MACY'S T-DAY PARADE PHOTOS, 2012!

[Die Fledermaus]

Had a great time at the parade. Got there early, 6:30 AM and it was already somewhat crowded. I was lucky I got a good location.

Some excellent photos!

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Oddly, Photobucket seems to show the images in random order!

[Die Fledermaus]

A successful T-Day for me.

Out the door at 5:25 AM in the dark; even that early, 6th Avenue, the new parade route, was two or three deep. I fast walked all over and finally found a good location at 45th (although on the east side) squeezing in with only a few short people and their kids in front of me, plus I had the curb for height; they were off it. I was fortunate. The weather may have increased the crowd size, and it was indeed bigger. Then a 2 1/2 hour wait fighting the boredom and stiff knees. A great many people brought folding chairs and blankets, and were likely there at 3 AM. I remember once coming home from a Ranger game at MSG and seeing people waiting then, in front of the store for the bleachers, at 10 PM, for the parade. I will need to go earlier next time just for a good space.

Christmas decorations are already up in Manhattan. I will do that nocturnal expedition in December.

Got loads of good parade pix using two cameras. I was also fortunate the cops handled things better this year so I could get across 6th Ave right away heading west. Usually I'd have to circle east and around the Empire St Bldg. then south to 33rd. That was lucky indeed as I just was able to get photos of two big bands (about to conclude) posing for their group shot at the big main Post Office steps - something most bands do. Some nice looking baton twirlers in this college band from Cajun country. Someone across the way had a clever sign "Geaux Gators", so I assumed some Cajun stuff was upcoming before the parade started. I processed the photos, and I am pleased. Much editing of extraneous images for the upload. Three new balloons this year. Perfect weather, although slightly cold in the shadows when you are standing and not moving for hours. Got home in time to see it rerun on NBC. Lions lost as usual, although at least they kept it interesting, and close.

In the photo of the Statue of Liberty torch, Staten Island’s P.S. 22 was there singing. Or maybe it was dubbed, but they were there.

My days of big family dinners are long over: all are dead except three cousins one of whom vanished ages ago and the other two I rarely hear from, one being in FL. What I really miss is my mother’s cooking on T-Day. She did not have a vast repertoire, but the dishes she prepared were very good, esp. her own versions of green bean casserole and an especially light and fluffy type of Yorkshire pudding.

[Die Fledermaus]

May as well add this here: a gallery of photos from Green-Wood cemetery - beautiful foliage colors! Taken a few weeks ago. The weather did not make for great color this year, but these were OK. Check out those BONSAI!!

AUTUMN FOLIAGE PHOTOS