(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Brooklyn

 

Fuller Place, Brooklyn

I'm reasonably sure that when people think of Brooklyn, this isn't the picture that comes to mind. But it's Brooklyn, and one of my favorite blocks in the borough. For those who saw -- decades ago -- the movie As Good As It Gets with Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt, parts of the film were shot on this block. Last Friday I was visiting friends who live around the corner and, of course, had to take a photograph (or two).

 I'm totally back from Colorado, both in time zones and in getting used to being home.  Life is beginning to settle into a new groove and I'm doing more in person. Spent some time at the Y on two days this week, voted in person for the New York City primary yesterday and I'm riding the subway more. The stores are busier, buses and subways are busier and traffic is much, much busier, which is all good. Whenever I may be tempted to complain about the lines I remind myself that just a year ago I hadn't been out of my neighborhood in three months. 

I've still got several Colorado posts to share and I'll be doing an update on my Journey of 1000/10,000 Miles in my next post. 

I hope our Buttercupland friends in the west are keeping as cool as they possibly can. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a terrific Thursday!

Green-Wood Cemetery

Green-Wood Cemetery, once a place of rural repose, now in the middle of Brooklyn. 

The entrance to Green-Wood, completed in 1865. During this period Green-Wood was the second most popular tourist destination in America, second to Niagara Falls.

We're returning to Brooklyn for a visit to Green-Wood Cemetery. Completed in 1838, in what then was the far reaches of Brooklyn. Churchyards throughout the city had little space left and situating a large park-like cemetery in rural Brooklyn was the solution. It is the final resting place of Horace Greeley, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Boss Tweed and more recently, Leonard Bernstein. It predates both Central Park and Prospect Park in Brooklyn and was a popular site for picnics. It is still a beautiful place to visit and there is an active calendar of historic programs and events. It is easy to reach via mass transit.

A quiet summer afternoon at Green-Wood. 

It is also the site of the Battle of Long Island -- also known as the Battle of Brooklyn in New York City -- which was a critical battle in the Revolutionary War. The picture above is from a commemoration I went to last summer on the 240th anniversary of the battle.

I've gotten somewhat behind on my Blogging from A to Z Challenge, but I will be finishing the Challenge and the alphabet. No letter will be neglected.

As ever, thanks for visiting and please join me next for a post about Alexander Hamilton. 

Christmas Time in the City

 

The Time Warner center at Columbus Circle is decorated with Moravian Stars that change colors. Several times in the evening there is a coordinated concert of holiday music. 

This may be the post of the  A to Z Blogging Challenge that will take the most time to put together. I think I may have at least 1,000 pictures of New York City at Christmas. Some aren't blogworthy, but for every picture I selected there a dozen more that I could have used. I also got the lyrics to "Silver Bells" in my head and spent part of this rainy April afternoon listening to several versions of the song.

I chose a few "must-sees" and a few personal favorites. The lions of the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue(below) are a personal favorite. I enjoy seeing Patience and Prudence dressed in their holiday finery. If you enjoy animal décor, last year the American Museum of Natural History welcomed visitors with decorated with topiary dinosaurs, also festively dressed.  

My absolutely "must-see" are the department store windows on Fifth Avenue. They start at Bergdorf Goodman at 58th Street and go down to Lord and Taylor at West 37th Street. Continue to 34th Street and you're at the Empire State Building. Turn right to Sixth Avenue and you arrive at Macy's. My favorite windows are at Bergdorf's, but I recommend the entire walk. It is crowded and at the peak of the season there may be a half hour waiting time at Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Another "must-see" is the Christmas tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is decorated with Eighteenth century Neapolitan angels and beautiful nativity figures. Christmas music is playing and it is a serene oasis in an often too-busy season.

One of the least serene places in December is Rockefeller Center, but it is festive, fun and a "must-see." This was a Saturday night in December, 2015 and this was as close as I could get to the tree.

The lights of Dyker Heights

 

I've shared my "must-see" sights in Manhattan and now we're going back to Brooklyn. The Dyker Lights are a must-see across the river. I've chosen one of my favorite displays, but there are blocks of homes and tens of thousands of lights. I've toured the area with friends and I've toured with the company whose link I provided, A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours. This area is not one subway stop from Manhattan and a tour may be a good alternative to seeing Dyker Lights and Bay Ridge, another neighborhood with great decorations.

 

This is one of my favorite houses, the "Blue House" in Bay Ridge.  

 

Our last stop is back in my Upper West Side neighborhood, The Mermaid Inn. It's one of the best seafood restaurants that is not at  a beach. These are this year's decorations. They were simple, but cozy and festive. The menu can be pricy, but there is a less crowded and fun happy hour with smaller portions of the delicious specialties.

