdvtlc-AIAOAu18UPwCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_86f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6m5V6U0g-lM/WMLlxmW0ffI/AAAAAAAAHhI/aAV9o2SLv6spHb8fdvtlc-AIAOAu18UPwCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_86f.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Mr Morgan's actual library is quite luxurious. Even the huge carpet is beautiful. In this current age of billionaires who do not always practice philanthropy, it's interesting to contemplate how it is that we mere ticket holders can visit what was once one man's library.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccv6XaBjreU/WMLl4s4RhmI/AAAAAAAAHhM/G1VEw31_4EoAyN7RALCznLxmzI3XML5FACLcB/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccv6XaBjreU/WMLl4s4RhmI/AAAAAAAAHhM/G1VEw31_4EoAyN7RALCznLxmzI3XML5FACLcB/s400/IMG_1822.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Quite a hearth and quite a tapestry. Morgan's office also contains some precious paintings. The link to the Library's site that I have provided above will give those interested much more information.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oS1OA22mEyc/WMLmA9G2RXI/AAAAAAAAHhQ/X_RNfqRIeYsfjAk6UZ50gMowmf0BsmjYwCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_870.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oS1OA22mEyc/WMLmA9G2RXI/AAAAAAAAHhQ/X_RNfqRIeYsfjAk6UZ50gMowmf0BsmjYwCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_870.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was a great pleasure to join a good friend for such a day of cultural treats. It was easy for me to reach the Morgan via the subway...just two stops away, plus a very short walk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm looking forward to being able to share more city views with you all very soon. There is so much to see!</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-25493076999214836392017-03-03T18:21:00.001-08:002017-03-03T18:21:45.966-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good evening from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As February has given the stage over to March, I would like to thank all of you who have left comments on my prior post, and to present a bit of a catch up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After the February snow was cleared away, our weather warmed up, and it was a pleasure to take some walks in Central Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnX3p9omGYI/WLoVgXgzgHI/AAAAAAAAHgA/oGJ8nmPUnBkpGlrrnkSAPb0z9ZAz8oLRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnX3p9omGYI/WLoVgXgzgHI/AAAAAAAAHgA/oGJ8nmPUnBkpGlrrnkSAPb0z9ZAz8oLRgCLcB/s400/IMG_1772.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Not many flowers besides snowdrops and aconites were blooming.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWOFwF-fXUQ/WLoWFhsR-9I/AAAAAAAAHgE/NLeAjTHdGvAKnX5Ly5FNQoQdKSsFBv8SACLcB/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWOFwF-fXUQ/WLoWFhsR-9I/AAAAAAAAHgE/NLeAjTHdGvAKnX5Ly5FNQoQdKSsFBv8SACLcB/s400/IMG_1783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On Sunday afternoons it was fun to observe international fashions while strolling along a pathway by the lake. Ducks swam in the lake. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx6jeGpp7hc/WLoZTu0kqJI/AAAAAAAAHgg/A485qdRI-yo8Yk0Ox8puIEv9DLKApWfkACLcB/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx6jeGpp7hc/WLoZTu0kqJI/AAAAAAAAHgg/A485qdRI-yo8Yk0Ox8puIEv9DLKApWfkACLcB/s400/IMG_1774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Meanwhile, I'd also been knitting, keeping up with current news developments, conferring with friends, calling and writing to my elected governmental officials, and participating in rallies and marches. Those of you all who visit my <a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">instagram page</a> will be able to see a video I filmed at a rally a few weeks ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Last Sunday, I participated in a rally and march to honor Freedom of the Press. The rally began at the HQ of the New York Times, and then the group continued over to the Fox Network's News Corporation building and then walked over to NBC's Rockefeller Center HQ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Each of the rallies in which I have participated have been friendly gatherings. When I left last Sunday's demonstration, I decided to walk home. It was a sunshiny day and I enjoy walking.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmS1eeIHx50/WLoWaeaUqQI/AAAAAAAAHgI/96AL0mHQAewytKsXE7tqF4K2bNgfO3VSgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmS1eeIHx50/WLoWaeaUqQI/AAAAAAAAHgI/96AL0mHQAewytKsXE7tqF4K2bNgfO3VSgCLcB/s400/IMG_1794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Fate intervened. I stumbled on an uneven patch of sidewalk and had a hard fall. My forehead struck the sidewalk with a sound I will always remember. My right hand struck metal grating that delivered a two inch laceration to my right hand. I am thankful to be left-handed and to be able to type this post. Gentlemen working at a nearby Halal food cart immediately came to my assistance. They helped me up, poured bottled water over my bleeding finger, wrapped that finger in a mass of paper napkins, and flagged down a taxi that took me to the emergency room of Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsJT546bwa0/WLoWmdQQ45I/AAAAAAAAHgM/vbJYLjHWB-gmnflA84S7QT1GoGy0jN_dQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsJT546bwa0/WLoWmdQQ45I/AAAAAAAAHgM/vbJYLjHWB-gmnflA84S7QT1GoGy0jN_dQCLcB/s400/IMG_1799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My hand was x-rayed, treated and sewn together with eight neat stitches. My poor noggin received a CAT scan. It was determined that it was safe for me to go home. And so I did, via another cab.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5mT-9oVgFA/WLoWuMXBKFI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/zFCAW-pmFS08SCvlXVUsxd8wMS7-jRW8wCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_86b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5mT-9oVgFA/WLoWuMXBKFI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/zFCAW-pmFS08SCvlXVUsxd8wMS7-jRW8wCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_86b.jpeg" width="363" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Since then, I have been quite a homebody, taking required antibiotics, regularly applying my friendly ice pack, and changing the bandage on my finger every morning. I visited my primary care doctor on Tuesday, and will see a "hand specialist" doctor on Monday. It has been so weird to watch the migration of colors across my face. Sort of Francis Bacon meets Lucian Freud.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The actual pain has been minimal, and I took only one of the prescribed pain relief tablets. My friends have rallied to my assistance, yet so far I have found I'm able to handle my reduced daily requirements. On Wednesday, March 1, I began this year's Lenten chocolate fast.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I found an old, long unused, pair of large black sunglasses that I've been wearing whenever I leave my apartment...even to check my mailbox in the building's lobby. Would not want to frighten my fellow tenants. The building staff have been very helpful to me</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jB1YrWkkhds/WLoW2mT4Z5I/AAAAAAAAHgU/K18ZydiQUdElU4ZzqECurY4WjiiQVCpFQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jB1YrWkkhds/WLoW2mT4Z5I/AAAAAAAAHgU/K18ZydiQUdElU4ZzqECurY4WjiiQVCpFQCLcB/s400/IMG_1809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A few weeks ago, I bought a large pot of hyacinth bulbs, and it has been a comforting pleasure to watch the flowers come into full bloom, bringing their delicate scent. Today I snipped off the final two stems, and placed them in this pretty little cup, given to me some years ago by two artist friends. I think this picture is a happy image with which to end this post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm greatly looking forward to regaining full use of my right hand, and to setting aside my ice pack. I miss reading, drawing, knitting, but am still able to keep track of developing news.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Again, many thanks to you all for your visits and comments. I hope to be catching up on your recent posts very soon.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-22657060734392135302017-02-16T17:27:00.000-08:002017-02-16T17:27:09.472-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good evening from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It has been a while since my last post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Over nine inches of snow fell upon New York City.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa-tKUm8uV0/WKZLe37TWpI/AAAAAAAAHfA/p6EEWQinMpIo1BRAx9jzwGrrgHcyA7ADACLcB/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa-tKUm8uV0/WKZLe37TWpI/AAAAAAAAHfA/p6EEWQinMpIo1BRAx9jzwGrrgHcyA7ADACLcB/s400/IMG_1730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was very glad to have retired last March and to no longer be responsible for any snow shoveling.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEtAJ3ZWxGs/WKZLsWc75gI/AAAAAAAAHfE/6n0YmIX-nEgTdB2WXH5pQib0Rqo_ULjBgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEtAJ3ZWxGs/WKZLsWc75gI/AAAAAAAAHfE/6n0YmIX-nEgTdB2WXH5pQib0Rqo_ULjBgCLcB/s400/IMG_1737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">City Sanitation Department trucks with snow plow attachments made a quick job of clearing the streets, as apartment building employees cleared the sidewalks.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXXuxBh3wxk/WKZL13hyhlI/AAAAAAAAHfI/vltd15uxT_MGlX6Sn6KW1brqEtoFhDymwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXXuxBh3wxk/WKZL13hyhlI/AAAAAAAAHfI/vltd15uxT_MGlX6Sn6KW1brqEtoFhDymwCLcB/s400/IMG_1739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Meanwhile, while keeping warm indoors, I began a new knitting project.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GK48B_JEMy4/WKZMEchwrDI/AAAAAAAAHfM/MsfextnLJHcMl9hSvlVlwTRVjR242YCvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GK48B_JEMy4/WKZMEchwrDI/AAAAAAAAHfM/MsfextnLJHcMl9hSvlVlwTRVjR242YCvgCLcB/s400/IMG_1758.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Knitting continues to be a relaxing, even calming, activity as I continue to follow the actions taken by the new President and his staff.