Florida Sunlit Sunday

I'm happy to join one of the sunniest places in BlogLand, "Sunlit Sunday."

Today was sunny in New York City, but it was barely above freezing. I had my gloves and winter coat and definitely closed toe shoes. I couldn't help but think of last Sunday in Florida. The day was sunlit, warm and beautiful.

This was the view from the parking lot outside the restaurant where we had lunch. We moved on to Del Ray Beach for a leisurely afternoon of iced coffee, strolling and window shopping. No coat, no gloves and no closed toe shoes. What a treat!

Despite the cold today was a very festive day. It was Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire centuries ago. The traditional food is the Hamantaschen, Haman's Hat, a triangular pastry. It is traditionally -- for Jews of Eastern European origin -- filled with poppy seeds or prunes. Of course without refrigeration my ancestors had few choices for sweet fillings at the end of the long winter. Now we've branched out into many different flavors and a friend featured Hamantaschen with Nutella filling on her Facebook page. This was always a day of major importance when I was in Hebrew School and we got to dress in costumes. Though the focus might seem to be sweet treats and costumes, the story of deliverance was always read and took center stage in the celebration. 

The window of a local cafe...The Hamantaschen are directly behind the apple crumb pie. #DelsihintheCity  

I'm so glad that you stopped by to visit my corner of New York City. Thanks so much and wishes for a very sunlit week. 

"The Chew" and More Chew Random Five Friday

After a busy, busy week it's happily time for Random 5 Friday, always a favorite part of my week. Without further ado...

1) I started Wednesday morning with an early on-time to see the "Katie Couric Show." I got there before my scheduled time, but the other people with tickets got there much earlier than I did and all the seats were taken. I was offered a ticket to "The Chew,"  and I happily took it. Sarah Evans cooked chicken with Chef Michael Symon. I sat in the row in back of the guests who got to sample the food and everything looked delicious.

After the taping of "The Chew."

Chef Michael Symon and a fan after the taping

2) Wednesday morning was an almost spring day and as I was walking on West 66th Street after the taping I saw someone who looked very familiar. All I could think was, "There goes the 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air,' and yes, in that moment I realized I was looking at Will Smith. It took place in the blink of an eye and I was too stunned to get my phone out for a picture.

3) I was filled with energy on Wednesday. I had just about forgotten how much more energized I am in nice weather. It was much easier to be up and out and around town on an almost spring day. Yesterday was twenty degrees and all I wanted to do was take a nap and drink tea.

4) I am in a spring cleaning and clearing mode and this weekend it's my shoes and boots. I'm dreaming of a neat closet floor.

5) I've gotten an idea to photograph food I see around New York City. I'm thinking of calling my food pictures, Delish in the City (#delishintheCity.) My inspiration were these pretty containers of all things, vegetable yogurt. I didn't buy them -- $2.99 a container -- but I did take pictures.

Blue Hill Tomato Yogurt and...

 ...Butternut Squash and Parsnip Yogurt. I did a double take at the flavors on the containers. 

Not bad for one week..."The Chew," Will Smith and Parsnip yogurt. What will next week bring?

As always, thanks for stopping by. Take very good care and have a great weekend.