If I Could Turn Back Time

One World Trade Center with holiday lights

 

This is an extraordinarily evocative time of year. Though I make every effort to live in this time and this place, Chanukah and Christmas bring back memories -- many memories -- of celebrations past and those we celebrated with who are no longer with us. 

 

Lower Manhattan is filled with memories. I worked in the area for over ten years, including September 11. There are memories of shopping at the World Trade Center Concourse and holiday parties in at least a dozen different places, each one bringing back thoughts of friends and colleagues, some I am still blessed to spend time with and some who live only in my memories.

 

I had the good fortune to see the bio-musical "Cher" a few weeks ago and the song, "If I could turn back time..." has been stuck in my head since then. There are few occasions when I'd like to turn back time, but seeing the Christmas tree at the FDNY Memorial Wall, across the street from the World Trade Center Site and the 9/11 Memorial, gave me the desire to turn back time.

 

The FDNY Memorial Wall at Christmas

 

The Fire Department Memorial Wall is a 56 foot bronze sculpture, at Engine/Ladder Company Ten. It honors the 343 firefighters and volunteer firefighter Glenn J. Winuk, who died on September 11, 2001. It is a deeply moving remembrance of bravery and sacrifice and definitely worth visiting.

 



 The 343 firefighters are always remembered at Ladder 10 and in our hearts.

 

Fire Department Memorial Wall Christmas Tree

 

 None of us can turn back time, but we can honor and remember those who gave so much for our city and our country. May their memories be a blessing.

I spent a lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrating with friends in Brooklyn. The time included good conversation, wonderful food and several Christmas movies. I couldn't ask for a better celebration. I'm still writing cards and plan to be finished by Sunday. My goal is to enjoy the snowmen and the Monkey family for a few more days and then organize all of my cards/wrapping/décor on January 1. This is at least two weeks ahead of my usual post-holiday routine, but my goal for 2019 is to tackle a number of organizing projects I've been putting off for a long time. It's going to be a busy year for the shredder! When do you take down your decorations and store them away. I have friends who "undecorated" on Christmas night, but that's too soon for me.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!

Wedding Wednesday Goes to Times Square

I'm taking a brief sojourn from posting only photographs of Christmas in New York for the latest post in the "Wedding Wednesday" series.  I was walking down Broadway near Times Square when I saw this couple in their wedding finery.  I detoured from my errand of buying theater tickets to take a few pictures I could share with Buttercupland.

There was a quick stop to pose for pictures near the TKTS -- discount theater  -- booth...

 

...and then a walk through the crowds at Times Square.

 

 

I couldn't resist taking a few other pictures while I was in the neighborhood. 

 

A sort-of-selfie with the Empire State Building and a Christmas tree...

 

...and the m&m folks in elf attire. 

 

December, not unexpectedly, is flying by. The Christmas tree is going up in the lobby of my building and my cards have made it out to my table ready to be addressed. I'm happy to add folks to my card list. Please leave me a comment with your email address and I will be in touch. I've begun to wrap presents that need to be mailed and plan to be at the post office for the first round of mailing on Friday. 

 

As always, thanks for visiting and take good care!