A Happy St. Patrick's Day

IS THIS LIKE THE EMERALD ISLE?

We went to the parade.  Six of us met up at Penn.  We trekked up to the suggested viewing position of the upper east side- the majority of people stay farther downtown.  The parade begins at 44th, the route is up 5th Avenue to 86th-follow the green line painted in the middle of 5th. We stood at the curb between 76th and 77th- perfect.  Took a little strategic elbowing in-but we all made it to the front. 
Here is a link with some St. Patrick's Day parade facts, in case you want a refresher.  http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/nyc/newyorkcity.htm 
I will share some happenings/highlights.  Liam remained at home. Not because dogs are not allowed-dogs and horses did march,

IRISH WOLFHOUNDS

WORK HORSES

but animals are required to be affiliated with an organization or have worked or currently be employed by a marching contingent.  Liam is unaffiliated and though a working blogger, no blogger group was marching- at least not any known to us.. 

Costumes 
I have to declare many of the outfits just that-costumes  We have had a warm winter. The young folks were dressing for the beach- thongs (on feet) shorts, tiny tank tops; there was scant body coverage.  Hats, face paint, green hair were popular. The scene as we walked through Penn station was evocative of Project Runway's wildest fashion creations. Our group also had its props-a tiara, a shamrocked face, beads, hats, neon lime backpacks and a green feather boa flecked with gold from New Orleans.  And then there were my earrings- later for that.  See our pic next.
 
Subway
went a better way than my usual 3-train journey. New way- E to 53rd then Lexington Ave to 77th. While on the subway platform, I was asked to pose for a pic by a woman who obviously recognized a willing subject.  After I shoved Paul aside (not towards the tracks)  I gave her the go ahead to shoot.  I knew it would go viral that night. Nothing yet. Guess it is for private use.


Famous people -Saw them all. 
Mayor Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Brian Williams. 
Then our NY Senator Chuck Schumer appeared.  Renée called to him and he came over. As they shook hands (or held hands, you decide) he exhorted us to give Renée a shout out.  

We did.  Must be the Big Easy boa karma. Woo hoo!  Renée on left-(green boa feather peaking out) Chuck on right.
We hoped that as the Manhattan College groups passed we would see that crazy weather guy- Kevin Grogan.  Hundreds and hundreds marched by, and after screaming his name hundreds of times, we were rewarded with a sighting and then a glance and a wave.  That is Kevin, green cap, beige sweater, blue denim jeans on left in next pic 
Check him out- on Twitter @ Kevstormnyc and blogger http://nycweatherguy.blogspot.com/

Earrings 
My earrings are an artist's creation.  I have them for many years, a gift from my best friend, Joanie. They are even signed on the back. DES At some point, one must have shot off my ear and landed on 5th. The young woman next to me asked while pointing to the street "is that your earring?"  "yes, yes, it is."  My arm could not reach.  Luckily, we were on a break from the marchers. a gap, and she hauled it in. Whew, got it.  I then realized it had fallen because the back fastener had come off.  While juggling my camera, texting and waving, I dropped it again-this time off to the left.  Renée used her Schumer command tone to get a marcher to retrieve it. Now where is the earring back?   About half hour later, I hear something hit the ground, the back. How did I hear the back of an earring fall?  I guess my hearing aids are worth it. 
Team effort, thanks all for the help.


343
Since 9/11, 343 flags carried by the FDNY for those lost that day.  No words necessary.

 

Side Fives 
these are very popular at the parade particularly among kids.  You hold out your hand and they slap you.   I like it because I always miss when doing a "high five" and this way I am passive and just are tagged. No pressure.


Rolf's  
An early dinner at Rolf's at 22nd and 3rd Avenue.  We subwayed there. Why a German restaurant?  charming kitsch (I mean that lovingly) atmosphere -the fake leaves lend that Bavarian forest feelgiant steins, dusty mementos, good and great food, and wursts as well as corned beef.
 http://rolfsnyc.com/ 
After our meal we walked back to Penn. The crowds were festive, lines outside bars long, corners full of green attire.  Folks pouring in as we are heading out.

LIRR
free ride both ways, way to go -

Regrets
missed a few marchers but next year, we plan on signs, synchronized shoutouts as well as advance notice of where the marchers are and with whom they are marching. 

not bringing my green feather wig.  I know someone would have worn it.

Liam
The Irish dog (one quarter Irish setter)  waited at home. He had been enjoying treats from his Dog Lover Gift Basket sent by Aunt B.   I confess that the cookies smelled so good I almost took a bite and the doggie beer a perfect wash down for the treats.  All natural ingredients of course.
maybe Liam will find an organization next year and he will march or leap-till then he'll be the "quiet man" watching the street parade on Baxter Avenue, New Hyde Park.
Woof. woof