Clematis

These pretty flowering vines 

come in a variety of colors mostly in the blue/purple/pink family. 

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens has a lovely collection

and often they are woven into the rose trellises. 

When I read that several varieties will grow in partial sun/shade

 I planted a few in the Amherst roof garden. 

These were short lived,

but this variety is very happy. 

They are also early bloomers

so their appearance is always appreciated each spring.

Enjoy!

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer

Feast of San Gennaro

New York City is a mecca for street fairs.  

From spring through fall, hardly a weekend goes by without one. 

But, the granddaddy of them all is the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. 

It wraps up today, so there’s still time to visit if you hurry, but I visited on Friday, which was a picture perfect day.  It’s gotten much bigger since the last time I went, 30 years ago. 

It still runs up Mulberry Street, but now ends all the way up in SoHo.  And there’s some cross street involvement as well. 

Unlike a typical street fair, which is all about buying stuff, it’s mostly about eating stuff – predominately Italian food. 

There were lots of portable options -- sausage, pizza and corn on the cob among others, for nibbling while walking. 

But many opted for the outdoor seating provided by the restaurants.  And why not?  They had a great view of the show. 

The desserts were also to die for.  In case you haven’t heard about the latest craze, these are cronuts – a combination of croissants and donuts. 

I was too full from my pizza to try one – but maybe next time.

Enjoy!

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer

Central Park Summer

Now that I have given up sunbathing, 

summer is probably the time of the year that I visit Central Park the least. 

It’s actually very beautiful

 – lush and green. 

And, locals

and tourists alike flock there to get a bit of relief from the heat and humidity. 

There’s plenty of shade to be had,

a welcome relief from the hot, humid, hazy weather that is all too common here in July and August. 

And, there is also plenty of free entertainment,

although tips are always appreciated.

Ciao

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer

Sunsets

It occurred to me the other day that I had taken some beautiful photos of sunsets over the years, so I thought I would share some of the best ones.  This first one is from Jaffa, Israel. 

 And I took this one in Egypt while on a cruise up the Nile. 

When I exclaimed over the beauty of this sunset in Stellenbosch, South Africa, my guide shrugged and said “Oh, you know – African sunsets.” 

And this one was taken in Vassa, Finland during its July white nights.  I think it was the slowest sunset I ever saw – perfect for filming and photographs. 

But don’t sell the Americas short.  This stunner is from Cancun.  

Then there’s Chicago,

  

Charleston, South Carolina

Henryville, PA (aka the Poconos),

and Boston.  

But this last one is my personal favorite -- because I took it from my apartment window.

Cheers!

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer 

Coney Island

Coney Island has been in the news quite a bit lately.  

First it took a major hit from Superstorm Sandy

 – not a big surprise since it is located on the beach. 

Then, to everyone’s great delight,

they were able to get it patched up enough to host the annual Mermaid’s Parade. 

I skipped that, but decided to venture down to check out Luna Park a few weeks later.  

As I had hoped, it is a visual extravaganza, with all these interesting shapes and colors tossed on top of each other;

the result of packing a ton of rides in a small space. 

 Of course it’s the subway in the background that gives it a real NY vibe. 

But it didn’t hurt that Beyonce stopped by to shoot a music video on the Cyclone last week.

Cheers!

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer