When you live in the city, as I do, and your main view is either the concrete building next door or your neighbor’s laundry hanging on the line, you come to appreciate the grandeur of open space… after you get your bearings, that is.

Over the summer, I spent time in Colorado. Boulder, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Red Rocks…  They were all magnificent.

The open space, for all its wonder, was also a little disconcerting. I’m used to tight streets with cars parked on both sides. I’m used to stop signs and speed bumps. I’m used to waiting 5 minutes for a break in traffic so I can pull out of my own driveway, and I’m used to circling the block several times looking for parking when I shop or visit someone local.

Driving in Colorado was, at first, like driving an SUV after driving a Mini Cooper. All that space! I felt lost and a bit overwhelmed. Until I grew used to it. Then I fell in love.

Besides the stunning views, I wanted to see wildlife. I’d heard about mountain lions coming into the town (not that I wanted an up-close and personal view of mountain lions), coyotes, wolves, elk and deer. I did see deer while taking a walk on one of the many green-area paths.

And one morning, I had the pleasure of seeing this little guy outside my door. I’m sorry about the camera shake. It’s hard to hold a camera steady when you’re laughing. 🙂

But you know, as beautiful as it was there, as spacious and friendly and clean… Dorothy was right. There’s no place like home.

A New York sunset as seen from my window

Central Park

  Above and Below – View of NYC from the Observation Deck at 30 Rock

And of course Times Square. Though not just Times Square, but the very symbol of my city…

Diversity.

Yes. It took some time to adjust to being home again but I must say, I am now happily back  in the New York groove.