One Season Following Another

 

The Last Days of Autumn in Riverside Park

This afternoon I took one of the last autumn walks I will take in 2025. I know that winter won't begin for another month, but the weather and decor of the city are rapidly turning to a winter look. We don't have snow yet, but it could be any day. For almost every year I can remember I've not looked forward to winter. I don't like cold and as the years have passed, I've grown more apprehensive about walking on slippery sidewalks. I'm looking to change my attitude for winter, 2026. 

I wouldn't say I'm upbeat about the weather ahead, but I'm looking to all things that will make winter in New York fun. Yes, fun. I'd looked at several trips to warmer weather places, but things haven't worked out as I'd hoped. That may change, but right now I'm in New York through the winter. I'm thinking of museum visits, new coffee shops and plays that I'd like to see. I also semi-splurged on a new winter hat and will look for new boots, with good traction for slippery days. My goal is to make this the best winter in the city. 

Beautiful sky as I walked south in Riverside Park

 

In other local news, the Christmas trees have arrived. It seems early to me, but people go away in December and want to get their trees early and enjoy them. I'm just happy to walk through the urban forests that are created by the tree stands.  

This stand is the closest to my building, only a couple of blocks away.

 I'll be passing it just about every day. 

More neighborhood news includes a new gelato store just a few blocks further. I haven't tried it yet, but went in yesterday to scope it out. I'm a fan of Ferrero Rocher candy and was delighted to see Ferrero Rocher gelato. Everything looks good, but I haven't indulged yet.  I'm going to plan it as a treat and really savor or it.  

This may be one of my winter treats. I'm an ice cream/gelato fan in any season. 

That's life in the neighborhood in these last days of autumn. I've got my mammogram scheduled for tomorrow, a trip to the gym and I hope to do another blog post, too. Pep and I had an adventure last week and I'm planning to post it for Monkey Monday. What's on your agenda?

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy!

The Last Leaves of Autumn

 

Autumn in the Neighborhood

One of the things I've been remiss about is posting about (my) everyday life in New York. When I first started blogging (January 2009) most of my posts were about daily life. Over the years I've blogged less and focused more on events and special times. But most of my life/our lives is the day to day, and I've decided it's time to get back to more of the day to day. There will be special events, posts from travel and milestones, especially in the weeks to come. But come January -- not very far away -- it's back to New York City. 

Today really slipped away from autumn to almost winter. It was cold, sunless and the ground is covered with leaves. But last Saturday I took a walk in the neighborhood and captured a few moments of what may be one of the last days before the leaves are completely on the ground. 

West Side Community Garden at the end of the season

My walk to Trader Joe's passed our local community garden. From March to early  November there are flowers cultivated by my neighbors. It's  one of my favorite places to sit and read or simply drink a cup of coffee. It's beautiful in every season -- even the bleak beauty now -- but I love it best in the spring, when the tulips are in bloom. 

Tulip Festival, 2025

My local independent stationery store

My last stop on the way home was my neighborhood stationery store. We do have the big box stores, but I like helping to keep our neighborhood stores in business. This is my stop for a ream of paper, Sharpies and my calendar for each year. It's also the place I treat myself to some of the most fun pens I've ever found. 

Thanks for the good wishes about my leak. I've gotten the estimate -- about what I figured -- and the search is on for the parts. I have a very garden variety Whirlpool, so I'm optimistic that the parts are easy to get. The estimate is two to three days and then, I hope, all be well again in my kitchen. I know I won't ever take a working dishwasher -- or any major appliance -- for granted. Ever. I know it could have been a lot worse and I'm grateful that I wasn't away when it started to leak. As my mother always said, "If that's the worst thing that happens this year, you're very lucky." Agreed!

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.      

Autumn in New York (in the Neighborhood)

A moment in early autumn in Central Park

When I hear the words autumn in New York my mind goes to beautiful autumn views of Central Park. We get those views -- for about a week or two -- but mostly the signs of autumn aren't much different than autumn anywhere else. One day this week I was walking in my neighborhood, the Upper West Side, and started taking pictures of things that caught my eye. At first it was just a few random pictures, but I realized that in the five blocks I walked between the post office and my Pilates class I'd captured an autumn afternoon in the neighborhood.   

My favorite local pizza place was decorated for Halloween

 

This looks so yummy

After passing the pizza store I came to Magnolia Bakery, which you may remember, was featured in Sex and the City. Their specialty is banana pudding, but this autumn variation looks as just as good. I managed to walk past the store, but it was a temptation. There are two/three/four food stores on many blocks. There are new bakeries, ice cream stores and restaurants in just about every direction. There is literally temptation at every turn, but usually I can resist. At some time, though, I just  may succumb to this apple treat.   

 

The mums brightened up the landscape and definitely were worth a picture

One of my favorite stores, a local stationery store

I made sure to walk by the local stationery store on West 72nd Street. I love stationery stores -- fun pens, stickers and all kinds of treats -- and fortunately there are still two independent stores in the neighborhood. When I need a stationery item I (almost) always stop by one of them. The local stores are what make the neighborhood interesting and I try to patronize them when I can. I knew this store would be decorated for the fall/Halloween and I wasn't disappointed.  

What are your favorite parts of autumn where you live?

I've got an adventure tomorrow that I've been thinking about for a few months. It's an outdoor adventure and happily, the weather looks good. I'll leave the destination as surprise, but as a hint, it's not in Manhattan and it's one of the most iconic places in New York City. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great Sunday.

Not Quite Sweater Weather

 

Yesterday in Central Park

In my head -- does anyone else draft posts in their thoughts? -- I was "working" on a post about the joys of autumn. And for a few days it was autumn in New York. My flip flops were put away. I had switched to heavier socks and I was sure it was goodbye to shorts and t-shirts. I hadn't quite gotten my gloves out, but we were only a few degrees away. 

Yesterday, however, I was in Central Park to participate in the annual walk for CaringKind, a wonderful local organization that supports caregivers for people with Alzheimer's. It was a little nippy when I left for the park, but by the time I'd done some walking, my jacket was in my tote bag. Today was definitely a no jacket day and the forecast for tomorrow is 80+ degrees. I may even get my shorts out for one last hurrah, before it really is sweater or even coat weather. 

Love the autumn color and this statue of Beethoven in Central Park  

I'm off on my last scheduled travel adventure for 2024 on Thursday. I'm not saying that I won't be out of town again this year, but nothing's scheduled and there's lots I want to do in New York City. I've loved all of the travel of the last few months, but catching up with New York life -- the Metropolitan Museum of Art is calling -- including spending time with visitors,  blogging  and enjoying fall and holiday events is exciting, too. What are things you're looking forward to for the next few months?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

  

When You Come to New York City...

 ...Be sure to visit Lower Manhattan

From left to right: New Jersey, Manhattan and Brooklyn

I started blogging in 2009 and not surprisingly one of my posts in the first months of blogging was about Lower Manhattan. I looked over my blog archives and there have been several dozen (at least) posts about one of my favorite neighborhoods. I've never lived there, but have worked in the area in four different locations, at different times from 1980 to 2005. 

I've got a few favorite areas that I especially like to share with visitors and Lower Manhattan, with its great history and fabulous  views is definitely in the top three. I can't choose a favorite area, but I'm never disappointed when I do the "tour" of the area where New York City began, and it seems my visitors enjoy it, too. I did my latest tour yesterday with two friends who are visiting from France. 

Our tour began at City Hall, which was completed at the start of the nineteenth century. I didn't take pictures yesterday as there was lots of construction in the area in front which was not especially scenic. I did photograph the fountain in the park in front of City Hall, which not very imaginatively is "City Hall Park." It was quite rundown when I first worked in the area, but in the forty plus years since it's been nicely renovated. 

One World Trade Center

We continued down Broadway and our next stop was at the World Trade Center Memorial. We spoke about where we had been on September 11, 2001 and as always, it was a sad and reflective moment for me. I am grateful, though, that I can pass on the history of what I experienced working just a few blocks away on Broadway. 

 The Wall Street Bull and many, many visitors hoping for good fortune

As we continued walking south on Broadway we came to the Charging Bull, who is a symbol of financial optimism and prosperity. I worked a few blocks south of the Bull for five years and I don't remember the lines to get close to the Bull. My visiting friend had read that touching the bull's horns or private parts are good luck. I'm not sure how that myth evolved, but obviously many people are aware of it. The line curled around for at least half a block. We decided to just take a photograph and not wait in line. 

We'd worked up an appetite and proceeded to one of my favorite places for lunch in the area, Stone Street, which still has original cobblestones. It's lined with restaurants and there are outdoor tables. We took advantage of the good weather and enjoyed our lunch outside. Our restaurant was decorated for Halloween and I liked the spooky look. 

Our next stop was the Staten Island Ferry and per usual I couldn't resist a few more photographs of Lady Liberty. 

My French friends knew all about the Statue and the sculptor, Frederic Bartholdi, who came from the same area of France as they do. Our boat ride and seeing the Statue was the high point of our day.

We ended our day with coffee, a visit to Wall Street and a little shopping. Baseball caps and t-shirts will be returning to France with my friends.

1664 was the year New Amsterdam became New York

I hope you've enjoyed our visit to Lower Manhattan as much I did yesterday. My other two favorite areas? I'll be sharing them in the next few weeks. I know that this is a time of year when many people visit New York and I'm glad to offer suggestions about places to see.

I'll be back tomorrow with a feature that has long been on hiatus, Wedding Wednesday. I hope you'll join us for the festivities. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

Wedding Wednesday Goes to Central Park

 

Isn't this the cutest couple? I was their elopement photographer, which, 

of course, I loved doing. 

We haven't celebrated Wedding Wednesday in Buttercupland in quite awhile. But I'm always hoping that I will be able to photograph a wedding. My hope came true Sunday in Central Park. I was in the park to participate in the CaringKind annual walk, and while I was walking over to the registration area I saw a couple that looked dressed for a wedding. I didn't see a wedding party or a photographer and thought they might like a few pictures. It might have been a little presumptuous, but I asked if they'd like me to take pictures, and happily they agreed. This is one of the photos I took for them, and I'm grateful they agreed. 

I did a two-mile walk through the park and it never got sunny, but the rain was minimal and didn't dampen our spirits or take away from the enthusiasm my team had for the walk. CaringKind provides information and support for those who are caregivers for people with Alzheimer's Disease. This is the seventh year I've done this walk, though in 2020 it was a virtual walk. I'm so glad we're able to do this walk again with others.

I enjoyed seeing the changing colors in the park and have chosen a few of my favorites to share with you. I'm hopeful that this will be the beginning of a few more weeks of changing leaves in New York City. There hasn't been much color for the last few years, so this year has been a very welcome treat.

There were lots of dog walkers in the park on Sunday

The leaves were only beginning to change in this area, but loved the majesty of this tree. 

If I could  find this tree again, I'd make a return visit this

 weekend to see the progress of the leaves. 

I've got several more posts planned with photographs from my trip to North Carolina and Tennessee. I posted one photograph of the sunset view in Asheville and will be sharing some of my favorites from the Biltmore House and the fabulous scenery in the Smoky Mountains. I took far too many pictures, but the views were glorious and every way I turned there was something memorable.

I've been slow getting back to my regular routine, but I will be getting to the gym tomorrow, at least that's my plan. I've done the walk, gone to a literary reading and two medical appointments. I've caught up on the mail (mostly), grocery shopped, gone to the library and set up my new Fitbit. The latter took a lot more time than I expected, but it's great to be counting all my steps again. What's your week been like?

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

Autumn Leaves Pink Saturday

 

Riverside Park, this time with a filter 

There have been two things about 2020 that have been pure pleasure. The first has been spending time in my neighborhood and appreciating my immediate environment. The second is that each season seems to be the most beautiful spring, summer or autumn here ever. I'm rarely on the run to be somewhere else and I have literally taken time to see the trees bud, smell the roses and appreciate the leaves. I've always been a planner, but my plans this year compared to the past are minimal and though not by choice, I am appreciative of my lessons in living in the present. 

Almost sunset, the Hudson River in the background

The last flowers in the gardens at Riverside Park

There may be another week or two of flowers, but I know in a few weeks even these beauties will be history. Though the park is a public park, the flowers are tended by volunteer gardeners from the community. 

