st. patrick's day

today we read about clara schumann, did the usual school work, and took a walk on the high line. bodnant viburnum was beginning to bloom, along with an as yet unidentified bud. i think it's a type of witch hazel (jelena, pallida or sunburst are supposed to be blooming).

witch hazel?

everyone is taking pictures on the high line. i think we all look a little foolish with our giant cameras, medium sized cameras and cell phones.

woman photographing . . a lollipop?

m and c are discussing "should we walk on the rail . . " or not. sometimes being a kid in the city is all about what you can get away with when security isn't looking. today there was no security in sight and chanda actually managed to walk the railroad track. it was a good time to do it, as the plants were all cut flat and she had a clear path.

bodnant viburnum

here are m and c having our first cones of the season. we went down to chelsea market to the gelato stand. m chose arrenano ciliegia (ameratto cherry) and lampone del cioccolato (chocolate raspberry). c chose frutta di bosco y cafe, and i had limone y cafe.

this is the clara schumann book we read. her father was very strict with her when she was a child . . however, later on in her adult years she credits his discipline with giving her the strength to care for her eight children after robert schumann entered an asylum. she was a very special and talented and strong woman. her life story was inspiring . . but also a little sad.

morgana has been reading about marian anderson. she is really enjoying it and says the book is very interesting. i would love to have heard her sing! the performing arts library has a sound recording of her and i've placed a hold on it.

i made irish soda bread today, from my la leche league cookbook, whole foods for the whole family. i added extra butter . . so it's very buttery . . almost like a giant scone. (oh, and i did wear a green shirt).