Saturday, October 30, 2010

Bronx Zoo . . . Bringing Back Memories

One of my early posts when I started this blog was about my grandma. I shared a sketch I did of her and shared how close we were. (You can read that post here) She was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. I was also born there. She lived only a few miles from the Bronx Zoo. Most weekends growing up she would take my brother and I on the bus to the zoo. We loved it. I have only fond memories of my time spent with her there.

Today my husband and I went there and it was a beautiful day. It is the first time I have been back there in about 20 years. It was a strange feeling being there without her. When I saw the gates at the entrance (pictured above)and the familiar buildings my eyes welled up with tears. It was something I didn't expect and fought them back. Once we started walking around I felt better. I didn't want to feel sad although part of me did. Its strange how everything looks so much bigger when you are a child. I was happy though to be back there with my husband. I took so many photos!

This photo is of the Bronx River. I love the fall leaves.

I love these old concrete buildings that are found throughout the zoo.

This fountain caught my eye when we were in the butterfly house.

And here is a cutie pie sea lion! It was always my favorite stop as a kid. I loved to watch them swimming around!

I am hoping you will indulge me as I plan on sharing more zoo photos in an upcoming post! Stay tuned for some butterflies!

8 comments:

  1. Share away Cathy, love the photos. I understand how you feel. I have moments that remind me of my grandma and start crying out of the blue. I'm glad you were able to share new memories with your sweetheart at the zoo.
    ♥Jenny

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  2. Lovely way to honor your Grandmother and family to visit this amazing zoo. Looking forward to enjoying more photos.

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  3. I went back and read your post about your Grandmother. I think it's good that you have all these fond memories of her, she will always be with you. That's a great zoo, I love the building and the water fall. Now you are starting your zoo memories with your husband. Maybe some day you can take you pug baby with you. Nice post Cathy. Have a great Sunday Halloween.

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  4. Cathy, What great photos!! I wasn't here when you first started blogging, so it was nice to go back and see the photo of your grandma...with that special gleam in her eye. :-) It must have been really hard to go back to the zoo after such a long time and not have her with you. I learned in reading your earlier post that you lost her right in the middle of your chemo treatments too!! WOW! No wonder there are such powerful feelings associated. I don't celebrate Halloween, but I do celebrate your being a survivor!! I'm happy to have the opportunity to get to know you, and by association...your fancy hatted grandma! She looks like someone I would love to meet one day! :-)

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  5. Hi Cathy, do not be sad, it's nice to remember the past and the things we
    glad they did!
    The place is beautiful and just improved a bit with painting if you ask
    I can paint the picture of the Bronx River.

    Good day!

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  6. What a beautiful place! You are very lucky to have such memories, even though they bring a tear to your eye. I'm looking forward to seeing more photos.

    Happy Sunday

    xx

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  7. Wonderful photos!! When I visted my son this summer, we went to the Bronx for about a second. Maybe next time, we'll be able to explore more!

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  8. I shared and linked back to your blog today. Hope you don't mind. I just loved this Fall scene!

    http://poetesswug-thewugsbackyardblogspot.blogspot.com/2010/11/is-there-truly-no-place-like-homeno.html

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