This isn't a beautiful park picture, but I'm glad my observation caught the autumn leaves on a gritty New York block. 

I'm hoping for one more autumn leaves post. I haven't taken the pictures yet, and it's totally weather dependent. I'm going to stay hopeful that next week's Pink Saturday pictures will be as bright and beautiful as this week's photographs. 

So enjoying my flip-flop weather, and I think we have a few more days predicted. I'm planning to do a few quick excursions about town and, yes, there will be pictures. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.  

Once Again, Autumn in New York

The view from Central Park, looking east

 

Facebook graciously reminded me that I have posted pictures titled "Autumn in New York," both last year and in 2013 on November 15. I tend to think the peak of autumn is in October, but clearly recently the peak of autumn here is mid-November. Today is chilly and rainy and I am so grateful to have a relatively unplanned day. But yesterday was the most glorious autumn in New York day. After morning yoga I walked up Central Park West -- the western edge of Central Park -- and was treated to glorious foliage.

Another view of the park, this time at West 81st Street. 

 

My walk included the American Museum of Natural History, one of my favorite places in New York City. Two topiary dinosaurs grace the front of the museum for the holiday season and I got to see them being decorated. Each wears a wreath and they will be adorned -- probably completed  after I left -- with lights. I think I need a return visit later in the season. The flag in the background is the flag of New York City.

The museum faces Central Park and I happily spent time sitting in this area gazing at the park in all of its autumn beauty. Generally the steps entering the museum are packed with people, but I practically had the area all to myself. I just had to share the afternoon with my dinosaur friends and that was a complete pleasure. Can't think of better company!  

I'm about to embark on a very local -- up the block and across the street -- adventure. You know there will be pictures!

As ever, thanks for visiting. Wishes for a cozy Tuesday.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Halloween

Not a long post this afternoon. It's a beautiful autumn day in New York and I'm off to meet my friend Lonni at Grand Central Station. We've got fun planned for tonight. 

I'm getting into the Halloween mood. I'm not one for super scary things -- no scary movies or Haunted houses for Buttercup -- but I do like all the fun Halloween things and I liked this window a lot.

As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a great autumn weekend. 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Autumn

Finally!

Looking downtown in Lower Manhattan
 

I took a walk in Lower Manhattan on Sunday and enjoyed the first sights of autumn. There were leaves crunching underfoot and some color in the trees. I walked from Tribeca to Soho to Greenwich Village and it was a perfect day to enjoy New York City.   



I walked on West Broadway past one of my favorite stores, Laduree Soho, and enjoyed their Halloween decorations.

Autumn colors for sale. The composition of these bouquets caught my eye. I may need to make a return visit -- only a subway ride away -- and take home these beautiful treasures.

Pepe gave the privilege of choosing the giveaway winner to Miss Fluffy. Miss Fluffy, all decked out for Halloween, and Random Generator chose blogger Crystal Collier. I think you will enjoy visiting Crystal's blog. Lots of books and Halloween fun.  

 

I'm off to a book adventure in Lower Manhattan. Tomorrow we've got some Wedding Wednesday fun to look forward to in one of my favorite places. Please stop by!

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a terrific autumn Tuesday. 

Laduree Soho

Halloween State of Mind Pink Saturday

I'm definitely getting into a Halloween state of mind. Decorations started appearing in stores in the last week and then the street décor followed. I've been taking pictures in my Upper West Side neighborhood as well as journey today to the West Village, the area below 14th Street on the west side of Manhattan.  The West Village is one of my favorite neighborhoods, with many historic buildings. It's low rise -- not as many tall buildings as in many places in Manhattan -- and it's blessedly sunlit, as a result.

These were among the first pictures I took this season, and the top picture is one of my favorites.

This pumpkin bunny in the window of one of my favorite gift shops won my heart.

  



  This snack store is devoted to rice crisp treats -- only in New York -- and always has fun windows. 

 

 I found this haunted house only a block from home. 

 

On my visit today to the West Village I stopped at one of my favorite dessert places, Milk & Cookies Bakery, for a treat. I've really refrained from sugary desserts, but made an exception this afternoon for a chocolate chip toffee cookie and their fabulous coffee with steamed milk.

