Kate on Clinton

The great annual PUPkin dog costume show

2011-10-30T15:39:00.004-04:00

My favorite photo-event of the year! Fort Greene Pups changed the venue at the last minute from Fort Greene Park to 313 Clinton Avenue because the Saturday snow on trees full of leaves created hazardous conditions. 313 had their stage set up in the front yard for their fantastic Halloween Event scheduled for tomorrow night. Special thanks to everyone who helped make this happen--great job!

The photos get better further on when I moved to the PUP-arazzi section right by the stage. As with all major celebrity events, there were a few jostling elbows but instead of "Paris, over here..", a few kissy noises helped turn the stars' heads.

The 1%

A rare bumble bee in the snow.

A great costume of bowling ball and pins. The white dogs are the twins from the Shining.

Clifford the Red Dog

Some fun costumes in the crowd too.

Amelia Earhart

The world's largest bed bug. One of the runner ups.

A Kardashian--she wore a black wig on stage.

Bad photo but great costume--"The Tourist". Complete with fanny pack and camera.

Mexican wrestlers. I think this group were winners too.

Chia-dog. Another runner up.

Jumping the shark. The Grand Prize Winner!

Homage to Andy Warhol.

I've seen a few photos of Warhol with his wig in basically the same shape.

Shark eating puppy.

Followed by a feisty shark.

Mer-dog.

Black and white swans.

Old school Batman--PAW on the butt.

A "chihuahua"

My personal favorite--wounded war veteran.

Very sweet dog with 3 legs.

Evil Knievel!

Another look at the grand prize winner. Happy to stay off the cold wet ground.

Prince William from the Royal Wedding Ensemble.

This princess liked the hat just as little as the critics liked the original.

The Shining Ensemble took second place.

Toro.

That is someone's pet pigeon on her head.

WTC Rising in the Sunset

2011-08-13T11:16:00.000-04:00

The new WTC is now the tallest building in lower Manhattan. I think the perspective from my Brooklyn apartment makes it look a little shorter than some of the others. They are adding a floor a week now.

Street Ward

2011-08-04T23:09:00.000-04:00

I've been to Spain and back, and this photo taken on the sidewalk outside our co-op is my favorite in a looong time!

Spring in the air, on the ground, in the bushes...

2011-04-26T19:31:00.000-04:00

I left a little earlier than usual this evening and thanks to the longer days and probably the warm and humid air, the birds were particularly vocal along the south side of Bryant Park. A closer look shows that there is indeed a reason they call something the birds and the bees. These were the only two I saw, but from the tweeting and rustling in all the bushes, there were some very busy birds!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T16:15:00.003-04:00

Easter is a good day to get back into the blog. My absence was mostly due to the new job, some business trips, and the long winter where I just couldn't take or post another flake of snow. I've missed blogging and visiting everyone else most of all! So, after a lovely morning in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, I am very happy to be back!

A busy lady

Her man spent his time strutting and keeping an eye on the other guys

Some of the cherry blossom trees are in bloom.

Looks like the venus fly trap of tulips.

The magnolia trees are magnificent!

The "quick fix" in the Picasa software created a very odd look for this catfish in the lily pond. We think they put the catfish in the ponds to clean them up.

The end of the blooms on daffodil hill.

The main lawn with the cherry blossom trees still in bud. They look to be timed perfectly for the Sakura Matsuri festival at the end of April.

Discarded building ornaments at the back of the Brooklyn Museum.

And some beauties back on Clinton Avenue.

Taking the High Ground

2011-01-30T12:31:00.001-05:00

We don't have a cat tower; it is surprisingly hard to find a good one in Brooklyn, and shipping costs are too high for ordering over the internet. So we keep a rickety wooden ladder up in the bedroom, and our nimble wards enjoy playing on it. Mr. Beans' favorite game is when he sits on top of the ladder, I swing the mouse on a wire toy near him, he grabs it, puts the mouse in his mouth, then jumps off the ladder, gallops down the hallway and into the living room - my job is to chase him and cry, "where are you going, where are you going?!".

The Beansie game reminds me of one of the funniest scenes Ronnie every witnessed. When Beansie was a very small 5 month old, I had some take-out food that included a rolled-up pita bread. Beansie grabbed the pita in his mouth, and I started chasing him around the apartment because I didn't want him to eat all that white flour. The roll was almost 1/2 his size at that point. With the size perspective, and his relatively small head, he looked like a saber-tooth tiger running with a huge bone. He hid under tables, ran around the back of chairs, and I'm yelling at Ronnie to help block him, but Ronnie was too busy laughing his head off at what I admit was a very comic scene. In the end, Beansie jumped with it into the litter box. Suffice it to say, no pita for me or the Bean.

Aaaanyway, yesterday we had to move the ladder to the kitchen. Beansie somehow got up on the high shelf above the cabinets and was nervous about coming down. We thought he could jump to the ladder, but Lola decided to go for the block. The moment after Beansie made his way down, Lola went up to claim the space and Beansie played on the ladder.

You can just see Shelagh's wonderful cat art calendar in the background of the first and last photos.

A few days of snow in Brooklyn and Bryant Park

2011-01-29T16:30:00.001-05:00

I'm still enjoying the snow, but not as much as the dogs.

This handsome fella skipped the cleared stairs to the right -

the snow was more fun!

Some don't let 18 inches of snow and resulting slush get in the way of high fashion.

A Swing through Bryant Park at Night

2011-01-09T14:34:00.000-05:00

Bryant Park on the way home. I promise I'll soon go off my usual path to work and back to get capture some other NYC scenes. I'll be super-inspired next month - I'm going to take a one-day seminar at the International Center of Photography on how to use all the settings on a DSLR. They promise I'll never use the auto or icon modes again!

The skaters, Bryant Park Hotel and Empire State Building.

