Today’s Flowers
November 30, 2008 | Filed Under Flowers, Photo Blogging Theme Day, Today's Flowers | 39 Comments
Sunday morning, I needed some groceries but was too tired (okay, too lazy) to go food shopping. So, I called my corner grocery store with a list and had them deliver my order. I do that a lot. I’m glad it’s a service that the store provides. 
Not long after placing my order, the delivery guy showed up at my doorstep with my groceries. He had two large bags in one hand and a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the other.
When I saw the flowers, I thought that he must have another delivery to make, so I hurried to pay him, so that he could go on his way. As I looked at my bill, he extended his hand to me with the flowers and said, "These flowers are for you."
"These flowers are for you," he had to repeat himself because it took me a few seconds to register the flowers.
I took a closer look at the flowers — red roses, white carnations, daisies, orange lilies and some other flowers whose name I don’t know. It made a lovely bouquet. Flowers for me? Needless to say, I was very surprised. Pleasantly surprised. Totally surprised.
Well, I’m too lazy to take a photo of the bouquet but I thought I’d share the story with you. Some of the nicest gifts are the unexpected ones.
Instead of a photo of the bouquet, here’s a photo a flower that I took over the summer in the park. As usual, I have no idea what it is. Anyone know its name?
Here’s my entry for TODAY’S FLOWERS. Check it out for other flower photo entries from around the world.
Paz
Shadow Shot Sunday: Lighthouse Shadow
November 29, 2008 | Filed Under Lighthouses, Photo Blogging Theme Day, Shadow Shot Sunday, Shadows, The Bronx | 28 Comments
The shadow of a lighthouse cast against the wall of another building. This lighthouse is located on top of a business building in the Bronx. It’s not open to visitors. Below is a photo of the lighthouse taken on a different day.
Happy Shadow Shot Sunday!
To see other shadow shots from around the world (or to learn how to participate in this photo blogging event), stop by HEY HARRIET.
Paz
Ed. Note: Someone asked whether there’s water nearby. Yes, the building is near the Harlem River. Another reader asked if the lighthouse works. The answer is it does now. The lighthouse is about 100 years old and for many years, it did not work. In the late 90s, the lighthouse was fixed to commemorate it’s centennial anniversary. I’ve passed by it in a car, at night, when it’s lit up. It’s a nice sight — nice and bright.
Sky Watch Friday: Uptown Moon
November 27, 2008 | Filed Under Dawn, Neighborhoods, New York Moon, New York Sky, Photo Blogging Theme Day, Skywatch Friday, Washington Heights, West Side | 42 Comments
A few weeks ago, the moon on an early October morning.
Visit SKY WATCH FRIDAY to see some spectacular sky shots from around the world.
Paz
My City Secret: The Riverside Church Bell Tower & Observatory
November 23, 2008 | Filed Under Cathedrals/Churches, My City Secret, Photo Blogging Theme Day, The Riverside Church | 31 Comments
Riverside Church seen in the distance from the Bronx
Recently, Elizabeth of About New York & The House in Marrakesh tagged me to participate in a fun blogging event called My City Secret, which The Guardian UK started. I’m a bit late with my contribution but I’m thinking that it’s better late than never. Right? 
There are many best kept secrets in New York. One of my favorites is the Riverside Church Bell Tower and Observatory (located in Riverside Church, the tallest church in the United States, by the way.) in Harlem. I’d never get tired of visiting there. I love the view, I love the peaceful feeling high above the noisy and busy city streets, I love the sounds of the bells mixed with the wind. I even love the little trip it takes just to get to the observatory. First you take the elevator to the 20th floor and then the rest of the way, you have to climb up a narrow iron stairway that seems to go on forever till you reach the bell tower.
The 392-foot high, Gothic-style tower houses the largest carillon in the world (74 bells) and the observatory provides a stupendous view of the West side and beyond. I prefer this place instead of the Empire State Building and other Observatory sites, where it is usually crowded, the wait to go on the observation deck can be as long as five hours, and the admission price is way too much money.
The cost to visit the Riverside Church Bell Tower and Observatory is $2! TWO bucks! There aren’t many places in NYC, where you pay so little money and get a big reward. I love it!
Okay, so I’ve shared this best kept secret with you but now I have a little bit of bad news. I called to confirm visiting hours and admission price and found out that the tower and observatory is closed. "Indefinitely." The building structure and facade are being inspected and they aren’t sure how long it will take.
Why did I tell you about the tower and observatory if it’s closed? Because when it’s open again, it is worth the visit. So, if you’re interested, call before you go to make sure it’s open.
By the way, I posted some earlier photos, which you can check out here and here.
Riverside Church Bell Tower & Observatory is located between 120th and 122nd Street between Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue in Harlem. (212) 870-6792,
Pigeons in Flight
November 20, 2008 | Filed Under Animals, Birds, New York City Wildlife, Pigeons | 28 Comments
I had to stop and watch these pigeons as they flew from one direction to the next in formation but at a sort of frantic pace. Moments later, I realized why? There was a hawk also flying around. It soared in the distance, looking to make a meal out of one of the pigeons. Fascinating!
Paz
