tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32274078675882355942024-03-18T22:59:05.514-04:00An Unexpected ValentineObservations, musings & adventures of a new New Yorker who has fallen for the city's charms.Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-75921202637735665372011-10-21T08:28:00.000-04:002011-10-21T08:28:43.825-04:00Occupy Wall Street<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdxtBxLpKEILpNM5gW1enJ1sSXXFKxak7pwRcSpgMSpM2w6rRRLB8IgweO4Lwlp5vBtkxcKGiXiIctEiiOV1Dv3ozPJha_1XKb2-JmH4z2fFjcxBkgWP9rKQrIutRItY2zFddhvSv3QE/s1600/DSC01025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdxtBxLpKEILpNM5gW1enJ1sSXXFKxak7pwRcSpgMSpM2w6rRRLB8IgweO4Lwlp5vBtkxcKGiXiIctEiiOV1Dv3ozPJha_1XKb2-JmH4z2fFjcxBkgWP9rKQrIutRItY2zFddhvSv3QE/s320/DSC01025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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My cousin T and I were curious, like much of the country, about the Occupy Wall Street movement. We headed down to Zuccotti Park last weekend and spent over an hour walking through the village that has been created. We both came away unexpectedly moved by what we witnessed.<br />
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It was crowded:<br />
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Media was everywhere:<br />
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Persons of Note were there as well (Economist Jeffrey Sachs, known for his work to find solutions to poverty):<br />
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The encampment is organized into different areas. Food is available to anyone who is hungry, and is prepared on site and in a nearby soup kitchen. Donations have been pouring in from all over the country (world?), and upstate NY farms have been providing produce :<br />
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Lunch looked delicious:<br />
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Medical care and supplies are available for free:<br />
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An area designed for the tired:<br />
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Artists at work:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UP2GuhnXFzED6_CNsYHYAsQ77cumRw83KVmOJFjXvuOME0sW-kZln9-WFjRV17672rLA7vCRddxOOkRdPSWaiwhMYXLCzgO3TXHHN0kS5kaNI1fEGZU8-x7s4PuWqYJChUt4f0uRd7M/s1600/DSC01020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UP2GuhnXFzED6_CNsYHYAsQ77cumRw83KVmOJFjXvuOME0sW-kZln9-WFjRV17672rLA7vCRddxOOkRdPSWaiwhMYXLCzgO3TXHHN0kS5kaNI1fEGZU8-x7s4PuWqYJChUt4f0uRd7M/s320/DSC01020.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><br />
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</a></div>Make your own sign:<br />
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Protestors lined the perimeter of the park and shared their thoughts with the world:<br />
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And my favorite sign of all....<br />
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<span id="goog_408054188"></span><span id="goog_408054189"></span></div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-34670343520208094152011-10-21T05:56:00.000-04:002011-10-21T05:56:51.712-04:00Art walk in Brooklyn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I recently visited my friend M in Williamsburg, a hipster neighborhood in Brooklyn. I took a different route than usual to get to her place, and was amazed at the art, intentional and unintentional, that appeared in just a twenty minute stretch. Walk with me...<br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-72752541840652612912011-09-04T20:09:00.001-04:002011-09-04T20:13:45.469-04:00The High Line, a view from above<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0miwRGoe-SbsKtffU081RwQPtYeAYtK4bBicUmx-wms94A69MMCn4SWa6UHvdGD28Zw2w_qjaF3r4W53IFRat6gzfO7J7_MYW50Ys2wmE299iWpZYpw1YlK9K5xzYLyNv54BHzwH0-s/s1600/IMG_3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0miwRGoe-SbsKtffU081RwQPtYeAYtK4bBicUmx-wms94A69MMCn4SWa6UHvdGD28Zw2w_qjaF3r4W53IFRat6gzfO7J7_MYW50Ys2wmE299iWpZYpw1YlK9K5xzYLyNv54BHzwH0-s/s320/IMG_3237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The High Line, an elevated park on the western side of Manhattan, is one of the most extraordinary walks in the city. The former railroad track was originally built in the 1930s to allow safe passage for freight trains, as there had been so many fatal collisions between street trains and cars. It operated for decades, but eventually fell out of use, and the last cargo was three cars of frozen turkeys in 1980. <br />
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There was a movement to tear down the structure, which was countered by an effort to restore it and put it to public use. The latter won, and the track was donated to the city by CSX Transportation, Inc.<br />
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The southern most entry way is on Gansevoort Street, in the Meatpacking District. The park stretches for a mile and a half, and ends on 30th. It is beautifully designed, with modern architecture, prairie-like plantings, and unique features such as stadium seating gazing onto a busy street and a sculpture housing multiple birdhouses. <br />
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Take a walk with me...<br />
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The view from the first block<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5nbPNNRSRPYTMOoQ2Pl11u3U6ZEByMNQ6BFSwQvGf2QCi0KyhmdOiJQMfB7X2zPRemmyASrvcaTTnK20JzHd3LWpjqum8lI7ToyMrnhRnAEBiGvOdH-kUMDZVL8avtxJbfwCOT4dVWA/s1600/IMG_3241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5nbPNNRSRPYTMOoQ2Pl11u3U6ZEByMNQ6BFSwQvGf2QCi0KyhmdOiJQMfB7X2zPRemmyASrvcaTTnK20JzHd3LWpjqum8lI7ToyMrnhRnAEBiGvOdH-kUMDZVL8avtxJbfwCOT4dVWA/s320/IMG_3241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The park's pathway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elements of the railroad are built into the design</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A bit surreal to see Manhattan through prairie grasses</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Living room or park? You decide.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHn7mMJKe64FppcaOA74Km212D1Gap4wxww3U9iFzBj0OgY9fzRILrU7OY902aaqgdWPrm3FR1BPMWJpil56ghbG0mML-ZPi9y05qShibS0Ab77TfIrjCSpVpFGnI8eAB7BAI8d7Bqcc/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHn7mMJKe64FppcaOA74Km212D1Gap4wxww3U9iFzBj0OgY9fzRILrU7OY902aaqgdWPrm3FR1BPMWJpil56ghbG0mML-ZPi9y05qShibS0Ab77TfIrjCSpVpFGnI8eAB7BAI8d7Bqcc/s320/IMG_3266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sidewalk fountain, happy feet on a hot day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMi_OeYl3-RALuES_lZ5mcb3_xV8E6BB59hLfhyt8dLizXmEmZYg31kUhYMstK-6QZQRpzWLKrYBCNbhHi5U0eckq0YYQf2ubkQRebYoEWlxpWnxcyvEuo49Zxfkce6p_Xdymkt6exwQ/s1600/IMG_3267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMi_OeYl3-RALuES_lZ5mcb3_xV8E6BB59hLfhyt8dLizXmEmZYg31kUhYMstK-6QZQRpzWLKrYBCNbhHi5U0eckq0YYQf2ubkQRebYoEWlxpWnxcyvEuo49Zxfkce6p_Xdymkt6exwQ/s320/IMG_3267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Walking alongside the 'stained glass' of an industrial building</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Fz9rsyE8WSistMHkyEKQ5I8nasMnZXAI1WrSQEVT8AES_3iZ7ROAOMuwez4PfakNm-92VqInb5qwsgaAzAKzAmO0PCvaQW-pQNMNbLofZtJjDDb40FVCW-HJLJqmbc3PpkNccr5O-4s/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Fz9rsyE8WSistMHkyEKQ5I8nasMnZXAI1WrSQEVT8AES_3iZ7ROAOMuwez4PfakNm-92VqInb5qwsgaAzAKzAmO0PCvaQW-pQNMNbLofZtJjDDb40FVCW-HJLJqmbc3PpkNccr5O-4s/s320/IMG_3282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fashion shoot on a patio just below the walkway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERFgcqiis2x5B-Yeg4PanUMDReYzXpya7ASXoU1YCCHRUJ0B7B16ETLzwpzGHKzNCXnUY0JrQsC4FFGH0agh0Yu-8CLQ-GWfUZwkC8cib5reripRHCb-M21OPMFTLkGLi2DlJXB78zHE/s1600/IMG_3288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERFgcqiis2x5B-Yeg4PanUMDReYzXpya7ASXoU1YCCHRUJ0B7B16ETLzwpzGHKzNCXnUY0JrQsC4FFGH0agh0Yu-8CLQ-GWfUZwkC8cib5reripRHCb-M21OPMFTLkGLi2DlJXB78zHE/s320/IMG_3288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The walk is admittedly less relaxing when crowds grow and the path narrows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw7jadOuBVAw38rmUqoG6uaCm7ZfUKnaQENornxVV9508rBnPZFFbMolOAR7ZHtjR2qIZUlrJBqm6KNt2-vaXlJzMSacgXDAFq-bf_RLIa8GTyuXlXRekvJ6OfjJXYGk2eQTNyC3WE2M/s1600/IMG_3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw7jadOuBVAw38rmUqoG6uaCm7ZfUKnaQENornxVV9508rBnPZFFbMolOAR7ZHtjR2qIZUlrJBqm6KNt2-vaXlJzMSacgXDAFq-bf_RLIa8GTyuXlXRekvJ6OfjJXYGk2eQTNyC3WE2M/s320/IMG_3323.