Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Revisiting America

Janie and I decided to invite ladies in for coffee and goodies Tuesday morning rather than tour more countryside because we felt so compelled to thank everyone for their kindness.  Monday we cleaned a little, hid a lot of things, and made the house presentable, which is so easy to do.  I did my usual cheese squares, sausage triangles, brownies, sand tarts, and Janie did a spinach dip and fruit tray, and we had coffee and fruit juice.  Thirteen people came, which thrilled us and we had such a good time learning more about one another.  We did hate to say good-bye to most of them because some of them we will see again before we leave.  We are picking up Louise around 11:00 today, going to Windsor to visit a friend who owns a "bed and breakfast" she wants us to see, have lunch and return to get some packing done.  Then, tonight we'll enjoy "dinner and a movie" at the Senior center, I think pizza for supper and the movie,"The King's Speech" which we've been anxious to see.  That will conclude our activities here in Woodstock because we leave by 12:00 noon tomorrow.
It has been a great time here in Woodstock, and thankfully, we've been able to say about every place.

dRevisiting America

Ladies from "Hand in Hand" invited us to lunch Friday at the "Long Trail Brewery", a fun place, barn-like, noisy, casual atmosphere, and great food.  Lauren hosted this outing and we were so glad  her nephews Tyler and Traver were there, Madeline, Renett, Ann, Prue and granddaughter Jasmine.  These are such good folks that devote their time at "Hand in Hand" to carry out their Mission Statement, truly a service organization.  Lauren is the capable leader of this effort and does everything from gathering the food each week, planning the theme, assigning the volunteers, there are many, just making the whole thing work.  Lauren, Janie and I admire and respect the work you do for the community.
We were so glad to meet two sons of Scott Chisholm, our home owner.  Scott, his mom, whom we had already met, and the two boys came by to pick up the camper for a trip to the Blue Grass Festival in Tunbridge.
Sunday morning I prepared dinner before going to church with the idea in mind of inviting Brian Birdsall and daughter Tory to lunch  if they were not already scheduled.  Janie said I should let the church members have that opportunity.  Well, by now I feel like a church member, we've gotten to know so many people, have really enjoyed the pastors messages, and feel quite at home there.  I did ask Brian and Tory for lunch because they were not already spoken for.  Brian, works with Campus Crusade for Christ and has been in Kiev, Russia for almost twenty years.  Tory is a sophmore at Rice in Houston, Texas, and they are in Woodstock for the summer.
Mom, is in school in South Carolina, completing work on several degrees as she is teacher and administrator at a school for Campus Crusade for Christ worker's children.  I thought we were taping our talk during lunch, but it didn't happen, so I will tell you more later.  Brian, while a student at Dartmouth was  responsible for leading many other students to this church in Woodstock, a relationship that is continuing to this day.  I do wish them well as they continue in their work and schooling.

Revisiting America

I must catch up with my blog because we are leaving tomorrow for Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, which everyone says is so beautiful and we will love.  It will certainly have to go a long way to beat this town of Woodstock, Vermont which I would describe as an ideal place.  As we've said before, "the people make the difference".
Thursday at noon we met our special angel, Akonkha Perkins, at the Farmer's Market got sandwiches for lunch and went to the home of Louise Denham and daughter Harriet, special friends of Akonkha and now friends of ours. I hope Louise won't mind that I tell her wonderful age, 95 years old, still beautiful, gracious, quick mind, truly a southern belle.  We loved being in her beautiful home, hearing her talk about her many years, meeting daughter Harriet and hearing about all her accomplishments, meeting their friend Dee.  It was really one of the highlights of our stay here and I will go into more detail in the book.  I hope you don't tire of hearing that phrase, but it is true, we will elaborate in the book.
Then Thursday night, went to "Hand in Hand" for supper and to say our good-byes to all the ladies there.
This is truly a great organization and is well supported and attended by the townsfolk.  The volunteers are the backbone as the Mission Statement reads, but there has to be that leader that makes everything run smoothly, corordinating everything from gathering the food that will be used, planning the theme for the night, assigning all the volunteers their jobs and just "making it work".  That person is Lauren Oldenberg, and we've come to respect and admire her for her role in theis

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Revisiting America

I have typed this blog once before, it said it posted, but it is not appearing, so if it appears twice, or three times, sorry.
The mission statement of the Thompson Center for Seniors and Community reads:
It is the mission of the Thompson Center to be a multigenerational gathering place for our community.  Our programs and activities will promote the physical, intellectual and social well-being of the adult community to enhance dignity, self-worth and independence.  The Thompson Center will act as a resource and advocate for our senior population, providing timely support on issues that affect aging in our rural community
  I admire these people, Deanna Jones, Executive Director, Diana Leskovar, Program Director, Pam Butler, Asst. Director, Chef Ryan Martin (he prepares such good, tasty meals which I think is so hard to do when you prepare such quantities) who work so tirelessly to carry out these ideals.
  Janie and I were so thrilled to be invited to talk to the group about our adventure.  Everyone seemed to enjoy, asked questions, and really were encouraging.  We were so glad Deanna Heon and Barbara West could join us at the Center. 
  Audrey Richardson came by and took our picture for an article in the local paper, The Vermont Standard.
We have enjoyed our visits to the Center so much!

