A visit from Aunt Irene

New Yorkers were of two mindsets before Irene's arrival.

Calm Concern:

and Are You Freaking Kidding Me?

I woke up this morning, after a good night's sleep, with not a moment's disruption due to wind or rain.

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:

For the first time in two years, I walked across the FDR, the usually-packed main highway on the East side:

The East River was swollen, and had risen over the walkway:

I walked a bit further, and could then see why the highway was so quiet-- it required boats, not cars:

The tip of Roosevelt Island was also under water:

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:

It hurt to see some of the old grand trees snapped in two:

Pan, normally surrounded by people sitting on benches, had become an eerily beautiful island:

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:

This tree was uprooted, and ripped through the park's iron fence:

And finally, I couldn't help but smile at this one: Tree Attacks Construction Vehicle.

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.

On the water

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.

Peace in the midst of chaos: Yoga in Times Square

What could be better than welcoming the summer solstice with yoga?  In Times Square?
Yes, it sounded crazy to me too.  I signed up as soon as the posters hit the streets:

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.

There were people of all ages and abilities.  Some were clearly better than others:

If you have ever wondered what Times Square would look like from the savasana (corpse) pose, here you go:

The end, and sheer bliss....

The Lemon Ice King of Corona

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.

There was no forgetting the miracle I encountered last night, though:  The Lemon Ice King of Corona.  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.

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.

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.

A point of pride: Award of Distinction from Zagat:

How to choose??

Cheap ($1.50 for small!), and strict: Don't ask for two flavors!  One at a time...

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.

 

Spring, finally.

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.

From the Brooklyn Botanical Garden:

Lovely art on the street:

A sense of humor returning underground:

Music everywhere:

Setting sail in Central Park and lifting spirits of all who see them:

A wonderful prelude to summer...