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other areas are more tranquil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADpdIP3OFSsEIIXUCWakI6tzTSq9pT6Lrdzpu6nUOxZiMLAasfX1SX4CmAWBb9QgQZQMkxLUSNsMnOt7biW0qxpNqmCh2xi3n0Nc2dKJ2qEUUOx0_ZK34TnZi3yC2scn13uB_SsLH0CE/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADpdIP3OFSsEIIXUCWakI6tzTSq9pT6Lrdzpu6nUOxZiMLAasfX1SX4CmAWBb9QgQZQMkxLUSNsMnOt7biW0qxpNqmCh2xi3n0Nc2dKJ2qEUUOx0_ZK34TnZi3yC2scn13uB_SsLH0CE/s320/IMG_3333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are vendors with gourmet treats along the way</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlVY2lyNBbbQUf12tF5VJDpHwuNi250jQdtq5Hz6wqu2LYeq810TQdwr1dB0JJvv_yjp3iUNWKv0o2SJuVaJ8TsQEpXEk8SODtXqHujys_8bQQduRV4OM29u6Y4rIAT0OWE-w-ZMmJRc/s1600/IMG_3339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlVY2lyNBbbQUf12tF5VJDpHwuNi250jQdtq5Hz6wqu2LYeq810TQdwr1dB0JJvv_yjp3iUNWKv0o2SJuVaJ8TsQEpXEk8SODtXqHujys_8bQQduRV4OM29u6Y4rIAT0OWE-w-ZMmJRc/s320/IMG_3339.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A roller rink with those who still have energy at the end</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4lvHsH8JA80FN5ToZT-di5n-ADQ7w71Ks9rvJQhsPHmeyS9m4TMQ2CJvNihC9jEVBJBYa2OQ_YnFHfhX0jdYHt1NeSJp6GuDPmJMBUcUmckfCtdyGhEhruk9-XrvonGbm2RieELf6ow/s1600/IMG_3347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4lvHsH8JA80FN5ToZT-di5n-ADQ7w71Ks9rvJQhsPHmeyS9m4TMQ2CJvNihC9jEVBJBYa2OQ_YnFHfhX0jdYHt1NeSJp6GuDPmJMBUcUmckfCtdyGhEhruk9-XrvonGbm2RieELf6ow/s320/IMG_3347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a beer garden for those who don't</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNaO-es1oNeyfeRGinjuzK7jz75tGo2-5qc7QljHK546kzD-kh8F0lseQYEhYduqvpUV7w5IivU0yJCNgLKaHjJyl6IUG284DAcIeuWg7R0Rg3m2-tmPQnbOAs6-vD9dS7B2cRTmFhXI/s1600/IMG_3352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNaO-es1oNeyfeRGinjuzK7jz75tGo2-5qc7QljHK546kzD-kh8F0lseQYEhYduqvpUV7w5IivU0yJCNgLKaHjJyl6IUG284DAcIeuWg7R0Rg3m2-tmPQnbOAs6-vD9dS7B2cRTmFhXI/s320/IMG_3352.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Santé</span>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Postscript... a second walk, this time in the evening, brings a very different experience:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqrj3LzdQlD0hynN5Mu5Y3oNWpGcfy885uU2ehrGaAMJFeVXWd-26JssNp3u_FaxpiEWP4Z22knPWPsU3wYYGxAd-ZAVv9gJUiqNnFREs2IMIdWf6IbIjNDvoq3OKVBb-oWdfmq1Z7k4/s1600/DSC00939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqrj3LzdQlD0hynN5Mu5Y3oNWpGcfy885uU2ehrGaAMJFeVXWd-26JssNp3u_FaxpiEWP4Z22knPWPsU3wYYGxAd-ZAVv9gJUiqNnFREs2IMIdWf6IbIjNDvoq3OKVBb-oWdfmq1Z7k4/s320/DSC00939.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-32081695825710772542011-08-28T12:43:00.000-04:002011-08-28T12:43:26.345-04:00A visit from Aunt Irene<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">New Yorkers were of two mindsets before Irene's arrival.<br />
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Calm Concern:<br />
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and Are You Freaking Kidding Me?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvflp18N3gYyn5u7iDxpmJth4C4c4Nzu8eYaFKBulOhOIC5-20A3ft6m_Z_y0UjYYqo8twAr-3DcPItwhf8XsS6xeXQ94tA0Nmzli3r9cEIZWsVesPHkPolIPghgQemsNgLFGMqbaNhac/s1600/DSC00891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvflp18N3gYyn5u7iDxpmJth4C4c4Nzu8eYaFKBulOhOIC5-20A3ft6m_Z_y0UjYYqo8twAr-3DcPItwhf8XsS6xeXQ94tA0Nmzli3r9cEIZWsVesPHkPolIPghgQemsNgLFGMqbaNhac/s320/DSC00891.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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I woke up this morning, after a good night's sleep, with not a moment's disruption due to wind or rain. <br />
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I will admit I was a wee bit disappointed. Peering out of the window, I could see only leaves scattered across the sidewalk. Once the rain subsided, I ventured out towards the East River. Things immediately got more interesting:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeMkd4Nnf-kxOLq0Ozm7m_61SQwU1zo3A-IBPS3qxpppqA_oGh658sKwhWALQ-aZDPui1ljqRbAuLcILdo6teraXq2Rd91pTtq1zqY2R1d-p8NqE1zhzD2iHlXQ3iNsCdfQNhX85MMCc/s1600/DSC00895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeMkd4Nnf-kxOLq0Ozm7m_61SQwU1zo3A-IBPS3qxpppqA_oGh658sKwhWALQ-aZDPui1ljqRbAuLcILdo6teraXq2Rd91pTtq1zqY2R1d-p8NqE1zhzD2iHlXQ3iNsCdfQNhX85MMCc/s320/DSC00895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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For the first time in two years, I walked across the FDR, the usually-packed main highway on the East side:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkjbFWkyLDbZtJTVH1xyByhXxDtS6Oj_MKSDCWanqBhn36S0LZzm9703Zov-GVbQ1x8Lb7fT-KTzq97COmDFN9sUY43v_8Fih2Hgb4sXT8IRdgOLEAyTkvRf6U1eRMSTC0CHjgSVgDpc/s1600/DSC00899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkjbFWkyLDbZtJTVH1xyByhXxDtS6Oj_MKSDCWanqBhn36S0LZzm9703Zov-GVbQ1x8Lb7fT-KTzq97COmDFN9sUY43v_8Fih2Hgb4sXT8IRdgOLEAyTkvRf6U1eRMSTC0CHjgSVgDpc/s320/DSC00899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrmmH4Rv65yz3OzYkB0sbZCnHqh0UIwNsmnk_8ddTyPmR4hPCnkByM2Ho2tPSAzfqgGeuIcN5QzUkqWpeEnJGeXLh2FBhCY3Qvf73V04hIQa6DvwyxBgUBlySFZ0WylJAM1uqGwUjjZw/s1600/DSC00900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrmmH4Rv65yz3OzYkB0sbZCnHqh0UIwNsmnk_8ddTyPmR4hPCnkByM2Ho2tPSAzfqgGeuIcN5QzUkqWpeEnJGeXLh2FBhCY3Qvf73V04hIQa6DvwyxBgUBlySFZ0WylJAM1uqGwUjjZw/s320/DSC00900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The East River was swollen, and had risen over the walkway:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbYKpW7ZEOXxBtaJvXQ7G2UCeFFc_4hAcJZMRXd6ErDDqJ7ir6CbJLZsdywLZu6e1u6Qwk29Hx4plB0Adbu11fA_zvP8rS5JHUhTwsQW7BX3Sd5SkROCS0O2aRkKF3O41WDWGM6HuZ9g/s1600/DSC00901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbYKpW7ZEOXxBtaJvXQ7G2UCeFFc_4hAcJZMRXd6ErDDqJ7ir6CbJLZsdywLZu6e1u6Qwk29Hx4plB0Adbu11fA_zvP8rS5JHUhTwsQW7BX3Sd5SkROCS0O2aRkKF3O41WDWGM6HuZ9g/s320/DSC00901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7J2TFAuJ41bnxwwxFTJmZ0YbDCQrID0lydHSPeKDIdbuYv99fz4916qZRStFrLtSpfV-tEfO0LTy7pc1BciGVua8_yCQ6iFsF7J0Y3tWmjRcVm4EE4ATR0BNLHD0NpYfs-y5EvUWijs/s1600/DSC00902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7J2TFAuJ41bnxwwxFTJmZ0YbDCQrID0lydHSPeKDIdbuYv99fz4916qZRStFrLtSpfV-tEfO0LTy7pc1BciGVua8_yCQ6iFsF7J0Y3tWmjRcVm4EE4ATR0BNLHD0NpYfs-y5EvUWijs/s320/DSC00902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjnVaf3EW0oQCeLvNtzLSwywe0M1ncwccB067K40vfz62WO25lEjMB8jLApRyf1mRi6Dk_T6zii37MHo1vuBSJzmbed0rXabmFQmvxHU3VUQF0K1skIrCApmWVqWuSWEUTipjw5_FQk8/s1600/DSC00903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjnVaf3EW0oQCeLvNtzLSwywe0M1ncwccB067K40vfz62WO25lEjMB8jLApRyf1mRi6Dk_T6zii37MHo1vuBSJzmbed0rXabmFQmvxHU3VUQF0K1skIrCApmWVqWuSWEUTipjw5_FQk8/s320/DSC00903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I walked a bit further, and could then see why the highway was so quiet-- it required boats, not cars:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqMQCuXY-2opdVeRXg1MX_0np4RrOc0fBeuiZvgTi5Rv2_auBc9aUMx5okCsDQ2BO_R_Y-SUBa7dGkvGQNiejqLlTirCb6p-JschZmhsaDWgnPKO4MN5hUodRB-e8fA-2XJbmSE-WCLA/s1600/DSC00906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqMQCuXY-2opdVeRXg1MX_0np4RrOc0fBeuiZvgTi5Rv2_auBc9aUMx5okCsDQ2BO_R_Y-SUBa7dGkvGQNiejqLlTirCb6p-JschZmhsaDWgnPKO4MN5hUodRB-e8fA-2XJbmSE-WCLA/s320/DSC00906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYMT3oF3uTBgnKevNckEWstlR123E8PrqkZFdUm8cdwU-AgYFMPtJsCcmNoVJOohvV2xUo2WC2bTE82jC7jwMRnRCjOPsEcRCuYcygbnscaV2fMCArJ8hujEVT3RQmFByUO9_oiBZjyU/s1600/DSC00907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYMT3oF3uTBgnKevNckEWstlR123E8PrqkZFdUm8cdwU-AgYFMPtJsCcmNoVJOohvV2xUo2WC2bTE82jC7jwMRnRCjOPsEcRCuYcygbnscaV2fMCArJ8hujEVT3RQmFByUO9_oiBZjyU/s320/DSC00907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3LQHDjU1n8lJKde-DACbEPaCJwM4H_yWz1ZsyaJusyAe6sAUyysxk-RP5d1MlEKq3_iOulsTdhZiz9w-Wj9zhmdVoweUq7iMDiUrjRW-BExcHonjTTNn-gzuHRB00bXcNcronMOgV6w/s1600/DSC00908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3LQHDjU1n8lJKde-DACbEPaCJwM4H_yWz1ZsyaJusyAe6sAUyysxk-RP5d1MlEKq3_iOulsTdhZiz9w-Wj9zhmdVoweUq7iMDiUrjRW-BExcHonjTTNn-gzuHRB00bXcNcronMOgV6w/s320/DSC00908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tip of Roosevelt Island was also under water:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOogf7SDgtMGh5u36P0VyqaQ46nPQo9uztZlWG6aTneEcCetW7GLcc1BOdHPvWzFNHyvnLvhAsGdaZzz7hCJ2cFwLVDvMJsH95eCc78-p9edp0A0LZFL9pfPtgT5QlWKC2b-2mEGUvFK4/s1600/DSC00911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOogf7SDgtMGh5u36P0VyqaQ46nPQo9uztZlWG6aTneEcCetW7GLcc1BOdHPvWzFNHyvnLvhAsGdaZzz7hCJ2cFwLVDvMJsH95eCc78-p9edp0A0LZFL9pfPtgT5QlWKC2b-2mEGUvFK4/s320/DSC00911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I walked further north, to Carl Schurz Park, a beautiful gem that is mostly known to the locals- no tourists. The tennis courts had become a playground for kids and dogs:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8F-0xKs3ZZk0jE17aCXN3BwNKaIAu9doS_1LfLwJrdRsfZzrLilgcl8QLg9s2nTVAI2CVpYyTD2GfwSQkhheqfSP27-dAwdnNCa1HVIne5Mb8Hec9STzLG_ImMsIRVshb7y5bW5pbQQ/s1600/DSC00912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8F-0xKs3ZZk0jE17aCXN3BwNKaIAu9doS_1LfLwJrdRsfZzrLilgcl8QLg9s2nTVAI2CVpYyTD2GfwSQkhheqfSP27-dAwdnNCa1HVIne5Mb8Hec9STzLG_ImMsIRVshb7y5bW5pbQQ/s320/DSC00912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It hurt to see some of the old grand trees snapped in two:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YZahKqxovaKVW5BGyJ-_88uhKjDJ0WInPa7OdMzatG5pC_FM0-EiGQVX1RmnwcVSEDcLodLmUOPh-CS6KA5WlinpZtn1PDku6YHHAJwggB4uw76Cvni56rUQx6SRufJipO2wmf5mbcQ/s1600/DSC00918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YZahKqxovaKVW5BGyJ-_88uhKjDJ0WInPa7OdMzatG5pC_FM0-EiGQVX1RmnwcVSEDcLodLmUOPh-CS6KA5WlinpZtn1PDku6YHHAJwggB4uw76Cvni56rUQx6SRufJipO2wmf5mbcQ/s320/DSC00918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pan, normally surrounded by people sitting on benches, had become an eerily beautiful island:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabZEq3zq4csy0xWnSGR-wY1lw7iIExo4c3YgEkQK-Zs7K9KsU23SCU89gPmFqLWxDCqi5wOa7oSWVDjB14Y5xRNocQGuCqEmWlnI8anRxpJN5KeEL5QKghb7aEh6URSsXeb22V5FIeT8/s1600/DSC00922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabZEq3zq4csy0xWnSGR-wY1lw7iIExo4c3YgEkQK-Zs7K9KsU23SCU89gPmFqLWxDCqi5wOa7oSWVDjB14Y5xRNocQGuCqEmWlnI8anRxpJN5KeEL5QKghb7aEh6URSsXeb22V5FIeT8/s320/DSC00922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nmuIiS2mcMOAcSDTWRiswb7lQ7n2RCuiyi401Tb69pJsuQ7Dj9C3yBzhiO1wOC0a6MP5MBl7tH7ZYX0JxuSOWMlEinRi07XuuyPJHEoA_GhBV7l1E0fev-Z2MxhCCEDTrBxi7B8TSfA/s1600/DSC00926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nmuIiS2mcMOAcSDTWRiswb7lQ7n2RCuiyi401Tb69pJsuQ7Dj9C3yBzhiO1wOC0a6MP5MBl7tH7ZYX0JxuSOWMlEinRi07XuuyPJHEoA_GhBV7l1E0fev-Z2MxhCCEDTrBxi7B8TSfA/s320/DSC00926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leaving the park, I walked south on East End Avenue, and found more damage. I was more sad for the trees than for the cars. I assume a Jag driver can afford insurance:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6MSfmjVPvRzvDwBdUUk9GH_3qK2aW42Z-nbfj2Ri5sYR_LICoSuDsv6frV0IXp0zU_UDkacEXreEWThiFj26cTc9Q4jSKxyufaYoGD08Sk9NHIVSM_szGkaJNJSd3HyKGkIe-T3-ODA/s1600/DSC00930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6MSfmjVPvRzvDwBdUUk9GH_3qK2aW42Z-nbfj2Ri5sYR_LICoSuDsv6frV0IXp0zU_UDkacEXreEWThiFj26cTc9Q4jSKxyufaYoGD08Sk9NHIVSM_szGkaJNJSd3HyKGkIe-T3-ODA/s320/DSC00930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This tree was uprooted, and ripped through the park's iron fence:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBdx3Du8JRn3eaLF9RMkJHRCtRPmxELKaLwn8WReTiuYaXvUlzX71RfANQlqDXXfDWl9sJOwLmGV9lEa3vYeSQ8-ymhZI6ZdF867bg35SPQPB5VUbR4LxOWBEn655-19Ta4CLljwrZmg/s1600/DSC00935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBdx3Du8JRn3eaLF9RMkJHRCtRPmxELKaLwn8WReTiuYaXvUlzX71RfANQlqDXXfDWl9sJOwLmGV9lEa3vYeSQ8-ymhZI6ZdF867bg35SPQPB5VUbR4LxOWBEn655-19Ta4CLljwrZmg/s320/DSC00935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally, I couldn't help but smile at this one: Tree Attacks Construction Vehicle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD7EvoXohCcX_FcQwHRDTXQklGRGSJUGHKb-CcgpvWOp_Z7oAjcwtxfWEC62KKzSJMX6MyjkKHbnUSurKRbktKviaSbOMa1sI0xuH2kvnX72Z6POfWs25zqAyi0pJPqN8e7glw63yWKk/s1600/DSC00936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD7EvoXohCcX_FcQwHRDTXQklGRGSJUGHKb-CcgpvWOp_Z7oAjcwtxfWEC62KKzSJMX6MyjkKHbnUSurKRbktKviaSbOMa1sI0xuH2kvnX72Z6POfWs25zqAyi0pJPqN8e7glw63yWKk/s320/DSC00936.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">We are, of course, incredibly fortunate that we escaped fairly easily. Our neighbors in Zone A were forced to evacuate, but so far there have been no reports of casualties in the New York area. People may complain about overreaction by the authorities, but I for one am grateful for modern weather predictions and the public officials that listen to them.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-36949256773480240132011-08-23T21:04:00.000-04:002011-08-23T21:04:08.558-04:00On the water<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A twilight trip around Manhattan via ferry ... enthralling, and even long-term New Yorkers on the boat were moved by the sight of this great city in the evening light.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoBlgUlpuwAJVOPaP9mJAF2OGYBEOSN7sD6ArzHOPd7QQYQDPwHBg0HJXjSFUUqrf-us_XNiGUtQ88TiiTB0f5iAB6Cd88_kV7lUzR0joD8znK1vv5jOPe2blPomCd5-1UbxK2caMNKk/s1600/DSC00877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoBlgUlpuwAJVOPaP9mJAF2OGYBEOSN7sD6ArzHOPd7QQYQDPwHBg0HJXjSFUUqrf-us_XNiGUtQ88TiiTB0f5iAB6Cd88_kV7lUzR0joD8znK1vv5jOPe2blPomCd5-1UbxK2caMNKk/s320/DSC00877.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-4136017960604546772011-06-21T22:58:00.000-04:002011-06-21T22:58:13.192-04:00Peace in the midst of chaos: Yoga in Times Square<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What could be better than welcoming the summer solstice with yoga? In Times Square?<br />
Yes, it sounded crazy to me too. I signed up as soon as the posters hit the streets:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMVS0QGn4W7dgs9M2XeKF40BbCY-fHamvtsO5jjrK5R-VnRbeQhb4IdXNt1xFkAaHv4T2e_JnKng2YmGdmH0BSiw5ZGiRqEoMweJDAuUTUBnw376tbnAzBNX63qheuXy_qrXYLyeDZco/s1600/DSC00743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMVS0QGn4W7dgs9M2XeKF40BbCY-fHamvtsO5jjrK5R-VnRbeQhb4IdXNt1xFkAaHv4T2e_JnKng2YmGdmH0BSiw5ZGiRqEoMweJDAuUTUBnw376tbnAzBNX63qheuXy_qrXYLyeDZco/s320/DSC00743.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">New York has given me so many vivid moments, the sort that remind one to be grateful for life, and today's experience was yet another joyful one. Thousands of yogis joined one or more of the three yoga classes held today, right in the middle of Times Square. The city cleared several large spaces within the entire stretch of road, and we rolled our mats out in the street. I will never see Times Square in the same way again. It was difficult at first-- the roar of traffic, the advertising assault on one's eyes, the general chaos and tourists leaning over the barricades to watch and take photos. Gradually, I was able to breathe, and get into the flow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W1YlBXaLEJ-Ro04NFP9p38wEf18T8APf8KkI1MBHU5Ocwe4P9U-RYXP32X3dsal4kKI43FM_HeYig2akoACJwfMRsqQLsGA45swcFQ3t3pSkNnpO25JL-ijcDkGmcL2lubZkq0PRDBM/s1600/DSC00728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W1YlBXaLEJ-Ro04NFP9p38wEf18T8APf8KkI1MBHU5Ocwe4P9U-RYXP32X3dsal4kKI43FM_HeYig2akoACJwfMRsqQLsGA45swcFQ3t3pSkNnpO25JL-ijcDkGmcL2lubZkq0PRDBM/s320/DSC00728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were people of all ages and abilities. Some were clearly better than others:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you have ever wondered what Times Square would look like from the savasana (corpse) pose, here you go:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbkiBArXf-DZyFlTYbWcpL0LZb03lKZxq6SecaROTrzqnMOx3iOIrdokM0PNJLgdb2s2Eh24WxMqL0iWfiRzz-34v_DImXCOfcRDI76M1OSOfvcJ-Y_ihEoaHHAcoWj0Ucx2_LEm_9v0/s1600/DSC00755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbkiBArXf-DZyFlTYbWcpL0LZb03lKZxq6SecaROTrzqnMOx3iOIrdokM0PNJLgdb2s2Eh24WxMqL0iWfiRzz-34v_DImXCOfcRDI76M1OSOfvcJ-Y_ihEoaHHAcoWj0Ucx2_LEm_9v0/s320/DSC00755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The end, and sheer bliss....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBp-iKm4bJwfXrPs2LSOIQ0t72dgMtsDQ-7mJHCc6J401rNcccsl7ioFiFkueCulq4jnpdnnP6tmmLk08e487ZANUqwzVPNOTa_qw2dYPuVhWuIXtYw8p41Nq9tv5_otgFpFjMyTz1cg/s1600/DSC00756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBp-iKm4bJwfXrPs2LSOIQ0t72dgMtsDQ-7mJHCc6J401rNcccsl7ioFiFkueCulq4jnpdnnP6tmmLk08e487ZANUqwzVPNOTa_qw2dYPuVhWuIXtYw8p41Nq9tv5_otgFpFjMyTz1cg/s320/DSC00756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-19446787799982617372011-05-30T07:37:00.000-04:002011-05-30T07:37:58.909-04:00The Lemon Ice King of Corona<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUOGq_WkiD5LJQd8S7NqquBKoT8r8g3BLUoYiXH8Vi21283hfKWGQdb_nsCfGhXjbToK8eSdj-ZIOrsppqWzY44giQUkbro5cAyGAvYt8_QXQrYfVI9lqkeSMVRmrrYK0EVQS0ZBad6g/s1600/DSC00683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUOGq_WkiD5LJQd8S7NqquBKoT8r8g3BLUoYiXH8Vi21283hfKWGQdb_nsCfGhXjbToK8eSdj-ZIOrsppqWzY44giQUkbro5cAyGAvYt8_QXQrYfVI9lqkeSMVRmrrYK0EVQS0ZBad6g/s320/DSC00683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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It is not often that I wake up dreaming of the dessert I had the night before. Indeed, my brain often conspires to help me forget caloric indulgences as quickly as possible.<br />