People have to told it is OK if their kids laugh at them (sign on left). These tables have little heaters above and below.

The back of the New York Public Library - the east side of the Park.

The ceiling murals in the library.

There are a few Christmas stalls open in the Park. These twirl with the slightest breeze.

We still have our Christmas tree up too. We took off and packed away all the ornaments, but it still looks pretty with just the lights and one cloth ornament at the bottom for Lola. It will come down this week. Year-round, I have an odd recurring nightmare where it is March or later, the tree is still up, ornaments are falling off and there is nary a needle on it. Must be something about my fear of procrastination.

Surprising to see the fountain running in winter. These usually are turned off at the first sign of a freeze.

The line to get into the skating rink.

Beansie, not a fan of the winter sports or winter weather, uses the light as a heat lamp. He'd climb into it if he could as you can from all the cat hairs along the bottom rim of the shade. When he is cold, he makes himself so small - in fact in he long and very tall! This was taken before we took the ornaments off the tree - I swear, we have done that!

Putting 2010 to Bed

2011-01-02T13:36:00.005-05:00

I don't do New Year's resolutions, but I would like to find the time to blog more. With the new smaller camera, it is so much easier to photograph the small and large wonders I see everyday.

Here are some of the photos from December I wanted to share. Captions are under each photo because with this amount, it is just easier than trying to get the darn blogger (non-HTML) software spacing issues to work.

The morning after the lunar eclipse. We couldn't see the eclipse because it was behind the
building at that time (and I was not going out at 2:30am).

The night of the blizzard - the street lights gave the sky and snow a soft pink-yellow glow.

The night after the storm. And these streets are so-called emergency roadways
that should get priority plowing.

A few more ornaments crafted by my mother. This used to be a whole family,
but the father took off to parts unknown.

This little gingerbread man is less than 2 inches tall.
[edit - oops, just realized this guy is missing a "button" leaving the remaining
looking like something else...]

Senor Rick! He traveled from Spain to spend Christmas with his loving humans (my in-laws) this
holiday season. He is quite the trooper and international cat!

Mr. Beans - we got them Christmas gifts, but as usual, the Lord and Taylor
bags are the biggest hit.

Yes, this is the same Mr. Beans. Quite the little man of mystery and disguises.

Lola - her turn in the Lord and Taylor's bag.

A rare night with lights on in the Church across the street.

New Year's Eve day - still some clean snow to be found...

...but not much!

New Year's Eve - the best show and a beautiful way to close 2010.

For some, 2011 is looking much the same, but for me it is already off to a great year -
I hope it is for all of you too!

Patty-cake cats

2010-12-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

Adam from work sent me this video.... Give it a shot - so funny!

After the Blizzard

2010-12-28T22:11:00.000-05:00

The sunrise hit Manhattan this morning like it was the golden land.

Out on the street and into the subway, it was treacherous.

Bryant Park.

I was surprised to see how bad things still were in mid-town Manhattan. They usually have the area cleared immediately, but from all reports, it was bad all over. See the last photo for this same corner 9 hours later.

The skylights in the office.

My new cat hat!

Things were no better, in fact a little worse, going home.

PROOF!

2010-12-27T18:09:00.001-05:00

Ah-hah! Lola didn't see the iPhone leaning over the edge of the couch. (just a 6 second video)

Not that she denies anything.

Day After Christmas

2010-12-26T15:53:00.005-05:00

I always love the day after Christmas. So peaceful, great leftovers, and time to relax after all the craziness leading up to the big day. And now I have many hours to spend getting to know my new camera - the wonderfully powerful yet small Canon Powershot S95 - thanks Santa!

We got a small tree this year. With our busy schedule, we stayed in Brooklyn and did not host Christmas for Ronnie's family this year. We did have his parents over for a lovely Christmas Eve dinner - it would have been a shame to decorate and not show it off a bit!

The same guys from Vermont always set up a tree stand across the street. They are always beautifully shaped, but very tight. I can only fit my smallest ornaments on it. My favorites are the old ones and those my mother made.

A chickadee - my mother made a whole flock of them when I was young. These are very light and are perfect for the top of a branch. Styrofoam ball, feather, paint, pipe cleaners, bead for the eye and a seed for the beak.

Mom is a master at needlepoint.

Santa Claus made from old wooden spools. She also made "toy soldiers" out of the same materials but they are too big for the tree this year. Dad helped with the necessary wood-work.

Mom and her sister Ruth collected these wonderful delicate ornaments.

Another of Mom's little wonders. This display piece is about 3 inches tall.

Mom & Dad still send Advent Calendars every year. I love this tradition, and this year's was one of the best ever - many cute little animals revealed including our favorite, the red squirrel!

A photo from last year in New Hampshire. This ornament (from a generation or two back in my father's family) was hung wherever on the tree until the year we saw one exactly like it on the cover of Antiques magazine. As you see, it now receives special treatment. Not the prettiest face, but very delicate and detailed.

We are finally in the middle of a snow storm much like I've been reading about out West and in Europe. I'll enjoy it more once Ronnie gets home from work safe and sound.

I got punked...

2010-12-17T17:21:00.004-05:00

...by my own cat.

We finished decorating the tree yesterday, and after going to bed, I kept hearing plink plink plink. I had to get up 3-4 times to "tell" Lola to stop playing with the low lying tree ornaments.

This morning, I got up, laid my clothes out, took a shower, got dressed (in the dark so as not to wake Ronnie) and went off to the subway. While waiting for the 2nd train (thus having gone quite far with this), I notice something scratching me - felt like a stiff tag - in the back of my pants. After some subtle searching, I felt something odd and pulled one of the wards' favorite toys out of my pants. Yes, the "mouse" was hanging outside my pants below my coat - like a wire tail with a rodent at the end of it. Two ladies who saw this looked horrified until I stopped laughing long enough to hold it up and say "vindictive cat".