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8TD5LDEjj4/WKZMNu5avII/AAAAAAAAHfQ/O0bfvg320fIZ8l23soznbx9CZEvVNAcHgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8TD5LDEjj4/WKZMNu5avII/AAAAAAAAHfQ/O0bfvg320fIZ8l23soznbx9CZEvVNAcHgCLcB/s400/IMG_1766.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This afternoon, I watched a 75 minute long press conference held by the President. It was very alarming to watch the President's behavior.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4G3yYBNI8q0/WKZMTECD6OI/AAAAAAAAHfU/JttRm4CPaiMBABckPz2_4K6HkutjtP61wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4G3yYBNI8q0/WKZMTECD6OI/AAAAAAAAHfU/JttRm4CPaiMBABckPz2_4K6HkutjtP61wCLcB/s320/IMG_1767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Back in the 1970s, during the evenings when I watched televised coverage of the Watergate Hearings that occurred prior to the impeachment of Richard Nixon, I began crocheting a complexly patterned bedspread. I almost finished that bedspread, and eventually donated it to a charity thrift shop.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRa-_LiL7tk/WKZMa-qqw7I/AAAAAAAAHfY/m2dALzUfn0AjCF-h3E3Orx6X-dHFoiSWACLcB/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRa-_LiL7tk/WKZMa-qqw7I/AAAAAAAAHfY/m2dALzUfn0AjCF-h3E3Orx6X-dHFoiSWACLcB/s400/IMG_1768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These last two photographs are of parts of a knitted patchwork blanket I made for fun, not as a distraction from worrisome governmental developments in our country.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0J5-TQbx0ks/WKZMjEhSDPI/AAAAAAAAHfc/3qTQt956p9w_zbJkyYloBhA293xVrgPZACLcB/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0J5-TQbx0ks/WKZMjEhSDPI/AAAAAAAAHfc/3qTQt956p9w_zbJkyYloBhA293xVrgPZACLcB/s400/IMG_1769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's possible that I might now be taking a pause from blog land, because my concentration is now on other matters. I am still posting over at my <a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">Instagram page</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I imagine that before long I will be back here with some more city views. Thank you all for your visits and comments.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-48921021294266884432017-02-04T12:07:00.000-08:002017-02-04T12:07:58.144-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good afternoon from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The sky is a brilliant blue today and the sun is shining. Alas, that sunshine has some fierce competition from strong breezes, and the temperature is definitely below freezing. It's a good day to spend some hours indoors in blog land.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Current events here and around the world have continued with twists and turns since my last post. Thank you all for your visits and comments. Although I have not been to any additional marches, I have been keeping close attention on the news, and have watched many Senate confirmation hearings regarding Presidential Cabinet appointees. I have been calling and writing to my Senators and Congressional Representative. Many of my friends have been doing likewise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Perhaps it is not too late to wish you all a Happy Lunar New Year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvO7p3TyoFQ/WJYrXTbpPnI/AAAAAAAAHeI/7PeyIZ5wcMI07C6PASPGT6uJLY-LyfZigCLcB/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvO7p3TyoFQ/WJYrXTbpPnI/AAAAAAAAHeI/7PeyIZ5wcMI07C6PASPGT6uJLY-LyfZigCLcB/s400/IMG_1696.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A friend sent me this tiny Almanac whose pages are filled with daily advice about what is Good and what is Bad. I am greatly enjoying turning to it for guidance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To thank my friend for the gift, I painted her a card with a Fire Rooster image for 2017. My birth year designates me an Earth Rooster.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHYihcgfvUg/WJYrd9cuHdI/AAAAAAAAHeM/klauSp1rKckPM3U3VudEwz7fYfM0AYlegCLcB/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHYihcgfvUg/WJYrd9cuHdI/AAAAAAAAHeM/klauSp1rKckPM3U3VudEwz7fYfM0AYlegCLcB/s400/IMG_1703.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">While indoors watching the Senate committee hearings, I have also been making progress on my striped socks. The sock on the right with the red, white and blue needles is all done except for the tricky Kitchener stitch bit that with close up the sock's toe. I need to concentrate a lot to manage that maneuver. It will require a quiet, well lit place.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raNU5ZWKIAU/WJYrsZO1NqI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/Z6_vQpJjg2cARHKuREp72vFIyiq3FmdtACLcB/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raNU5ZWKIAU/WJYrsZO1NqI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/Z6_vQpJjg2cARHKuREp72vFIyiq3FmdtACLcB/s400/IMG_1712.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm including the following photo of a pretty green doorway that I saw in the Chelsea neighborhood, so that all the pictures in the post won't have been taken indoors. The doorway qualifies as a city view.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mF9Kb9gP2cM/WJYr252HSeI/AAAAAAAAHeU/80wGxS8ENME1IabewKvA9RO7S2zSQBP0wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mF9Kb9gP2cM/WJYr252HSeI/AAAAAAAAHeU/80wGxS8ENME1IabewKvA9RO7S2zSQBP0wCLcB/s320/IMG_1704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My current tower of books borrowed from The New York Society Library are a rather eclectic bunch. The following book is a 50th anniversary edition of a beautiful nursery rhyme book. I had never known of this book during my childhood, and was introduced to it via the Instagram <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://instagram.com/debbiegeorgepainter">site</a></span></span> of a fine artist named Debbie George. I recommend both the book and Debbie's site to you all.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFZnrLDETso/WJYr_z52zUI/AAAAAAAAHeY/ai23hk797RAK8JsZqg_Jjy6akV5zcCRSQCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_85e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFZnrLDETso/WJYr_z52zUI/AAAAAAAAHeY/ai23hk797RAK8JsZqg_Jjy6akV5zcCRSQCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_85e.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've just finished reading the following detective novel. It's quite a long book, and the plot has many layers. Not all of the police are innocents.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnN-YwAUQYM/WJYsJDrhjdI/AAAAAAAAHec/zbu2ZHNo4o4Km3lARsIbFwjfHFkX-4svQCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_85c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnN-YwAUQYM/WJYsJDrhjdI/AAAAAAAAHec/zbu2ZHNo4o4Km3lARsIbFwjfHFkX-4svQCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_85c.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is the third time that I have borrowed the Springsteen autobiography. I don't want to read its pages too quickly. Bruce is just a bit younger than I am, but close enough in age that it is easy to identify with much of what he writes about.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDw_0n3Kawc/WJYsPf_wN-I/AAAAAAAAHeg/AuQra7X3BYQI6iYQ-lSp5UmBvfSeSZCYgCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_860.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDw_0n3Kawc/WJYsPf_wN-I/AAAAAAAAHeg/AuQra7X3BYQI6iYQ-lSp5UmBvfSeSZCYgCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_860.jpeg" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I will be starting to read this new Margaret Drabble novel later today, with hopes of finishing it by Monday, so as to be able to return it to the Library. Once again, the author and I are very close in age, and that has added to my appreciation of her previous books.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_jhZbpKqOo/WJYsV6Za69I/AAAAAAAAHeo/ckOAft_dgncuB3OzMEpKCFIrTSWdpIaoQCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_85d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_jhZbpKqOo/WJYsV6Za69I/AAAAAAAAHeo/ckOAft_dgncuB3OzMEpKCFIrTSWdpIaoQCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_85d.jpeg" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just for fun on a chilly February afternoon, I thought I would show you all this pool picture. I wish that I could see the upcoming Hockney show at the Tate. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFL_OEjYw1c/WJYscTVUO-I/AAAAAAAAHes/ejNcUinP9forzs9ZvzKftKZYeKxDE9TiwCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_862.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFL_OEjYw1c/WJYscTVUO-I/AAAAAAAAHes/ejNcUinP9forzs9ZvzKftKZYeKxDE9TiwCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_862.jpeg" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's about 3 p.m. now, and I think I might venture outdoors for a very short walk. I wish you all an excellent weekend. It's my hope to be posting here again soon.</span><br />
<br />Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-59885523388500942032017-01-22T07:55:00.000-08:002017-01-22T07:55:05.496-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good morning from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I woke up on this foggy Sunday with a few achy muscles, perhaps as a result of a long walk I took yesterday afternoon. I will share a few pictures showing some of the folks who were walking along with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You all may already have seen news regarding this walk, described as a women's march. My photographs are those of an amateur, but will give you an idea of what I experienced along the route that sprawled westward along East 42nd Street and then turned uptown on Fifth Avenue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QV8WKpHa0s/WITIVil_HcI/AAAAAAAAHc0/GaKZjtqXicYjm8eo-0XNUBgy90mwjCUXwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QV8WKpHa0s/WITIVil_HcI/AAAAAAAAHc0/GaKZjtqXicYjm8eo-0XNUBgy90mwjCUXwCLcB/s400/IMG_1646.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the above photograph, you may be able to see some children waving to us from the window of the Grand Hyatt Hotel. If you click on this <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Hyatt_New-York">link</a></span>, you'll be able to learn how that hotel intersected with the early career of our new President.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The following photo features a poster that amused many folks in the crowd.