I enjoyed my dessert treat and the Halloween decorations at Milk & Cookies. And, yes, they ship their cookies.

 





Seventh Avenue, just a block from Milk &Cookies. The only sign of autumn are the yellow leaves on the trees.

 

I hope you've enjoyed our autumn days in New York. I loved the bright sun, but not as much the cold weather. I definitely needed gloves and the winter coat I was wearing. I enjoy autumn and don't want to see it cut short by an early winter. 

 

The last few days have been busy. I'm glued to the television watching the Mets vs. Cubs, but I've also managed to order Christmas cards and address labels -- couldn't resist the Shutterfly offers -- and attend a wonderful book program, about which I'm planning a post later in the week.

 

Happily joining my blog buddies at Pink Saturday. Please stop by and visit. It's a wonderful group of bloggers. As ever, thanks for visiting and have a sweet week!  



 

  

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Lincoln Center Autumn Evening

Lincoln Center Plaza, the lights of Manhattan in the background

 

 

I was at Lincoln Center earlier this week. It was the kind of night that people write songs about and those of us with no musical talent take pictures. It was autumn in New York at its best -- clear, no wind and the sky was as full of stars as the air over Manhattan will ever be.

 

Coming attractions at the Metropolitan Opera

 

The park area between Avery Fisher Hall and the Vivian Beaumont Theater

 

The lights of the Plaza in a semi-abstract style. I did nothing to get this effect, but I really like it. 

 

I'm beginning to see lots of Halloween decorations -- in stores, store windows and even a few street decorations. I'm taking lots of pictures and I will be putting together a Halloween decoration post for this weekend.

 

Please stop by for Fiction Friday (on Friday) and my thoughts on "The One that Got Away."

 

As ever, thanks for stopping by. Wishes for a terrific Thursday.

 

 

 



Random Five Friday Autumn in New York

This isn't an official Random Five Friday where I link up with other bloggers, which seems just right for a day that didn't feel like an official autumn day. The Random Five linkup is no longer -- alas -- and the almost eighty degree weather capped off by a thunderstorm was more summer than fall. But I've got some snips of the week to share, not quite enough for a post each, but fun for a Friday evening. Shall we begin...

 

1) The pumpkins are out and I am so happy to see their patches of color as I walk down Broadway. I've been reading about a possible pumpkin shortage closer to Thanksgiving and will be picking up a couple of cans of pumpkin to have for treats throughout the season. I love pumpkin, ginger and all foods of the autumn.

 

2) I was delighted to discover that Awesome Annie, a favorite Weight Watchers leader is back from her summer hiatus. We had a great session this week discussing goals.

 

 

3) Besides tonight's thunderstorm the weather has been great this week. This is the scene outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If I had a scrap of wall space I'd be searching here to fill it up. I'm always intrigued when I walk by.

 

 Fifth Avenue on a perfect autumn day

 

 

4) Last winter before I traveled to Japan and Korea I attended a wonderful lecture series on Japanese art. This fall I've been fortunate to sign up for a series of lectures on Asian Art. This was one of the topics last week and Thursday the topics were Korean Art -- fabulous! -- and Chinese Jade. I'm eager to start exploring the galleries and see the pieces that have been discussed. Yes, there will be a post and pictures to share.   

 

5) Sneak preview for "Fiction Friday" The official kick-off is next Friday, but I'm opening the series with thoughts on "Ruby" by Cynthia Bond.  Thanks to Blogging for Books I've had the opportunity to read this thoughtful and haunting -- in the best sense -- work of fiction. Generally the books I write about are much lighter, but "Ruby" is the antithesis of light reading. It looks at issues of poverty, racism and the long and lingering effects of trauma. The characters, especially Ruby Bell, the title character and Ephram Jennings, who has long loved her, are memorable and their pain and humanity will stay with me. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this book. It's not light reading, but definitely worth reading and thinking about. 

 

That's this week of autumn in New York. The weekend is quiet and I hope to be back to complete peppiness by next week.

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a sweet weekend.

 

Please note: I was given a copy of "Ruby" by Blogging for Books for review purposes, but the thoughts are all mine.