Did you guess? My secret birthday destination was The Conservatory Garden in Central Park, which is home to the statue commemorating Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden (one of my all-time favorite books). I’ve had this on my list of things to do for *months* and finally made it up there today after going for a walk in Prospect Park this morning. There are three or four trees around the park’s perimeter that stop you in your tracks, their color is so vibrant–leaves aflame. And then I headed uptown to the garden (after stopping at Billy’s for a slice of peanut butter & chocolate cake), and there were flowers everywhere–such a contrast of colors! There was actually a wedding taking place right by the statue so I had to wait until the bride said “I do” before slipping in to take these photos. Physical therapy wasn’t exactly fun, but it contributes to better health for my back, and I still managed to reach the post office in time, AND I got some lip gloss before hopping on the train and coming home…thanks VERY much to everyone for their warm birthday wishes; as I stood by the fountain, I considered tossing a coin in but then realized most of my wishes have come true lately. Here’s to another productive, creative year filled with laughter, good health, and the company of loved ones!
The Vanderbilt Gate
Korean chrysanthemums
German sculptor Walter Schott’s Three Dancing Maidens
The Burnett Fountain
What lovely pictures! I have never been to Central Park, so I appreciate the sharing of its treasures. And the opportunity to join you vicariously for peanut butter and chocolate cake! I’m so glad you had a nice birthday!
I couldn’t even FINISH my slice of cake! for years I’ve been saying I’m going to take a walking tour of Central Park–it’s so massive, and I live near the smaller replica in Brooklyn, Prospect Park, which is lovely and much more manageable. But there’s lot of history in Central Park, including Seneca Village, a mixed-race community from the 1800s that got wiped out when Central Park came to be…on a lighter note, there’s also a zoo and carousel!