Monday, January 07, 2008

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. Posted by Picasa

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. Posted by Picasa

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! Posted by Picasa

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. Posted by Picasa

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. Posted by Picasa



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..... Posted by Picasa

playgrounds with cute statues....
And water.....

complete with ducks...... Posted by Picasa

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 :) Posted by Picasa

27 comments:

Val said...[Reply]

Thats a fantastic series of photos - youve really captured the atmosphere, not just going for the static shots. Loved the bits of detail, made it seem alive! Thanks.

Bring on the shots of the hats, can't wait. I dont know what type of hats they are, so looking forward to revelation! :o)

Jellyhead said...[Reply]

Wow, wow, WOW! What a spectacular set of photographs.

I've always been a bit nervous about the idea of visiting New York (I think I've seen too many US-based crime shows on TV), but I'm freshly inspired by its beauty in your pictures.

I'm glad you had fun, and will look forward to the bomber hat photo!

Lori said...[Reply]

I love this post and all your photos.

Lisa at Greenbow said...[Reply]

A fun tour of the City Kerri. I have always wanted to see how they decorate their windows. I have read that they are works of art. I can see in your pictures that this is so.

Annie in Austin said...[Reply]

You gave us a good look at what it's like to visit NYC during Christmastime, Kerri, and the photos of Central Park make it look like a wonderful place - thank you!

I hope you'll get back during bloom season for the Botanic Garden, have time to see Ellis Island... and maybe get to the Metropolitan Museum, too.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Susie said...[Reply]

Hello dear Kerri,
I feel like I've had a wonderful guided tour of NYC during the Christmas season. It all looks so magical and just bustling with activity. Glad you had such a marvelous time!
Can't wait to see photos of you and Ross in your bomber hats..
xoxo

Susan Tidwell said...[Reply]

Thanks for the tour of the city. Like jelly, I too have seen NYC through television shows, and have never had the desire to go there, I can't believe you walked through Central Park without getting mugged (see what a warped view I have!). It looks like everyone had a great time, thanks for sharing!

kenju said...[Reply]

Wonderful photos of my favorite big US city. I esepcially like getting to see the store windows!

Kylee Baumle said...[Reply]

Wow, Kerri, this photojournalistic view of NYC was wonderful! I've only ever been to JFK, not the city and I'd love to go someday. You certainly have an eye for capturing things digitally!

Charley "Apple" Grabowski said...[Reply]

What a tease you are! Can't wait to see you guys in the mad bomber hats and it doesn't sound like spirits were required. LOL I hope there are a few pics of little people too :)

Your NYC pics are all wonderful. Did you actually take a cab? I was afraid of them and the subway. I did a lot of walking. I regret not spending more time in Central Park and not getting to the Met. Maybe I'll have to go back at least once.

I'm betting that your snow is mostly gone. Haven't the last couple of days been unbelievable?!

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...[Reply]

it's a beautiful city.......i loved every single second that i spent there ....am so glad that you too had such a fun time there :)

Cris said...[Reply]

Lovely, the pictures taken at the park are amazing. How nice that you shared with us all these beautiful pictures!

Anonymous said...[Reply]

I spent two weeks alone in NY a few years ago and loved every minute of it.
Thanks for taking me back.

Sharon said...[Reply]

I have never been there but always wanted to visit. Through your pictures I got to see what it looks like.........just wonderful now I do not have to go because I took a walk with you.........Thanks so much.

Chris Kreussling (Flatbush Gardener) said...[Reply]

I hardly ever go into midtown Manhattan, at any time of year. People who don't live in the city just don't know how to walk in public spaces. I am not patient with them!

I enjoy Central Park, but it's remarkable how few people there are in your photos of it. It's nuts in the warmer months. I prefer my Brooklyn parks and gardens during those times of the year.

I've gotten used to NYC cab drivers. Most of them are what I would call "firm" rather than aggressive drivers. They know what they and their vehicles can do, and do it. They're on the clock, so it's worth it to them to complete as many trips as possible during their shifts.

I suspect they might put on a show for turistas and intentionally drive a little more erraticly. They wouldn't want you to stumble away disappointed!

kate said...[Reply]

I envy you a trip to NYC during the holiday season. Your photographs were beautiful. It must be great having your daughter living there and being able to visit.

I enjoyed seeing places that I've seen on television...

Terri said...[Reply]

As a country girl I always found it hard to believe that people would actually WANT to live in NYC, but after visiting there, boy, I sure can understand it now!!!
Fabulous pictures too.
Love,
Terri

Merle said...[Reply]

Hi Kerri ~~ Thank you so much for sharing all those wonderful photos
of New York City. You certainly do a great job with the camera. Thank you for leaving a comment and good wishes
for the New Year. I had a great Christmas with my youngest daughter and her family, but it is good to have the holidays behind us.I hope you have a great New Year also and the best of health and happiness.
I bey you are a lot cooler than I am. 39C today and 41C tomorrow.
They are expecting extreme fire danger tomorrow, So I pray there won't be any serious ones. I plan to post about bushfires in a few days. Take care, Love, Merle.

sonia a. mascaro said...[Reply]

What a wonderful thread of photos, Kerri! Sounds you all had a great time together! I would love to know NY! It's my dream...

What is the distance between your house and NY city?

Thanks for your visit and greetings. I wish to you dear Kerri and to yours loved ones a WONDERFUL 2008!

Martha said...[Reply]

I enjoyed a trip through your blog this afternoon, from the big city back to the country again. Although I have lived in NY state my entire life, I have never been to the Big Apple. It would be fun place to visit but I would rather live on the farm.

Your photos are wonderful.

Yolanda said...[Reply]

I enjoyed seeing these photos today. Thanks for sharing them.

Shelley said...[Reply]

Wonderful photos! I love New York, and haven't been there in forever. Thanks for sharing these. It was almost like being with you.

Happy New Year, Kerri. May your year be a blessed one.

Gardener's Garden said...[Reply]

Thank you so much for taking us on this trip to the city and sharing these wonderfully creative shots with us. Your view of the Radio City Music Hall is absolutely stunning!

Barbara said...[Reply]

Showing all these pictures, brought back a lot of nice memories. I like this wonderful, vivid city...when
staying as a tourist (as I did for 10 days). But I was glad too, to return home to the country....
Central Park on a sunny Sunday morning is like being in the theatre and watching an amusing piece :-) !!

Needled Mom said...[Reply]

Fabulous pictures of a fabulous city! I love to visit NYC with all the vitality that it provides. You have certainly captured the "best" of it all. Glad that you had a good time.

LindaD said...[Reply]

What a fun 'tour'. Its been so many years since we've been to New York, and I didn't recognize a thing. Thanks! Some of those pix would make great post cards!

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...[Reply]

You make New York City look fabulous & fun! I should have gone along with you and I know I would have had fun.
Those are some great pictures of the city and central park and that little squirrel looks just like the one that steals our birdseed although we have given him his own little squirrel feeder.