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There was no forgetting the miracle I encountered last night, though: <a href="http://thelemonicekingofcorona.com/">The Lemon Ice King of Corona</a>. It is in Corona, Queens, far off the beaten track for me, and I had never even heard of it until last night. Enter my friends G & E, who recommended that we stop there after a beautiful afternoon at Atlantic beach and dinner at Jordan's Lobster.<br />
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Oh my. I have had ices before, but never like this. Ingeniously blended with real pieces of fruit, perfectly textured and served at exactly the right temperature. G laughed at my stunned and dreamy expression when I tasted her peanut butter serving. I adored my coconut choice. And E's spumoni was spectacular. I loved G's flavor so much I ordered a second serving just for myself.<br />
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TLIKoC was established 60 years ago by the Benfaremo family. Apparently they've had offers to franchise it, but have refused. The corner shop is across the street from a small park that features a bocce ball court encircled by lights and flags, and was in use with a multitude of spectators. Outdoor chess and card games were also in play throughout the park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A point of pride: Award of Distinction from Zagat:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mjDintxOIEbn7BJ4ij_JIgRcWDN-0jD5qUjYkwZ7hwOP8StWBt81wSK6bnjaqzRvJ2h7b7SSKRL1iiqGdCHWf4W7eNT93DatHuxhAMIbp0a0GWH-KxnfRIauKtIUBEt3HsJe2qUrfFc/s1600/DSC00686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mjDintxOIEbn7BJ4ij_JIgRcWDN-0jD5qUjYkwZ7hwOP8StWBt81wSK6bnjaqzRvJ2h7b7SSKRL1iiqGdCHWf4W7eNT93DatHuxhAMIbp0a0GWH-KxnfRIauKtIUBEt3HsJe2qUrfFc/s320/DSC00686.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How to choose??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDFi9KoSFJdXgZjhxEPDgf9ccPP8wmE5EIFB0M7RgK2cx7nsGVFTnbc-xqETKOkgYXtZi3iTBDd7ewPjAADXHAVmADfqB4c2ZO44kw8OfSvslYMlKSZxFzxMz3-8HJ5wftnPQuWYFxuY/s1600/DSC00689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDFi9KoSFJdXgZjhxEPDgf9ccPP8wmE5EIFB0M7RgK2cx7nsGVFTnbc-xqETKOkgYXtZi3iTBDd7ewPjAADXHAVmADfqB4c2ZO44kw8OfSvslYMlKSZxFzxMz3-8HJ5wftnPQuWYFxuY/s320/DSC00689.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheap ($1.50 for small!), and strict: Don't ask for two flavors! One at a time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1sDpowbyvDZ2pabhOGaztMeS0SstShydoKOoYhGxDbEw3qjU-fZDfiudyB1Pj1bh8RvnMEwB1dMFNLlZw1GHdXaaRCHWqeOboMB5cPA2EOGRZ_ehjX9EmIZi235bYT_jKFreRzEYKY0/s1600/DSC00688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1sDpowbyvDZ2pabhOGaztMeS0SstShydoKOoYhGxDbEw3qjU-fZDfiudyB1Pj1bh8RvnMEwB1dMFNLlZw1GHdXaaRCHWqeOboMB5cPA2EOGRZ_ehjX9EmIZi235bYT_jKFreRzEYKY0/s320/DSC00688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As soon I got home I looked up the address to see how long it would take to get there again from the Upper East Side via public transportation. It would require two trains and 22 minutes of walking time; 1 hour 15 minutes total. For one small serving of Lemon Ice King of Corona's ice? Unquestionably worth it, and I'm already planning my next trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-64559646068166891772011-05-21T22:00:00.000-04:002011-05-21T22:00:27.068-04:00Spring, finally.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
Spring has finally arrived in New York in full force. It teased us for quite awhile, with promising afternoons followed by days of rain or cold. The new season has gathered momentum now, with flowers, musicians, artists and other delights venturing out into the sunshine. It's a beautiful time to be here.<br />
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From the Brooklyn Botanical Garden:<br />
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Lovely art on the street:<br />
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A sense of humor returning underground:<br />
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Music everywhere:<br />
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Setting sail in Central Park and lifting spirits of all who see them:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A wonderful prelude to summer...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</a></div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-6147441960508569222011-03-10T14:21:00.001-05:002011-03-10T14:24:57.086-05:00Saving myself: A postcard from St Augustine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This winter has been brutal for many people, and I am no exception. I cannot remember a winter that has affected me so harshly. The cold and the dark, combined with an unrelenting and immensely stressful work situation, nearly broke me. Where I once looked around in wonder, I now stared down at the sidewalk, huddled against the chill. I no longer sought out new experiences, and instead took refuge in my apartment. I slept long and hard, and awoke unrefreshed. I drank gallons of Diet Coke in an effort to stay awake. I constantly craved junk food and carbohydrates, often giving in, and unsurprisingly gained weight. I fantasized every day about quitting my job and New York, and running away to a tropical island.<br />
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What happened to the wide-eyed girl that so loved exploring this city?<br />
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The day that I arrived at work in tears is the day that I finally realized that I either needed to buy a lamp designed for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder or take a much-needed vacation- I hadn't had a break since late September. I had just hired a temporary employee whose efforts had already started to make a difference in my own workload, and I could now afford to leave for awhile, even though it was during our busiest season. I didn't really have a choice-- I needed to mend.<br />
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The normal choices- a cruise, a resort- were not options for my non-profit budget. With a bit of searching, I came across Discovery Yoga, a small yoga school based in St. Augustine, Florida. It offered a Rest & Relaxation package for just $85 a night-- a single room with private bath, kitchen facilities, and one yoga class per day. The center is within walking distance of the quaint tourist town of St Augustine, and there is a free beach shuttle. A vegan restaurant is just around the corner from the school.<br />
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The week has been a godsend. I've taken an eco-tour to see dolphins and birds in the estuary, spent time on the beach, walked the ancient streets of St Augustine (the first town in the United States), had an exceptional massage, practiced yoga each day with excellent teachers, and had amazing healthy, delicious food. Every single person I've encountered here has been kind and hospitable. I've not heard a cross word or a honking horn the entire week. The cacophony of city traffic has been replaced by the roar of ocean waves.<br />
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I need to bring the St Augustine spirit with me back to New York. I cannot wait for vacation to find peace, but rather need to weave it into each day. I have some ideas, starting with ceasing to use my blackberry for an alarm clock (and thus reading work email first thing each day! crazy!). Exploring the city's abundance of yoga studios and meditation centers is also high on my priority list. And maybe, maybe, I can then ease into spring and sun and longer days with my spirit intact. </div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-82894963350602973532011-02-14T08:09:00.001-05:002011-02-14T08:17:39.511-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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A year ago I went on an expedition with my friend M, and found a most <a href="http://anunexpectedvalentine.blogspot.com/2010/02/cold-nose-warm-heart.html">unexpected valentine</a>. <br />