Revisiting America

Yesterday by the time we finished our touring we were singing, "Country Roads, Take Me Home."  I'm not real sure I can re-trace all we did but will try and you'll have to get the rest in the book.
Oh, Yes, today we get to read our interview and see our picture in the Vermont Standard.  I sure hope they print a lot of them because in Blowing Rock, NC we didn't leave many for the public to buy.
  Kuralt mentioned so many small towns in the area and we are doing our best to visit some of them.  Everyone told us to have breakfast at the Country Store in Barnard, their slogan, "the most food you'll ever eat on a paper plate"  or something like that.  It's true.  Everything homemade, so good, and the pancakes did have to go on a separate plate.  We didn't eat again until suppertime.
  Then to Chelsea to find the grave marker of the famous Justin Morgan horse.  Don't even ask.  Kuralt does mention this in the book, or we would not have ridden as many country roads as we did in an attempt to get a picture.  Thanks goodness, UPS is everywhere.  And he would have to know we took a wrong turn out of this little road, because he said, "follow me, I'm going almost there.  We never saw him again so we knew we took the left when we should have taken the right.  Back through Chelsea and thank goodness a man was out mowing and re-directed us back through Chelsea( so if you want to know anything about the town, ask, because we went through it 4 times.)  My suggestion would be to give lookers bigger signs to read with clearer directions.  Anyway, riding around looking, our comments were about Fletcher Schell and what in the world is he thinking and laughing about up in heaven, us riding around looking for a horse grave when I didn't even go to the barn to see our horses.  A good laugh for us!
  Janie and I decided that we couldn't be bashful, timid or even reluctant to ask or venture forward if we saw an opportunity to speak to someone or find out about a particular place.  Well, on the way to find the grave, we came to a fork in the road, and looking at our little drawing given by the UPS man(he was so very nice and we do hope he isn't somewhere on a dirt road waiting for us) and remembering the advice given by the man mowing the grass, did we make this right or the next right.  Sitting in the middle of the fork in the road a car appears, and the man driving sorta looks at us and almost makes his turn, but hesitates, then backs up so he can speak to us.  He noticed our Alabama car tag and had to see what two old ladies were doing in that place.  We began talking, he was so nice, from Huntsville Alabama himself, owns a house up the road, and he said, " why don't you stop by and meet my wife Carol", so we did.  We pull up in the driveway, get out of the car and start calling,  "Carol, Carol.  She answers and comes to the door and invites us in.  This was just another one of our little crazies we enjoyed, but what a way to meet people.  These wonderful people are Ron and Carol Juergens.
  Guess this was "horse day" because in the little picturesque town of Strafford, which everyone told us we must see, we saw horses and riders and stopped at the Huntington Farm, owned by Anne Kitchel, and watched a trainer take a beautiful horse through her paces.  Green pastureland, barns, fences, tractors, trailers, a big operation.  We walked through the stables and were told there were 30 foals in the barn.  Young girls grooming and walking and tending the horses reminded me of our days when all our children rode and participated in horse events, and really how time-consuming and tedious it can be.  Debbie was the head trainer, and Molly was one of the groomers.  The farm is for sale, just in case any of our readers are interested..
  We were so close to Hanover, Vermont and Dartmouth University we had to continue in that direction and see the campus.  It was raining and we couldn't do anything but ride around and look, but it is a beautiful campus, Ivy-League, and all that stuff.  I did wish my Auburn tag was on my car so I could show off, but I didn't have it.  Never leave home without it.  I've always heard "good" about this university.
  We did finally find our way home,  it was raining quite heavily by now, and we were worn out, so a stop at the Pizza Chef,  which would only be our second meal today, relieved us of having to get home and think about preparing something.
  We can truly say we have ridden the country roads of Vermont because we went many miles and saw so much, and, thanks Lord for safety and care as we indulge ourselves in the things we want to do.  We are blessed!
  It doesn't get dark until after 9:00 p.m. here so I was ready for bed hours before dark came. We have several things scheduled for tomorrow.