I've been happy to share my must-sees with you. Despite not being a fan of winter weather, Christmas time in New York is one of my favorite times. With the proviso that you may be wearing boots and a down coat and there may be ice on the sidewalks, it is one of the best times to visit New York.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.

 

Brooklyn and Beyond

The view of Manhattan from the Promenade, Brooklyn Heights

 

For our second day of Blogging from A to Z we're going to Brooklyn. When many visitors think of New York City they think of Manhattan, and only Manhattan. But New York City consists of five boroughs, Manhattan (New York County), Staten Island (Richmond County), the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn (Kings County). It wasn't until 1898 that the City of New York as we know it today was established. Before that time the city had a very different configuration. Brooklyn is the largest borough in population, with Queens right behind.   

Another view from the Promenade. The Brooklyn Bridge (1883) is in the forefront and the Empire State Building is in the right background. 

 

If you're in Lower Manhattan visiting Brooklyn is as close as walking across the Brooklyn Bridge or traveling one subway stop. From Bowling Green in Manhattan to Brooklyn Borough Hall is a ten minute trip and so worthwhile. I took these two photographs after walking ten minutes from the subway. Some of the houses I passed on my walk date from the 1830's. I love Lower Manhattan and the bustle of Midtown, but there is a charm and grace to the quiet streets of this beautiful and historic neighborhood.

 

These brownstones on Willow Street were built in the 1830's.

During my walk in Brooklyn Heights I discovered this marker. It commemorates George Washington's headquarters during the Battle of "Long Island." But in Brooklyn, it's known as the Battle of Brooklyn.

There are many interesting neighborhoods in Brooklyn and each one has historic and culinary sights. I chose Brooklyn Heights for the fabulous views from the Promenade and the easy access to Manhattan. But if you have additional time in your visiting schedule I'd strongly suggest choosing another neighborhood and enjoying the sights of New York beyond Manhattan.
 

One of my favorite bakeries in New York City is Bien Cuit. It is in the equally walkable neighborhood of Boerum Hill, and produces some of the best bread anywhere. It also has excellent coffee and a charming garden area, which is a perfect place to enjoy the baked treats you will be unable to resist.
 

I hope I've lured you across the bridge to enjoy a visit to Brooklyn. We'll be returning tomorrow when we visit some of my favorite places in New York City at Christmas.

As ever, thanks for visiting!
 

The Bones You Save May Be Your Own

We are interrupting regularly scheduled blog content for an announcement from the Department of Public Safety of Buttercupland. Almost four years ago regularly scheduled content was interrupted for a bulletin from the ever alert Department of Public Safety concerning a fall which resulted in a broken foot and now, once again, I want to remind all citizens of Buttercupland to focus on fall prevention. Alas, I didn't pay close enough attention to this important safety advice.

 Three weeks ago, just before I left for the airport to fly to Argentina, I was sending a few last minute emails. I closed the computer and quickly jumped up, catching my foot in the non-secured computer cord. I fell right side down, with the brunt of the fall going to my shoulder, and it hurt. A lot. But I hated to cancel the trip for what might simply be a bad bruise. I got myself up, took two aspirin and pulled myself together. My theory was that since I could move my arm -- however painfully -- nothing was broken and I could still go on the trip. I added aspirin and Arnica to my carryon bag and left for the airport.

I did okay while I was away -- a little fall wasn't getting in the way of seeing the penguins -- and saw my orthopedist last week. Diagnosis: I have a small break in my shoulder. Gratefully, it's healing well and I don't even need a sling. I consulted Dr. Google and found that this is a common injury for elderly women who fall. I don't see myself as an elderly woman, but technically -- and somewhat amazingly -- I am a senior citizen. I'm out of yoga for awhile and being very careful about lifting and carrying things.

The moral of this story...actually there are several. First I am really fortunate I didn't break my wrist or worse, my leg or hip. Second, the Department of Public Safety reiterates the advice it gave three years ago, which is to look out for wet floors, icy and/or uneven sidewalks and wear shoes with good traction. The added advice is to secure household wires. Tripping hazards are just about everywhere and the bones you save may be your own.

I took the photo above during a visit to Brooklyn this afternoon. Usually I am at the gym on Monday afternoons, but alas, I will be absent for at least several more weeks. I used the time for a trip to Brooklyn and an enjoyable afternoon book browsing, drinking coffee and taking photographs. This was the view of Court Street while I drank coffee.

As ever, thanks for visiting and practice fall prevention. Your bones will thank you.