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The sheer delight of the discovery prompted me to follow through with the suggestion of another friend to start a blog and capture my experiences in New York. <br />
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Thus it's the 1st anniversary of the blog. Thanks to all who sit on my shoulder and explore the city with me! It's been wonderful to have your company.<br />
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And Happy Valentine's Day! As the unexpected valentine reminds us, "You are loved. Yes, you."<br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-8521370368236897972011-02-01T19:52:00.000-05:002011-02-01T19:52:24.985-05:00Everyone Counts.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">At 9 pm, I am usually winding down for the day and getting ready for bed.<br />
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Last night at 9 pm, I took a shower and put on my warmest clothes. I was hyper-aware of my warm cozy apartment, the pleasure of taking a shower, the plentiful food in my cabinets. <br />
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And then I headed outside to join 3,000 of my neighors and take part in New York City's Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) 2011. Each year the city does a census of homeless people in public places to evaluate their outreach efforts. Every single street of every borough is covered on foot by teams of volunteers. <br />
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I met my friend E at Hunter College, where we crowded with scores of other volunteers and were trained on what to do. Stay with your team. Follow the route on your map. Stay in public areas. Approach individuals respectfully. Ask the questions on the form. Determine if this person would be considered homeless. Listen to your instincts if a situation feels unsafe. Ask the individual if they would like to be taken to a shelter. If yes, call this number. Wait with the person until the outreach workers arrive with their van. If an individual appears to be in danger-- exposed limbs, close to a busy roadway, incoherent-- call 911. Tonight is Code Blue, meaning that it's very cold and you should wake any person who appears to be sleeping to make sure they are okay. <br />
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The teams of 4-5 volunteers received their instructions, their assigned area, and were asked to start their walk at exactly 12:15 am. E and I were on the same team, headed up by an engineer who worked for the city. We had two NYU freshman to round out our group. Our assignment was relatively easy-- three consecutive routes in the mid East 60s. Other groups were assigned areas that required police escort.<br />
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We walked quite awhile without encountering any homeless people. About halfway through our route, we came across a disheveled man sitting on cardboard on the steps of a row house. Our leader approached the man while we stood a respectful distance away. About half way through the questioning, the guy broke into a smile and congratulated us. He was a decoy, placed there to ensure that every street was indeed being covered. We received a sticker to show that we "passed". We started walking again, and saw another gentleman, this one also proving to be a decoy. Our group started to wonder if we would complete our assignment without encountering any people who were truly homeless. We kept walking.<br />
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Ten minutes later, a figure emerged from a dark stretch of sidewalk, pushing a shopping cart overflowing with bags of recyclable cans. Weathered face, tattered clothes, irrepressible spirit. One of the students approached the man. Would he be willing to answer some questions? The gentleman immediately launched into a diatribe about the terrible way he had been treated at some shelters. We listened and asked questions. We asked if he would like to get a ride to a nearby center. He consented, and the leader called for the outreach workers. While our group waited, he regaled us with stories in his Scottish brogue. He said he came to the US to serve in Vietnam, and later was invited to guard the White House. <br />
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What part of his stories were true, and what parts he believed to be true, is a question that will never be answered and of course does not need to be answered. What was important is that a group of strangers bonded that evening, listening to each other's stories late into a bitter and snowy night, and made sure that all of us had a warm and safe place to sleep. <br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-40524187378274304472011-01-27T22:19:00.000-05:002011-01-27T22:19:03.275-05:00Snowtropolis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Winter has tested even the most hardened New Yorker this year. Yet few can deny the beauty of the early moments when the snow has settled and still maintains its white splendor. I was just one of many this morning with a smile on my face and a camera in hand. <br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-6565922503550160572011-01-24T23:03:00.000-05:002011-01-24T23:03:57.259-05:00Piano Men<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Music is especially powerful when it is encountered in an unexpected place. Or in an unexpected form.<br />
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A recent visit to the Museum of Modern Art with E brought a wondrous spectacle and delightful sound:<br />
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Yes, that is a hole in the piano.... the artist arrived on the scene, sneaked in under the piano, and thread his body halfway out. He bent over the keys and started the performance. Ode to Joy, of sorts. Beethoven. Several minutes in, the artist started walking with the piano, the crowd first parting to allow him to pass, and then following him around the atrium. Grins broke out throughout the crowd. <br />
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The performances even made the New York Times smile: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/arts/design/10nine.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1295921390-noMQ1L0Os+uHLrRFvQGvCA">I just popped out to play Beethoven</a><br />
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This weekend a longtime friend was in town, and we walked through Washington Square Park on a frigid Saturday. The cold did not deter this pianist, and the notes of the theme song from the film The Piano floated out to meet us. A mystery as to how the piano got there, and the pianist's fingers managed to stay flexible in the freezing temperature. His presence and his playing simply made us happy (and him a little richer!).<br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-28298451392254165762011-01-24T22:51:00.000-05:002011-01-24T22:51:00.530-05:00The Welcoming Committee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">W and I ventured out in the cold evening to find a hole-in-the-wall Mexican deli (<a href="http://anunexpectedvalentine.blogspot.com/2011/01/tehuitzingo-taco-heaven.html">Tehuitzingo</a> ). As we surfaced from the L train, we started giggling. Subway art strikes again, this time from artist Tom Otterness, called Life Underground.<br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-31244110887947415972011-01-24T22:48:00.000-05:002011-01-24T22:48:44.826-05:00Tehuitzingo, taco heaven.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I was introduced to Tehuitzingo by my friend E, who knows more about restaurants in NY than anyone else I know. It is a place I would never have looked at twice. Virtually every block in NY has a deli, and it wouldn't ever occur to me to go in and order a meal. Until now. Authentic tacos for $2.50 each, and beverages straight from Mexico-- even bottled Coca-Cola. There are no tables, just a narrow room with counters and bar stools. Tehuitzingo Deli & Grocery can be found at 695 10th Avenue, near 47th.<br />
