Dragon Boat Races

I'm so excited -- I have to leave the house early but it'll be worth it. A friend is bringing a picnic lunch, I'm making sure I bring my sunscreen and a bottle of water and a hat because I hear there is little shade where we'll be taking pictures.

Tomorrow's weather is supposed to be beautiful so even better. I am so excited!

A couple of hours ago I sent a reminder to my friend so hopefully all's well. Have yet to get a response. If anything, I'll know by tomorrow morning.

first day of heat -- almost 80 degrees!

Had to take a quick picture while walking the dog today. Did not have my camera with me, so I decided to shoot with my cell. I have to say, considering it's from a cell phone camera, the quality is not too bad.

Just wanted to keep a memory of today. Gorgeous weather -- it was not wasted.

Today was Three Kings Day

Drums. I hear drums.

And I start to realize that it's coming from the street.

So at 11 am, I pulled on a fresh pair of jeans, my ballet flats and a hoodie sweatshirt and rushed out with camera in hand, only checking briefly for my set of keys and that the batteries and camera disc were accounted for and in place.

The elevator could not come fast enough as I followed the rhythmic sound of the drums and youthful happy shouts coming from the street below. As soon as I was outside, I got my camera ready and found the parade had already started, and the front group was already several blocks ahead.

I could visualize the front of the parade. Symbolic of the Three Kings using the North Star as a compass, there ahead of me several blocks away was a big bright gold sparkly star held up high on a pole by one of the parade participants. It wasn't that far. So I started to walk briskly and broke into a jaunt. I realized as I started running that the air was pretty crisp and cold, and my recently repaired lungs would pay for it. I heard a woman cough as I passed block three to cut ahead of the parade. There were some observers on the sidewalk, and at one point a woman was warned apparently to get out of the way of the middle of the street for the parade to pass. Turns out it was probably the Mayor's security leading her away and she turned towards people and spotted me and several others with their cameras. "Do you see this?" she demanded, her voice going up in anger. "See how he's handling me!" None of us said anything. She had been warned and wanted to discuss something that needed no discussing. Her not being in the way.

It didn't occur to me that Bloomberg could be there. It was only when I fixed my focus, I found him suddenly in my lens along with a couple of Council members walking along with him behind a big blue banner announcing the Museo del Barrio.

That's when I turned on my heel and kept moving, I hadn't completely broken my stride, and I thought I heard the security guy tell the woman something along the lines to follow what several of us were doing, moving ahead of the parade and shooting from a distance with our zoom lens, out of the path of the parade. She got the message although she looked steamed as she passed me by as I headed back after taking my final shots.

Different versions of the Three Kings appeared. On stilts, on floats, in variously intricate or simple costume/gown. This guy waving looked familiar but I couldn't place him. He was standing very close behind the Mayor though, in that crowd.

Seeing three camels, real, live camels was an unexpected delight. It's not every day one sees camels except in zoos or if you're in the Saudi Middle East or Africa. This camel actually looked at me and seemed to proudly pose. I realized my mouth was open in surprise, promptly shut it and snapped the picture. Looks like the camel's kind of grinning, eh?

There were five sheep, one particularly very white amongst the others. Three in front, two in back. They came not far behind the camels. Again, a pleasant surprise. Guess these guys herding them are the modern day symbol for the shepherds who saw the Star.

It was not a very long parade but it was a colorful one.

First major snow storm of the season in NYC

It started yesterday, Friday December 19, it was already snowing hard when I woke up. For a split second, I felt like a child again, staring in wonder out the window as the white flakes fell hard and thick.

Today I went out to look at the snow. It was white, bright and gorgeous. The squirrels were nowhere to be found, and only a stray finch bird here and there was hopping around, braving the elements. There was a good strong wind and it didn't take long for me to feel a bit winded. I went to the supermarket and picked up some supplies for the kitchen, some snacks, some drinks, before scurrying back home to a waiting dog who didn't see all that put out to not be walked. She seemed to just know it was majorly cold out, with the temps in the 20 degree level, and she was not in a hurry to get out there and experience it herself.

As soon as I got home I put the grocery items away, changed into comfortable home clothes and climbed into bed with a hot cup of tea. The dog followed me and within minutes was snoring loudly and contentedly wrapped in the comforter with me. And we were both content.

Theme for December 2008

Took a picture of the ol' Christmas tree....and thought about how certain conservatives are starting to distance themselves from the holiday, simply because of the pagan origins of such things as the Christmas tree....the wreath....the Yule log....December 25....la la la!

So....it'll be interesting to see where Christmas is in ten years. Especially as conservatives will have to find a new religion to tout, because Christianity is guilty of destroying pagans yet keeping the holidays (excuse me, HOLY days) and trying to disguise them as their own.

Good luck with that! Ain't history a bitch?

Veterans Day NYC 2008

One of the many sights and colors seen at the Veterans Day Parade in New York City.

Veterans Day NYC 2008

Today was a glorious sunny day -- perfect for parade viewing. It was great to personally thank the veterans. The veterans stood so proud.