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0uMtUVVEs4/WITIcTvSSWI/AAAAAAAAHc4/UG5Sj2fERbA6mvwq0xRrJLfzquCuaiLYwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0uMtUVVEs4/WITIcTvSSWI/AAAAAAAAHc4/UG5Sj2fERbA6mvwq0xRrJLfzquCuaiLYwCLcB/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The crowd was much larger than expected, and has been estimated to have included 400,000 people. We really moved along at a very, very slow pace.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_nGlJGleIo/WITIuD0KHSI/AAAAAAAAHdA/wdBGbbO7T_c2KuPTN7lPxWpSacahs25SgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_nGlJGleIo/WITIuD0KHSI/AAAAAAAAHdA/wdBGbbO7T_c2KuPTN7lPxWpSacahs25SgCLcB/s400/IMG_1652.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It took hours to reach Fifth Avenue. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPog_87cDOc/WITI0aXdIJI/AAAAAAAAHdE/WAPEcLNMqpAMl6NAiUEtereXl5R9X9WwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPog_87cDOc/WITI0aXdIJI/AAAAAAAAHdE/WAPEcLNMqpAMl6NAiUEtereXl5R9X9WwwCLcB/s400/IMG_1658.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Police barricades had been set up along Fifth Avenue, to prevent the marchers from spreading onto the sidewalks, as had been possible on 42nd Street where there had been no barricades. The above photo is a view looking down Fifth Avenue. It was taken at about 43rd and Fifth.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1k8kskekEc/WITI8rKLDTI/AAAAAAAAHdM/a4gnRBk4ERUYFk8mCDhlZWNoyBSF2XgXwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1k8kskekEc/WITI8rKLDTI/AAAAAAAAHdM/a4gnRBk4ERUYFk8mCDhlZWNoyBSF2XgXwCLcB/s400/IMG_1660.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'd not seen any police presence along 42nd Street, and the slow-moving crowd had been very friendly and orderly. Along Fifth Avenue, there were police officers who were helping at intersections with crosstown streets to let pedestrians cross east or west. No crosstown vehicles were allowed. Not much Fifth Avenue shopping going on.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmDsqRz11zI/WITJGR7wb1I/AAAAAAAAHdQ/1xXI0q_D7PEDK_J0D4_K073NAkgpQAmCACLcB/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmDsqRz11zI/WITJGR7wb1I/AAAAAAAAHdQ/1xXI0q_D7PEDK_J0D4_K073NAkgpQAmCACLcB/s400/IMG_1661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As we drew closer to our destination, the pace of the march slowed. I elected to leave the group just after we passed by St. Patrick's Cathedral, and continued uptown behind the barricades on the westside sidewalk of Fifth Avenue. This allowed my tired legs hopes of being able to be able to walk all the way home. I imagined that the subway stations were going to be packed.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkoxIGWulQ8/WITJUFi2DeI/AAAAAAAAHdY/l0-FZ4AApGQ2xwPhfTwWn20H9Cv-vjTvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkoxIGWulQ8/WITJUFi2DeI/AAAAAAAAHdY/l0-FZ4AApGQ2xwPhfTwWn20H9Cv-vjTvgCLcB/s400/IMG_1664.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another amusing poster.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTFFrZyURCU/WITJaUlwWBI/AAAAAAAAHdc/70up4SrisbARfhZCPrILCaU3f76Ma9ezQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTFFrZyURCU/WITJaUlwWBI/AAAAAAAAHdc/70up4SrisbARfhZCPrILCaU3f76Ma9ezQCLcB/s400/IMG_1669.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The crowd was made up of family groups, school groups, friendly groups and individuals like myself. My decision to participate was formed after watching the new President's inaugural address.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89e1t6c9tHA/WITJgVoGuuI/AAAAAAAAHdg/X-NDjb9Nb8sRqyTkwxjN9v6OcLliex-UgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89e1t6c9tHA/WITJgVoGuuI/AAAAAAAAHdg/X-NDjb9Nb8sRqyTkwxjN9v6OcLliex-UgCLcB/s400/IMG_1670.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the above photo, the tall building with the zigzag rooftop and the golden glow is Trump Tower, the march's 56th Street destination. Security measures prevented most of us from reaching that location. That didn't matter.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDWbyveFFVo/WITJqJ8qvfI/AAAAAAAAHdk/KxByZ5EgXbQVRCXxwSELdNpfa3eD850FwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDWbyveFFVo/WITJqJ8qvfI/AAAAAAAAHdk/KxByZ5EgXbQVRCXxwSELdNpfa3eD850FwCLcB/s400/IMG_1674.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">By the time we reached 54th Street many folks, like myself, had decided it was time to go home. Folks were milling around, trying to locate friends, or rejoin the groups with whom they'd traveled together earlier in the day. The warmth of the sun that had been a welcome factor was rapidly chilling.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny96fTlP-8U/WITJxXo4bTI/AAAAAAAAHdo/JsSe0EDZjscekC6L-UKJja-VMjW8cDFbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny96fTlP-8U/WITJxXo4bTI/AAAAAAAAHdo/JsSe0EDZjscekC6L-UKJja-VMjW8cDFbwCLcB/s320/IMG_1679.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Time to walk home. I walked over to Sixth Avenue and continued uptown to Central Park South and westward to my apartment. Along the way I noted that the Trump Parc space that was available on Election Day is still available.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2qNbz6Oo3s/WITJ_mJQMgI/AAAAAAAAHdw/eMsTUE9EZhUmietHWLISGRBTilGSuTnGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2qNbz6Oo3s/WITJ_mJQMgI/AAAAAAAAHdw/eMsTUE9EZhUmietHWLISGRBTilGSuTnGQCLcB/s400/IMG_1683.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Opportunity knocks.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkRUi_YCfPQ/WITKFrsYlyI/AAAAAAAAHd0/6q1XkTazUpEaobxD7Hcp37SjMHTzzSlBQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkRUi_YCfPQ/WITKFrsYlyI/AAAAAAAAHd0/6q1XkTazUpEaobxD7Hcp37SjMHTzzSlBQCLcB/s400/IMG_1684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I may be posting a brief video over at my <a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">Instagram page</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Once again, I thank you all for your visits and comments. I will now return to knitting those striped socks. I did not knit a hat for the march.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-81136496320708711192017-01-18T11:27:00.000-08:002017-01-18T11:27:03.823-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good afternoon from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Halfway through January, we seem to have been embraced by a collection of grey rainy days. It's good to find strategies to uplift our spirits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I actually prefer a light snowfall to a lingering span of rainy days.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3U70pG2ji0/WH-zJKW6JhI/AAAAAAAAHcU/MQcs5kqWk_w6DL0XSDDqL4GzHojHovX0QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3U70pG2ji0/WH-zJKW6JhI/AAAAAAAAHcU/MQcs5kqWk_w6DL0XSDDqL4GzHojHovX0QCLcB/s400/IMG_1596.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Coping strategies can involve homemade soups, sampling various teas from an elegant tea chest Christmas gift, reading, and knitting.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nxEwKaeTmU/WH-wgqYvghI/AAAAAAAAHbE/iRz9Y4v60fsh0l8QuQZySvCi4t89mK1JQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nxEwKaeTmU/WH-wgqYvghI/AAAAAAAAHbE/iRz9Y4v60fsh0l8QuQZySvCi4t89mK1JQCLcB/s400/IMG_1607.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my first Vogue Knitting Magazine Live event. My own pre-retirement work schedules had prevented my attending these events in prior years. The magazine sponsors such events in various parts of this country, so they are not just for New York area knitters. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was quite interesting to have a look at the various stands and see lots of beautiful yarns, and lots of very enthusiastic knitters. The <a href="http://shetlandwoolweek.com/">Shetland Wool Week</a> stand was my absolute favorite. Do click on the link in the prior sentence to find out more about that Week. How I would love to visit Shetland this fall! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFQO0yiRy8U/WH-1pLzT4OI/AAAAAAAAHck/hQIO1AqcQRgfSfeocQs86lLJK3EHViz8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFQO0yiRy8U/WH-1pLzT4OI/AAAAAAAAHck/hQIO1AqcQRgfSfeocQs86lLJK3EHViz8ACLcB/s400/IMG_1643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another treat was being able to tour the Vogue Knitting Magazine event along with a lovely lady visiting from California. Many of you all might be familiar with <a href="http://instagram.com/loritimesfive">lori times five's Instagram page</a>? If not, click on that link to acquaint yourself with a special person.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYUkWsh1cGw/WH-w9VKAkeI/AAAAAAAAHbM/JXY2M6PIOqsbaitiZqIysG4bb3J5LTCUgCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_843.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYUkWsh1cGw/WH-w9VKAkeI/AAAAAAAAHbM/JXY2M6PIOqsbaitiZqIysG4bb3J5LTCUgCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_843.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Because I reminded myself of just how much yarn I already had at home, I was able to resist making any purchases, but will share a couple of photographs I took.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT-Rd7RXxyc/WH-xGAJLXWI/AAAAAAAAHbU/ClpUWHL90R8ZRulwXnG-8uctTDf9Xu5ggCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_842.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT-Rd7RXxyc/WH-xGAJLXWI/AAAAAAAAHbU/ClpUWHL90R8ZRulwXnG-8uctTDf9Xu5ggCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_842.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yesterday, my friend <a href="http://elizabeth-aboutnewyork.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth</a> and I took a walk through rainy Central Park, over to <a href="http://metmuseum.org/">The Metropolitan Museum of Art</a> to see a few exhibits and have lunch. It was interesting to discover some unusual decorations around the Museum's Great Hall and grand staircase.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vH8_CJ9Gw5w/WH-xTlMT8zI/AAAAAAAAHbY/O71eyFK5zaI4HwYjxoYLYu4032lTlf3pACLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_844.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vH8_CJ9Gw5w/WH-xTlMT8zI/AAAAAAAAHbY/O71eyFK5zaI4HwYjxoYLYu4032lTlf3pACLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_844.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Although we were not permitted to walk upon it. a very large, floral patterned carpet had been laid upon those stairs. Around the Great Hall could be glimpsed large hedges of faux boxwood. The information desk was being transformed into a pergola.