Thursday Challenge—"unusual"

Not something you see every day:  This guy
was painted silver and had a parakeet
(on his head) and a kitten.  I didn't hang around
to see what his schtick was; I also didn't
give him money to see if it would make him move.

[To see more of the Thursday Photo
Challenge, visit Dale's meme.]

Weekend Reflections

This is the Secret Garden water-lily pond in
Central Park's Conservatory Garden
(the only formal garden in the park). The
statue was dedicated in 1936 to the
memory of Frances Hodgson Burnett.

[To see more reflections, visit James's meme.]

a bouquet of blue balloons

I could make up some romantic story about the 
balloons, but they all say "Team Kenneth Cole," 
so my best guess is that this spot near the
Conservatory Gardens in Central Park was the starting
point for a run for charity.  Lots of companies 
in NYC do that (mine included).

[Linking back to Blue Monday at Backyard Neighbor.]

Thursday Challenge—"straight"

The Mall, which runs from 66th to 72nd Street,
is the only intentionally straight path
 in Central Park.  It's flanked by one of the
largest—and last remaining—stands of American
elm trees in North America.

[To see more of the Thursday Challenge, visit Dale's meme.]

ABC Wednesday—V is for "view"

I was in the Time-Warner Center recently 
(to hear some good music at Jazz at Lincoln Center).
It's a great venue, and comes with an above-average view 
from Columbus Circle over Central Park to the East Side.
(BTW, I've also shown you that globe recently.)

[To see more ABC Wednesday posts, go here.]

Weekend Reflections

I was meeting a friend on the West Side
recently after work (on the East Side)—
what better way to get there
than to stroll through Central Park?

[To see more Weekend Reflections, visit James's meme.]

some for me, some for you

. . . and it looks like the pigeons have learned that
this sweet horse knows how to share.
There's a group of people who are fighting to ban
horse-drawn carriages in the city—and
I can't say I disagree that this is no life for these
animals (especially in extreme weather).  
When I walk along  Central Park South, I have
to pet (and maybe get a nice nuzzle
from) some of these hardworking horses.

[Linking back to Ruby Tuesday and Our World Tuesday.]

Shadow Shot Sunday

It was a mild autumn day in Central Park, and
this young family was making the most of it. Though 
I did not take this picture recently, we're currently 
enjoying a pretty nice weekend (much like this)—yay!

[To see more Sunday shadows, go here.]

Photo Hunt—"public"

New York City has lots of public spaces—but if
you asked someone to name them, first on the list
would surely be Central Park.  This is the Mall,
the only straight path in the entire park.
The majestic elms that line it are one of the
largest (and one of the last remaining) stands
of these trees in North America.

To see more interpretations of "public," visit tnchick's meme:
http://tnchicks.wordpress.com/

That's My World

I saw this guy (and his two friends) last year in Union Square and 
have been hoping to find them again ever since.  Finally encountered
them near Bethesda Fountain, in Central Park. At the end of 
their very engaging tumbling act, after jumping over the adorable
and cooperative small child he then jumps over four adults at once! 
[That's My World—to see more of the world, go here.]

What!?

I was walking through Central Park recently and
decided to pass through Strawberry Fields—but
when I got there, expecting to find the usual large
but peaceful crowd, this is what I found instead.
And I never was able to discover what had happened.
I do know one thing for sure:  John would not be pleased.


[And That's My World. To see more of the world, go here.] 

That's My World Tuesday

Central Park is definitely part of my world. 

 But I took this shot when we were still suffering

through the hottest summer on record. 

 This doesn't look quite as inviting this week—now 

that the weather has changed.

{See more of the world here.}

It takes two . . .

If you're in NYC on a Saturday and absolutely

must tango, head for Central Park and join

all the other tango-obsessed folks who

gather from 6 to 9 pm by the statue of

Shakespeare near the Literary Walk. Last

week, this was the couple to watch.

(Check out this NY Times video.)

[This is part of the That's My World Tuesday

meme. See more of the world here.]

Mellow Yellow Monday

This building is on Manhattan's Upper West

Side; it's about two blocks from Central Park—

which is why I can't see why someone

hasn't grabbed this cool kite and run with it

right to the Sheep Meadow.

[You can see more Mellow Yellow here.]

Conservatory Garden

This lovely garden is part of Central Park.

At this time of year, you're almost guaranteed

to find a bride here on Saturday or Sunday—and many 

of them choose to pose by the

Untermyer Fountain (aka "Three Dancing

Maidens," by Walter Schott, a cast of the Berlin 

original). I've posted about this garden once before.

[This post is part of That's My World

Tuesday. To see more of the world, go here.]

more terrace envy

Spotted this one recently. It's right on 5th

Avenue overlooking Central Park, and I might

ever be able to afford it (but just maybe)

if I won the lottery.

Shadow Shot Sunday

I've shown this to you before, but I came

by here recently; it was cold and the

 kids who usually climb on this statue were

probably in school. Still, there was 

quite a photo op going on—and 

I couldn't resist joining in!

[See more Shadow Shots here.]

In Central Park

After you pass through this short tunnel
(and admire the ceiling), walk up the stairs
to the Mall. There's a bandshell there, where
there are free performances during the warm
seasons. Last thing I saw there was a troupe
of Spanish flamenco dancers. Olé!
This one was taken by my daughter Lila.
[This is part of That's My World Tuesday.
See more /here.]

in the park

Whenever I'm in Central Park, I feel like
I'm in a valley surrounded by tall
mountains. The tallest "mountain" here
is at Fifth Avenue and 59th St.
If you're going to visit the park, 
this might be helpful.

Alice

Every small child's favorite statue (mine too)

 in Central Park— Alice and friends are 50 this year.