Spring Is Busting Out All Over Central Park and The City

It is hard to imagine that we are at the tail end of one of the mildest winters in memory. We had only one winter storm and that occurred in October. 


Jane and I judge winter by how many days we could not take our usual 1 1/2 mile morning walk. This year that totaled 2 days. 


Unbelievable!


Last week during our walk in Central Park, we saw a once in a lifetime scene. We spotted two Drakes (male ducks, for you city folk) sexually harassing a poor female duck. She was doing everything possible to avoid the inevitable. Not being voyeurs, we did not wait for this to come to what we believed was a forgone conclusion.


This blog starts on one of the most important days in the City, March 17th (aka as St. Patrick's Day). A day in which according to legend everyone is Irish. The wearing of green is something to see as it appears on every type of wearing apparel imaginable.Unlike many past St. Patrick's Days, today is picture perfect. A bit on the cool side, but perfect for both the spectators and marchers. 


The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place on Fifth Avenue in New York City on March 17, 1762--sixteen years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. 


Longer than Cats ran on Broadway.


As the city grew, so did the route of march. Today it starts on Fifth Avenue 42nd Street and ends on 86th Street. In my youth (yes, I once was young!), I lived on 96th Street between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue. The parade passed under my window late into the night long after many of the residents of the buildings on the parade route were trying to sleep.

Today, the route of march will be 10 blocks shorter ending on 86th Street. It should be noted that this is truly a "march" as unlike most parades there are no floats or any type of motorized vehicles. Everyone involved walks the route until the final inch is covered. The hundreds of thousands of spectators have a beautiful day to watch the entire parade.


What has changed is what happens after the parade. In the good old days, the marchers ended up on Third Avenue which was the land of bars. True to the legend about the Irish loving their drink, this day made the financial year for the bars and small stores dispensing liquid refreshments. 


I still remember the sight of policeman (from NYC and neighboring communities), standing (sort of) cheek to jowl sipping their beer. They had slightly red faces (even on the warmest of days), jackets unbuttoned ( a sight to behold as unlike today the cops of yore had protruding bellies), heavy pistols threatening to pull their pants down around their ankles and big buttons reading "Kiss me I'm Irish". Truly a sight never to be forgotten.


The reality of today is that the neighborhood has changed dramatically. I have no idea what all the "good time Charlies" do when they see that the watering holes have been replaced by high priced lattes and designer clothes. 


I will not be attending this year's parade as I had enough in my childhood. There is no doubt in my mind that I will not be missed. AND there is no doubt that new watering holes will be found and lots of girls will be kissed.


We can only hope that nine months from now there is not an uptick in births recorded.


On second thought, the parade always needs new marchers.


This parade marks the official start of the season for New York City parades. St.Patrick's Day Parade is the first of the three big events; followed by the Puerto Rican, and Israeli Independence Day Parade.

As President George Bush said, "Bring 'em on!"