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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Brooklyn Bridge Park


In the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, along the waterfront of the East River, the once busy Brooklyn waterfront consisted of six piers and defunct bulk cargo shipping and storage complexes, built by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the 1950s but rendered obsolete by the rise of container shipping in the 1980's. Left abandoned, the piers and buildings were an eyesore until neighborhood advocacy and government funding allowed the vision of turning this prime waterfront property into a park a reality for all to enjoy.
 (All photos in my blog will enlarge if clicked on once, and then again when they re-open on a new page.)



Still under construction, the new Brooklyn Bridge Park is 85 acres of green space and recreational facilities, designed by landscape architecture firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, and will soon span 1.3 miles of post-industrial waterfront between north of the Manhattan Bridge and Atlantic Avenue.



This sign shows the areas of the park that has been completed colored in light blue, and the areas still under construction in the dark blue.


A bicycle rentals stand in the park.

The park encourages visitors "to stroll, bike, boat, learn and play amid the stunning views of the bridge, harbor and skyline."


You can have a picnic, using the tables provided...



...or by sitting on an expanse of lawn.



You can sit and admire the Manhattan skyline and watch the boat traffic go by in the East River....


....or walk along a series of paths on the waterfront that has an ever changing view to enjoy.


You can see views of New York Harbor...


...with the Statue of Liberty in the distance.


There are plenty of paths at different levels in the park...


....that are lined with trees and pocket gardens filled with native flowers and shrubs.


This collage shows some of the flowers I found along the park paths--Black eyed Susan daisies, wild pink roses, day lilies and even wild raspberries!



There are two innovative children's playgrounds located in the park.


This playground was smaller for young toddlers.


There are even free "Movies With A View" nights being held in the park thsi summer!


I had to include this photo of the eastern part of the park, as the building you see under construction in the background, with the cranes on top, is the new World Trade Center building. You can watch a video about the progress of the building and the 9-11 memorial waterfalls pools at this link.



The Brooklyn Bridge Park is still under construction, and it is projected that approximately two-thirds of the park will be completed by 2013. It will tie in with the existing Empire--Fulton Ferry Park, which is undergoing improvements including a Jean Nouvel-designed pavilion to house a restored 1922 carousel, which you can see in the sign above.

This aerial shot from the Buildipedia web site shows an artist interpretation of how the park will look when fully completed. It will include several floating pathways, boardwalks and beaches, fishing piers, and safe water for paddling in kayaks and canoes.  There will also be 40 acres of recreational space including tennis, handball, basketball, and volleyball courts; playing fields for soccer, softball, and lacrosse; hockey and ice skating rinks; plenty of playgrounds; a bike path; and a year-round indoor recreational facility.  You can see a diagram of how the entire park will look at this link, and you can read the park's blog at this link.


Brooklyn Bridge Park _ Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates from stephen knifton on Vimeo.

You can watch the video above that shows some views of how this area looked before the park was built and also gives very interesting information about how the park was built using almost all reclaimed and recycled material.  You can also watch the video on this web link.

I hope that I've encouraged you to consider visiting the wonderful borough of  Brooklyn in New York City. There's a lot to see in Brooklyn, and now another beautiful park to enjoy!

I'm linking to "Outdoor Wednesday" event on Susan's blog "A Southern Daydreamer," and for the first time, Watery Wednesday and "Pink Saturday" at Beverly's How Sweet The Sound blog. Please visit all these wonderful blogs and join in all the fun!



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78 comments:

  1. What an incredible view from the park and it looks so people friendly too. The sailboat almost looks like a toy compared to the tall buildings. What a place to live.
    Sam

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  2. Pat, I was born and raised here, yet when I visit your blog, I see the city in such a different light, you actually "enhance" it for me! And I would love to move somewhere else. Then I go on a "tour" with you, and I am like, wow, Brooklyn looks so beautiful. Never thought that way when I lived there. There is something magical about your photos, I believe your lens just "enhances" the place! xo

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  3. Pat, You got some wonderful and interesting shots of the views surrounding the bridge in addition to the bridge itself. One of the things that I have always liked about the Brooklyn Bridge is that it is so humanly accessible as compared to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Love that little picture of the Black Eyed Susans too ;)

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  4. Part II, I honestly think your blog/photos boosts tourism. Mayor Bloomberg needs to give you the key to the city. :) xo,

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  5. Ah, that brings back happy memories!

    We went to one of the outdoor cinema shows when we visited the city last year.

    Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" against the wonderful backdrop of the Manhattan Skyline.

    It is a beautiful Park and a credit to the many volunteers who help to keep it looking lovely!

    Wonderful pictures, by the way!

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  6. How wonderful this will all be!! In the seventh picture, what is the building on the far left that is kind of short and has all those levels and outcroppings? It is unlike all the others. I love those two playgrounds! the one for older kids so modernistic.

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  7. I loved that clip!! I loved how the architects etc used reclaimed wood, used all the abandoned industrial stuff left behind and reshaped, remoulded, reused them for the park!

    And this is not a park! It;s something else! WOW!!!! How beautiful. I like how one of the interviewed people in the film says something about this being the industrial glacier receding. It's receding and being reclaimed by something aesthetic!! I love how this park is turning out to be and how so many in the business and civic world are involved. A rare thing!

    New Yorkers can only benefit - it's lovely!!!! Take care
    x

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  8. That is just awesome, Pat... It looks so pretty and clean. Hope they will keep it looking good... Your area definitely needs great parks like that --since there is not much green space anywhere else.

    Thanks for sharing such a gorgeous park. I'm SO impressed.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  9. Great shots! What kind of camera do you use?

    I didn't know they were planning in building a park...that's so great!! I can't wait to see (from photos, I'm sure) what it will look like!

    <3-Cami from
    Serendipitious Life

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  10. The views are beautiful. I love to see cities invest in the community with parks and green spaces.

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  11. You Brooklynites have the best views of the city. Your photos make me want to come and visit the park. I second the comment that the mayor should give you a key to the city - and a job on the tourism board.

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  12. Another beautiful park. What a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the view. I like that they included pocket gardens. I agree with Barbara F. Your photos are magical! ~ Sarah

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  13. I have to admit that taking the subway to Brooklyn and then walking around and finally crossing over the Brooklyn Bridge was one of the best memories I have of New York. I would love to live in Brooklyn.

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  14. Beautiful photos ... I want to visit again, it's been way too long. A good friend lived 'in the shadow' of the Brooklyn Bridge months ago when he directed several episodes of 'In Treatment' for HBO. He so enjoyed it .. different from Los Angeles where he lives.

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  15. Hello Pat, yep it's me alive and kicking. what a summer we have had so far. Not a minute to spare for my dear computer friends. I miss you. AND your awesome posts.

    This park is so wonderful and I have to say a great contribution to a city that has so many TALL buildings. What a view of Manhattan Skyline, New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Not to mention the playgrounds and lovely flowers.Thank you for sharing your corner of the city Pat. It does make me want to go to Brooklyn. I have been in Manhattan and loved that part of New York City. There is so much more to see.

    I hope all is well with you and yours. I truly have missed you Pat.
    Love , Jeanne

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  16. I really enjoyed touring the new park and seeing the NYC waterfront from your perspective. I haven't been to NYC since the summer of 2004 - I miss it and am inspired to visit soon after reading your post. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures.
    ~Lynn
    www.cottageandcreek.com

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  17. Wow. This is such a wonderful use of city space. What a turn-around. The views are spectacular. My mind is boggled by your fabulous photos, Pat. As usual. This looks like a must-see destination. Thanks for sharing this with us. Again, I say: Wow.

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  18. A lot going on in NYC. Brooklyn has never looked more lovely. Your photographs are, as always, wonderful. It must be a good feeling to be able to get away from the city atmosphere to a more relaxed and beautiful spot overlooking the harbor.

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  19. This is so gorgeous Pat. We really enjoyed hanging out in this park. I would love to stay in Brooklyn longer next time.

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  20. Ok, now I know I will come back and this time spend it in Brooklyn!

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  21. I think it's wonderful that you're getting so much new green space in your part of the world...all I remeber about NYC when I visited as a child was concrete and tall buildings...this looks wonderful...and what a view!!

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  22. This is just fantastic! And the views are stunning. You really are such a wonderful tour guide for Brooklyn, I love it's rich history and it's future. Just beautiful.

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  23. Gorgeous photos of NY! I love bridges and your photography is excellent...Christine

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  24. Lovely park! The views are to die for!! Visiting from Outdoor Wed...

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  25. What a wonderful idea for a park. My Dad sold life insurance to seamen along the waterfront for many years. As he got older and things changed he switched to selling insurance to long shoremen at Port Newark. I wish my Dad was still around to see the changes. Quite an improvement. I enjoyed all your picures and the video too.