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As embassies occupy ground that is technically owned by their country, and not the US, so is Tehuitzingo a wee bit of Mexico. It is a transporting experience.<br />
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Chicken & rice taco + pumpkin blossom quesadilla:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Taco menu:</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Festive decor:</div><br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-81940128378339116112010-12-11T22:53:00.000-05:002010-12-11T22:53:11.286-05:00Santa, Santa EverywhereTwo Santas crossed my path this morning as I sauntered toward the subway station. And then... another two. Look at those over there. And wow, there's a group of them... <br />
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I took the 6 down to Grand Central Station and was immediately immersed in a sea of Santas, elves and revelers of every variety. Everyone-- participants and bystanders- was in high spirits, with laughter and excited discussions floating up to the gorgeous dusky blue ceiling of the main terminal.<br />
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There were FireSantas:<br />
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But this was my favorite group of boisterous and good-hearted merrymakers:<br />
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What is going on? I caught up with one of the Santas and asked. "<a href="http://nycsantacon.com/">Santacon</a>!" he said. "Santarchy!" I later did a bit of research, and was floored that this cultural phenomenon had somehow completely passed me by. Santacon takes place in 24 countries, in well over 100 locations. Most events occur on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of December. Essentially, it takes Naughty and Nice to a new and highly entertaining level. Open to all, with the aim of spreading cheer, and getting a little (or a lot) tipsy along the way, all the better if the day is enhanced by Christmas carols featuring spicy lyrics and a bit of general mayhem.<br />
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Happy holidays!Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-28367032114445871622010-11-26T22:21:00.000-05:002010-11-26T22:21:49.961-05:00A Magical Morning On Thanksgiving DayWhat American child has not grown up watching Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on television, enthralled by the huge balloons gliding through the skyscraper canyons?<br />
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So you will understand when I say that I squealed like an 8 year old girl when I went in search of the parade yesterday morning, and stumbled across this:<br />
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Although most streets were blocked off, there was a small opening in the barriers that had been set up to close off the sidewalk. No police or guards were in sight. I walked through the park, and was thrilled to get a close look at the balloons and their handlers. <br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-88612816225038272642010-11-26T21:35:00.000-05:002010-11-26T21:35:30.608-05:00Marathon Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOVQkfXewpiGqrwAI4mYywJXiiX5-N-tEg-1KarHTGhlE36sAvcSUESk66nH652EUi7yDLLJelgWDRr52Rp8F1oztfQ8Oog_k-w1rb5bN14xYvd9lEKXDnGlg_xIs0oSIuzMCsb8Jj9M/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOVQkfXewpiGqrwAI4mYywJXiiX5-N-tEg-1KarHTGhlE36sAvcSUESk66nH652EUi7yDLLJelgWDRr52Rp8F1oztfQ8Oog_k-w1rb5bN14xYvd9lEKXDnGlg_xIs0oSIuzMCsb8Jj9M/s320/IMG_2745.JPG" width="190" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOVQkfXewpiGqrwAI4mYywJXiiX5-N-tEg-1KarHTGhlE36sAvcSUESk66nH652EUi7yDLLJelgWDRr52Rp8F1oztfQ8Oog_k-w1rb5bN14xYvd9lEKXDnGlg_xIs0oSIuzMCsb8Jj9M/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">"Marathon Sunday" was on everyone's lips several weeks ago, and I gradually realized it was an official unofficial holiday for the city. When E invited me to join him at the Robin Hood Foundation's rally station, situated shortly after Mile 20, I readily agreed. </span> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOVQkfXewpiGqrwAI4mYywJXiiX5-N-tEg-1KarHTGhlE36sAvcSUESk66nH652EUi7yDLLJelgWDRr52Rp8F1oztfQ8Oog_k-w1rb5bN14xYvd9lEKXDnGlg_xIs0oSIuzMCsb8Jj9M/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">I anticipated that the event would be a lot of fun, and inspiring to watch. I was not disappointed. We were also hoping to catch sight of Edison Pena, the Chilean miner, but alas that was not to be. </span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOVQkfXewpiGqrwAI4mYywJXiiX5-N-tEg-1KarHTGhlE36sAvcSUESk66nH652EUi7yDLLJelgWDRr52Rp8F1oztfQ8Oog_k-w1rb5bN14xYvd9lEKXDnGlg_xIs0oSIuzMCsb8Jj9M/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">We got there early, and witnessed the elaborate preparations for one of the water stands. We spoke to one gentleman who had been up since 4 am, slicing bananas. There were stacks and stacks of cups with water and Gatorade.</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZkpAKZIJzryndAEq8W6mVV4WhlEypHnFXn3fxFYh8Al2eCsVkgm-S_qGslze3Qm42k7Sq7p788y-G_MkueAcMJ7H86VMc2uM1cJZWKL3tlj-6P0rGlpw7QA4_aMt1bgSUFcknW5Zl-c/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZkpAKZIJzryndAEq8W6mVV4WhlEypHnFXn3fxFYh8Al2eCsVkgm-S_qGslze3Qm42k7Sq7p788y-G_MkueAcMJ7H86VMc2uM1cJZWKL3tlj-6P0rGlpw7QA4_aMt1bgSUFcknW5Zl-c/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOVQkfXewpiGqrwAI4mYywJXiiX5-N-tEg-1KarHTGhlE36sAvcSUESk66nH652EUi7yDLLJelgWDRr52Rp8F1oztfQ8Oog_k-w1rb5bN14xYvd9lEKXDnGlg_xIs0oSIuzMCsb8Jj9M/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8yGXc07lC206wBlyiR_0wcdASdQf4aTnazf9AkWG96e2mwJZdFDAk3tjI5HsYObazoadsPHK72R4kqsx9_vTl-BjpiWaWkSuf-Q22OdqlkRg9vFqwfLbLehhFv7xQ1WOvqScd1G5AcI/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8yGXc07lC206wBlyiR_0wcdASdQf4aTnazf9AkWG96e2mwJZdFDAk3tjI5HsYObazoadsPHK72R4kqsx9_vTl-BjpiWaWkSuf-Q22OdqlkRg9vFqwfLbLehhFv7xQ1WOvqScd1G5AcI/s320/IMG_2639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOVQkfXewpiGqrwAI4mYywJXiiX5-N-tEg-1KarHTGhlE36sAvcSUESk66nH652EUi7yDLLJelgWDRr52Rp8F1oztfQ8Oog_k-w1rb5bN14xYvd9lEKXDnGlg_xIs0oSIuzMCsb8Jj9M/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While preparations were still underway, the wheelchair competitors started sailing through. They were fearless in taking corners, and didn't hesitate a bit as dimwit pedestrians scurried out of their path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8M44jYWxmOX4y71bb9QqPxhxNMuaAQhJKVhuLPO_s1RHvubFd2QUErNK7tFLKuaqtMc1war1GeWDqhx0XPHXWAP-L1t8bLH090eM5QnyzAFAR3deIbECd0kl4LfrSgi3Y6-xGG8OPgE/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8M44jYWxmOX4y71bb9QqPxhxNMuaAQhJKVhuLPO_s1RHvubFd2QUErNK7tFLKuaqtMc1war1GeWDqhx0XPHXWAP-L1t8bLH090eM5QnyzAFAR3deIbECd0kl4LfrSgi3Y6-xGG8OPgE/s320/IMG_2634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Close on their tail were the elite women and then the elite men runners--</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHhHS38Jdg27agYJFFBWE1rc-olQPUZV4czofwefHzUZrzpewdtA8-TQV-n7OfdmSdTPlA4Ad3gArvUGr1aT_xbGs5iY9GuXtI7qSWuivfvzVslYWqKMa8MT1OSzcs_e3tMXbgWnFhx8/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHhHS38Jdg27agYJFFBWE1rc-olQPUZV4czofwefHzUZrzpewdtA8-TQV-n7OfdmSdTPlA4Ad3gArvUGr1aT_xbGs5iY9GuXtI7qSWuivfvzVslYWqKMa8MT1OSzcs_e3tMXbgWnFhx8/s320/IMG_2691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmI9YNUqJ-aUl0l8m6h7-3XUXRue39WK31m7nzs_XIVgSay5ZiJ47_gsqRDhn7HvAZ_KRj8oBKzoToIk6eWZR7g4lXjhdI2tNCqu-J4Gaf9noqP-eqVWrGZNK4HCeIhuKljXds1FXkOoA/s1600/IMG_2711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmI9YNUqJ-aUl0l8m6h7-3XUXRue39WK31m7nzs_XIVgSay5ZiJ47_gsqRDhn7HvAZ_KRj8oBKzoToIk6eWZR7g4lXjhdI2tNCqu-J4Gaf9noqP-eqVWrGZNK4HCeIhuKljXds1FXkOoA/s320/IMG_2711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As awe-inspiring as the top runners were, the true inspirations were the "Achilles" runners, who had overcome physical limitations and were participating in the race with a couple individuals as guides. I felt ashamed of the many days I had allowed my fully-abled body to languish in bed instead of going to the gym. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg3SwGJkcAXSAbuinaIa9ZDcWFA2H1-3laiZKuWRCVSCcvmPqAhD1vIcBexp_a-Cc8y8hRY3X20Uoi55QbYYJV9h4D89rC-voseinOvImT6yhRx4ChiU31VpU94YhtKKe64vEwpoZf1w/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg3SwGJkcAXSAbuinaIa9ZDcWFA2H1-3laiZKuWRCVSCcvmPqAhD1vIcBexp_a-Cc8y8hRY3X20Uoi55QbYYJV9h4D89rC-voseinOvImT6yhRx4ChiU31VpU94YhtKKe64vEwpoZf1w/s320/IMG_2699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZAGk6yvhuCqOAhmWLYreG6aEFnRa4Yn8hGP8TBlc5Z1BkjZWkt7hnhRwR0nZlh5ai7Oz8JvdVFtqlaYFuDEP776bVO9jIKRPVTV7q3mdSA2ey6v23KZlNgflsryMJnS3k737AsLzlZc/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZAGk6yvhuCqOAhmWLYreG6aEFnRa4Yn8hGP8TBlc5Z1BkjZWkt7hnhRwR0nZlh5ai7Oz8JvdVFtqlaYFuDEP776bVO9jIKRPVTV7q3mdSA2ey6v23KZlNgflsryMJnS3k737AsLzlZc/s320/IMG_2864.