NYBG sunflowers 2

 

I was walking home from the pool this week

when I was surprised to see that a new sunflower had bloomed in a street pit on York Avenue.

We haven’t quite gone below freezing yet.

But we came close enough to melt some of the tropicals planted outside.

So, I was quite shocked.

But as they say, nature finds a way.

I figured that it was a sign that I should post a few more pics

from the exhibit at the New York Botanic Garden,

even though it wrapped up at the end of October.

I wonder if they have a few late bloomers as well.

Here is the previous post…

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2025/09/sunflowers-nybg.html

Cheers!

PJ

 

© 2025 PJ Lehrer

A perfect day for a marathon

Last Sunday was the 54^th running of the New York City Marathon and it was one for the record books.

The weather was perfect – 50’s to 60’s, bright sun, no wind.

No wonder the women’s champ set a new course record, and the top three finishers also bested the previous record.  The top finishing American woman – Fiona O’Keeffe (on the right) came in fourth and broke the American course record.

Here they are showing off at mile 17.   

 

And the men had a photo finish!  But at mile 17 they still had lots of company.

This is the party that I most wished I had been invited to.

While the fancy new fences were appreciated, for spectators on the UES, the biggest news was a crossing station at 72^nd & First Avenue.

Previously if you wanted to cross First Avenue you needed to go all the way down to 59^th street below the bridge.

Of course, during the heaviest time – 11:00 am to 2 pm, even the crossing minions were challenged. 

It was so amusing watching them do their little dance, that I may go to 72^nd Street for a front row seat next year. 😉

Finally, this year’s meet and greets did not disappoint.  This couple even took time out to pose for a kissing shot. 

Here are some pics from previous marathons.

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2023/11/nyc-marathon-2023.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2019/11/nyc-marathon-2019.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2018/11/2018-nyc-marathon.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2017/11/congratulations-shalane-flanagan.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2013/11/new-york-city-marathon.html

 

Till next year…

PJ

 

© 2025 PJ Lehrer

UES Halloween at night

 

This year I finally managed to shoot Halloween decorations at night.

And it was a mob scene.

I probably shouldn’t be surprised since the Upper East Side has become Instagram famous for their decorations.

Probably TikTok too.

Someone posting on Instagram mentioned that there were 30+ buildings decorated on the UES.

I would imagine that they have undercounted.

They fall within a roughly two mile square so catching them all can be quite exhausting.

The same person also mentioned that most of the buildings would be decorating for the holidays as well.

No pressure there.

And next year, Halloween falls on a Saturday.  I can hardly wait. 😉

More NYC Halloween pics…

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2024/10/halloween-in-hood-2024.html

 

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2023/10/halloween-gone-wild-part-1.html

 

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-street-fair-on-88th-street.html

 

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2016/10/halloween-3.html

 

Cheers!

PJ

 

© 2025 PJ Lehrer

Halloween in the hood - 2025 edition

 

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday.

So, I just love the fact that my hood has turned into the go-to-place for over-the-top decorations in Manhattan.

When people began posting photos and addresses from last year on Instagram, I was a bit concerned. 

 What if these folks didn’t feel like decorating this year?

Worse yet, what if they moved?

If they did, I sure hope they told the people who bought their houses what was expected of them.

Can you imagine what it would be like to have bunches of disappointed people stalking your house?

When I saw a pic of this set up online, I just had to go check it out.  (60 East 85^th St.)  It’s going to be hard to beat.

Meanwhile 78^th Street between Park and 2^nd is particularly festive.  Apparently, they have a block party planned.

I may just have to crash. 😉

Here are some blogs from previous years…

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2024/10/halloween-in-hood-2024-p2.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2023/11/halloween-gone-wild-part-2.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2020/11/halloween-in-hood-4.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2015/11/halloween-2.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2014/11/halloween-in-hood.html

Trick or treat!

PJ

© 2025 PJ Lehrer

Bonsai @ BBG

 

This is the 100^th anniversary of the bonsai tree collection at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

When I heard that they were celebrating by showing off additional selections I decided it would definitely be worth a visit.

Especially since several of my cousins actually cultivate them.  Imagine that.

I’m struggling with all my indoor plants these days.  Yes.  I have become a chronic over-waterer.  Sigh.

I timed my visit for the end of the exhibit so I could catch some fall foliage.

Of course, the red maple stole the show.

I also caught a variety of fruit  - oranges anyone?

Or maybe grapefruits?

Not all of the specimens were dated, but among those that were, this Daimyo Oak is the oldest – from 1851. Wow.

And because my friend Tim is so into naked trees, I couldn’t help but notice that this one had the most impressive trunk.

The show runs through 10/19/25, so there’s still time to check it out if you are a fan.

Here are some previous blogs from BBG…

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2013/06/brooklyn-botanical-gardens.html

 

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-touch-of-spring.html

 

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2014/04/japanese-gardens.html

 

Cheers!

PJ

 

© 2025 PJ Lehrer