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  26. Cityscapes are one of my favorite to look at online. I like seascapes the best. I would certainly like to visit some of the wonderful sites you posted.
    Joyce M

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  27. You really do live in an interesting, beautiful place. Thanks for all the information and pictures you pass on. Makes me want to visit!

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  28. Your photos are always stunningly beautiful, and make me want to book a flight to NYC immediately! I love that city!!!

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  29. Oh wow! You have brought me on a tour of your beautiful city. I know where to take beautiful photos if I have the chance to visit NY. Brookyn Bridge is awesome!

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  30. Your photo's are as allways fantastic Pat. What a beautiful city it is and what a good idea to make a park there. Beautiful views of the bridge and its surroundings. Have a nice day!

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  31. You gave me a great tour, reminded me of my trips in 1976 when I climbed up the Statue of Liberty.

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  32. A very informative post. I enjoyed the video. It is so heartening to see how we are starting to build with recycled materials. I remember seeing some of the park on the jetties when we went on a harbour cruise. Unfortunately it was wet and grey that day.

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  33. It seems to me New York is ahead of the game in providing green space for it`s citizens. This is so important. I think it keeps people sane. Thank you for sharing.

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  34. I always enjoy walking along with you as you go on your photo shoots Pat. The sklyine and sparkling water are the most gorgeous shades of blue in the bright sunshine. It's great to see that the industrial eyesores left behind are now being turned into wonderful green space for residents of that area.

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  35. Hey Pat, this is one of my favorite post, looks like the Brooklyn Bridge Park is going to be just as popular as Central park, I would love to have a picnic basket filled with a lovely lunch and spread a blanket on the ground and just enjoy for HOURS!
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

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  36. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my Two Happy blog! Ragdoll cats are so beautiful and interesting, are they not? Your blog is wonderful! Your photos are perfect and most beautiful! We are originally from Auburn NY and I only visited NYC once in my whole life! It was great! Kerrie

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  37. The next time I go to NY, I'm going to Brooklyn! :D :D

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  38. If I ever get to New York......

    Sigh!

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  39. I like seeing what you see in and around NYC. The views you show are wonderful and seem a great way to spend time outdoors.

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  40. Pat, these are wonderful photographs. I'm so glad you included the last one with the cranes at the World Trade Center. As I started looking at your photos the first thing I missed were the twin towers. Their absence is heartbreaking. What a beautiful place with breathtaking views and parks. I'm so glad you shared this in your post.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  41. What an incredible place to spend time. I could just sit and soak up those views for hours.......Beautiful, beautiful

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  42. Pat,what a fantastic pics! love NY!

    XOXO

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  43. Pat, Hi you made amazing post!
    What an incredible view from the park, lovely pics

    I love NY!

    Fantastic, so blue

    xoxo

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  44. It looks like the perfect spot to sit and enjoy some ice-cream and the view on a hot summer's day! Great photos.

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  45. Hi Pat,
    This park looks absolutely amazing! I would love to visit Brooklyn and see this magnificent park. I'm so glad that big cities are building so many green spaces on the water front. It makes cities so much more enjoyable.
    Hugs, Cindy

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  46. SPECTACULAR views from every spot! Thank you so much for this post, Pat! You are sure making me want to visit NY. blessings ~ Tanna

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  47. That's gonna be awesome! Thanks for sharing.
    Jeanni

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  48. Pat, this is the most wonderful post! I cannot imagine coming to New York, especially in good weather months, without spending some time here. What magnificent views it affords of Manhattan and its surroundings.

    You certainly do a most amazing job of showing the world the wonderful places to see and sharing the joys of your part of the world.

    http://millefiorifavoriti.blogspot.com/2011/07/brooklyn-bridge-park.html

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  49. Oh, I would love to visit Brooklyn. Maybe by the time I'm able to, the park will be done. For now, though, you wrote this so well and (as always) included such awesome photos that I felt I was there, walking along the paths, enjoying the view and smelling the flowers. Great post!

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  50. Pat, I spent about an hour yesterday trying to decide what area to book a hotel. The decisions are endless. I love this view .. .maybe I'll look to see what it available close to this new park.

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  51. This has to be the best use of a derilict industrial site next to the water in such a great location!! The views are wonderful :)

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  52. Wow, I just cannot believe how many improvements have been made since I lived in New York. What a lovely park. Now is that part of Brooklyn Brooklyn Heights? It looks so lovely.

    Karen

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  53. What a beautiful green space they've created for all to enjoy! The view from the park is beautiful too. Thank you for the wonderful tour of this great park!

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  54. It is hard for me to even imagine there would be that much green space left up there. This is a phenomenal undertaking and one the people of Brooklyn are going to enjoy for years and years to come. I hope the funds do not get cut before they are able to connect up the parks and put on the final touches. I enjoyed all of your photos showing me all of the different views. What a wonderful presentation you made for all of us to enjoy this week. Genie

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  55. Wow that park is going to be wonderful with something for everyone when it is finished. It is good to see that green space is valued in a city which probably has one of the highest prices per square foot of land in the world. I wish our council would value our green spaces as highly and stop trying to build on them.

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  56. You have some awesome shots of the city and it's surroundings.Thanks for sharing....

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  57. Simply STUNNING views here, PAT! It was nearly 15 years ago that I visited the Park. It looks even more beautiful now. Must get back there sometime. It's a green gem for the city. Happy Weekend, my friend ((HUGS))

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  58. The juxtaposition of the gentle sailboat amid the bustling buildings and harbor really earned a huge smile. I still think there's a NC coffee table book in your future. I'd be the first to in line to buy it. Happy shout-outs for those who are making the park possible.

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  59. What a wonderful post, Pat. I can tell you love your city. I've never been there...and hope to go sometime.
    It's amazing what a beautiful park they are building.
    xo bj

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  60. I have got to visit this park, it's beautiful!!

    your photos are wonderful

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  61. Pat, what a wonderful post. I do miss New York. Thank you for a pick me up NYC style! :-)

    Happy Pink Saturday! Have a wonderful week.

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  62. Stunning shots all! Never been there, but seems like I need to go and experience it for myself. blessings, k

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  63. Love NY to visit. There is such wonderful sights & places to enjoy. You captured it beautifully, Pat.

    Happy PS weekend.
    TTFN ~
    Marydon

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  64. I am in awe of the beauty of the city, Pat! You always capture the very heart and soul of it! :-) Sue

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  65. My goodness...what a wonderful idea to turn that into a park! So much to do and the view is to die for!

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  66. Thanks for the wonderful post with info that I enjoy! I always learn something new and see New York in a different light! Very different from the small town I live in! enjoy your weekend! ♥

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  67. Happy Pink Saturday Pat Sweetie...
    What a gorgeous share today. I have never been to NY, so I thank you for the beautiful tour. The Brooklyn Bridge is so beautiful. It is hard for me to imagine how on earth they built that, and it carries so many back and forth across each day.

    The park is so beautiful. How fun it would be to sit and picnic and have that gorgeous view to look at. The sailboat is so beautiful with its sail in the wind. You captured that one at the right time sweetie.

    The Manhattan sky light took my breath away. How gorgeous is that? I can only imagine how beautiful it would be at night with the lights.

    Thank you sweetie for taking me along this gorgeous tour today. I so enjoyed myself. Have a glorious weekend. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  68. Wow...those are some great shots....picture postcard perfect....fabulous...
    Thank you for sharing with us.
    Have a pinkishly beautiful weekend

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  69. Beautiful, Pat! You capture it all. How are you doing in this heat?
    I saw on the news even Central park was pretty empty, just too hot!

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  70. This might be my favorite post of yours yet as its an area we hold dear in our memories of taking our young boys there frequently. We had a Greek restaurant there we loved, and of course the--is it southstreet seaport..not sure I have the name right at this moment. The park looks amazing and what fun that would have been! I'm yearning to go back ....

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  71. Hi Pat!!! Ive been AWOL for awhile but im back..i see your posts are a fantastic as ever...and now that my son is going to NY Film Academy i promise i will start visiting all the great places you post!

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  72. Hi Pat!

    Love the Big Apple shots! Watche the new" Arthur" last night--great NYC -shots too.

    Been to Veneiro's for pastry lately?

    Missed you Pat!

    HPS!

    love, kelee katillac

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  73. I've always wanted to sit on that expanse of lawn - you see it so often in the movies!

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  74. What a wonderful place to live!

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  75. Fab photos, Pat. Reminded me of a picnic lunch last time I was over - the daffodils were out under Manhattan Bridge ( I think) You've inspired me to look through my own photos. Thank you!

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  76. I would love to have you be my tour guide! You are such a wonderful lady with such terrific stories to tell! I enjoy knowing you! Anne

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  77. I'm longing to be there someday...

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