The Sweet Days of August

 

My view at sunset, looking at the Manhattan skyline

Usually August is the slow month of the year and this year is no exception. I've been enjoying the more relaxed pace and trying to get caught up with projects that will get pushed to the side when the autumn arrives. I'm caught up with medical appointments, have a list of appointments that need to be scheduled and I've been doing some serious decluttering. Alas I haven't been blogging, but I have started to post photographs regularly on my Facebook page.

The Occupied City at the Museum of the City of New York

One pleasure has been catching up on museum visits.  Yesterday I visited one of my favorite museums, the Museum of the City of New York which featured a fascinating exhibit on life in New York City during the British occupation of New York City. Growing up in Connecticut I never had any formal classes on New York State/City history and so much that I saw in this exhibit was all new information for me. 

My other museum visit of the month was to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I saw a fascinating exhibit of the work of the Italian sculptor, Alberto Giacometti, displayed in the Temple of Dendur.  Giacometti had been strongly influenced by ancient Egyptian art and the Temple of Dendur was a fabulous site to display the sculptures. 

 

This cat sculpture was. perhaps, my favorite of the exhibition 

A different perspective of Giacometti's work, with Central Park in the background 

I'm looking forward to the autumn, and won't be sad to say good-bye to my higher electric bills and the humidity. But I'm definitely enjoying long slow days without jackets and scarves and gloves. Time for a Mr. Softee cone before they are traded for pumpkin spice. Is anyone else trying to hold on to these last sweet days of summer?

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cool.  

Pink Saturday Spring Fashion Forecast

Goofy or cute?

I zipped into Midtown this afternoon to see if TJ Maxx had any Rae Dunn bowls on sale post-Christmas. The line to check out at TJ Maxx was around the corner and literally up a flight of stairs.   

I wasn't about to brave that line -- and the store attached to it -- and opted instead for a visit to Nordstrom's new Manhattan flagship store around the corner. The store just opened and it's bright, busy and has four floors of fashion and lots of nice people to assist and answer questions. I don't do much department store shopping and don't buy a lot of  clothes, but I might start browsing in Nordstrom's. The fourth floor had some very affordable items -- including this coat. 

I fell in love with this jacket.

I was told that hot pink -- and mint green -- are the colors for the spring. I actually liked the way the coat looked on me, but not enough to buy it. The arms were snug and I already have a hot pink jacket. But it's fun to look. 

I wish I had somewhere to wear these dresses. 

If anyone is looking for a dress to wear to a formal wedding there were great choices. 

Love the look of hot  pink and black. I've got my eye on a polka dot blouse.

For our fashion show finale, a bright pink trench coat

For many years I was part of the Pink Saturday blog crew and then, all of sudden sometime in the summer, I wasn't. I couldn't link to the post. I tried a number of different fixes, but without any luck. As I was browsing the fabulous clothes at Nordstrom a light bulb went off. I've got a new computer and a new browser, and maybe, just maybe I could rejoin my friends at Pink Saturday. We'll soon see as I attempt to link up to the blog party. 

I've enjoyed a few quiet days, and it's been fun not having a busy schedule. I'm sure I'll enjoy getting back into my regular routine, but for now I'm loving the pace.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.   

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Content

 

Breaking News from the Buttercupland Department of Technology

 

In a triumph of customer service, Microsoft scrubbed clean my email account and restored my access. Thursday was a day of tears of joy and smiles when I opened the email from my contact at Microsoft, Chris, with the miraculous news. For the last forty-eight hours I have spent my computer time deleting and reading and there is still a boatload of email to go through. 

 

Lessons learned:

 

Print out anything that you absolutely don't want to lose. I know that we are supposedly in a paperless society, but actually we aren't.  

 

Have a second email account.

 

Update your information for your accounts. If you find yourself in this situation, in order to restore access your company will need to verify that you are the owner of the account. Make sure your cell phone number is up to date and the second email address is also current.

 

 

But there's always time for coffee and today's Blogging from A to Z Journey takes us to Gregorys, a chain of coffee shops in New York City, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. I discovered it during my first coffee A to Z, and in the last few years additional sites have been added in New York City. My favorite Gregory's is on the Upper East Side and I'm always happy to find myself close by.

I'm pleased to report that the coffee remains top-notch and the pastry collection even more enticing than I remembered. I chose a simple, but very tasty biscotti, which was just right for dunking in my iced coffee. However, there's a maple doughnut that has captured my imagination. I know one day it will call me like the Sirens of old and I will make a return trip to Gregory's.

Again, thanks to Microsoft, the week ends happily in Buttercupland. What made you happy this week?

As ever, thanks for visiting. Please join us tomorrow for a visit to Austin, TX and until then, enjoy your coffee and your weekend!  