 

Cobble Hill's (Brooklyn) Bien Cuit

Bien Cuit -- this is going to be a tough one to beat!

 

When I started planning this month of blogging I enlisted the help of friends, and people came to my aid immediately. I knew Brownstone Brooklyn  had to be on my list of great coffee places and I also knew my friend, Anita, who has lived in Brooklyn for over thirty years, would be my consultant for this. I also love getting together with Anita, not that we need a reason to get together and drink coffee. Anita's suggestions was Bien Cuit, and, friends, I may not find anywhere I like better. 

 

We met at Bien Cuit -- meaning well done or well cooked -- and made our way to the backyard. It was chilly, but so pleasant sitting in the sun, drinking excellent coffee and taking with a friend of fifty years. Just a subway ride away, but I can't imagine a much better morning.  I'm giving the coffee an A- and the ambience an A.

 


I made a resolution when I started this project that I would abstain from bread and pastry. I'm not as tempted by the pastries, which has surprised me, but the bread calls my name even in my sleep. If I break this rule, it will be during a return visit to Bien Cuit, and I will have no regrets. Doesn't this look fabulous!

I didn't buy this cookbook, but I think it's the perfect gift for friends who bake.

This is the neighborhood of Bien Cuit. The website for the bakery described the neighborhood as Boerum Hill, so technically I should have posted this as a "B." But  we're on to "C," so I hope you will pardon my geographic gaffe and enjoy it as "C," in  Blogging from A to Z.

 

So much coffee, so little time and so glad to be on this expedition. 

A Visit to Plymouth Church

One of my favorite days this winter was spent walking in Brooklyn and Plymouth Church was one of the sights I most enjoyed seeing. This historic congregation, a major stop on the Underground Railroad in New York City, was founded in 1847 by New Englanders who wanted a Congregational Church like the ones in which they were accustomed to worship. It was founded, and remains, in beautiful Brooklyn Heights. 

 

The founding members called Henry Ward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, and social reformer, to lead their church. The congregation was an active one and welcomed candidate Abraham Lincoln, three weeks after campaigning in New Hampshire.

 The stained glass windows are not only beautiful, but have deep historical significance. They depict scenes of personal liberty, political liberty and religions liberty.

 

 This scene is a few blocks from the church. The neighborhood is tree-lined and light-filled, with many historic brownstones still standing.

 

Today there is not a drop of snow left in New York City, though yesterday was cold, icy and snowing. I spent the day doing many errands for my trip to Peru. I started planning this last summer, and in less than two days I will be leaving for Lima. I feel more organized that I have for most trips, and thankfully my insect repellant and mosquito repellant bracelet -- great reviews on Amazon -- arrived tonight. I'm not sure how often I will blog, but I will try to post pictures on Facebook. If anyone would like to connect there, just leave me a comment, and I will be in touch.

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.

 



Brooklyn Pink Saturday

Not too long ago Pink Saturday became Anything Goes Pink Saturday. I try to stick with finding pink items to photograph, but when the only pink things I can find in New York City are Valentine decorations -- which I'm saving for next week --  I appreciate the flexibility. Since anything goes, we're going to Brooklyn for this week's fun.

From the Brooklyn Promenade looking out to the Statue of Liberty, out in the harbor. 

When many people think of New York City, they think of Times Square and Central Park, which are in Manhattan. But there are five boroughs that comprise the City of New York, and just over the Brooklyn Bridge is the Borough of Coney Island, infinite neighborhoods and languages and some of the most beautiful streets in America.

I began my Brooklyn day with brunch at French Louie in Downtown Brooklyn. The food was delicious and I especially liked the view of the backyard and brownstones. One small mound of snow remained from the blizzard.

I walked through the neighborhoods of Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights. Many of the buildings were built in the Nineteenth Century and despite being almost directly across the Brooklyn Bridge from the Financial District, these are some of the quietest residential blocks anywhere.

The house is the Robert White House, one of the oldest homes in Brooklyn, built in 1825. The Brooklyn Bridge wasn't built until 1883. 

 The last part of the walk was through Brooklyn Heights and down the Promenade. The Promenade runs along the water and above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and I think, gives the best view of Manhattan and the harbor. The day was warm, the view was beautiful and the sun was shining on Brooklyn.

 The view of Manhattan from Brooklyn

 

The Freedom Tower is on the far left, the Brooklyn Bridge (built in 1883 is in the center towards the right of the picture, and the Empire State Building is on the right in the far distance. 

I hope you've enjoyed our visit to Brooklyn. I made one stop in Brooklyn Heights that I think deserves its own post and I will be back tomorrow for a visit to Plymouth Church.

