New York dogs

I know it's a cliche that Brits are pet-crazy but I actually think New Yorkers take it several steps further. It seems like everyone here has a dog (despite the fact that nobody has a garden) and they completely dote on them.

I was already dreaming of life with a puppy before we moved and New York has definitely made me more dog crazy than ever. 

So here are some of my attempts at NYC canine street photography/anthropology...

New York dogs have extensive wardrobes (usually involving lots of pink)...

They always seem to welcome attention from strangers on the street...

When they wear little orange jackets it means they're looking to be adopted 

(super tempting)...

They take their skincare regime very seriously...

They have their own parks....

And their own spa hotels (seriously)...

And doggy camps...

And even their own food trucks...

They often travel in packs...

They are totally relaxed about riding the Subway...

They love a lazy Saturday morning at Chelsea Antiques Garage...

They come in a surprising range of sizes, I have seen many dogs as large as the average Manhattan apartment (this one here is waiting for a chicory latte in Park Slope)...

They can often be seen playing in pet shop windows (which I suspect is a horrible business I want to know nothing more about)...

They seem to enjoy the New York winter despite some totally unnecessary raincoats and boots...

They wait patiently outside shops and sushi bars around the city....

And wait at home for their dog walker or owners to return...

They make excellent shopping assistants...

They often (more often than you might like to imagine) are too pampered to walk...

They can calmly navigate crazy New York traffic... 

And like all New Yorkers they will never turn down a free accessory 

(last Sunday every dog on the Upper West Side was wearing a purple neck scarf to support the American Cancer Society's 'bark for life' campaign)

And if you want to see more New York dogs (and even some cats) our friend Patrick is much better at capturing them than me! 

Saturday sunshine

This week has been grey, cool and often drizzly. 

But last weekend was perfect sunshine so we made the most of Saturday and got outdoors. 

It was so nice to walk along the Highline for the first time since February. I couldn't believe how green and full of flowers, birds and new artwork it was. I do love that park. We spent a good while sitting on the lovely smooth wood benches watching people go by.

Then we did a spot of shopping and had a quick lunch in Chelsea Market before heading back uptown. We intended to walk home via Central Park but instead ended up walking up Broadway and had our first proper explore of the Lincoln Center during daylight hours.  It's another little oasis of peace right in the middle of the city and there's so much great stuff going on there. 

A really fun day out in the city with satisfactorily tired feet and pink noses by evening!

Celebrating

I've had some brilliant news this week and will officially be in permanent employment as of Monday! 

I really couldn't be happier with my new job.

This feels like a big step in our New York adventure (and was one of the biggest, scariest unknowns when we moved) so it seemed only right to go straight out and celebrate with watermelon & basil margaritas and some delicious tacos.

 My plans for my last three days of freedom include finishing up my final freelance projects, a farewell pizza lunch with the team I've been volunteering with, one last quiet weekday trip to the Met, a much-needed haircut and, of course, some pre-new job shopping!

Easter Sunday day-trip

Easter Sunday, blue skies and what felt like the first day of summer seemed like good enough reasons to get out of the city for a day with Mum and Simon. 

We decided to get the train up the Hudson river (a scenic trip in itself) to Beacon to visit the Dia Art Foundation which everyone in New York seems to be talking about at the moment.

The gallery is housed in a former printing factory right by the river and is a really incredible venue. Absolutely huge and so bright and characterful. 

It was very calming, enjoyable and totally engrossing.

I would definitely recommend a trip.

Dave's favourite pieces included giant metal drums with disorientating maze type paths through them and (of course!) a huge rock.

They also have a beautiful and very well looked after garden filled with blossom trees and a tropical soundscape.

After lunch in the garden we hopped one more stop on the train to Cold Spring village (which I'd previously visited with Susie) for a walk, some big house spying, antique hunting (I found a great vintage tennis racket for $10 which I love!) and most importantly the very first ice-cream of the season.

So excited for a New York summer now!