My "tail".

I know it was Lola and not Mr. Beans - he is not the prankster - that somehow worked it into my pants while I was taking a shower. The wire had come off the stick, and had a perfect circle to somehow hook onto an extra button near the inside waistband.

This is her - "uh huh, that was me, and there is more to come if you keep talking to me like you did" look.

Beansie, the innocent bystander, but no snitch. He'd never rat out his sister.

I have to say, this laugh was an excellent way to start the day.

(all pics taken with iPhone - cropping these does them no good)

Household Oddities

2010-12-05T13:14:00.001-05:00

Brrr - cold and windy today. I was out and about without the camera yesterday, and today I'm enjoying a warm cup of tea, some delicious sweet rosemary shortbreads from our grateful neighbor and waiting for the sun to come around to our side of the building.

Here are some other dwellers in our apartment that are looking forward to direct sunlight. Plumbago - we had a lighter variety from my aunt that is very popular along the coast in Spain, but we took its winter dormancy period too literally and killed it. We got this variety which produces fewer flowers in the flower heads, but is more at home in this area - we've seen in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Early this year, after letting it get too leggy (we have a lot to learn), we cut way back and thought we would get no blooms until next summer. But the odd single flowers are showing up now.

I bought this coffee plant in a supermarket about 4-5 years ago when it was about 5 inches tall. Now it is over 4 feet and very full. This is the first year we got beans! 1. I'm wondering how it got pollinated - not many coffee plants in Brooklyn. 2. If I plant a bean, will another grow? Too few for even the smallest doll-size cup of espresso.

Oxalis Triangularis are supposed to go dormant for a few months every year, but ours never do. They grow toward the sun and close up at night. They would look better in a window, but our wards munch on them. We keep these shelves full to discourage more snacking.

The piece on the wall to the right is one of a pair. We took it to the Antiques Roadshow in Connecticut a few years ago. I don't think the expert really knew what they are, but he guessed they probably came from a Mediterranean Church during WW2. My aunt found them in an antiques store years and years ago, and they were on a porch for a long time. Our typically over-heated Brooklyn apartment is drying them out and the paint is chipping, but I still love them.

A note about AR - when you see the show, everyone is so happy and having a great time (like we did), but I was surprised at the amount of people who were annoyed or outright angry that their treasures were not worth what they expected. PBS should do one show, or segment, of people storming out telling everyone who will listen that these "so-called experts don't know $%@&." And don't ever bring a painting to AR - those lines were the longest!

The true odd Bean, Mr. Beans, catching those first rays of sunshine as they hit the apartment around 12:20pm at this time of year. From left, a coffee tree branch, the infamous pot of grass and the ficus tree that wants to take over our whole apartment. It has given me 5 sons and daughters from cuttings, but really, who needs that many ficus trees?!

Meet the Neighbors

2010-11-28T15:01:00.001-05:00

You would think that sharing walls, halls and elevators, we would get to know our neighbors well, but such proximity tends to make New Yorkers more private. We've been here for over 7 years, and I'm still meeting long-time neighbors for the first time. Different schedules in and out the building account for a lot of that. And a recent mid-week use of the co-op laundromat introduced me to a whole new crowd.

I met our human neighbors at the other end of the hall soon after they moved in, but rarely saw them since. Lola became acquainted with their then one cat because she runs out when we come in and inspects every door. I imagined the neighbor's cat sniffing back when Lola was there.

Last week, one of the humans rang our bell to ask if we knew a reliable cat-sitter because hers had backed out for the holiday weekend. I immediately volunteered our services, and she was very relieved. Through a few brief elevator encounters, it somehow became clear that we are cat lovers.

For two days, I visited Chloe and Pumpkin to provide food, play, scooping and affection - well, only Chloe on the last. Pumpkin is apx 3-4 months old, and was a little skittish with me unless I had a toy on a long string. Both are rescues, which always tug my heart-strings (and also told me they have good humans).

Pumpkin on the left, Chloe on the right.

On her return, our neighbor said the ladies seemed much more relaxed than usual after being "alone". I'm pleased, but I think Lola and Mr. Beans were a little miffed at the "new cat smell" I brought home with me.

Chloe - in a familiar Lola-like pose. So affectionate and sweet. Within one day, she was climbing into my lap.

Pumpkin - she was hard to photograph, but is a very lovely little gray girl. She has those natural "sad-eyes", but I can tell she really is a feisty one.

I would like to introduce the ladies to our team, but I wouldn't do that without their humans' permission and presence.

What a difference a Flea makes

2010-11-27T12:38:00.000-05:00

The Brooklyn Flea left the school yard a block away and moved indoors into the Williamsburgh Bank Building (the big "middle finger" salute in my header photo) until next Spring. Add a chilly wind and a holiday weekend, and we get some very quiet streets now. Peaceful, but I miss the hubbub, bub.

No more cafe tables filled with brunchers.

The plane has been grounded.

I asked this little lady's person if I could take her picture, and she happily obliged. Tyra Banks would have been impressed at how she turned, looked at the camera and moved every so slightly for every shot - I just the SLR fly.

The Farmers' Market - I've never been able to see so far from one end to the other.

Tomorrow - a visit down the hall to tend to our feline neighbors while their people are away.

New Views

2010-11-24T19:26:00.000-05:00

With the wonderful new job has come two more great perks: an iPhone and a different path to work. To most, the commute would seem nearly identical to my old - same train options, same train stops. However, getting to the new workplace takes me along 40th Street and the south side of Bryant Park, instead of 42nd Street on the north side of the Park. South of 42nd Street is a completely different neighborhood, yet I'm only 3 blocks from where I worked for over eight years. Even the light seems different. I've happily been very busy and haven't had any time to explore, but with an early closing before the holiday, I took a quick walk with my new ~~toy~~ vitally necessary business communication device before heading home to rest and get rid of this annoying cold once and for all.

My favorite daily sight is this restored Carousel on the south side of the Park.

I don't know if this wonderful Carousel runs all Winter, but Bryant Park turns into a Winter fair through the holidays with lots of activity.

The rink and the surrounding structures are temporary - amazing what they can put together for just a few weeks.

Pleased to see the fountain running into the cold weather. I remember the bad old days of Bryant Park when this never worked and the Park was used nearly exclusively by the drug dealers and drug seekers.

Many stalls filled with a variety of gift items. I've done well here in the past, but things are starting to look less unique. For the family we see on Christmas, I usually buy variations of one gift for everyone. The most popular - colorful hand knitted socks good for cold winter nights, but I didn't get them here.

The area was full of visitors that will be performing in the Thanksgiving Day Parade tomorrow.

This was a happy "mistake" as I was learning to use the camera on the iPhone. Before I got one, I suggested to one iPhone user that they could surreptitiously take photos of people by pretending to be playing with an app. I now realize that is not as easy as I thought.

Close to Home

2010-11-20T15:16:00.001-05:00

No neighborhood walk this weekend. I came down with a cold yesterday afternoon - I blame the subway. I thought a little walk would do me some good, but only made it as far as the Brooklyn Flea (1 block away) and had to come home for some tea and a nap.

A lot of sirens got me up early this morning. About 15 fire vehicles, including 2 ladder trucks, showed up for something happening in the large co-op building (out of the picture) across the street. Brooklyn's Bravest ran a lot of hose inside, but we didn't see any smoke, so hopefully no one was hurt and there wasn't too much damage.

Our narcissus is blooming - a great plant for near-instant gratification, but I'm not overly fond of the scent. A little too cloying for my taste, but not a problem with this cold.

There were some fine animals over at the Brooklyn Flea.

Wonderful weather vane, but too pricey for my budget.

About 10 days ago I started a new job after a long period of unemployment (thus the extra subway exposure that led to my cold). Beside my minor and temporary health set-back, I am thrilled. The job and my new colleagues are great, and it all became even more wonderful when, taking the stairs out last night, I heard this little brigand meowing up the stairwell. Turns out he lives in the office building, and his name is Tiger. According to the maintenance man, Tiger is about 8 months old, very friendly, hasn't been fixed (which I strongly encouraged) and seems to be in good condition. He was a little shy with me at first, but appreciated a good neck skritch. I hope to see more of him!

Now time for some more nyquil (ugh) and a nap.

Abounding Color

2010-11-14T12:10:00.000-05:00

After the carnival-like atmospheres of Halloween and the Marathon, this has been a quiet weekend in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene except for the colors. The Autumn foliage came late this year, but it is now busting out all over.

There has been some discussion about the etiquette of taking pictures of strangers. This couple saw me taking the photo as we approached each other, and as we passed, I simply said, you make a beautiful silhouette. They looked pleased and laughed.

I've been taking pictures of these houses in dappled sunlight every week. Once the leaves are down, I will take a series of photos about the diversity of architecture in the neighborhood.

No post about the neighborhood is complete without a dog.

An artist's display at the Farmer's Market.

This lady graces the top of the security building in the courtyard our co-op. I don't know her story, but I like her spirit.

Saturday night's moon setting behind the Williamsburgh Bank Tower.

This was a "mistake", but it reminds me of an artist whose name escapes me.

On your mark....

2010-11-07T21:24:00.002-05:00

There was no extra hour of sleep this morning. After Lola woke us up with her usual pre-dawn clawing, pawing and noise-making, the sounds on the street began. Soon there were sirens, church bells, cowbells, whistles, barking dogs, cheers, clapping, hooting and then the High School band down the street playing the theme to Rocky for 4 hours straight. We are at mile 8 of the NYC Marathon, right at the top of a long uphill slope (thus the hill in Clinton Hill). I did not take pictures of the elite runners - too fast and very serious! Show me the throngs!

First the wheel chair racers come through.

This neighbor has a problem with anything on wheels, and was howling at every one. She really is very sweet, but her person finally took her inside - I think it was too much stress for her.

Then the wait for the rest of the race. The long shadows are great at this time of year.

A brief break from marathon coverage: this young lad looks like the wired haired dachshunds my family had - more fluff than wire, large, sturdy, rounder nose/snout and very blond. I miss them. This dog is some complicated mix.

Back to the race coverage - here are the regular runners! Many people had their names boldly displayed on their gear so some "Way to go Anita, you can do it Enribe, looking good Jose!" encouragements got us smiles and waves.

My favorite sign.

Oh come on now. It was cold - about 40 degrees for most of the race. I know people heat up when running, but seriously?!

Save that energy lady - you have 18 miles to go!

This spectator must have high-fived about 20 runner in two minutes.

I have the world of respect for these athletes, but I think this little guy had the best mode of transportation today - a deep purse and the subway.

Some of the spectators were pretty spectacular too.

Small and simple.

I'm not sure I understand the message, but I liked the artwork.

Back to the warmth of the home. The view from the bedroom. I love the way the runners appear from under the canopy of trees along Lafayette Avenue.

We see more costumes on the slower runners.

Lola's form for race day - in the sun, and on the heater. Cats are so smart.

At about 1pm, it was like someone turned off the marathon. The noise suddenly stopped until a truck came by with a speaker system announcing that this was the "official" end of the race, and the streets would be open. A few more tired and slow runners bravely continued to come through. I was glad to hear that Edison Pena, one of the Chilean miners, finished the race - quite a feat for someone who had never run more than 10 miles before - not to mention spending 70 days in a mine.