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoW1PuG4g4E/WH-xcA1825I/AAAAAAAAHbc/0q6EA6HUFIMSLoipJCh6Qgqhu4R_NOcxwCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_845.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoW1PuG4g4E/WH-xcA1825I/AAAAAAAAHbc/0q6EA6HUFIMSLoipJCh6Qgqhu4R_NOcxwCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_845.jpeg" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I asked a security guard if a party was taking place later, I was told that the special decorations were for filming that would be taking place. He was not able to divulge the identity of the film. I'll see if more information becomes available as time goes on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was pleasant to see the spring flowers blooming on the carpet, but we eventually retrieved our coats and umbrellas, left the Met and walked a little ways down Fifth Avenue, until Elizabeth boarded a downtown bus, and I walked back home across the Park.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkWFqClFY_0/WH-xtr9oMbI/AAAAAAAAHbg/smf2EAJzCc0XMe8jl1D93HF2JiffVbrygCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_847.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkWFqClFY_0/WH-xtr9oMbI/AAAAAAAAHbg/smf2EAJzCc0XMe8jl1D93HF2JiffVbrygCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_847.jpeg" width="331" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Even on a sort of gloomy day, there was still much to attract my eyes.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYl9W844D-Q/WH-x2OG483I/AAAAAAAAHbo/lRdAOsKhHoExUSTlJbO39zl6JQYsx0FGwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYl9W844D-Q/WH-x2OG483I/AAAAAAAAHbo/lRdAOsKhHoExUSTlJbO39zl6JQYsx0FGwCLcB/s400/IMG_1625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Bare branches are like delicate ink drawings. The well worn sidewalk patterns could inspire lots of knitting.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hsBwAIpKVbg/WH-x8i6aMoI/AAAAAAAAHbs/SmKNFo__r-0cnqfTHQ3RlMJR0hGE27vWgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hsBwAIpKVbg/WH-x8i6aMoI/AAAAAAAAHbs/SmKNFo__r-0cnqfTHQ3RlMJR0hGE27vWgCLcB/s400/IMG_1626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There were some touches of green to be seen, and I also saw some rather spindly-looking snowdrops over in the Strawberry Fields area.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxZawr6WCD8/WH-yCvMADUI/AAAAAAAAHbw/OvYrhCYVYDY56dLvE43vQEw7rY2FUeBBgCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_849.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxZawr6WCD8/WH-yCvMADUI/AAAAAAAAHbw/OvYrhCYVYDY56dLvE43vQEw7rY2FUeBBgCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_849.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Elizabeth and I saw none of the usual crowds either in the Park or in the Met.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhGONEcRKbM/WH-yKbKPRqI/AAAAAAAAHb4/Oqxu4B7KKxQzKt3SEsv5LCMZpZDgB6IBgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhGONEcRKbM/WH-yKbKPRqI/AAAAAAAAHb4/Oqxu4B7KKxQzKt3SEsv5LCMZpZDgB6IBgCLcB/s400/IMG_1632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Back home, warmer and drier, I took a few more photographs of the scarf I've recently completed. I thought of it as a sort of sampler of various fair isle motifs scattered over a neutral background. The motifs were knit from wool; the background yarn is a blend of wool, linen and alpaca.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yA3ry8PkTY8/WH-yVsHTuHI/AAAAAAAAHb8/kSsIHTqL0YssU6WzJh1O3zV65aLGlz92wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yA3ry8PkTY8/WH-yVsHTuHI/AAAAAAAAHb8/kSsIHTqL0YssU6WzJh1O3zV65aLGlz92wCLcB/s400/IMG_1637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another view.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X49I4vOMng4/WH-yc9mTUxI/AAAAAAAAHcE/BlTkmx32QocfQ7NhKTmqpCNBibWjoxBnACLcB/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X49I4vOMng4/WH-yc9mTUxI/AAAAAAAAHcE/BlTkmx32QocfQ7NhKTmqpCNBibWjoxBnACLcB/s400/IMG_1638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And another.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QpLBi1A3HZ8/WH-ym4gLgZI/AAAAAAAAHcI/HqHpfbEP40kI5hYo9m7MbwyWOUtcwDeTwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QpLBi1A3HZ8/WH-ym4gLgZI/AAAAAAAAHcI/HqHpfbEP40kI5hYo9m7MbwyWOUtcwDeTwCLcB/s400/IMG_1639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And, just for fun, here's that scarf again, along with the socks I'm now working on, spread across my knitted patchwork blanket, made many years ago, but oh so welcome during the winter months.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hDc_4r-seg/WH-ytsjL_XI/AAAAAAAAHcM/B986zCMM7_YGev-BNG7tHMncSAv_YLj9QCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_84b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hDc_4r-seg/WH-ytsjL_XI/AAAAAAAAHcM/B986zCMM7_YGev-BNG7tHMncSAv_YLj9QCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_84b.jpeg" width="352" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Somehow I like the look of the mish mosh of colors and patterns.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There is a lot going on this week, besides what I've reported here. I elected to keep this a low key mid-January city view. Thanks to you all for your visits and comments on my New Year's post. Whether or not those black-eyed peas are giving me extra good luck, I feel very fortunate to be part of a warm blogging community.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-24626462998690276322017-01-01T17:02:00.000-08:002017-01-01T17:02:02.581-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good evening from New York on New Year's Day, 2017.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFxVA-EinvA/WGmfmOc_sSI/AAAAAAAAHaw/iJXHlxnH2FoOSoz0uL3NijsoQgmnenCmACLcB/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFxVA-EinvA/WGmfmOc_sSI/AAAAAAAAHaw/iJXHlxnH2FoOSoz0uL3NijsoQgmnenCmACLcB/s400/IMG_1578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yesterday I posted this photograph on my Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">page</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was a light hearted illustration of my jar of what remained of the dried black eyed peas that I bought a year ago. While growing up in Virginia, I was made aware of the strong tradition of eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day in order to bring luck for the rest of the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the last week of 2016, I experienced several appliance finales. My old hair dryer stopped working. My five-year old printer decided that five years were enough. I felt as if the black eyed peas I'd prepared and consumed on the first day of 2016 might be losing their power.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've bought new appliances that seem to be working just fine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This afternoon, as I was beginning to cook some of the dried peas from the pictured jar, I also began putting away the baubles I'd chosen to decorate my apartment for the week of Christmas, including that chain of golden stars draped around the pea jar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was listening, via my laptop, to three hours of BBC Radio 4 vintage Sherlock Holmes broadcasts. All was going well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I finished carefully putting the Christmas ornaments away in their anointed place on a top shelf in one of my two closets. The 2017 black eyed pea concoction, seasoned in Near Eastern style, was just about ready to eat. The Sherlock Holmes tribute was over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I poured a glad of Merlot, served up my lucky supper, and returned to John le Carre's The Pigeon Tunnel, my current book of choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dinner tasted very good. My reading was transporting me to Moscow. And then, I heard several popping sounds from the next room. Going to investigate, I saw that two boxes of my carefully stowed beloved Christmas baubles had escaped their perch on that top shelf. Some had burst into glittering glass fragments on impact, but others seemed to be unharmed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My lucky black eyed pea supper was interrupted so that I could clear up the mess around the folding door to the closet and see how many baubles had survived.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Like spreading spilt milk, the initial view of the broken glass was more alarming that what closer investigation showed. I tried to be like Sherlock in my calm investigations, while mourning the loss of some irreplaceable ornaments. I got out my broom and swept the affected floor space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I repacked the baubles and returned them to a more secure perch on their shelf. Back to the lucky peas and the le Carre memoir. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In just over an hour, I'll be able to view the the new television Sherlock Thatcher episode that those of you all across the Atlantic have already seen. Tomorrow will be another day, with or without additional luck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you all for your visits and comments here throughout 2016. It's now so difficult to know where the wind will be blowing in the coming year. I look forward to trading comments with you all, and enjoying stretching my horizons via blog land.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-59158928383930003592016-12-23T09:21:00.000-08:002016-12-23T09:21:05.314-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good morning from New York, just a few days before Christmas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Even though I had planned on another post about my London visit, the recent days have been filled with New York City centered fun, and so I will just jump ahead and share some local city views.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdSK5thrdG4/WF1JOT923sI/AAAAAAAAHYE/Pu1AsscrudEiU0f4cSAvKWN0gYK9MmWpgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdSK5thrdG4/WF1JOT923sI/AAAAAAAAHYE/Pu1AsscrudEiU0f4cSAvKWN0gYK9MmWpgCLcB/s400/IMG_1511.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Let's start with photographs from some neighborhood shops. The above picture is from a gift/antique shop that always features lots of tree decorations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The following two pictures are of scenes in a dry cleaner's shop window. The proprietors of this shop seem to have a large collection of retro toys and doll house accessories that can be combined to create rather amusing retro settings.