Williamsburg Bridge {New York City}

 

It may not be as famous or as picturesque as the Brooklyn Bridge, but the Williamsburg Bridge is a nice alternative trip to the now-crowded Brooklyn Bridge. Walking the Williamsburg Bridge takes you from South Williamsburg to Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

On the Brooklyn side, the Williamsburg Bridge has two separate entrances to the bridge: one for pedestrians and one for bike riders. The lanes aren’t side by side like they are on the Brooklyn Bridge. Word of advice, and this is mainly to the pedestrians, make sure you’re on the correct side. The cyclists travel fast, it’s dangerous to be in their lane, and they will let you know that you are an idiot (that's putting it mildly...usually f***ing idiot or something involving the f-bomb is more like it) for walking on their side.

Other suggestions:

• Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The incline to get on the Williamsburg Bridge is steep, the walkway is made of concrete, and you are most likely walking to a destination. Make sure your feet feel good. High heels aren't a smart choice. Cute, yes; smart, no.

• Remember to bring your camera. Looking downtown, you will see the Brooklyn Bridge. Looking uptown, you’ll see all of midtown and the magnificent Manhattan skyline. Look back and you’ll see Williamsburg and the graffitied buildings next to the bridge. And be sure to look at the bridge. The graffiti artists are quite bold in the placement of their art. It is everywhere!

Nice to know...

Graffiti spanning the bridge

I took a big risk taking a pic at the end of the bike lane.
This guy almost ran me over!

Brooklyn Bridge {New York City}

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous and magnificent landmarks in New York City. It spans the East River and connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Traffic going to Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Bridge walk is about 1.3 miles long so use some common sense as you take this memorable stroll.

It has designated pedestrian and bicycle lanes. If you are a pedestrian, STAY IN THE PEDESTRIAN LANE. Most of the bicyclists are not leisurely riding. They are on a mission to get to the other side and if you are in their lane, they will yell and cuss at you. The bicyclists are not nice if you’re in their space.  

Everyone's staying on their side

Since it is a long walk, wear comfortable walking shoes. High heels are always cute but they don’t work on this walk. Small heels get caught in the planks of wood.

Beautiful views are everywhere so DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! Take time to admire the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor. Notice the massive cables that hold this bridge up, look up at the tower to see the American flag blowing in the breeze, be amazed where graffiti artists have tagged the bridge, smile at the love locks along the way, and just be glad that you are walking rather than being in the traffic madness below you.

The cables and Old Glory

The love locks

Brooklyn, traffic and love locks

The beautiful Manhattan skyline

First Dog

A couple months before my 40th birthday, my first real pet, a chocolate lab, came into my life.

I was not an animal lover and at that time in my life a dog was the very last thing that I needed or wanted. My daughter was on vacation with her best friend when I got THE phone call. 

"Mom, Sally had her puppies and Campbells said I could have one since I helped deliver them!" 

My reaction was not an excited one. I was not happy about that 40th birthday staring me in the face, I was working on my Master's degree, my four kids were in 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th grades, all playing soccer and involved in lots of other activities, Hubs traveled a lot. All of them wanted a puppy. The kids PROMISED they would take care of the dog. I would not have to do a thing...I was outvoted 5-1. I tried my best not to like this puppy but he was persistent and would follow me around, giving me the look that said, "You know you like me." It took very little time until he found his spot in our crazy family routine and in my heart. 

Fast forward to 15 years later and another first. Old age had taken its toll on Coby and his legs gave out on him. He was not able to walk. I tried to call the vet but I could not get the words out to make the appointment to euthanize him. Hubs had to make the call.

The whole family was devastated. Coby had been my oldest child's dog for over half of his life. My daughter brought him into this world. My third child wanted a puppy more than another sibling. She followed me around the house with a cheer she made up: "P-U-PP-Y, Get one, Get one!" The youngest was in 2nd grade and he and Coby grew up together. My mom loved Coby. She called him a fine, fine dog. And he was. 

Today is the first year anniversary we said good-bye to our beloved first pet. I miss seeing him on his spot on the lawn. I miss him cocking his head when I would talk to him, me thinking that look meant "I love you," but it probably meant "When are you going to feed me?"I miss him always being ready to go bye-bye...such a great car companion. I miss his gentle, sweet demeanor. I miss seeing him laying in the corner in my bedroom.

Loving Coby brought great joy to our lives and saying good-bye to him brought great sadness. But we were blessed to have him be a part of our family for 15 years. That treasure will never be forgotten.

Coby and his spot

So happy to be going bye-bye

See how everyone changed in 15 years ~

Snaaaaaake!

I was in the grass cutting "zone"...thinking about cutting the grass, planting my vegetable garden, and compiling a list of chores to get done that day. All at once I see this. 

First thought, "Oh my God a snake." 

I was going at a pretty good pace and my second thought was, "Don't run over it because there will be snake guts all over the yard." Ew. 

Third thought, "Get a grip. It's a stick." 

Yep. It's a stick.