Happy Thanksgiving

The balloons get ready for today's parade!

Whether your day is spent with Power Ranger or power turkey eating, I'm wishing all of Buttercupland a happy Thanksgiving Day. When I count my blessings, Buttercupland is high on my list.

Happy, happy wishes to you and your families!  

Pink Saturday Goes to Knitty City

Pink Saturday sweetness at Knitty City

When my Instagram friend, Janmary, visited this week, our meeting took place at the fabulous yarn store and community hub, Knitty City. I'm not a knitter -- though it's always in the back of my mind to learn -- but I'd visited there earlier this year and posted a picture on Instagram. Janmary, who was intrigued and included a visit here as part of her New York itinerary. Knowing there are a number of serious knitters in Buttercupland, I knew I wanted to share my pictures on Pink Saturday.

My favorite sweater on display was the pink and lavender sweetness in the picture above, but this beige beauty was a close second.

This display of yarn and books caught my attention. I'm focused on the gray Irish knit shawl on the left. It's summer now, but one day next winter this would be the perfect cozy.

One picture I realize I didn't take is the round table at the back of the store. Sitting around the table are eight or ten women knitting and talking. It reminded me so much of the yarn shop in Connecticut where my mother -- a champion knitter -- spent many happy hours knitting and making friends. It's a very different time and place, but the warm feelings and easy conversation remain the same.

 

It's a sunny (and hot) day in New York. I've got a fun day ahead with brunch and a theater outing to the West Village and you know there will be pictures to share. I hope you all have happy plans for the day, too. 

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day.      

 

Ninth Avenue Staycation Pink Saturday

I'm taking a staycation this weekend -- theater ticket, movie, time with friends and bathing suit shopping (the subject of another post) and I also inadvertently took a three hour staycation on Ninth Avenue last Saturday. I attended a program at the library in the neighborhood and then leisurely, as though I was on vacation in an unfamiliar city, wandered through the neighborhood. Though I was only two miles from home, I don't get to this neighborhood very often and enjoyed getting to know it.
 

I found the Church of the Sacred Heart on West 51st Street and stopped for photographs. 

 

In this gritty neighborhood the convent garden across the street from the church provided a moment of serenity.

Any staycation involves coffee and I discovered Kahve Coffee during my exploration. I had a very good iced coffee and a pleasant rest before I made my way uptown. Real life and grocery shopping were waiting for me.

There was also some window shopping, menu gazing and lots of pictures. Once again, I realized that I don't have to go very far for a change of scenery. It's just a short bus ride away.

I don't have to go very far in BlogLand for a fun time. I just need to pay a visit to my friends at Pink Saturday. Pink Saturday is celebrating its eighth anniversary -- may I call it a Pinkaversary -- and I am proud to call myself a Pinky. Thanks, Beverly, for creating one of the friendliest places in BlogLand.

As ever, thanks for visiting. Keep safe on the road and have a fabulous weekend! 
  

It's Not All Coffee and Books Random Five Friday

After last month's coffee revel and this month's book expo, I feel that the title for this blog could easily be Coffee, Books and Me. Actually I like that a lot and if I ever merge Coffee Light and Mysteries Noir with Buttercupland, that may be my new title. But this week held more than coffee and books and it's my theme for a return to Random 5 Friday blogging.

1) Finally at the end of this week spring returned to New York City. If it wasn't for Lincoln Center in the background, I could be in the country. But it's actually a living screen for the parking garage ramp at Lincoln Center.

 

Yesterday did include coffee and books, but it also included a trip to the gym, the bank and the post office. I took the subway to one of my favorite places, Columbus Circle and 59th Street for my errands and enjoyed a perfect spring day.

2) I got to see the musical Shuffle Along, and enjoyed every minute of it. It included three of my favorite Broadway actors, Audra McDonald -- who enchanted me in Carousel over twenty years ago -- Billy Porter and Brian Stokes Mitchell. If you're a fan of musicals and looking for terrific talent do a search for their music and you won't be disappointed.

3) In a totally different musical direction I came across Underground Horns in the Times Square subway station last night, and yes, the people in the picture are dancing in the subway. I wasn't sure how to describe the music, but their website calls it "Afro-funk, New Orleans brass," and it was great. I stood in the subway station for several numbers enjoying the music, the people and the fun.  

4) The week had to include coffee. Every week includes coffee, but I am sad to report this isn't happy coffee news. O Is for Oren's Daily Roast is closing its Broadway branch. Much regret from this coffee drinker. I will look for the other locations when I'm traveling around New York.   

5) The week also had to include books. I finished Graham Swift's Mothering Sunday -- a short book, but not slight in any way -- and began reading my copy of Jay McInerney's, Bright, Precious Days, which is due out in August. I loved his first book, Bright Lights, Big City and this one looks equally good.  

It was a busier week than I remembered. I have made headway on sorting out my books from Chicago, as well as putting my summer clothes in order. I now firmly believe that summer will arrive.

As ever, thanks for visiting, and joining the book and coffee revels. Take care and have a great weekend.   

(Not Quite) Wordless Wednesday

 

This has been the weather in New York for the last few days, cold, rainy and dreary. I'm wearing corduroy and a wool sweater and I'm not too hot. The calendar says May, but the weather says November. Happily, the next month is June and not December.

 

I've been remiss, actually very remiss. On the last day of March I posted a Surprise Giveaway from Peru. I got very caught up in my coffee reveling and alas, didn't post the winner. Bad Buttercup! I'm going to send this handmade change purse -- my photography doesn't do the colors of the weaving justice -- to Mimi of The Grandmother Gig.  I always enjoy my visits there and especially like her recipes. Today's post is about homemade jam and I'm all set to run out for strawberries.

Hoping there's sunshine where you are. As ever thanks for visiting and take good care!
 

While I Was Drinking Coffee Pink Saturday

It seems odd to be writing a post that isn't about coffee. Though drinking coffee was my focus in April it wasn't my only focus. I went to the gym, I grocery shopped and I cleaned the kitchen.
 

I also welcomed and sadly, said goodbye to Spring. Though it was May 1 it was in the forties today and I wore my winter jacket. I didn't have my gloves, but they would have been a good idea.
 

These beauties bloomed on Broadway across the street from my gym.   

The first blooms at Grace Church, founded in 1808. It's around the corner from my new favorite coffee at City of Saints.

I heard one of my favorite actors, Helen Mirren, interviewed at one of my favorite places, the New York Public Library.

A moment during the program. There wasn't an empty seat in the house. 

I started thinking about doing some kitchen renovations and went on, what will be the first, of many expeditions to look at tile for a backsplash and new lighting. I'm still in very preliminary stages and I'm already overwhelmed by the wealth of choices. 
 

During a shopping trip to Macy's, another April activity, I found these perfect for  Pink Saturday piggies.

What were your April highlights? May will include more kitchen research, several theater evenings, dinner with college friends, a trip to Chicago, books and more books and lots of coffee.  I hope that spring decides to make a return engagement and I will be able to give my winter jacket a well deserved vacation at the back of the closet. 

So much coffee and so little time. As ever thanks for visiting and have a great week!  

Happy Monkey Monday

Since I've retired Mondays are generally much more pleasant than they were when I was working. But this Monday has been rainy, (mostly) sunless and a lot colder than the last week. Despite getting more than enough sleep I wasn't my most perky self and of course when I turn on the news it seems even grayer. I'm stepping back from reality and inviting everyone to Buttercupland for Monkey Monday. I can't promise a change in the world, but I hope you'll enjoy the visit and leave with a smile.



I found these three wise guys -- in the best sense -- at the Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle. It's my local (very fancy) mall. It's only three blocks from my gym and I'm a regular at the Whole Foods in the basement. 

This cute little monkey was part of the group at Monkey Island. 

I found this Easter collection while walking in the East Village. It's not often I find a gorilla (in clothes!) in an Easter window, but I knew he would be just right for Monkey Monday. 

 

My favorite Monkee, Pepe, will not be appearing today, as he has his own Monkey Monday post next week, which he is very excited about. Of course, Pepe thinks every day is his day.  

 

Just looking at my monkey friends has pepped me up, and I hope if you needed a little cheer, this visit has provided it.

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!

Merry Macy's Pink Saturday

Though this is my first Pink Saturday post of 2016 it's my last holiday post for 2015. Unlike my usual custom, I've started to put away my snowmen and I've inventoried cards and "stuff." I've got a few things still out and a few cards I want to respond to. But otherwise I'm moving into 2016. My finale post for seasonal decorations are interior pictures I took at Macy's last week.

There are many of the same decorations as in years past, but they still are charming and lovely. My plan for next year is to go to Macy's both early in the season and early in the day and save my psyche from the crowding I experienced this year.

This is my favorite. I love the little village and the theme of "Wish."

"Imagine" is a close second for favorite. I was especially fond of the flying pink hippo. 

 This forest scene and owl decorated the luxury handbag section and greeted me when I entered.

 

Lights, glitter and greens, in an especially pretty presentation.

 

I've had a fun weekend, with much time spent with friends. There was lots of time spent catching up, laughing and eating some terrific food. I've also been able to jet around the world visiting blog friends. I don't make resolutions, but I do have goals and one of mine is to be a more frequent blog visitor. Tomorrow is Monkey Monday and Pepe and I hope you will be back for Pepe's big news. 