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5duvlpn0ZBY/WF1JbAlq55I/AAAAAAAAHYI/B6InH6YTF0IJXhfUWfJ5CAPzr45PYpofACLcB/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5duvlpn0ZBY/WF1JbAlq55I/AAAAAAAAHYI/B6InH6YTF0IJXhfUWfJ5CAPzr45PYpofACLcB/s400/IMG_1519.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These window displays are at child eye level.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91_SFUfjjj4/WF1JmEidnrI/AAAAAAAAHYM/Ib-k7kSyUTkymQRQh9hwvsJXIE0SK7m_ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91_SFUfjjj4/WF1JmEidnrI/AAAAAAAAHYM/Ib-k7kSyUTkymQRQh9hwvsJXIE0SK7m_ACLcB/s400/IMG_1520.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A bit further down Amsterdam Avenue is <a href="http://posiesnyc.com/">Posies</a>, a lovely flower shop that is always worth a visit during various holiday seasons.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXvIZ2UpD5A/WF1JxIZTi3I/AAAAAAAAHYQ/n5_xcpW1bic9AjR5-zA0tLxvXoipmhz-gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXvIZ2UpD5A/WF1JxIZTi3I/AAAAAAAAHYQ/n5_xcpW1bic9AjR5-zA0tLxvXoipmhz-gCLcB/s400/IMG_1521.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's a tiny narrow hallway of a shop, filled with beautiful botanical treats. The talented staff are experts in making up lovely bouquets for special occasions.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKbS4Rpzf30/WF1J7lxz3bI/AAAAAAAAHYY/fyrOSYbl7mE2oSDpha1YGGO_8d_vrdBqACLcB/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKbS4Rpzf30/WF1J7lxz3bI/AAAAAAAAHYY/fyrOSYbl7mE2oSDpha1YGGO_8d_vrdBqACLcB/s400/IMG_1524.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These are just a few samples of what I saw in the shop.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDc-_t4fZRw/WF1KFzm5-VI/AAAAAAAAHYc/BvGN2lXGrygBmvcmorhrlvUg-mKVJwy3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDc-_t4fZRw/WF1KFzm5-VI/AAAAAAAAHYc/BvGN2lXGrygBmvcmorhrlvUg-mKVJwy3QCLcB/s400/IMG_1525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What I bought to bring home to add some seasonal color to my little apartment were these red-berried branches. Peeking out from behind the berries is a large bowl filled with old glass ornaments. In some past years, I have bought some branches of greenery upon which to hang these baubles. This year I will stick with the berries.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FnbYozaCMcM/WF1KO0cwfAI/AAAAAAAAHYg/WjCqIWIcnjwCIzkdr5XmE9_NIW9oWPs7ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FnbYozaCMcM/WF1KO0cwfAI/AAAAAAAAHYg/WjCqIWIcnjwCIzkdr5XmE9_NIW9oWPs7ACLcB/s400/IMG_1528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The past few weeks have sped past, as I kept quite busy baking cookies, knitting gifts, buying other gifts, wrapping and mailing those gifts, going to parties, and painting this year's Christmas tea cup cards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And so, it was not until a day ago that I found time to walk over to 57th Street to take photographs of some extravagant shop windows. Following the horror at Berlin's Christmas market, I spotted a massive police presence around a similar Christmas market set up at the Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park. I did not take any photographs of the massive uniformed police officers holding machine guns. I was not tempted to visit any of the market stalls, but kept walking towards 57th Street.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8862xvIdkY/WF1KaO_0gMI/AAAAAAAAHYo/CPIfwoogBuY8o-3ZPx2KCoGIoA5DYYVQACLcB/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8862xvIdkY/WF1KaO_0gMI/AAAAAAAAHYo/CPIfwoogBuY8o-3ZPx2KCoGIoA5DYYVQACLcB/s400/IMG_1547.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Even along that street Police Department barricades appeared alongside festive decorations. What a sad comment.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mK0PpTgqVkM/WF1KhYcAo-I/AAAAAAAAHYs/OBJ1w678CQcFTKdrRLOsXJxwozh65ZH4wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mK0PpTgqVkM/WF1KhYcAo-I/AAAAAAAAHYs/OBJ1w678CQcFTKdrRLOsXJxwozh65ZH4wCLcB/s400/IMG_1548.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The above photograph shows the Fifth Avenue and 57th Street intersection where Tiffany's faces Bulgari. An obliging yellow taxi obliged me by passing by. I composed this picture to minimize any view of the home of the President Elect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now, I will show you a selection of pictures of the Bergdorf Goodman shop's windows. Even though it was nearing sunset, I am sorry that reflections add a certain distraction from what I truly wanted you all to see.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-225QjAjUsy0/WF1KpXSIsBI/AAAAAAAAHYw/k02xUgywntAzKN_vapOGxAXlaI0BniVsACLcB/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-225QjAjUsy0/WF1KpXSIsBI/AAAAAAAAHYw/k02xUgywntAzKN_vapOGxAXlaI0BniVsACLcB/s400/IMG_1550.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The theme of this year's window designs is Extraordinary Destinations. Each tableau features at least one major designer's fashions plus a collection of fanciful props.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez8phGkyiW0/WF1Kxnot6II/AAAAAAAAHY0/P-wt76NWsUA32eYecs4kYFo07wb625CIQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez8phGkyiW0/WF1Kxnot6II/AAAAAAAAHY0/P-wt76NWsUA32eYecs4kYFo07wb625CIQCLcB/s400/IMG_1552.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I think that if you click on the photographs to enlarge them, you may be able to discover more of the window's details.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yorS7GRk5Q/WF1K7TlQIyI/AAAAAAAAHY8/pDqKmMxsowUsDscP8r4vZPhGMHdzJra9wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yorS7GRk5Q/WF1K7TlQIyI/AAAAAAAAHY8/pDqKmMxsowUsDscP8r4vZPhGMHdzJra9wCLcB/s400/IMG_1554.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The above little box of a window merely settled for showing off some amazing jewels.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWuGno0eZUg/WF1LIrWwmwI/AAAAAAAAHZA/xiw9m93eZe0LdOBUybzLpvxjZujQrppmQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWuGno0eZUg/WF1LIrWwmwI/AAAAAAAAHZA/xiw9m93eZe0LdOBUybzLpvxjZujQrppmQCLcB/s400/IMG_1555.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Please forgive me for those reflections.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8WyKWbUtt4/WF1LPkF6EgI/AAAAAAAAHZI/OBmljQlLoH4XXdms4UjN6nSn00CRIAJ4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8WyKWbUtt4/WF1LPkF6EgI/AAAAAAAAHZI/OBmljQlLoH4XXdms4UjN6nSn00CRIAJ4gCLcB/s400/IMG_1556.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Some of the fun of seeing these windows is noticing how scale is handled in a playful way. Some usually small items are greatly enlarged, or perhaps encrusted with sparkles, or given a new color scheme.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P81wKxg9_g/WF1LV3SP2OI/AAAAAAAAHZM/tS42d0NyTf0yxhXZ5Od4DjYgECPL_hWVgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P81wKxg9_g/WF1LV3SP2OI/AAAAAAAAHZM/tS42d0NyTf0yxhXZ5Od4DjYgECPL_hWVgCLcB/s400/IMG_1558.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I remember that the following window was called The Hitchhiker and featured a very glamorous cowgirl.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47Cfxt7ZwIw/WF1Le3-fpwI/AAAAAAAAHZQ/VP2I6g1-80s2wap0xw5YurlnzR3NnK5XgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47Cfxt7ZwIw/WF1Le3-fpwI/AAAAAAAAHZQ/VP2I6g1-80s2wap0xw5YurlnzR3NnK5XgCLcB/s400/IMG_1559.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lots of desert plants showed off a galaxy of greens.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzsbh9ZY-kM/WF1LnmFc9sI/AAAAAAAAHZU/tU0VGmlnL5I2k0AAbNNlHe9eYZ_GVAeCACLcB/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzsbh9ZY-kM/WF1LnmFc9sI/AAAAAAAAHZU/tU0VGmlnL5I2k0AAbNNlHe9eYZ_GVAeCACLcB/s400/IMG_1560.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another view.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeAlwNtiYcQ/WF1LzAKsonI/AAAAAAAAHZc/-iuf1qK5Ii08WtqjqO6W7JUsVHIP2UwDgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeAlwNtiYcQ/WF1LzAKsonI/AAAAAAAAHZc/-iuf1qK5Ii08WtqjqO6W7JUsVHIP2UwDgCLcB/s400/IMG_1561.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I think this window was called A Bird's Eye View. Lots of birds surrounded the mannequin.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2rArg4M_uY/WF1L-HD1pNI/AAAAAAAAHZg/hZxDAdqtRMICMbS2nARRQuZoYyo833CIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2rArg4M_uY/WF1L-HD1pNI/AAAAAAAAHZg/hZxDAdqtRMICMbS2nARRQuZoYyo833CIgCLcB/s400/IMG_1562.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lots of huge insects in this window...not sure how appealing that would be to every viewer.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQLD0UeCNM4/WF1MHRnwp1I/AAAAAAAAHZk/fVNE2U1T9mMNunJp3Zmf3SBfzmLjFi3SACLcB/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQLD0UeCNM4/WF1MHRnwp1I/AAAAAAAAHZk/fVNE2U1T9mMNunJp3Zmf3SBfzmLjFi3SACLcB/s400/IMG_1563.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The next picture shows a window that had an undersea layer.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8BVTwxWL0G4/WF1MPzt1TCI/AAAAAAAAHZo/4B6PdFhz_GAsYsncC9pLnI8j44PY9lFhACLcB/s1600/IMG_1564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8BVTwxWL0G4/WF1MPzt1TCI/AAAAAAAAHZo/4B6PdFhz_GAsYsncC9pLnI8j44PY9lFhACLcB/s400/IMG_1564.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lots to look at.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeDekP6HVf8/WF1MX7zkW6I/AAAAAAAAHZw/nUFKEBBOhVEYjtjGQkxDzSuMGEOiDKXMgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeDekP6HVf8/WF1MX7zkW6I/AAAAAAAAHZw/nUFKEBBOhVEYjtjGQkxDzSuMGEOiDKXMgCLcB/s400/IMG_1565.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This very green tableau featured a tropical rain forest.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YvVPlPHYgFQ/WF1MgGxtwjI/AAAAAAAAHZ0/YV1_l5MpKQ8H0bD86SBASFTG9AnxtVWrQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YvVPlPHYgFQ/WF1MgGxtwjI/AAAAAAAAHZ0/YV1_l5MpKQ8H0bD86SBASFTG9AnxtVWrQCLcB/s400/IMG_1566.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It took some patience on my part to wait for the other folks viewing the displays to allow me a closer view of my own.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh2xjqACpOM/WF1MnzcWXDI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/TFSBUA5QRlMpSdDX2uwMnB-2ovXfMeDPACLcB/s1600/IMG_1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh2xjqACpOM/WF1MnzcWXDI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/TFSBUA5QRlMpSdDX2uwMnB-2ovXfMeDPACLcB/s400/IMG_1567.