And then after all this, the Jets won in overtime!! Overall, another great day.

Another Brooklyn Ramble*

2010-11-06T15:56:00.001-04:00

*Ramble definition: 1. To move about aimlessly. [No, I had errands.] 2. To walk about casually or for pleasure. [YES! A purpose does not preclude pleasure or casualness in a walk.]

A crisp and sunny Saturday morning in the Clinton Hill/Fort Greene. There is more spring in my step and light in my spirit thanks to a recent excellent development (more on that in coming weeks). I went out for bread (large white peasant round), apples (honey crisps - worth the $.50 more per pound), dry-cleaning, etc., but found myself wandering up and down every street where the sun was shining through the Autumn leaves.

I'm not sure I appreciate the smug message, but I did like the leaves' shadows on the graffiti.

This squirrel found a bonanza in a yellow pumpkin, but was very camera shy.

I pretended to walk away and caught him at the feast.

The bane of many Brooklyn streets - the female ginkgo tree. Their slimey fruit (which some people eat!) smells like vomit, especially when squished underfoot. Story goes that only male (fruitless) ginkgoes were to be planted, but someone in the Parks department made a mistake and now hundreds of females are dropping their foul fruit.

Fascinating hand-made clocks by Richard Birkett at the Farmers' Market.
I urge you to click on the photo to see more detail.

Where all the great peppers meet.

The decorative elements are so rare these days.

Great colors in this stall at the Brooklyn Flea.

An array of magnifying glass pendants.

The vendor says these wonderful creatures, which I have featured before, are made by artists in Mexico.

I was listening this lady's person describe how she is a working dog and high-strung around a lot of people, so they gave her the "job" of carrying a friend's purse. Her expression shows what she thinks about this...

It seems squirrels (top right on tree) love to tease dogs everywhere.

After another magnificent jump by the dog, the squirrel ran further up the tree. Dog wins!

Tomorrow is the big NYC Marathon that runs right under our windows, and yes, I'll be a-rambling round with my camera.

Peaceful Brooklyn

2010-11-01T20:53:00.002-04:00

I've been enjoying so many autumnal scenes and photos on the blogs that I thought I would like to share some too. These were taken during a recent early morning at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens of which we are proud members. Not quite the back roads of New England, Canada or Wales, especially with the din of airplanes and sirens in the background, but still tranquil enough to calm a city-dweller's soul.

Halloween in Clinton Hill

2010-10-31T21:53:00.002-04:00

Clinton Hill gets dressed up and celebrates Halloween more than any other holiday. Whole brownstones are covered in decorations, and there are three music shows within 2 blocks of us. Some stoops had people waiting in lines to get their candy - I'm not sure how everyone knows who has the best stuff, but evidently some are worth wading through the mobs. The street right below us is closed for one of the largest extravaganzas - the Vampire Opera. Pictures were difficult this year - it was very crowded - but they put on a great show!

The 12th Annual Great PUPkin

2010-10-31T14:04:00.001-04:00

This has easily become my favorite neighborhood event of the year. The local Park Users and Pets Society (PUPS) hosts an annual dog costume contest around Halloween. Over 103 dogs (up from 82 last year) were in this year's show. There are wide stairs up the side of a hill in the park, making a perfect, and packed, viewing area on a fine Autumn afternoon.

I thought some black lab owners would appreciate the irony of this one.

"Lindsey Lohan" in her prison garb.

Green Dog Days getting loaded into their float complete with drum kit.

This little guy was my neighbor on the viewing stairs. He seemed a little too high-strung to enter the contest.

Original hand-made costumes received more accolades, but this little one WORKED the judges and crowd.

Brooklyn's Finest, complete with handcuffs.

King Kong and Fay Wray

This was one of the crowd favorites and received an honorable mention.

Lady Gaga in her meat dress. There was another Gaga, and a Snookie too.

Shark Attack! And it was cold!

Children admiring the gold fish.

I can't believe she carried off all that tulle!

This group, Peewee's Playhouse, was another winner.

One of my favorites - a clever mouse trap - received another honorable mention.

Bull-riding. This worked beautifully - as the dog trotted around the stage, that rider and his hat bobbed just like a real rider on a bull.

Another winner - the little guy was digging the ride.

The grand prize winner - A Tree Grow-els in Brooklyn. Beautiful, and the dog was a pro. He was mobbed by photographers, and he gracefully posed for everyone. The tree is on a table with wheels, so he just pushed it along with his shoulders. I overheard two people saying this man's wife complains that he spends all his time on the dog's costume, and none on the kids'! I think most kids these days prefer store-bought anyway.

Part of the viewing crowd.

After the show, one dog seemed very puzzled by another dog's third head.

After all was said and done, this dog seemed to be having the best time of all.

I didn't see him in the contest.

Odd Sights In and Out

2010-10-23T15:47:00.002-04:00

This monster sandwich greeted everyone at the Brooklyn Flea this morning - some advertising for an online food specialty something or other. Now, I can understand little kids thinking it was real, but more than a few big folk had to ask. Talk about squeaky meats*.

Lola is loving her patch of grass.

She has made it clear she does not want it cut.

If this was outdoors, we'd be "THAT" neighbor -

the bane that causes all the crab grass and dandelions in the area.

NEXT WEEK: the spectacular Great PUPkin - an annual dog costume contest in Fort Greene Park, and then the amazing Halloween extravaganza down the block (they close the street) - this year's theme: Vampire Opera. Overall, a photographer's delight!

*Squeaky meats is a nearly registered trademark phrase that my husband came up with for all the hipster doofuses in the neighborhood.

Sunset behind the Williamsburgh Savings Bank

2010-10-21T18:22:00.000-04:00

A Day in Mid-town with Bruce

2010-10-17T12:28:00.003-04:00

My brother Bruce came to NYC on Saturday. His company in Massachusetts sponsors occasional day bus trips to the city, so I met him in mid-town. Please click on any photo to enlarge for more detail.

I started at the NY Public Library where I got him one of the great literary lions T-shirts. Here is one of the "real" lions out front.

I met his bus, and then we headed over to MOMA. I hadn't been in over 10 years.

My favorite exhibit was ”Scream. 1. against the wind 2. against the wall 3. against the sky”. A mic stand is set up in an open space, and guests are encouraged to share their screams. Yes, I did it! Very liberating, and I got a smattering of applause. We could hear the screams throughout most of the floors and exhibit spaces.

There is an exhibit on kitchens - interesting, but I wish the curators were more descriptive in the tags.

A kit having to do with eggs - but I have no idea
about the uses of the individual pieces.

I don't know much about the following pieces, but they seemed to change as we moved around them.

Not having been in so long, I forgot that MOMA holds so many of the most famous pieces in the world. No surprise, these galleries were the most crowded.

Monet's Water Lilies looks nothing like this

(even my good camera can't do it justice),

but I just wanted to show the scale.

Close-up detail.

Frida Kahlo self-portait on the left. The "painting" on the right is really a mirror reflecting a piece of a Diego Rivera work across the gallery.

This was an amazing piece to photograph. It was very delicate, and with each setting, the photos looked completely different.

People tying their hopes and dreams to the Wish Tree. I posted one too, but I'm not telling!

Bruce made sure I got a photo of this goat for my mother.

Bruce looking for change to throw in the fountain. Yet more wishes!

After a few hours, and a great snack in their cafe, we left the crowds behind.

As an illustrator himself, Bruce steered us uptown to the Museum of American Illustrations/Society of Illustrators. It is a small museum in a lovely old brownstone. The permanent collection is in the society's dining room/bar which has been the scene of some of their raucous parties.

There was a wall of tiles made by their members that held these 3 gems.

This one deserves a close-up. Love it!

We then walked around, marveling at some of the crazy things that people buy. I think this was a purse (to carry a pet?) at Louis Vuitton.

I forgot how much there is to enjoy and see in mid-town. Having worked in that area for over 8 years, I tended to think it was all about offices and places to grab a salad for lunch during the work week. Sometimes the tourists do know better! Had a great day - thanks Bruce!!

Sunday Evening Lights

2010-10-10T19:48:00.003-04:00

The colors on the Empire State Building tonight were just perfect for the end of a beautiful Autumn day here in NYC. I looked on the ESB website, and tonight's colors are to honor the 15th Anniversary of Publicolor Day - which I just found out is a very interesting non-profit organization. There has been a lot of recent controversy around the lighting at the Empire State Building, but I won't that ruin my enjoyment of our north view. The first photo of the ESB was taken at dusk, and the second was taken at 8pm - full darkness.

This moon shot was taking using my zoom lens on max and then cropping in tight on my computer. I've tried this before when the moon was fuller, and it was too bright - I just got a big blurry light.

Out and About on another Beautiful Saturday Morning

2010-10-09T17:59:00.000-04:00

When we first moved to the Clinton Hill/Fort Greene area of Brooklyn in 2003, it was very quiet (except for the emergency vehicles and poorly muffled motorcycles). Even on weekends, I could walk for blocks and only see 3 or 4 people. Then the Farmers' Market and Brooklyn Flea arrived, and the throngs, and fun, followed.

Great trio at the farmers' market.

Someone wanted to get a move on...

This handsome fella turned and gave me this perfect pose.

About 4 feet tall.

Love these tin (?) animals. They had some new ones this week.

These are about a foot long.

This picture reminded me of a few of my favorite

bloggers that have households with cats and dogs.

Popular re-created and treated tin ceiling panels.

I thought these were hand-drawn, but they are photos
on slate. Would make a beautiful series on a small wall.

Old typewriters have become "hip". I'm proud to admit I started
on a manual - the one my mother used to type up all my father's graduate
school papers. I tried one of these, and I can't believe how far and hard
the keys have to be pressed.

However, these are well before my time.

Pendants, rings and cuff links made out of old

typewriter keys.

Artie - I still have that set to send you!

I ended with a treat - a chocolate egg cream. They said the pretzel stick

makes it authentic. Reminds me of the new trend to put gourmet salts

on chocolate.

Early Friday Morning

2010-10-08T08:58:00.001-04:00

Work up earlier than usual (6am) - so many exciting opportunities on the horizon. Then I looked out the windows and realized these are horizons I rarely photograph at this hour. With the light behind me, I get much better detail on some of the amazing features in our view.

Such soft pastel shades in the sky before sunrise.

Highly zoomed view north to Empire State Building with the Williamsburg
Bridge in front.

Highly zoomed, cropped and enlarged view of Lady Liberty. She looks land-locked here.

Manhattan Bridge.

We don't get morning sun in the apartment, but the BAM building was reflecting the sunrise into the living room.

Saturday Brooklyn Flea

2010-10-04T18:43:00.000-04:00

The Brooklyn Flea, a block from home, has become trouble - too much tempting stuff for sale. I bring my camera now in order to focus more on getting "good shots" rather than "must-have" items. It works! This Saturday past was the first day in a long while that required closed toe shoes and socks - always an Autumnal milestone. I love the cooler weather, but it takes a few days for my feet to adjust.

Not sure what fascinated me more -

the lampshade or the vendor's outfit.

Northwest

2010-10-04T13:12:00.001-04:00

I tend to give our northwest view short shrift in photos.
About 7-8 years ago, NYC wasn't lighting the bridges to cut costs, but fortunately Mayor Bloomberg saw the value in bringing these beautiful structures to light. The one to the left of center is the Manhattan Bridge, and the one "under" the Empire State Building (a trick of perspective) is the Williamsburg Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge is in there, but only a few lights from one of the towers.
We will see the new Freedom Tower as it rises. Many of the buildings on the left are new residence towers in the burgeoning downtown Brooklyn area. Others are part of Manhattan's financial district.
Those smoke stacks in the center are actually blocks apart and are topped by hypnotic blinking red lights.
Everything is closer than it looks in this photo - the ultra wide angle and cropping push it all back.

How soft!

2010-10-02T20:11:00.004-04:00

Lola discovered the comforts of the soft green grass. Quite a treat for an apartment cat. We may have to grow another pot for Mr. Beans.
See back story at this link.

Sunsets after Storms

2010-10-01T20:58:00.002-04:00

I love a good storm. Just as they finish passing by, they always leave behind something beautiful. These were all taken in the last few weeks. Never the same, never gets old.

Sleeping Bean

2010-09-26T17:38:00.000-04:00

My apologies to those of you who received the "testing word editor" blog posts. I was hoping that Word would be a more flexible editing tool than what they have in Blogger, but I can't get around photo upload problems. I'm posting this photo to clear those tests from your blog lists - because who doesn't love a sleeping Bean!

Saturday Morning Errands

2010-09-25T21:32:00.008-04:00

I'm not sure how this pair liked being tied to a bike rack while their
person had breakfast at General Greene, but they maintained
their dignity.

Seems all the large dog teams were out running
errands this morning too.

False advertising! I went to this stoop sale,

and not a ward to be found.

At the farmers' market for bread and tomatoes.

Is this the fabled peck of peppers? No, not pickled.

Great gourds!

Heirloom tomatoes - too pricey, but pretty. I buy the regular
"field" tomatoes.

Beautiful music -
someone's dog was obviously charmed.

Lawn Envy from a Brooklyn Apartment

2010-09-19T12:14:00.000-04:00

We have lovely views but no balcony or outdoor space to call our own, so we have a jungle of indoor plants. We tried growing pretty moss, but that would always die suddenly. My father gave us grass seeds that will grow anywhere, and so far so good.
Mr. Beans is supervising the "mowing".

Aftermath of the Storm - 9/16/10

2010-09-17T19:55:00.001-04:00

The big storm that came through New York yesterday hit our neighborhood like a cyclone. We had rain pouring in sideways through the windows before we got them closed. I couldn't get any photos because my camera would have been soaked. We lost some beautiful old trees in the neighborhood, and some people lost their cars. I've never seen weather like this since we moved here in 2003.

9/11/2010 - my favorite memorial

2010-09-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

More crazy sunsets.

2010-09-09T19:23:00.000-04:00

The winds having been blowing in some great sunsets lately. I was uploading the top photo when I saw the makings of the 2nd photo and had to yank my camera out of the computer and open the window again.

I especially like the rays of pink light in NJ behind the Statue of Liberty at the bottom.

They were taken about 12 minutes apart, and I didn't do any editing.

Flying Fish at the Fuller Garden in New Hampshire

2010-09-05T11:42:00.003-04:00

Not flying really, but an illusion from the reflection on the water. Took this while visiting my parents who live in one of New Hampshire's coastal towns.

Another Crazy Summer Sunset

2010-08-15T15:12:00.000-04:00

Crazy Summer Sunset

2010-08-15T15:09:00.001-04:00

Neighborhood Wards

2010-06-08T18:40:00.001-04:00

Bodega cat - loves to catch flies in our co-op courtyard.

Mr. Mayor of Clinton Avenue from his ground floor view - a nice sunny spot.

Mr. Beans & Lola

2010-06-08T18:05:00.001-04:00

Don't know what inspired them to pose like this, but I took advantage of it as quickly as I could.

More Skylines and Hawks?

2010-02-22T10:36:00.002-05:00

I could post a photo a day of our west view - the sunsets are always a show. We have hawks (falcons?) that patrol the the neighborhood for pigeons. There were 3 flying around together the other day - these shots don't really show how large they are. I had to do some quick manual focusing to just get these.

Flowers in February

2010-02-19T17:39:00.000-05:00

After 18 months, we finally have flowers on our African Violet! And so many are coming in. All thanks go to my husband and resident apartment gardener Ronnie. However, how do you deal with dust on the leaves? I know they can't be "washed" or rinsed. Any suggestions?

Simon's Cat - new video!

2010-02-16T10:53:00.000-05:00

The new extended version of Simon's Cat Snow Business is now here!
If you are not familiar with Simon's Cat, go on over to YouTube or his web site http://www.simonscat.com/ and check out the brilliant series of animated videos. He truly captures the wonderful nuances of cats and their keepers. I also highly recommend his book - the additional cast of characters are a treat!

Snow Cat!

2010-02-13T15:03:00.001-05:00

I know we've all seen our share of snow photos, but snow cat is too good not to put out here. She is over 4 feet tall! I've added a few other shots from the day after the big storm here in Brooklyn. The last one was taken out the bedroom window during a brief lull during the storm.

Local Sculpture

2010-02-01T15:09:00.023-05:00

I set out this morning to get the sun shining on the mansions on the west side of the local streets. However, I noticed that the gates to the Pratt Institute were open, and I was drawn in by the chance to catch the newest art. Pratt is a well-known school of art that displays student sculpture on the campus.
History of the area and local mansions still to come!

Some Brooklyn Details

2010-01-27T17:44:00.001-05:00

Someday I'm going to learn how to edit in this Blogger! I can't get the text or photos to go where I want. I guess I really must learn HTML.

The ward was enjoying some sun but clearly told me to keep moving along...

This fanciful little guy reminds me of the characters in the great animated movie, "9".

Every other avenue within a few blocks were for the carriage houses of the mansions. A few interesting features remain.

