No Bus Today

 Last Saturday night the snow started. On Sunday it changed to alternating freezing rain and sleet. For most of the day, that tiny, icy crystalline sound tapped at the windows. Now we have learned a new word for what was left behind: snowcrete. That’s what you get when a thick later of ice tops several inches of snow. Neighbors worked with tools as varied as flat coal shovels and pick axes to slowly dig out cars and walkways. When the plows finally began to scrape the streets, they shoved the snowcrete onto driveways and sidewalks. The bus stop is not accessible yet. It’s blocked by snowcrete boulders that remain sturdy in this subfreezing weather. At night, our side yard shimmers in the moonlight, ready for rabbits and foxes to skate on it while we sleep.

Pigeon Lady

 Her usual spot is on 5th Avenue near the Metropolitan Museum. A collapsible ironing board holds the large container of food for the pigeons. It’s also her podium. She is a pigeon advocate, a pigeon proselytizer sharing information about why we should admire pigeons. She sees them as a necessary part of the big-city ecosystem. She is not necessarily wrong. Stop and listen to her, amid the cooing and fluttering of feathers as the flock pecks at her feet.

Beautyberry In Winter

 

In the autumn at the height of their ripeness this shrub's berries were a brighter orchid, almost plastic-shiny, nestling among bright green leaves. Now, they are shriveled and the colors have faded like the upholstery on an old chair left in a sunny spot. The birds will still be glad to have them. They are sustenance on frigid days. In the meantime, the tawny stems set off those berries nicely, a perfect complement from the opposite side of nature’s color wheel.

Lost Glove

 Standing on the platform, waiting for the next uptown train, I noticed the glove laying on the steps. Surely this happens every day during the winter. Scarves slip from coat collars, gloves become separated from their partners, mittens escape from kids in strollers. It looked so lonely, still formed into the shape of the hand it recently warmed. How long was it before the person realized this glove was gone? And what of the glove still on the hand or in the pocket of its person? Is it still being used, the bare hand now spending more time in a coat pocket? Does it miss its mate?

Bryant Park In Winter

 For those who live in a big city, any chance to spend some time outside is welcome, even in the winter. Manhattan’s Bryant Park is a prime spot to soak up some of the sunshine that makes its way through the surrounding skyscrapers and illuminates the edges of the bare trees. People huddle with cups of coffee and cocoa, or watch the skaters at the small rink. If it gets too cold, the grand New York Public Library is right there, always warmer and quieter.

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window

During Thanksgiving and New Year’s, a stroll up 5th Avenue guarantees a tour of Manhattan’s best holiday windows. Bergdorf’s are always the prize jewels. This year’s them is "Soiree," depicting everything from a game night to a New Year’s Eve party. Most of the windows are full of glittering sequins and crystals. But my favorite, "Costume Party," was created entirely from paper, except for the mannequin’s designer dress. Ruffles, pleats, flowers, hats, shoes--all paper. The absence of sparkle made it easier to appreciate the dimensionality and creativity of the scene.

 

Mushroom Christmas Tree

 There is a tree in Manhattan’s John Derian shop that is decorated entirely with blown glass mushroom ornaments. Mushrooms have long been associated with magic, folklore and fairy tales. Old illustrations show gnomes hanging around with mushrooms, using them as furniture or even as an entire gnome house. They must surely be related in some way to Santa’s elves, who also seem to like mushrooms. Amanita Muscaria are a natural fit for any holiday decor, with their jaunty polka dotted caps. I would love to have this tree in my house, but then I’d want to enjoy it every day of the year. Who knew there were so many (and such varied!) Christmas decorations celebrating fungus?