Recently, I took a couple trips to New York to see my sister, who’s been having ups and downs with the brain cancer. We had decided to have a sibling gathering when the Midwest and West Coast brothers were in town with wives and several kids.
I’m not going to show you the group photo from our delicious Maialino lunch because my poor sister, despite feeling much better, is still horrifically bruised from tripping and getting a black eye. Falling is one of the biggest worries these days.
Instead I’ll share other pictures from my trips and explain any that need explaining.
In July, I took Amtrak from Kingston, Rhode Island, where there is a cute historic train station and, across the track, some interesting graffiti.
In New York, my camera was drawn to verbal images: Biblical messages chalked on the sidewalks, a port-a-potty pun for my collection, and outreach to immigrants (I saw the electronic kiosk message in Spanish and Chinese, too).
I also shot a giant balloon version of the city mascot (just kidding, it’s not the mascot) and one of the ubiquitous mini gardens planted around street trees. I especially admired the gardens that managed to do without the “curb your dog” signs because they completely spoil the charm. But how do people protect the plantings otherwise? I wondered. Do the doormen rush out and chase away dogs? Is there a spray deterrent that dogs hate? Some successful mini gardens used higher fences.
A large and glorious volunteer-maintained series of gardens in Riverside Park proclaimed a different kind of success with its clouds of delirious, happy butterflies, like the butterfly below. Red Admiral? Not sure.
Olmstead’s tinkling waterfalls in Central Park make me delirious.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Sorry to hear of your sister having a fall! We have a dear lady at church who is facing something similar as your sister,she needs a walk at all times when she up and about. Enjoyed seeing New York through your eyes, and whoever wrote Psalms 23 on the side walk did a lovely job!
On instagram, the chalk artist is @honschar.
How great to be able to get family members together and it’s good to hear your sister is feeling well, even if badly bruised–what a lot to deal with. Your photos show the quirky side of NYC and some lovely details. The supportive messages to immigrants make me proud to be a New Yorker.
Although I have not lived in New York State for many years, I too feel proud. Rights that protect fellow humans without hurting other humans should be a priority in every state.
“Rights that protect fellow humans without hurting other humans should be a priority in every state.” Hear, hear!
Wonderful pictures of New York, that city of cities.
Enjoyed the waterfall. Was that a blue jay chiming in with the rushing water?
Not sure. There are so many birds talking at once in Central Park. It’s a regular Dawn Chorus.