 

Once again, wishes for a very happy and healthy, peaceful and joyous 2016.    

I Would Write a Sonnet Pink Saturday

If I was a poet -- which I'm not -- I would write a sonnet about spring in New York City. Long awaited, finally here and absolutely gorgeous. I'm a blogger and not a poet and instead I'm going to join my friends at Pink Saturday to extol the virtues of a walk along Madison Avenue yesterday, a perfect spring morning.

 Blossoms at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, Madison Avenue

 

My only goal for yesterday was going to my annual checkup first thing in the morning. I saw a new physician at a new practice and had no idea how long to expect to wait. No waiting and a good visit -- fingers crossed for the lab results -- and at 10:00 a.m. I had a beautiful spring day and no plans. I thought about going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was just a few blocks away, but I hated the thought of going inside. So I didn't. I walked, took pictures and enjoyed the day.  

 

 



Tulips, cherry blossoms and a memorial to firefighters lost on September 11.

 

My walk took me past some of my favorite stores...

 

 

I didn't stop to try anything on, but I loved the bright colors.

 

I spent the most time looking at this window. I have a few books on my reading list -- always do -- but I found a few more I'd like to add.

 

I fought temptation -- and this time I won -- but the black and white cookies kept calling my name.

 

After walking to Seventy-second Street I made my way to Michael's to buy supplies for a mini-craft project. I am happy to announce that I am half-way through and pleased with the results. I hope to finish next week and I'll share what I've done in a post.  

 

My cold/allergies are still giving me a kick, but otherwise the good news is that I'm sleeping on a New York schedule again. We've got another gorgeous spring day today and I hope it's as pretty where you are, too. 

 

As always, thanks for visiting and take care!



Wedding Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

I think it's fun to see brides on the streets of New York City and through the years I've enjoyed posting these pictures on Wedding Wednesdays. It doesn't happen that often, but when it does I know I have my post for the  next Wednesday. When I started jury duty two weeks ago I started to see brides -- the bouquet was the giveaway -- near the building where I was serving.

  I found this happy couple...

 

 this happy couple...

 

...and this happy couple.

 

If you note the sign in the last picture they are entering the Office of the City Clerk, which is actually the Manhattan equivalent of getting married at "City Hall." Because of jury duty I stumbled upon wedding central for Manhattan and there were lots of couples and lots of bouquets. 

 

 

I had a nice chat with the man responsible for many of the bouquets. When I first saw him I thought it was odd to see a flower seller in the center of the courts, but quickly realized why he had set up his table there. There were also two photographers on the steps, ready to take pictures for anyone who didn't have a friend or relative with a camera accompanying them.

 

I'm returning to my regular Wedding Wednesday format and will only be posting weddings when I come upon them during my regular life. But I couldn't resist sharing my wedding discovery. 

 

It's winter here -- really and truly winter -- and I am even wearing a hat all the time when I'm outside. I've got my hat, my down coat and my fleece gloves and I was out today for Weight Watchers -- tomorrow's post -- and grocery shopping, and it was chilly. Otherwise I was very content to stay inside.   

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy!

Not-So Sunlit Tuesday

I am sad to confess that I missed the first Sunlit Sunday linkup of the season. For anyone needing a little -- or a lot -- of sunlight in the midst of winter days this is a great place to visit. I had every good intention, but life and fatigue got in my way. Yesterday was my last day of jury duty and I was tired when I got home from both my civic responsibility and shoe shopping. I'm glad yesterday was my last day downtown because it's functionally winter in New York and we have snow. I'm glad to be able to be home this morning drinking coffee and not on the subway in my boots and down coat. 

I did enjoy being downtown and taking pictures of the buildings and skyline. The latter is rapidly changing and so different from when I worked in the neighborhood thirty years ago. I've been posting pictures of the sights of the area and have several more posts to share in the next week. Today I want to share a few pictures of sunny skies I took last week.

I am a fan of photographing water towers -- the structure on top of the building in the center of the picture -- and this one caught my attention.

  There seems to be building everywhere in Lower Manhattan and cranes are ubiquitous.

 

Yesterday I found another crane, the Woolworth Building -- now condos -- the Freedom Tower on the far right and the also ubiquitous New York City traffic.

 

 

I am happy to have finished jury duty and happier still to be back to my more usual life. I'm in my exercise clothes and will be leaving for the gym in a little while. I would much prefer to stay in, but I need to make up for lost gym time. This is my first test of getting to the gym in the winter and I don't want to skip two months because there is snow. 

 

As always, thanks for visiting, and thanks for bringing me sunlight every day.