New York Botanical Gardens

Today, we went with Steve, Dorthea and Caroline to the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. This is already pretty exciting, as you have to take the proper train (not just the subway) to get there. So remote is it, that trains run only once an hour.

I was hoping that there would be Bluet (flowers) in the garden, as I have yet to see them. However, we didn't see any - maybe they don't grow well in New York? We did see some chipmunks (which are like small stripy squirrels), a very tame rabbit (probably gone rogue from some nearby houses), and heard lots of frogs. Bluet was alert, then tired, then asleep in her carrier but hopefully all these experiences sink in somewhere.

For our picnic, we packed fine cheeses, bread, kippers, crackers and some peas - Bluet got milk. Again. Unfortunately, due to bizarre New York laws, presumably a hangover from prohibition, drinking of wine with your picnic is forbidden in the gardens, and indeed in all New York parks.

Then we went round the glasshouses - we've been to the orchid show there before, and it was very similar to that, but without the orchids. Still, I enjoy the smell as it reminds me of the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge, which we used to go visit every time anyone came to visit us in Cambridge when we were kids - from what I recall, my Dad had his own key, and there was a donkey.There are also lots of awesome cacti.

(an old picture of the glasshouse)

Once we got home, Bluet was exhausted after such exertion (she slept on the train too), and after eating some more, she had a good long nap, whilst Emily went to yoga and I read my book.

Right now she is awake again, and Emily is teaching her to shake her head.