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Bergdorf's windows are without question the best in NYC throughout the year, but in December the shop's OTT displays really stop pedestrian traffic.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GU6-svpaT_Q/WF1MwoXd1OI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/U9AIa2YROoIgmUPF5hKXeicdbSnx8CbIwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GU6-svpaT_Q/WF1MwoXd1OI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/U9AIa2YROoIgmUPF5hKXeicdbSnx8CbIwCLcB/s400/IMG_1568.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another view of A Bird's Eye View.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pHPd8Bsr5E/WF1M3LbGFFI/AAAAAAAAHaA/Gv6BUfD2PfIvgerkn0bp8HR_AVDIsoPVACLcB/s1600/IMG_1569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pHPd8Bsr5E/WF1M3LbGFFI/AAAAAAAAHaA/Gv6BUfD2PfIvgerkn0bp8HR_AVDIsoPVACLcB/s400/IMG_1569.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Each window has an intricate frame.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnKTWLrtnWg/WF1M90DIlWI/AAAAAAAAHaE/1da4w5olf-g5tR8z3uoa-HdKssNtJjSCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnKTWLrtnWg/WF1M90DIlWI/AAAAAAAAHaE/1da4w5olf-g5tR8z3uoa-HdKssNtJjSCgCLcB/s400/IMG_1570.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Back to that rain forest.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj4cOnAsNf0/WF1NDR3PZuI/AAAAAAAAHaI/Pa5tv1YffQcMq7Vc8sU55ES-mYY9E_5qwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj4cOnAsNf0/WF1NDR3PZuI/AAAAAAAAHaI/Pa5tv1YffQcMq7Vc8sU55ES-mYY9E_5qwCLcB/s400/IMG_1571.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I hope that the above photographs give you all a bit of an idea of what one might see this week in New York. I thank you all for your visits to my blogs throughout the year, and looks forward to reading your comments in the New Year that will soon be arriving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And now, let me share wish you the image that I painted for this year's Christmas tea cup cards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXWZ293fyno/WF1ZWHJP8EI/AAAAAAAAHac/1yuezhqzD6IwO5RZuAQakpXnNbGr-NifgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXWZ293fyno/WF1ZWHJP8EI/AAAAAAAAHac/1yuezhqzD6IwO5RZuAQakpXnNbGr-NifgCLcB/s400/IMG_1530.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As you can see from the above photograph, each one of the cards is painted individually, and so no two cards are quite identical.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoSOrrjtH4s/WF1ZdEVPhEI/AAAAAAAAHag/JRkrw7s_-0YFqolq5UTD00wCqhgFKSYMQCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_83c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoSOrrjtH4s/WF1ZdEVPhEI/AAAAAAAAHag/JRkrw7s_-0YFqolq5UTD00wCqhgFKSYMQCLcB/s400/fullsizeoutput_83c.jpeg" width="383" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It is my pleasure to wish you all a very <b style="color: magenta;">Happy Christmas!</b><b> </b>This wish is sent with lots of love.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-86017929638710100982016-12-13T17:50:00.000-08:002016-12-13T17:50:53.982-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good evening from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A week ago, I was in London, having had a day trip to Cambridge, where I had the pleasure of meeting up with <a href="http://ginaferrari.blogspot.com/">Gina</a>, to see the fabulous <a href="http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/colour">Colour</a> exhibit at the Fitzwilliam Museum.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oaGSOw-N9io/WFCPcPG-uII/AAAAAAAAHX0/B45BX63JXsUWikZtZm9IdBaNTuY5P89BACEw/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oaGSOw-N9io/WFCPcPG-uII/AAAAAAAAHX0/B45BX63JXsUWikZtZm9IdBaNTuY5P89BACEw/s400/IMG_1396.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The main staircase of the Fitz is rather splendid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">After being wowed by viewing Colour, we were joined by </span><a href="http://purplepoddedpeas.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Celia</a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> and had a walk through Cambridge and a delicious lunch and another walk around Cambridge before I returned to London on an express train.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My Cambridge jaunt was my only time spent away from London. My trip was all to short, and I definitely want to be able to take a longer UK visit next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Without further ado, let me share some of the photographs that I took with my iPhone. Some of these might be among those I've already posted on <a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">Instagram</a>. Some will be fresh posts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nnY5XSqpHU/WFCMJGA4UrI/AAAAAAAAHVs/RqJjIp5rZYYpFN6Hmwn6yDfcgbVQ2EhLACLcB/s1600/IMG_1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nnY5XSqpHU/WFCMJGA4UrI/AAAAAAAAHVs/RqJjIp5rZYYpFN6Hmwn6yDfcgbVQ2EhLACLcB/s400/IMG_1263.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This carousel, complete with picket fence, has been set up next to an ice skating rink on the grounds of London's Museum of Natural History. During most of my London stay, the weather was warm and sunny, and so the ice rink was not too icy.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRpY4fgm4Yk/WFCMW8mybQI/AAAAAAAAHVw/0ySZ25WD9ZYFXZc7-91LvMVnoc4uvR_9ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRpY4fgm4Yk/WFCMW8mybQI/AAAAAAAAHVw/0ySZ25WD9ZYFXZc7-91LvMVnoc4uvR_9ACLcB/s400/IMG_1271.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This street scene was the view from my hotel window.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uq3udUjLzM4/WFCMlLCainI/AAAAAAAAHV0/DX8rJKi3Y5QUJZMTbtzG_yCJ5X_oi_QcgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uq3udUjLzM4/WFCMlLCainI/AAAAAAAAHV0/DX8rJKi3Y5QUJZMTbtzG_yCJ5X_oi_QcgCLcB/s400/IMG_1284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The next photo is one of Liberty's Christmas windows inspired by the Nutcracker ballet.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mekbMF3hNmU/WFCMz6avvEI/AAAAAAAAHV4/-l4aFcQPVrE825lN5vDVXaupeJk6EEgaACLcB/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mekbMF3hNmU/WFCMz6avvEI/AAAAAAAAHV4/-l4aFcQPVrE825lN5vDVXaupeJk6EEgaACLcB/s400/IMG_1285.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The flower stall at the Liberty entrance is always a pleasure to see.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-s8XlSHTks/WFCNKpovqiI/AAAAAAAAHWA/snoftwHyiDongHmAhGJvLZIYgMb3w8dagCLcB/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-s8XlSHTks/WFCNKpovqiI/AAAAAAAAHWA/snoftwHyiDongHmAhGJvLZIYgMb3w8dagCLcB/s400/IMG_1293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another sort of botanical inspiration could be seen suspended over Covent Garden's arcades. I've never seen larger mistletoe!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQGSvdibXxk/WFCNVhcCCoI/AAAAAAAAHWI/DDbdcz8uE0QhwHe2MosD71b0-2iXGCqdACLcB/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQGSvdibXxk/WFCNVhcCCoI/AAAAAAAAHWI/DDbdcz8uE0QhwHe2MosD71b0-2iXGCqdACLcB/s400/IMG_1302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Not too far away from Covent Garden is the Bloomsbury area. On Lamb's Conduit Street may be found the charming <a href="http://persephonebooks.co.uk/">Persephone Books</a> shop. I was fortunate to be in town on the day that Persephone held its annual Christmas open house, complete with mulled wine and mince pies. In the following photograph you can see that the tray of mince pies was just about to be refilled.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zEWRz3yV754/WFCNg7bAbFI/AAAAAAAAHWM/0d6kvPBWMZU71vdwShQPV2ILC1EljtPbACLcB/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zEWRz3yV754/WFCNg7bAbFI/AAAAAAAAHWM/0d6kvPBWMZU71vdwShQPV2ILC1EljtPbACLcB/s400/IMG_1308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Many of you all may already know of Persephone Books. I'd encourage those of you who are not familiar with the publishing house or shop to have a look at the link I've provided above.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkz-uIEVg6M/WFCNr3yZ29I/AAAAAAAAHWQ/Pcdw2SjPkOAApDlPLjkZEWwwApyMXn3TwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkz-uIEVg6M/WFCNr3yZ29I/AAAAAAAAHWQ/Pcdw2SjPkOAApDlPLjkZEWwwApyMXn3TwCLcB/s400/IMG_1317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">AS I left the book shop, I encountered a very sweet group of young carolers. There is a video of this group over on my Instagram page.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mQrZRuIhVo/WFCN1XCRTiI/AAAAAAAAHWU/5uOHoA9StvYZ3UvvvTOyFlETaweL9WSUACLcB/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mQrZRuIhVo/WFCN1XCRTiI/AAAAAAAAHWU/5uOHoA9StvYZ3UvvvTOyFlETaweL9WSUACLcB/s400/IMG_1319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been to London many times over the decades, and so each trip gives me many past memories against which to measure the new visit. Tricia Guild's Design Guild shop on King's Road in Chelsea is always fun to visit. Nowadays, I rarely buy anything, because my tiny apartment is already full. I just like to see what is on display in London.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNxa4SbMy00/WFCOAHfe8mI/AAAAAAAAHWY/_Lg3P9uO_u4uWEaq4orcvjKHYtBGYSFlgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNxa4SbMy00/WFCOAHfe8mI/AAAAAAAAHWY/_Lg3P9uO_u4uWEaq4orcvjKHYtBGYSFlgCLcB/s400/IMG_1323.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Over on the Hackney Road, I visited another friend, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/barnthespoon">Barn the Spoon</a>, who carves beautiful spoons from wood that has been rescued and recovered from various British wooded areas. His shop is open only a few days each week, but it's great fun to stop by and see what he has been carving.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLAFEmmGOPs/WFCOJU4-NEI/AAAAAAAAHWc/Of4SypeVmoI3629rdgt1ACEbVGL-31ZWwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLAFEmmGOPs/WFCOJU4-NEI/AAAAAAAAHWc/Of4SypeVmoI3629rdgt1ACEbVGL-31ZWwCLcB/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Another day, I rode the Tube up to the Angel station in Islington to visit Loop, an extraordinary yarn shop. It is very difficult for a knitter like myself to leave this shop without buying something.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUSptKEWsmY/WFCOSCrOcVI/AAAAAAAAHWg/c4x2LwwHIBUZGARKktOrWrt4838cCTPRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUSptKEWsmY/WFCOSCrOcVI/AAAAAAAAHWg/c4x2LwwHIBUZGARKktOrWrt4838cCTPRgCLcB/s400/IMG_1340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Only a few days after my visit, Loop and many surrounding shops along Camden Passage were flooded after a large water main's bursting. Repairs are still ongoing, but the shop has found a way to keep going with its inspiring ways.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xSwceGBKY/WFCOb45Rq3I/AAAAAAAAHWk/Fga_zXz6Z5Q20AAlrVmbonXTwjZ62y7gACLcB/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xSwceGBKY/WFCOb45Rq3I/AAAAAAAAHWk/Fga_zXz6Z5Q20AAlrVmbonXTwjZ62y7gACLcB/s320/IMG_1341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My hotel was located near the truly marvelous Victoria & Albert Museum, and I visited there many times, to looks at the galleries, the shops, the special exhibits and to dine in the Museum's restaurant.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iidmAiTMRa0/WFCOmQlGxBI/AAAAAAAAHWo/p-fz38tFtbMj88P1nzqbcMf3T-nVUBPywCLcB/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iidmAiTMRa0/WFCOmQlGxBI/AAAAAAAAHWo/p-fz38tFtbMj88P1nzqbcMf3T-nVUBPywCLcB/s400/IMG_1343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Other galleries that I loved visiting were the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern. There is an excellent <a href="http://tate.org.uk/">Paul Nash</a> exhibit at the Tate Britain. Having read Pat Barker's trilogy about Slade School art students before and during WW I made a foundation upon which to view the Nash show.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The photo below was taken in the Tate Modern's rooms devoted to Louise Bourgeois.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzk8Va8Ctko/WFCOuNUt5FI/AAAAAAAAHWw/zgFlfeC5ToozNA4woEtPPGEbz8ItIQ4NgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzk8Va8Ctko/WFCOuNUt5FI/AAAAAAAAHWw/zgFlfeC5ToozNA4woEtPPGEbz8ItIQ4NgCLcB/s400/IMG_1361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sunny blue skies appeared throughout my time in London, and it was fun to take a peek from the roof terrace of the Tate across the Thames to see that sharp Shard.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3ZuynYICoI/WFCO3vccyLI/AAAAAAAAHW0/pcpKiV09OYgNpDogMAVIO5HRuJf5WkiXwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3ZuynYICoI/WFCO3vccyLI/AAAAAAAAHW0/pcpKiV09OYgNpDogMAVIO5HRuJf5WkiXwCLcB/s400/IMG_1366.JPG" width="365" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was also a fine day to walk across the Millennium Bridge to have a close up view of St. Paul's.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucal7Xaf9Pk/WFCPATjiVqI/AAAAAAAAHW4/UWdCWf76AZM2IHaNm4VkiOSlUvq_78OfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucal7Xaf9Pk/WFCPATjiVqI/AAAAAAAAHW4/UWdCWf76AZM2IHaNm4VkiOSlUvq_78OfQCLcB/s320/IMG_1369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And the pretty leaves on the green lawns around St. Paul's.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zjg333NsgVY/WFCPHFhADXI/AAAAAAAAHW8/pZsK9W7Glr8GU0BgLE2fJp3xBu_tFkohQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zjg333NsgVY/WFCPHFhADXI/AAAAAAAAHW8/pZsK9W7Glr8GU0BgLE2fJp3xBu_tFkohQCLcB/s400/IMG_1378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I very much enjoyed the Revolution exhibit at the V&A. It chronicles lots of the changes that the western world was going through during my young adult years. One is given headphones to wear when visiting the show, that key into the imagery of various displays that you will encounter. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uF9w6GeJvrU/WFCPSO_RMLI/AAAAAAAAHXE/7sr_pDT496gky4tejoB-z08cJ3WDZ7RwACLcB/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uF9w6GeJvrU/WFCPSO_RMLI/AAAAAAAAHXE/7sr_pDT496gky4tejoB-z08cJ3WDZ7RwACLcB/s400/IMG_1390.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I found the exhibit quite an emotional tour, and within minutes of entering the first room was not sure whether I was going to laugh or cry. Many memories arose during the hours I spent walking through the show. If you all are of a certain age, I would definitely recommend it. If you are younger, I would also recommend it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Visiting this exhibit so soon after the recent election in the States gave an additional resonance.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My hotel was decorated for the season, and I wanted to take at least one photograph to convey the decor. It was fun to recognize many staff members whom I first encountered quite a few years ago.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r5PiQX3f95E/WFCPyhfcN7I/AAAAAAAAHXQ/4S5eVi8ADP0OwuBpZ6pz5iaqf9xq3vIogCLcB/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r5PiQX3f95E/WFCPyhfcN7I/AAAAAAAAHXQ/4S5eVi8ADP0OwuBpZ6pz5iaqf9xq3vIogCLcB/s400/IMG_1421.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm always struck by the number of green spaces that one encounters around London. I should have taken more photographs.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9Jmo1WB_04/WFCP7sDPxtI/AAAAAAAAHXU/TxEeQRGcXnYNBBQLJWpxGRf2mKY_zGGFQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9Jmo1WB_04/WFCP7sDPxtI/AAAAAAAAHXU/TxEeQRGcXnYNBBQLJWpxGRf2mKY_zGGFQCLcB/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here are a few photographs of the witty windows at Fortnum & Mason. This is a Bull in a China Shop.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5IR6Dq37BE/WFCQEcoQ64I/AAAAAAAAHXY/Rba7VVXsfn0PDWmtF3Fl120WI1ia15AWQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5IR6Dq37BE/WFCQEcoQ64I/AAAAAAAAHXY/Rba7VVXsfn0PDWmtF3Fl120WI1ia15AWQCLcB/s400/IMG_1425.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This window features many, many Santa letters that have arrived at the North Pole.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29nNaXRnf38/WFCQQU6sk6I/AAAAAAAAHXc/JlaVv8yWOCcpfbHfDjy63Qf-1h6b1GtzQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29nNaXRnf38/WFCQQU6sk6I/AAAAAAAAHXc/JlaVv8yWOCcpfbHfDjy63Qf-1h6b1GtzQCLcB/s400/IMG_1430.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">More greenery.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2-vhtp-tZI/WFCQZr7SdAI/AAAAAAAAHXg/60LxgElAnyEFy5VhDFKoIxnblIPu5wEIACLcB/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2-vhtp-tZI/WFCQZr7SdAI/AAAAAAAAHXg/60LxgElAnyEFy5VhDFKoIxnblIPu5wEIACLcB/s400/IMG_1432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I noticed this florist shop as I was walking downhill on Kensington Church Street. It reminded me that I would be late in starting my own paper white bulbs upon my return to NYC.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oAkBNt0Tyc/WFCQrFY-WQI/AAAAAAAAHXk/ySzPKuyANH8xj5h_VUt7bOofUZPz7d3ugCLcB/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oAkBNt0Tyc/WFCQrFY-WQI/AAAAAAAAHXk/ySzPKuyANH8xj5h_VUt7bOofUZPz7d3ugCLcB/s400/IMG_1442.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Royal Albert Hall and ice cream van still exist.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_1ImHsZCo0/WFCQrUHkiPI/AAAAAAAAHXo/6g2M1QGAxsccXqIwt91CJI9n23TAeMOgwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_1ImHsZCo0/WFCQrUHkiPI/AAAAAAAAHXo/6g2M1QGAxsccXqIwt91CJI9n23TAeMOgwCLcB/s400/IMG_1453.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Albert Memorial with clouds.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O30Jd9nF1Yo/WFCQ3Rk99vI/AAAAAAAAHXs/in6uX62eo2AI4YgENSvxMi-mjGXdA7KxACLcB/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O30Jd9nF1Yo/WFCQ3Rk99vI/AAAAAAAAHXs/in6uX62eo2AI4YgENSvxMi-mjGXdA7KxACLcB/s400/IMG_1460.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Windswept cloud formations over South Kensington.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1IYYL5_NPw/WFCRAGDOd6I/AAAAAAAAHXw/C7lXRTpGuWY2DS4QBFj-YAp8xwynNJWcQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1IYYL5_NPw/WFCRAGDOd6I/AAAAAAAAHXw/C7lXRTpGuWY2DS4QBFj-YAp8xwynNJWcQCLcB/s400/IMG_1471.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now I am home, quite over my jet lag. It is time for attending Holiday parties as we call them here in New York. My Santa's workshop activities are at top pitch. I am already looking forward to my next UK visit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you all for you visits and comments to that previous post about the Gingerbread City. I've already baked one batch of brown sugar star-shaped buttery cookies. Christmas is drawing closer.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-19895805520012291482016-12-10T04:53:00.001-08:002016-12-10T04:53:23.332-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good morning from New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Some of you all who visit my Instagram <span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://instagram.com/fgoakley">page</a> </span>will already have realized that I have been on a brief, but very enjoyable, U.K. holiday. Yesterday was devoted to getting over my jet lag, and now I want to show you all some photographs that I took on my last full day in London.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">By chance, I walked by a Museum of Architecture exhibit called <span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://thegingerbreadcity.com/">Gingerbread City</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">. I truly urge of you who may live within reach of London to visit this exhibit which will be open daily through December 22. You can find more information about the show at the above link.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-0KMI2Wne4/WEv0o_w4q8I/AAAAAAAAHUw/w46vbOoDg9sSK0DneB32mVlq2EpODR8twCLcB/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-0KMI2Wne4/WEv0o_w4q8I/AAAAAAAAHUw/w46vbOoDg9sSK0DneB32mVlq2EpODR8twCLcB/s400/IMG_1484.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When one enters the exhibit, delightful city views appear, each designed by an architect or architectural firm.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzqfFGbp1hY/WEv0ww4IbSI/AAAAAAAAHU0/hM-mcaTOHkQjmYzWi31Q1FDKZgbcP1TIACLcB/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzqfFGbp1hY/WEv0ww4IbSI/AAAAAAAAHU0/hM-mcaTOHkQjmYzWi31Q1FDKZgbcP1TIACLcB/s400/IMG_1485.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It is a delight for children and adults. On the lower floor of the exhibition space, workshops are being held for children, so that they may learn about gingerbread building construction.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJulXFR0QDs/WEv03SbADuI/AAAAAAAAHU4/bfHAmgsFbUAP1WJYaRJYSIYF3XmtjxOxgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJulXFR0QDs/WEv03SbADuI/AAAAAAAAHU4/bfHAmgsFbUAP1WJYaRJYSIYF3XmtjxOxgCLcB/s400/IMG_1486.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My photographs are an attempt to tempt you all to see the show. Not every creation appears in my photographs.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvAx8MtYs4I/WEv0-iqadwI/AAAAAAAAHU8/PevssbPJcckZyJ_4hydKbkQu4Zj15_CMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvAx8MtYs4I/WEv0-iqadwI/AAAAAAAAHU8/PevssbPJcckZyJ_4hydKbkQu4Zj15_CMwCLcB/s400/IMG_1487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A lovely gingerbread scent wafts up from the workshop area.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr9J2ivhghg/WEv1FTmvOPI/AAAAAAAAHVA/5r2bSNJj9lMGuTL0M8PB-tw9giCWyqUKACLcB/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr9J2ivhghg/WEv1FTmvOPI/AAAAAAAAHVA/5r2bSNJj9lMGuTL0M8PB-tw9giCWyqUKACLcB/s400/IMG_1489.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I plan to create at least one more post about my holiday, but thought that these views deserved priority treatment.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AK-4AFQ1SC4/WEv1MiZM2pI/AAAAAAAAHVE/a6ogwfqo6VA7Gy-cUFQyjCdo4-la4JO-QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AK-4AFQ1SC4/WEv1MiZM2pI/AAAAAAAAHVE/a6ogwfqo6VA7Gy-cUFQyjCdo4-la4JO-QCLcB/s400/IMG_1488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now that I am home, I am once again spending many hours in Santa's workshop. Seeing the Gingerbread City definitely enhanced my Christmas spirit!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAHtkVuT9cM/WEv1TKqoT-I/AAAAAAAAHVI/VhewCTXvrRsilL9oGKAFomKAjRZv0ndEQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAHtkVuT9cM/WEv1TKqoT-I/AAAAAAAAHVI/VhewCTXvrRsilL9oGKAFomKAjRZv0ndEQCLcB/s400/IMG_1490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I took a few pictures that show some of the room beyond the tabletops that house the city.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWSkVfQdDe0/WEv1b6B8EkI/AAAAAAAAHVM/Xm75Z6LIRYQhnbH6bGUE94nYRbdQ2nCdACLcB/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWSkVfQdDe0/WEv1b6B8EkI/AAAAAAAAHVM/Xm75Z6LIRYQhnbH6bGUE94nYRbdQ2nCdACLcB/s400/IMG_1491.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've now added my name to the Museum of Architecture mailing list in order to keep up with the organization's future exhibits and plans.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSWL4dnSguc/WEv1h5DJfZI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/JNDTunxLjSs9bGBfV7irYr2thrv1p8cywCLcB/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSWL4dnSguc/WEv1h5DJfZI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/JNDTunxLjSs9bGBfV7irYr2thrv1p8cywCLcB/s400/IMG_1492.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have never made a gingerbread house myself. I have made gingerbread men. Playing with food was not encouraged during my childhood. Somehow, even now, I think I might still be able to give this construction experience a go. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZbfmjrlDXg/WEv1nmlDhNI/AAAAAAAAHVU/VMZN9UZGhQA-PM88rBBZwEUUyAxDYqpnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZbfmjrlDXg/WEv1nmlDhNI/AAAAAAAAHVU/VMZN9UZGhQA-PM88rBBZwEUUyAxDYqpnwCLcB/s400/IMG_1493.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Have any of you all made gingerbread houses? Maybe this year?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QcK-ncnfaNM/WEv1u63wv0I/AAAAAAAAHVY/wPl9pFitGcoAsYcRyyLJY7PRxjbUt0ICwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QcK-ncnfaNM/WEv1u63wv0I/AAAAAAAAHVY/wPl9pFitGcoAsYcRyyLJY7PRxjbUt0ICwCLcB/s400/IMG_1494.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Thank you all so much for visiting and for taking time to leave comments. I truly missed visiting your blogs while on holiday. I've got lots of catching up to do. See you soon.</span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28203207265144759.post-22347163208880396062016-11-23T12:54:00.001-08:002016-11-23T12:54:12.908-08:00City Views, Country Dreams<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Good afternoon from New York on the day before Thanksgiving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The extremely blustery weather we've had for the past few days vanished overnight, and was replaced by a beautifully sunshiny day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TWAWnwo6sc/WDXz3Xex7NI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/bmD_AOxsGucr_Py0yzdIaGgBxFfEjPoGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TWAWnwo6sc/WDXz3Xex7NI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/bmD_AOxsGucr_Py0yzdIaGgBxFfEjPoGQCLcB/s400/IMG_1153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Perfect for a walk across Central Park.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbz80GETmPc/WDX0Cr_eTnI/AAAAAAAAHTU/Z8Rh2IWHtRU38939yzXyNo1ZUjZuVyxnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbz80GETmPc/WDX0Cr_eTnI/AAAAAAAAHTU/Z8Rh2IWHtRU38939yzXyNo1ZUjZuVyxnQCLcB/s400/IMG_1162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Although not many folks appear in these scenes, I saw hundreds upon hundreds of locals and tourists enjoying the sights at a relaxed pace.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJzk5sYCrcc/WDX0OSdvkMI/AAAAAAAAHTY/qWQzdgQm-igAEaxpdzfK8fLDNd9P0OkEwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJzk5sYCrcc/WDX0OSdvkMI/AAAAAAAAHTY/qWQzdgQm-igAEaxpdzfK8fLDNd9P0OkEwCLcB/s400/IMG_1165.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As you can see, even with the recent windy days, there are still plenty of leaves on the trees.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRaDwrPSJKg/WDX0atCp1lI/AAAAAAAAHTc/UdOsJQ496qwW0IDR0Xenm6achyVZpkd9QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRaDwrPSJKg/WDX0atCp1lI/AAAAAAAAHTc/UdOsJQ496qwW0IDR0Xenm6achyVZpkd9QCLcB/s400/IMG_1168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Park's many underpasses and overpasses provide all sorts of vantage points. I liked this picture showing pathways leading downhill.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5T1yk3UvMcA/WDX0jlue6uI/AAAAAAAAHTg/BY9Tal-x-DQTlrAcmLMGbKo0cBxYbBNGgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5T1yk3UvMcA/WDX0jlue6uI/AAAAAAAAHTg/BY9Tal-x-DQTlrAcmLMGbKo0cBxYbBNGgCLcB/s400/IMG_1169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1nhFfd0x0w/WDX0tAWpJ2I/AAAAAAAAHTk/VyjA6O3v5wsJoW7GwVjhBygbdH0k4bIJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1nhFfd0x0w/WDX0tAWpJ2I/AAAAAAAAHTk/VyjA6O3v5wsJoW7GwVjhBygbdH0k4bIJwCLcB/s400/IMG_1171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqWpXH99-bE/WDX017ZjA5I/AAAAAAAAHTo/ys3u1B9tyjInUjaLnEnjQmV3xVGFOzEmACLcB/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqWpXH99-bE/WDX017ZjA5I/AAAAAAAAHTo/ys3u1B9tyjInUjaLnEnjQmV3xVGFOzEmACLcB/s400/IMG_1174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9G7R6cjdnU/WDX1A7AzvXI/AAAAAAAAHTs/OuRWDjseICorRUQDfCnrguTXlD5ONu-IQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9G7R6cjdnU/WDX1A7AzvXI/AAAAAAAAHTs/OuRWDjseICorRUQDfCnrguTXlD5ONu-IQCLcB/s400/IMG_1178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQhuUBqbtdQ/WDX1MMERAoI/AAAAAAAAHTw/2Djr2cjjk2wydx8fblvaE0nlsSXCmqepgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQhuUBqbtdQ/WDX1MMERAoI/AAAAAAAAHTw/2Djr2cjjk2wydx8fblvaE0nlsSXCmqepgCLcB/s400/IMG_1180.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It is not as much fun as the old timey version that was quite laissez faire.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV8Gqt7gJ0o/WDX1X-L_fbI/AAAAAAAAHT0/FA_k_XqsMt8TmlyScvewz9rKXI4XUEIdQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV8Gqt7gJ0o/WDX1X-L_fbI/AAAAAAAAHT0/FA_k_XqsMt8TmlyScvewz9rKXI4XUEIdQCLcB/s400/IMG_1188.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-jiFB_A9gk/WDX1jVup2lI/AAAAAAAAHT4/4-DHjP5fwQ4BwfU8gUQ2TcO37CiLvlwQgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-jiFB_A9gk/WDX1jVup2lI/AAAAAAAAHT4/4-DHjP5fwQ4BwfU8gUQ2TcO37CiLvlwQgCLcB/s400/IMG_1193.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfUn5OasugA/WDX1v_EvjYI/AAAAAAAAHT8/mZGAf9sL4d8Y7NrmJ-Fub1xVUc5AZuDKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfUn5OasugA/WDX1v_EvjYI/AAAAAAAAHT8/mZGAf9sL4d8Y7NrmJ-Fub1xVUc5AZuDKgCLcB/s400/IMG_1200.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One more view, which may or may not be a more clear depiction of the line up of barriers.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vYfU7tLRZE/WDX131MNa3I/AAAAAAAAHUA/w56rhh0M9vw1YkU-Wai3ADTkFZQMN82eACLcB/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vYfU7tLRZE/WDX131MNa3I/AAAAAAAAHUA/w56rhh0M9vw1YkU-Wai3ADTkFZQMN82eACLcB/s400/IMG_1203.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Unusually shops along Columbus Avenue close up by about mid-afternoon, on Thanksgiving Eve. The area really does become Parade Staging HQ.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZjpK9heL7E/WDX2ADtLwFI/AAAAAAAAHUE/axmizZQxb9Idop4IrsGR7cmiYRSOg5ykQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZjpK9heL7E/WDX2ADtLwFI/AAAAAAAAHUE/axmizZQxb9Idop4IrsGR7cmiYRSOg5ykQCLcB/s400/IMG_1206.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IhGev_GLcc/WDX2IM50HRI/AAAAAAAAHUI/FbDKCwdm29E8CrGX0us5X5XK6D5HwBEAACLcB/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IhGev_GLcc/WDX2IM50HRI/AAAAAAAAHUI/FbDKCwdm29E8CrGX0us5X5XK6D5HwBEAACLcB/s400/IMG_1210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmBYXiEyDB4/WDX2RfGXp9I/AAAAAAAAHUM/uGlxIZi6tu4C51SYY59VJXe7WI_49wS4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmBYXiEyDB4/WDX2RfGXp9I/AAAAAAAAHUM/uGlxIZi6tu4C51SYY59VJXe7WI_49wS4gCLcB/s400/IMG_1211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZriI2xHuKQ/WDX2aHDRcwI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/SopfB4UeZeEzyOmJtG-vQFOpvGAZQxeHwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZriI2xHuKQ/WDX2aHDRcwI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/SopfB4UeZeEzyOmJtG-vQFOpvGAZQxeHwCLcB/s400/IMG_1214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One last view.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkEF0ibvDRI/WDX2iZ1zWGI/AAAAAAAAHUU/jdRx2LQFzGAKoOx8hT5CrnAQsGiGI8QIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkEF0ibvDRI/WDX2iZ1zWGI/AAAAAAAAHUU/jdRx2LQFzGAKoOx8hT5CrnAQsGiGI8QIgCLcB/s400/IMG_1218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">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 <a href="http://www.instagram.com/fgoakley">there</a>, and for taking the time to leave comments. <span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Happy Thanksgiving</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">!</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.com53