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a terrific Superbowl Sunday.

Best.Christmas.Lights.Ever Pink Saturday

On the most tropical Christmas night I've ever experienced the air was balmy and the lights were magical. I spent Christmas -- as I have for at least the last decade -- with friends in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. It's a neighborhood at the southern end of Brooklyn, which has become one of the best places to see Christmas lights in New York City. After dinner with friends we drove through the  streets of Bay Ridge looking at the lights. In a true Christmas miracle, there was no traffic and we were able to stop and park and I snapped pictures to my heart's content. It was hard to believe I was taking Christmas pictures wearing a cotton jacket in New York. Some folks will simply describe it as El Nino, but I call it a miracle.

This last house was my favorite. I was especially taken with the "diamonds" on the door.

 

This chocolate house was at the center of our Christmas day desserts. There were lots of delicious desserts and my New Year's resolution is to abstain from sugary treats for quite awhile. 

 

It's hard to imagine, but this is my last Pink Saturday post of 2015. I'll have several more posts before 2016, but I want to offer a special thanks for all of my Pink Saturday blog friends. Thank you for all the pretty-in-pink moments you've given me this year.  Here's to many more in the year ahead.

 

I hope you all had wonderful Christmas celebrations and your memories are bright and happy. Prayers for those in Texas and Oklahoma, please stay safe!

 

As ever, thanks for stopping by and have a great week. 

Across the River to the Brooklyn Museum



The Brooklyn Museum a la Google color  

There's a lot to do in Manhattan and I know I could keep busy every day of the year with all that's offered. But I still need to get off my island and visit the rest of New York City. On Sunday I paid a visit to the Brooklyn Museum and had a wonderful day of art and sightseeing.

The art was great and brunch was a terrific treat. The trip was inspired by a discount coupon for brunch at Saul, the new restaurant at the museum. We toasted my friend Mary's birthday and it was a very special occasion.

This is Georgia O'Keefe's depiction of the Brooklyn Bridge, which links Brooklyn to Manhattan. I've been to the museum before, but have no memory of ever seeing it. That's one of the things I like best about revisiting museums. I see things either in a new perspective or realize I may have walked past a painting a dozen times, but this time it's speaking to me. 

 

This is a statue of Robert Fulton. He linked Manhattan and Brooklyn long before the five boroughs became the city of New York. In the early part of the nineteenth century Brooklyn was still mostly rural, including the downtown area.

 

One of my favorite parts of visiting the museum are the wonderful tile sculpture in the subway station. This one caught my eye on this trip.

 

 

A trip to a museum isn't complete without a stop at the gift store and the one at the Brooklyn Museum is terrific. We'll be back on Pink Saturday to see some of the treasures I found. 

 

I hope everyone is having a great St. Patrick's Day. It's just about spring here, but tomorrow we're back to winter coats -- but not for long!

 

As ever thanks for visiting and take good care!  

 

Come to Brooklyn!

One of the prettiest places in New York City is the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. It's just a short -- 45 minute -- subway ride from where I live, but it's a world away.

It's right around the corner from the Brooklyn Museum, which has a terrific art collection.

I was at the Botanical Gardens on Thursday for a program for work. The program went well, but I wished I could stay here for the rest of the day and enjoy the gardens, especially the lily pools, and the Museum. Definitely need a return trip soon!

It's been a whirlwind few days...Retirement party and dinner for my new volunteer program -- details to follow -- on Friday night, training for the program yesterday and a movie this afternoon with my friend Lynda. All good, but hectic. Bog visits tonight!

Across the River...

...to Brooklyn 

There are times I think it would be fun to live on an island and then I remember that I do, and have since 1975. We are linked to the rest of the city and New Jersey by bridges and tunnels and sometimes I get an island mentality and hate to leave Manhattan. Of course I do every day and take the subway to my job in Queens, but otherwise it seems "far" and there are times on weekends I don't get more than a mile from my building.  In that mile I can get to Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum, three movie theaters and Lincoln Center, so I am a very fortunate person. But there are so many other treasures in New York City and occasionally I need a gentle nudge to go exploring.

Last week we had a work event at the Brooklyn Museum.  I hadn't been here in several years and what a treat, even if there was lots of work to do. There is a wonderful collection of Egyptian artifacts and great European paintings. I spent a lot of time in the rotunda and was drawn to a group of sculpture. I kept thinking that they looked like works by Rodin and when I got a few minutes to explore and found that they were by Rodin. That discovery made my evening.

A model of the Statue of Liberty in the garden of the Brooklyn Museum

I hope you enjoyed our visit to Brooklyn. We'll definitely be back soon!