Long walks

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There is something about autumn that makes me want to take long walks. Perhaps it's the cooler air, the angle of the sun, and the colorful leaves. I walked through Central Park yesterday and snapped the above photo from the north side of the reservoir looking south. Amaze-balls. I often forget how pretty the city can be, and remarkably quiet. In the park there were birds chirping, crickets singing, and stillness. It's more peaceful the farther north you are in the park. Fewer tourists wonder up there. As you get closer the the edge of the park you begin to hear traffic, sirens, etc. The calm is gone. Back to the fast paced race of life in the city.

Today I walked along the East River, about 40 blocks. Again, a bit more peaceful, and really no tourists at all. Lots of dogs, moms with kids and babies. People on benches reading and sunning themselves. A few joggers. The current is very fast in the river, and in parts there are actually rapids. I would not want to swim in the river, ever.

I encourage you to get out and go for a long walk. Try somewhere new and explore. Pay attention to everything that is around you. Be present in the moment and enjoy yourself. No music. Listen to what's happening then and there. Perhaps, find a calm spot and stop and meditate or simply reflect on the now. Slow down and be.

Where are your favorite spots to walk? In Minneapolis I enjoyed the lakes and the trails along the river. In Neenah, Kimberly Point and Riverside Park. High Cliff too. Beaver Creek Valley State Park in SE Minnesota has great trails. The possibilities are almost endless!

A hint of fall in the air...

August is winding down. Long stretches of hot, and humid weather are becoming far and few between. Soon the leaves with start to complete their yearly transformation. I look forward to crisp mornings. Wearing layers, and coats. The hint of a fire burning somewhere in the near distance. (Yes, there are people who still have wood burning fireplaces in NYC!) So, to get in the mood, I am doing some browsing on the interwebs for some fall fashion pieces.

The Bryant Shoe from ToBoot New York was love at first site. It's the perfect shoe  for jeans, cords, and days you need an extra bit of traction. I tend to find a shoe that inspires me, and build a look from it. It's a good thing I am not a lady, I would have a shoe for every outfit!

Frye recently opened a shop on Spring Street in SoHo. I have yet to stop in, but they do appear to have some very nice boots!

I have been on the look out for a great tote bag. Jack Spade, Coach, Prada, Louis Vuitton. So many choices. As the weather gets colder, I tend to need to carry more stuff. I often have to lug my shoes because I am sporting a rain or snow boot to commute. I'll know when I see the right one! Also, spending a bit of money on good quality pieces, and timeless design, means longevity. 

As the day light grows shorter, I know fall is on it's way. For now, I can simply day dream.

And it's fall!

Well, summers is finally over and I am looking forward to cool, crisp days. The subway platforms are still hot, and they usually do not cool off until early November. i say bring on the cold and snow so I can wear sweaters, jackets, and scarves.

The photo is of my brunch from this past Sunday at Don Pedros. They have a 3 three course, all you can drink sangria brunch for $19.95. I enjoyed a spinach omelet. We have been here once before, and are always impressed with the food, service, and presentation. We need to go back for dinner sometime soon!

We also tried Gobo last Friday for dinner. It is vegetarian with many vegan choices. Being able to choose from anything on the menu was awesome. Usually, we are having to choose form only a few options. the vegan chocolate cake was super good. We have been vegetarian for over a year now, and I am still alive!

Our first opera, Rigoletto, is this coming Saturday night. Time flies by!

A Taste of Fall

The weather is finally comfortable. Craig and I have been patiently waiting for our condo to be complete. They are saying October now. We went up there a few weekends ago and the kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinet, sink, and glass in the shower have all be installed. However, the lobby is nowhere near being finished. The hallways are still a mess. Ugh. Will it ever be done! The photo is what our kitchen will look like. Someday. Perhaps in 2010? I hope not.

Not much has been happening. Work, eat, clean, sleep, shop, cook, repeat. We did see the latest Harry Potter movie. It was long, but good. Run Harry Potter, run! I know they never say this, but there are so many places this can be said.