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then there were the runners with crazy outfits, confident enough in their athletic abilities that they were willing to allow for a distraction, much to the amusement of those around them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz5pDh4Sx3ffQcHevqV-wTpEJxGB0OhfMvQw5YzFzs0e3dTKs9mdK-62tHg96-pX7eh10Pogv6OvdEGI6p-1yv05ozRlML6itSzSA0yLv5BGwNFWRbIxOZCMHlQ5WJVfG32MvaQf8R_k/s1600/IMG_2813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz5pDh4Sx3ffQcHevqV-wTpEJxGB0OhfMvQw5YzFzs0e3dTKs9mdK-62tHg96-pX7eh10Pogv6OvdEGI6p-1yv05ozRlML6itSzSA0yLv5BGwNFWRbIxOZCMHlQ5WJVfG32MvaQf8R_k/s320/IMG_2813.JPG" width="220" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceJ7C9KUOxCq_8GB1quKwtlNxwpFumSEx635LwP9yaoG71NmPTm6ctvNphpJmePLMRJH7t47V1owEHVqEbeo80atz_WjIgRcb8_ABqUHc6mysNWcmfsCD776qFxdDyW0KNdiRxtA1Wjw/s1600/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceJ7C9KUOxCq_8GB1quKwtlNxwpFumSEx635LwP9yaoG71NmPTm6ctvNphpJmePLMRJH7t47V1owEHVqEbeo80atz_WjIgRcb8_ABqUHc6mysNWcmfsCD776qFxdDyW0KNdiRxtA1Wjw/s320/IMG_2828.JPG" width="294" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4nAr_DAwyj_ikmwGghcPp41rJStXe46Gfr06qtkJ9mknFEbRCxZIfrZmpHdjTD52oW0jjAwxrfUOepA2g1q-pCQ1FJIzXo0Vp0VyE9T-78ReQ_pIujQAMLIZ0vOiyDQINtwup48BkvM/s1600/IMG_2858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4nAr_DAwyj_ikmwGghcPp41rJStXe46Gfr06qtkJ9mknFEbRCxZIfrZmpHdjTD52oW0jjAwxrfUOepA2g1q-pCQ1FJIzXo0Vp0VyE9T-78ReQ_pIujQAMLIZ0vOiyDQINtwup48BkvM/s320/IMG_2858.JPG" width="169" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day was a joyful one, a welcome reminder of the enduring vibrancy of the human spirit, with thousands upon thousands of people streaming by, determined to make the finish line. Smiles, cheers and encouraging words abounded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9bvTa6aFykcYFfBZpw4NJq5qbhTPwF4qzkaWO2eQS7mx-cIrhUUNMGGxm7zM8Y88lRyy1KrfW3z2x1hp4Ft5qblaZJsM8CkDADY0cMTukJDu-zoc0CXDcXk2V92JDa4peVhvXwPMTXo/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9bvTa6aFykcYFfBZpw4NJq5qbhTPwF4qzkaWO2eQS7mx-cIrhUUNMGGxm7zM8Y88lRyy1KrfW3z2x1hp4Ft5qblaZJsM8CkDADY0cMTukJDu-zoc0CXDcXk2V92JDa4peVhvXwPMTXo/s320/IMG_2819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfDfg_bzGxLdHbLAJuooBNVgD4xJNnqvbWiZ6dZ2iwa362OlTeDXdi-wFje75csBoYKmByaq36mgIZdUlVMWRDTp8pYDSHhMpHHdgaWDWvHfuNvN5fFsVblpyZcEV6IjN26CYTbvuu7Q/s1600/IMG_2761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfDfg_bzGxLdHbLAJuooBNVgD4xJNnqvbWiZ6dZ2iwa362OlTeDXdi-wFje75csBoYKmByaq36mgIZdUlVMWRDTp8pYDSHhMpHHdgaWDWvHfuNvN5fFsVblpyZcEV6IjN26CYTbvuu7Q/s320/IMG_2761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUgO_LYnY0x_zb9ytkv1p0IuqHwUdGCx0wRgMgUCvH_AryRmornAqMP209mPknpSmtV0a_I3RxL3-XBn3DJNG1-liiggP0RVFP3KM_L_pT5ppLHr_vuC9crkmxYSoUkYLPaFJ_Sy-Wrw/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUgO_LYnY0x_zb9ytkv1p0IuqHwUdGCx0wRgMgUCvH_AryRmornAqMP209mPknpSmtV0a_I3RxL3-XBn3DJNG1-liiggP0RVFP3KM_L_pT5ppLHr_vuC9crkmxYSoUkYLPaFJ_Sy-Wrw/s320/IMG_2805.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ckOGydBpPkix7eGvllW43iuj2-1dUAdj__n4trPNSH8z-l1JDduEhUJAp1kWxir83QrB5V0lyZn0iPPtcpBpFHTClggB_yRdS9ltY51Y6IJb42Q_ZTOMZATTspW_rg1b88t82ap5Qg0/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ckOGydBpPkix7eGvllW43iuj2-1dUAdj__n4trPNSH8z-l1JDduEhUJAp1kWxir83QrB5V0lyZn0iPPtcpBpFHTClggB_yRdS9ltY51Y6IJb42Q_ZTOMZATTspW_rg1b88t82ap5Qg0/s320/IMG_2849.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-81195779009620169592010-10-24T00:45:00.000-04:002010-10-24T00:45:23.950-04:00Doughnut Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yOhwwztlj5GZ18PGJnKKmwdsZAdndsMSRT9wh_ocOiBmxnobz-IZOWV7nfMah0bIsQLUIc21oqbfgpwohyKefAj_E0C8tumDCOLOp-WDQaivdGhD8ByevckPOYu7DTbNRz5UkYp2NdE/s1600/DSC00287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yOhwwztlj5GZ18PGJnKKmwdsZAdndsMSRT9wh_ocOiBmxnobz-IZOWV7nfMah0bIsQLUIc21oqbfgpwohyKefAj_E0C8tumDCOLOp-WDQaivdGhD8ByevckPOYu7DTbNRz5UkYp2NdE/s320/DSC00287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The Lower East Side further disclosed its treasures to me this afternoon. After a delicious brunch with three friends at <a href="http://www.schillersny.com/">Schiller's Liquor Bar</a> (recommended), I remembered that a place I had long wanted to visit was nearby.<br />
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"Hey guys, do you want to go to the <a href="http://www.doughnutplant.com/">Doughnut Plant</a>?"<br />
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All three of them perked up. Nevermind that we had just finished a huge brunch. Dessert beckoned.<br />
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The Doughnut Plant was just a few blocks away, and we knew we were close when we saw the line.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I immediately knew I was in trouble when I read the sign. How on earth to choose?<br />
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And these were just highlights. We quickly learned that the menu features both yeast and cake doughnuts of varying flavors. <br />
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The doughnuts were huge-- easily the size of one's entire hand and then some. Between the four of us, we ordered Tres Leches cake doughnut, Vanilla Glaze yeast doughnut, Strawberry Jam yeast doughnut. A's choice, the first photo above, is Carrot Cake, with cream cheese frosting tucked inside. The PJ&J, with peanut glaze and a strawberry jam filling was also magical:<br />
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Collectively, the doughnuts were easily the best any of us had ever eaten. Airy and moist, with the rich heady flavors that can only come from authentic, non-processed ingredients. Pure bliss.</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-16943214030786184132010-10-09T20:52:00.000-04:002010-10-09T20:52:34.146-04:00Coffee and Tea, Old and NewI added two new Favorite Places to my list this afternoon.<br />
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Porto Rico Importing Co. can be found at 201 Bleecker Street, and has been around since 1907. Its coffee and tea selection is remarkable. One is immediately intoxicated by the intense aroma upon entering, and it's hard to leave once you're there. I bought multiple sachets of loose teas, and sincerely wished I were a coffee drinker given how heavenly the atmosphere was.<br />
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A couple hours after Porto Rico, my friends and I were thirsty again, and we stumbled upon a new treasure: Argo Tea Cafe. <br />
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Argo is a chain, and does not have the classic charm of Porto Rico. But its menu of newfangled tea combinations surprised even me, a long-time tea drinker. I order a MojiTea, unsure of what to expect. The counter person asked if I wanted it hot or iced. Iced. Sparkling water? Yes. The result was unlike anything I've ever experienced: it was both sharp and sweet, and gorgeously effervescent. I was temporarily speechless after tasting it, as were my two friends who tried it in turn. I will be back, and will likely try every single item on the tea menu until my curiosity is satisfied.Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-80416391114105961762010-10-09T20:11:00.001-04:002010-10-09T22:12:29.483-04:00Sex And The City Lives OnAs a single woman living in New York City, it's impossible to not think about SATC once in awhile, particularly when I am running around and having entirely too much fun with my single girlfriends.<br />
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And so it was today. It's an achingly beautiful autumn day, on the warm edge of cool, and a deep blue sky. One of my dearest friends, W, just moved to town (I am still astounded by my good fortune), and we met up with our mutual friend A for brunch at <a href="http://www.extravirginrestaurant.com/">Extra Virgin</a>, a charming restaurant in the West Village. We caught up on each other's lives-- careers, relationships, travels-- with our usual openness, sly commentary and wisecracks. We weren't done talking by the time we finished our meal, and left in search of a park. <br />
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Walking down Perry Street, A pointed out a brownstone with a "No Trespassing" sign:<br />
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It is, of course, Carrie Bradshaw's "apartment". Perfect.Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-11207712628597792342010-09-27T07:17:00.000-04:002010-09-27T07:17:03.153-04:00Scenes From An Ordinary WeekendI spent much of this weekend walking to meet friends and run errands. I was heartened to see small vibrant gatherings in various corners of the city. A sample of the scenes I stumbled upon:<br />
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Upper East Side street fair :<br />
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A couple streets over, a Hungarian church fair:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> On the veranda of the New York Public Library, a ceremony and protest by the Burmese community :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All celebrating human life in their own way, and wonderful to witness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-80101743743357986152010-09-25T21:28:00.001-04:002010-09-25T21:31:44.221-04:00Detour: Hammamet, Tunisia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QTD3Uqb2mVK5fki9o4i8sNFH1mJwMXIqfaTrsFFCxrTktc6v_aEd20LPC0xcEBv_f6_XhD_5y3VChBmG6ZcU_KEVRl8d5Q5IN4nHopMm-K-3f2NPy8sebrneXw8xRjNX_S2N0eWDTYs/s1600/DSC00031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QTD3Uqb2mVK5fki9o4i8sNFH1mJwMXIqfaTrsFFCxrTktc6v_aEd20LPC0xcEBv_f6_XhD_5y3VChBmG6ZcU_KEVRl8d5Q5IN4nHopMm-K-3f2NPy8sebrneXw8xRjNX_S2N0eWDTYs/s320/DSC00031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I am blessed and grateful to work for an organization that helps people around the world. This past week I had the opportunity to deliver some training to my international colleagues at a conference in Tunisia. <br />
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I've never been to north Africa, nor to a nation that is primarily Muslim. I was in Tunisia for only four days, and confined to the conference center, but I still got a taste of the culture and reveled in the sound and visual beauty of Arabic. My rusty French also got a workout, and allowed me to have some pretty intense conversations with the people around me. Including, most memorably, the artist who used my hand as his canvas:<br />
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The hotel/conference complex in which we stayed was a bit surreal-- "Tunisia" in Tunisia, aka the Tunisian Las Vegas. Similar to The Venetian or Paris in Las Vegas, the entire compound was constructed to recall a particular geography-- in this case, classic Tunisian architecture. Some of the details were truly beautiful:<br />
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Witness this, a garbage receptacle/ashtray. Similar figures dotted the entire grounds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLNv04AgQAadI-JdYq7pBYT6r2WvDbE8qVwJugoWhMUdLbhibp2k7xGfz3-NdALyh9L51_B9LGoUVRC9viQ1mqfuE0BHR_xco6YWVpltysGQyeWlIVd66TN2TdViSA3QgwUoLb4CwHBc/s1600/DSC00027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLNv04AgQAadI-JdYq7pBYT6r2WvDbE8qVwJugoWhMUdLbhibp2k7xGfz3-NdALyh9L51_B9LGoUVRC9viQ1mqfuE0BHR_xco6YWVpltysGQyeWlIVd66TN2TdViSA3QgwUoLb4CwHBc/s320/DSC00027.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The conference center was even more bizarre, a subterranean forest reminiscent of the Ents in Lord of the Rings. Except these leafy fellows had fake cats perched in the branches:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr1D_avcZQFOyQ6KHaWFr5n6KB1b59UybxKZRkQIVx27arP4mYr9M-H4Gs6K_kVXuo1Sva5Gze9UAQcbGEMA6xKs1qEPPTNAY9cUxW-BTMBk3TlPjTgi4qK2gLQM4fydCsfLHeZltMr4/s1600/DSC00051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr1D_avcZQFOyQ6KHaWFr5n6KB1b59UybxKZRkQIVx27arP4mYr9M-H4Gs6K_kVXuo1Sva5Gze9UAQcbGEMA6xKs1qEPPTNAY9cUxW-BTMBk3TlPjTgi4qK2gLQM4fydCsfLHeZltMr4/s320/DSC00051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KMEuA8ppGa-FJmFR40PrPZIkBdOw2V6A4iGHUhYhoZT_h_D8lfrojbMzN6UmQM-kAY4GHKhvKAAbusMJ2UZcGJp7pBRwXfxIuosKuAzj_zVWI9eoWR9BYZXnDsIK1dIIia3bt-KxooQ/s1600/DSC00050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KMEuA8ppGa-FJmFR40PrPZIkBdOw2V6A4iGHUhYhoZT_h_D8lfrojbMzN6UmQM-kAY4GHKhvKAAbusMJ2UZcGJp7pBRwXfxIuosKuAzj_zVWI9eoWR9BYZXnDsIK1dIIia3bt-KxooQ/s320/DSC00050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fortunately, it is more difficult to decorate the sea. The water, as always, was calming and warmer than I had expected.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIjAjz2J7UqbQFWk9GcCVtpkr1ezfAQnyP35K_II2OIlTZgPhlb5FHuxdTiUqM1CHxunVDMCo9swL5rLkEBzaS7OcUahoQxiKjDuqeknZJhSI6saC-Ytey_fhP30LOOg7bEw7ymfSLcM/s1600/DSC00039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIjAjz2J7UqbQFWk9GcCVtpkr1ezfAQnyP35K_II2OIlTZgPhlb5FHuxdTiUqM1CHxunVDMCo9swL5rLkEBzaS7OcUahoQxiKjDuqeknZJhSI6saC-Ytey_fhP30LOOg7bEw7ymfSLcM/s320/DSC00039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv03q_kNWldOWU_5kWGAnlWV4EIEwhPv6lKfD0hiSX5FghumTAC4KlNCxE1gADPyrDK86Ux89zitR_0GzCGcvz4mHkdxSU-EeSd4UPNKfiPVzRgybYmfzNfzzQFWOJsUooo5ZKGMlhvw/s1600/DSC00038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv03q_kNWldOWU_5kWGAnlWV4EIEwhPv6lKfD0hiSX5FghumTAC4KlNCxE1gADPyrDK86Ux89zitR_0GzCGcvz4mHkdxSU-EeSd4UPNKfiPVzRgybYmfzNfzzQFWOJsUooo5ZKGMlhvw/s320/DSC00038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will be back. This time, I will leave behind the Ents and the green-faced statues and head for the Sahara and its camels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-42729351856607190832010-09-11T06:39:00.001-04:002010-09-11T06:39:24.623-04:00Remembering Sept 11thThe anniversary of September 11th feels very different in NY than it does elsewhere. <br />
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I was in the East Village with my friend M last night, and she pointed in the direction of downtown. Look up, she said. Two blue columns of light shot powerfully up into the sky, searing through and illuminating the clouds above. I later learned that they are the two strongest shafts of light ever projected from Earth.<br />
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I watch the television coverage this morning, and the familiar footage feels more real to me than ever. This is my home now.Assateague Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723754083064753381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227407867588235594.post-8672934660709953372010-09-03T19:37:00.000-04:002010-09-03T19:37:45.337-04:00A most beautiful 40th birthday gift<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEuWU6yIlG7b2h5WrcV_dI8LzkKE-QNiu2si464UEeFTOg9BsQ8J6I9M5D_qRO-ZmG7B_jIoucGut3vR18l39-PkQ30oNdCoYmZ8h0EShb0tYOMICmcB4p966GFRKkUfglxm9Pgn71Nw/s1600/The+chair+in+the+reading+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEuWU6yIlG7b2h5WrcV_dI8LzkKE-QNiu2si464UEeFTOg9BsQ8J6I9M5D_qRO-ZmG7B_jIoucGut3vR18l39-PkQ30oNdCoYmZ8h0EShb0tYOMICmcB4p966GFRKkUfglxm9Pgn71Nw/s320/The+chair+in+the+reading+room.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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I received a most beautiful and heartfelt gift from my sister B and her family today. I turned 40 in May, and B let me know that they had ordered something very special that would take a few months to arrive.<br />
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I found out what it was a couple days ago, and was finally able to go and see it today.<br />
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My very own chair in Bryant Park!<br />
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The plaque's message is beautiful, though a bit too detailed to share on a public site.<br />
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I wrote about my love affair with Bryant Park in March: <a href="http://anunexpectedvalentine.blogspot.com/2010/03/love-life-at-bryant-park.html">Love & Life at Bryant Park</a>. B let me know for the first time today that she and her boyfriend (now husband) used to meet at Bryant Park when he come in to NYC to visit her. So now it is an intensely personal place for both us.<br />
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I have received many wonderful presents in my life, and this is absolutely at the top. New York has become part of me, and now I have become part of New York.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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