The Macy's Flower Show

We have attended flower shows in other parts of the country in the past. Generally those flower shows were held in a sprawling, wide open space shopping mall. We were a little perplexed when we saw signs in our local Macy's window advertising a flower show. This particular Macy's is located in the middle of mid-town Manhattan -- not a lot of open space for displaying flowers. Once we entered the store, we were quite surprised to see just how it is done here!

John is standing next to one of several giant flamingoes made of flowers. The flamingo display is in the center aisle where we would usually see tables of sale items or maybe newly introduced items. The colors here are vibrant.


The big light fixture is a normal part of the store. However, the vertical strips of tape surrounding the light are part of the show. I think the flowers are small orchids that are on some sort of sticky tape that holds them in place.



About 85 to 90% of the flowers were atop the display cases located behind sales counters. Some were labeled. One example was "tropical garden;" another was "Asian garden." One wall held primarily green plants alone.


If you would like to see any of these photos in a larger size just double click on the image.

A Spring Day at Columbus Circle - NYC

A warm day at last. We headed for Central Park. When we got off of the bus we found a wonderful combo playing smooth jazz. The group consisted of a drummer, double base, guitar, saxophone, trumpet and flugelhorn. They played for two hours non-stop for contributions from passers by.


This is a photo of Rasheed, the trumpet/flugelhorn player. He is very talented. Although Rasheed captured much of our attention - as you can tell from this photo when he played two horns at once, the other members of the group are also wonderfully talented.




This was a great way to spend a beautiful day.


Columbus Circle is located at an entrance to Central Park. John turned and took a photo over his shoulder of these spring flowers. Daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths, snow drops seem to be blooming everywhere.

Our Other Home -- Rivington House

"If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair." Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784), English author, critic, & lexicographer

John and I have made many new acquaintances and friends while working at Rivington House. John works in the library. He helps residents find books that may interest them. Many people come and go while he is in the library. Lots of them smile when they walk in and see that John is there. Sometimes when I am walking in the halls a person will ask, "aren't you John's wife?" At Rivington House you actually know and feel that you are making a difference!



The Rivington House Library also has computers that are connected to the web. John provides help with web searches, with establishing or checking email accounts, writing letters, printing, and lots of other computer-related stuff.



A recreational therapist requested someone from the volunteer coordinator to be a "friendly visitor." That sounded like it could be a good fit for me. So I was given the name of several residents who may enjoy a visit now and then. We play dominoes (I generally lose), play cards, play catch with a beach ball, put together puzzles, or sometimes just walk around for a change of scenery. Rivington House also has an enclosed, pretty garden. On nice days we might go outside and enjoy the garden. At this time of the year the garden is starting to show its buds and spring flowers. It is amazing to see how far a smile can go.



We both will miss our friends and the time we spend at Rivington House once we leave NYC. Rivington House is unique, unlike facilities anywhere in the other 49 states trying to provide this type of service!