By Scott Shephard

I don't think I've ever been a fan of Macy's Thanksgiving parade, mainly because of the way it's broadcast - I don't like all of the cheesy lip-synching celebrities pausing to do their thing in front of the Today Show folks.

But seeing it live from 9 stories above The Avenue of the Americas? Wonderful! The opportunity for this arose when Molly, daughter-in-law Katie's sister, invited us, along with her parents, to be part of an annual "parade party" at Daruma Capital Management, the firm she works at.

The firm is housed in a building known as the Bryant Park Studios, which, at the turn of the century, had two dozen double height studio spaces created expressly for artists and photographers. The great photographer Edward Steichen once worked here.

Was I channeling Steichen as I took this photo? Sorry, but no. I don't think he would have found the Pillsbury Dough Boy worthy. He was more into glamour shots.

Anyway, It was fun to stand on the two foot walkway outside the 9th floor and see the parade - even if it was cold, breezy and snowing.

Thank you Molly and Daruma Capital Management!

Canon 5DIII 1/250s f/5.6 ISO400 105mm

A few more photos of the parade and those who watched it: