Scenes of the City

Thanks so much for all your cheery New Year's wishes and comments. Our experiences are made richer by sharing them with each other :)

I took lots of photos while in the city and wanted to share some more of them before getting back to some plant themed posts, which have been sadly lacking here lately.

But first, I've had several special requests for a picture of me in the mad bomber hat, and against my better judgement, will post one (while cringing) soon :) It was Ross's idea for us both to put on our hats and have our son take a picture this past weekend, so we did (while feeling, and looking really stupid). A truer pair of country bumpkins you've never seen! Anything for the blog and a laugh, right? Stay tuned....

This was the scene we awoke to on Christmas morning...a totally new experience for us. The city was peaceful and quiet, with very few people out and about at that time.

There's a balcony garden on the top floor of that tall building to the left of the photo. You might see a bit more detail if you click on it. My daughter (KP) says there are many more plants out there during the warmer months.
It wouldn't be my cup of tea, but it is possible to have a gardening experience even in the heart of the city, living in a highrise apartment.

I loved the blended colors of these buildings.

This is the same street seen from the other end, as we walked back from St. John's after the service.

As we walked down the street this flock of pigeons burst into the air and flew right at us, just barely missing our heads. The commotion was caused by the man in the photo who had just dropped a few handfuls of food for them....

which they greedily gobbled up.

Now we're back at Rockefeller Center again, and there's the huge Christmas tree, with the familiar yellow cabs in the foreground. Riding in those is quite an experience...one that I'd happily forego. Zooming in and out of city traffic and barely missing pedestrians, bikes, and horse and buggies is not my idea of fun! It entails a lot of inhaling and exhaling!

This is the famous skating rink that you sometimes see on the Today Show.

The flags are pretty as they flap in the chilly breeze.

Here's the building where the Today Show is filmed. The street to the left is where the people gather to watch.

Now what's that lady doing talking on her cell phone in the street?? New Yorkers do that while riding bikes on these busy streets too!

The buildings were decked out in bright finery.

Here's the famous Radio City Music Hall

And the magnificent Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Inside Saint Pat's.

I'd like to have the market cornered on Poinsettias in the city in December! They were everywhere, and all very beautiful.

The animated windows at Sacs, Fifth Avenue, draws a big crowd. There's a line to view them and not much time for taking photos as the crowd just shoves you along!

What a treat for kids they are....and adults too :)

So cleverly done.

I love the reflected buildings behind the figures.

And here we are in Central Park again....a little more peaceful and quiet than in the midst of the crowds of midtown.

Pretty little bridges to stroll across....

And there's plenty of wildlife, which coexists quite happily with the people, it seems. This squirrel was not at all afraid, and let me approach to within a few feet of it.

Walkways and bike trails.....

playgrounds with cute statues....

And water.....

complete with ducks......

It's a very pleasant place to walk.

But all good times must end, and finally we had to say goodbye to the city, and our dear daughter and SIL, and head for home across the George Washington Bridge.

I hope we'll have other fun visits to the Big Apple in the not-too-distant future because there's so much more to see!

Ellis Island and The Botanical Gardens are high on our list.

And we have to check up on Hanna, the city kitty, and her new 'sister', Ilsa :)