There’s something lovely about all the restaurants who are taking outdoor seating to a whole new level. While indoor dining is prohibited, New York City is allowing restaurants to take over the sidewalks and even spill out into the streets, many are taking advantage of this by decorating huge planters with flowering vines, stringing up lights, assembling umbrellas and canopies, and making their newly acquired outdoor spaces enticing. So much so that I am reminded of European cities where you can stroll along a street only to turn a corner and be met with a lovely little restaurant with outdoor seating, little wooden tables, tiny lights and lots of greenery.
For some restaurants, this may even be enough to keep them afloat for a little while longer. I hope so. New York City has been devastated by this pandemic, but the creativity of business and restaurant owners has been nothing short of brilliant. That many are taking their cues from countries that have long enjoyed, and perfected outdoor dining, using city streets and sidewalks, it’s not only encouraging, but a wonderful thing to see.
Every evening at around 6:30 or 7 my husband and I go up to our roof, taking in the sunset, the cooler air and the joy of being outside together. Since neither of us venture out much these days it’s a nice way to spend time together while also being outside.
The photo above of the full moon on the 4th of July reminded me of the designer/artist Hilde Morin, born in Venezuela of Belgian descent, now living in Oregon, whose work I’ve long admired. She does the most wonderful cityscapes, that are evocative and beautiful.
I also love the pieces she does, which she entitles “Curves”.
The construction site across the street from us has stepped up their activity. Beginning promptly at 8am, the drilling begins. At the moment, they seem to be drilling through rock or concrete, but it’s hard to know. Whenever I peer out the window I can see a lone man operating a large piece of machinery and every now and then a second man will appear holding a small shovel or, as is the case at this very moment, a very small white plastic bucket. Begging the question – what exactly does he have in that tiny bucket, or what does he intend to put into it? Regardless, none of this bodes well for the duration of the construction of this building. At this rate it will be years in the making. However I am, once again, reminded of human perseverance in the face of monumental tasks.
The ability we humans have to adapt to the most horrific situations is a constant reminder of our resilience, determination, courage and creativity.
And I take great solace in that.
Wow, Hilde Morin’s work is really fabulous! Where did you find her? She might be a good person for QBL? What do you think?
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Yes! She would be wonderful for QBL. I saw her work years ago on Pinterest and then began following each other on IG.
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I actually wrote to Donna, and she replied saying she’s tried to get her, but at least st that time she wasn’t available. Oh well!
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I had a feeling Donna would have known of her. I believe she is quite popular. Maybe a year in the future!
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I love your daily reminders of what people can do to make this crazy time productive. Bridger has had to shut down his restaurant in Aspen. Still he provides take-out which gives work for his chefs and staffers, food for those workers who cannot take the time to make it themselves or don’t have the resources. Thank you! ❤️ Mom
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Hi Mom! ❤️❤️❤️ I had heard that. I’m glad he’s able to at least do take out and hopefully we will have a vaccine within the next 6 months or so. Love you Mom. ❤️
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Thank you for showing us great views of the city. It makes me feel like I can breathe! I love the colors and textures Hilde Morin uses! Be well!
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Thank you Kathy. New York is such a wonderful city. ❤️
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Our cities are also allowing sidewalk dining expanding onto roadways and even parking lots and alleyways to help restaurants. I agree it will be interesting to see what they do in the future to allow some to maintain these open air eateries.
Some of our municipalities are voting on allowing open consumption of alcohol in certain areas of some parks in their cities.
I’m thankful that 32 years ago I chose to come and look at a fairly new development along the Fraser River which has become my my respite and holiday and home all in one.
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It helps enormously to have a nice place to live. We are very fortunate and it is something I am grateful for every single day.
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this pandemic is terrifying but the human being is full of resources
you have to believe in his creativity
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Yes, I agree. Thank you again for your translations of my instructions! ❤️
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