When I returned from my NYC jaunt heard Kelly Rippa speak of the beautiful New York City spring and how true her words were. All the streets were ablaze with flowering trees and gardens. Central Park, especially the Shakespeare Garden was spectacular, as was the weather.
Here are a few flower pictures to wet your appetite.
Can you find the sparrow in the cherry blossoms?
During this jaunt came across a street fair. What fun..
My first evening in New York was spent at Dizzy’s Jazz Club at Lincoln Center. Here the world famous Christian Mc Bride performed with his friends. What an evening. Only 50 years old, and this Philadelphia born, New York City transplant is at the top of his game with 8 Grammys, and a host of recordings as well as other gigs with other jazz legends. What a treat!
He’s the tall man in the center, what a delight to watch his fingers tickle those strings.
Another shot of Christian.
And the food at Dizzy’s is a delight, as well as the service.
The Ferry from Red Hook – parking free at this site
If you have a bike bring it, otherwise you will have to rent, and recommend using the island venue verses the Citi bikes. The Citi bikes are $15 an hour and ours stopped at an inopportune time. Surreys are also available, but challenging to maneuver.
And of course walking is another possibility.😊
Oh what views..
There is much to do and see on the Island. Gouverneur’s military presence dates back to the Revolutionary War, and has been used up to the 1970’s when the Cold War Pact was signed with Russia. Shaded picnic tables are available, playgrounds for children, and two military fortifications to visit.
Let’s visit in pictures.
Commander’s Home where the Cold War Pact was signed by Regan and Khrushchev.
Other military family homes – take a walk through as fascinating structures. There are tours available but book early.
A mishmash of items to enjoy – from urban farming to new ways of electricity to interesting art.
Kids would love this – but remember to remove your shoes before entering.
This spot was where ship farers lived over a 100 years ago. Visited as my daughter was considering the area for her wedding. Snug Harbor is in Staten Island and a lovely site. Take a peek..
One of the former sailor’s buildings
There also is a Chinese garden on the property.
While lovely we ruled out this site due to logistics as one must cross the Verrazano Bridge to arrive at Staten Island. Here’s the happy couple by the Verrazano…
And their new addition – Rocco, the Flying Wonder Dog – for another blog.
While in New York City had an event on the subway. I am always cautious having lived through 9/11. And when a group of hooded late teens carrying back packs unleashed fireworks on the subway I was concerned.
Another woman and I stood as the teens ran back and forth opening subway windows to curtail the smoke. When they began to unscrew items on the wall of the train my concern deepened. Were they going to use these metal items as weapons?
Next they huddled in the back of our car as I sat calling 911 to report the incident. I was fearful, speaking quietly as I made the report, then cell service ended as the subway hit a dead zone. The perpetrators continued their antics running up and down the length of the car.
They took their final run and departed the car. When I stood to monitor their activity through the door window a young man of slight built brushed past me, and held the subway car door. As the perpetrators attempted to return to our car, he held the door fast. The teens left the subway at the next stop.
You never know when, and who will rise to the occasion.
Received an email from https://www.lincolncenter.org/lincoln-center-at-home, only to discover the myriad of events available at the Juilliard School. Prices are reasonable and school related programs are often free with the students giving world class performance. The Juilliard box office is open 10-6, and some tickets are available on line. The School and stages are adjacent to Lincoln Center on 65th St.
On this evening for a mere $20., I delighted in a performance by an ensemble of 20 for over 2 hours. The music was Latin/Cuban and amazing! Their guest conductor, Jose Madera, was a man with a lengthy c.v. of jazz related experiences and credentials. If in the area pick up a calendar of events at the school.
And who knows who’ll you recognize in later years. When I was doing psychiatric nursing at St. Luke’s Hospital in NYC, a young student named Jon Batiste, and his fellow Juilliard students played for our patients.
It’s been 16 months since I last visited New York City and Chinatown is the spot I missed the most. So much activity and the food, baked goods and massages are to die for.
Welcome Back
Menu, what shall I choose??
Noodles..
With a demonstration on how to twirl..
And soup..
Then a walk through town. Some interesting signs..
Good advice from Snoopy and Lucy.
And finally.. a foot massage, what a treat and so missed.
Another different restaurant pod, fascinating.. Think I’m getting obsessed with these? Me, too..
And finally a new New York City historical site to monitor and eventually visit. The oldest brick building in New York is under renovation. A future blog…
And don’t forget Little Italy is just across Canal Street. If only I had room for one of those delicious cannolis…
This ends my visit to New York City … will be returning in November and already have a play ticket.
Our trio visited Central Park next. Another amazing time. We started our visit at the Central Park entrance near the American Museum of Natural History began by Theodore Roosevelt. Here he is in stone.
We were greeted by some amazing flowering bushes and trees. What colors…
A variety of dogs crossed our path – some yappy, some chilling, and some friendly.
And the sign posts in the garden splendor, share your story..
Young Retiree Needs a Life 