We have a few hawks and falcons in the area that leave us the remnants of their prey. One red-tailed falcon once landed on our air conditioner. Beautiful to see so close up, but oh what a racket his/her claws made on the metal. It left before I could get the camera.

Detail from an old apartment building.

This isn't on the north side, but the sun rarely shines through the massive trees along Lafayette in summer or the low angles of winter light.

Just the sign remains - sadly, we have no great bread bakery in the area.

The Brooklyn Flea

2010-01-24T15:42:00.000-05:00

The famous Brooklyn Flea Market started in a school yard a block away. Famous you ask? Well, when Martha Stewart claims it to be one of her favorite places, and my mother in NH asks me if I've heard of it, it doesn't get more famous than that. No tube socks or used make-up here. For the winter, it is now housed in an historic, and rather phallic, old building - the Williamsburgh Savings Bank that is the centerpiece of the view from our apt. They kept all the old features (customer counters, mosaic tile ceilings, light fixtures) in the public area, and it makes for a dramatic setting for some fun and tasty, if rather expensive, finds.

The Lovely Lola

2010-01-20T19:55:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is Lola, our fearless princess. She loves climbing, sunny window sills and food. Every chance she gets, she will run out the front door of our apt and sniff at every neighbors' door. The lassie is very friendly, but does not do cuddles unless bribed with treats.

Mr. Beans

2010-01-19T00:19:00.000-05:00

Featuring Mr. Beans this evening. Our 2-1/2 year old Brooklyn boy is AKA the Bean, Beansie, Mayor McBean, Admiral Bean, etc etc on the service titles depending on his mood. Next post will focus on Lola, but if you can't wait, you can see her in my profile photo and here: Lola

The High Line in Manhattan

2010-01-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

My friend Billy and I had a photography day at the newest park in Manhattan, the High Line, built on the long-neglected old West Side elevated train lines. The park, like the old trains, go through buildings and provide new views to see the neighborhood, Manhattan and New Jersey. (note, I still have trouble moving photos around in blogger - I don't know HTML)

Spooky Clouds and a Mysterious Room

2010-01-08T20:21:00.000-05:00

Odd cloud in the view.

Every night, in the distance, I see this one bright light from a room in an anachronistic tower - weather vane and all. It is the small vertical protrusion in between the two large buildings in the photos above.

New Hampshire Coastline

2010-01-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

Christmas in New Hampshire

2009-12-30T21:21:00.000-05:00

We spent a wonderful Christmas with my parents and brother in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. I'll be posting a series of photos over the next few days.

These were taken from the train that goes along Long Island Sound in Connecticut. The Acela is such a wonderful way to travel!

Day after the big storm Dec 09

2009-12-20T15:26:00.000-05:00

Christmas Tree Vendor before the White Out

2009-12-19T22:34:00.000-05:00

Local Graffiti

2009-12-13T15:16:00.000-05:00

Great cast of characters, but I can't get the full view without trespassing on someone's fire escape.

The following were all from one mural on Myrtle Avenue. The buildings had collapsed, and this was organized for local kids.

A walk in the neighborhood

2009-12-13T15:01:00.000-05:00

Serpent Tree Branch - Fort Greene Park

2009-12-12T21:58:00.000-05:00

Click image to enlarge.

Fort Greene Park

2009-12-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

Brooklyn Bridge Park

2009-12-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

This morning.

More Wards

2009-12-07T21:58:00.000-05:00

We adopted Lola and Mr. Beans when they were 3 months old from an ASPCA truck parked a few blocks from us on a hot August day in 2007. They were Brooklyn street foundlings and the last of their litter. She has a little scar on her eye and he was small and slightly pin-headed, but to us they were and still are perfect. She has the most beautiful caramel eyes, and he has grown into quite the big guy! We went inside the truck and played with and held the cats for a few minutes, and then I asked Ronnie if he wanted to go have lunch and think about it. Not a chance. I think the ASPCA volunteer cried when I told her we were looking for two cats - she was so happy they wouldn't be split up!

First Day home:

And now!

The Wards!

2009-12-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

I have been remiss by not adding photos of our sweet wards. That is the lovely Lola on the left and Mr. Beans on the right. I had to lock them out of the bedroom because I was taking pictures of the NYC Marathon that runs by our place. I had the windows open with no screens for better pictures, but being on a high floor, it is a very unsafe environment for curious cats! More photos will follow.

Sarah and Lauren

2009-12-04T13:15:00.000-05:00

I found this cute old photo of my nieces playing dress up when organizing all my photos earlier. That is their maternal grandfather peeping through. Sorry to post a picture of a picture - I don't have a scanner.

Great Picture in Picture

2009-12-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

I found a beautiful frame for the picture of Ronnie fishing with his grandfather. Those old Polaroids can be hard with modern frames!

Apartment & Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T14:33:00.001-05:00

The overflow room - den. We liked the jungle look! The chairs were from Diane's old NYC apt, via Gab & Roland's apt. They are now in Roland's new apt. We borrowed them for the holiday.

Photos in the hall and the butcher print Bruce gave us in the kitchen.

We took down the painting and put up this Tab sign in the LR.

More Apt photos.

2009-12-02T14:33:00.000-05:00

The silhouettes in the bedroom.

Another view of the photos in the hall, into the LR.

The new photos in the LR. Love the one of Mom and Dad in the upper right and the one of Bruce and me in the lower right (thinner days!)

Test 8 - large

2009-11-19T22:36:00.000-05:00

Test 7

2009-11-18T23:18:00.000-05:00

test 6

2009-11-12T23:23:00.000-05:00

Test 4

2009-11-12T23:10:00.000-05:00

2009-11-10T23:08:00.000-05:00

Test 3

2009-11-10T23:04:00.000-05:00

test 2

First Photo Test - apt view

2009-11-10T22:59:00.000-05:00

Test for photos