Revisiting America

Leaving the Thompson Center, and being decently dressed we stopped by The Woodstock Inn and Resort.  I think you could walk in the front door and never walk back out.  The place is so inviting, relaxed looking, spacious.  Really beautiful in every way.  Bill, who greets you at the front door kinda toured us around and we were even given access to a room just to get an idea of the decor in some of the rooms.  There is a wonderful  little booklet telling The Story of the Woodstock Inn, which I'm sure you could access on the internet if you were interested.  The Inn is located in the heart of Vermont's most beautiful address, with an array of activities.  Our splurge for Woodstock will be a meal at the Red Rooster Restaurant at the Inn which captures the essence of Vermont with satisfying dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.  We will certainly find out if this is true.
But the entire complex is such a beautiful place and is a AAA Four-Diamond Resort.
You are certainly privy to most of our activities and it is now time for another haircut which could never be as adventurous as our cuts at Pee Wee's Playhouse Barbershop in Brooklyn  I loved that experience  The two ladies Linda the owner, and Kim who did our hair, at Shear Images were so nice and accomodating and really cut our hair back into shape.  Thank you ladies, it was fun spending time with you.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Revisiting America

Taftsville Country Store serves Vermont by saying,"if it's not made here in Vermont, we don't carry it."  That became very evident as I looked around and saw jams, jellies, pancake mixes, fruit butters, coffees, cocoas, fiddleheads, dilly beans, mustards, common crackers, bread mixes, pastas and pasta sauces, maple candy, salad dressings, dipping oils, barbecue sauces, hot sauces.  You get the idea.  The store is best known for their selection of over forty Vermont cheeses.  Their wine shop also features some intriguing vintages and  great buys.  Their maple syrup, made locally at a farm in South Woodstock, is sold in glass bottles with old fashioned labels or in tins and jugs.  There's also a mail order catalogue, an on-line catalogue, and shipping most anywhere.
I was so glad I took the time to see this unusual store, and I did get pictures of some of the beautiful homes in the area.

Revisiting America

I know it's impossible to visit every street and see all the beautiful houses, or visit every store and see what their wares are, but after driving by the Taftsville Country Store many times, I had to stop and go inside.  Sunday afternoon was a perfect time because nothing seemed busy. 
This landmark store is listed on The National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1840 to serve the community that had grown because of the endeavors of Daniel Taft, Sr. and his three sons, and still serves the community as a grocery store, information and message center, lost pet retrieval service, billboard for local events, and gossip central.  Sorry, finish later, I am already late for a meeting.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Revisiting America

Do  you wonder why so many different blog spots this morning?  Well, I tend to strike something on the computer after having typed for awhile and erase everything, so I thought this might be the safest way to get the job done.
The  31st Annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival began Friday the 17th-Sunday the 19th.  We rode over on Friday afternoon to see the Balloon Glow ( this is where the balloons are inflated but never leave the ground and are lighted, I'm sure there's a technical name for this) but it was cancelled because weather conditions were not right.  Saturday morning after going to West Lebanon to do some errands we came back by the Festival, were so impressed with the town of Quechee( may I call it a "Little Woodstock"), and watched the balloons ascend.  Didn't get an actual count, but there must have been 15-20 balloons, and such beautiful colors.  Quite a spectacle and there were hundreds of people, music, many booths with crafts and food, and balloon rides(we declined).  The Balloon Glow did happen after dark and eventhough many balloons didn't participate, it was something to see.  You would certainly have to love participating because watching people get ready to ascend looked like a lot of hard work.  And then there are the chase crews, so a lot of people are involved   But, before all that, we ate lunch at The Mill, which is a restaurant, retail store, and glassblowing and pottery workshops and show rooms.  This facility showcases Simon Pearce's designs in glassblowing and pottery.  The entire meal was served on original Simon Pearce designs in glass and pottery.  And, the food was excellent.  Our table overlooked the Ottauquechee River waterfall.
  A very special  part of our meal was meeting the restaurant manager, Deanna Heon.  She visited our table asked where we were from, and naturally, we began to telling about our trip.  She seemed fascinated with our travels and began to share her experiences, having just returned from a two-week backpacking trip in Italy.  We continued to talk and share, she has our blog address and hopes to visit our talk at the Senior Center on Tuesday.  She has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad.  Beautiful girl, and so interesting.  Our dessert, Blackberry Crisp, complements of Deanna.  Thanks!
 a back-packin

Revisiting America

A brochure naming the many reasons a person or family should move to Woodstock says, "the pace of life is less hectic, the schools are excellent, and the four seasons offer constant change", and many find new opportunities for recreation even though the winters can be long.
  Woodstock is one of the few Vermont municipalities organized as a town, and within the boundaries of the town there exists an incorporated village.  The Town of Woodstock is governed by a five member Select Board, and the Village of Woodstock is governed by a five memeber Board of Trustees. 
   The town and village of Woodstock each have a set of zoning by-laws that regulate all land development, building construction, and property uses with permits required before any activity may take place.
   An elected Board of Listers is responsible for establishing the value of all property in town for tax purposes and the town and village tax rate are set annually in June.
   After being here only a few weeks I can see how all of these things make Woodstock the unique place that it is.  May I describe this place as "picture postcard" in every way.

Revisiting America

My walk this morning was quite nice, temperature 67, slight breeze, bright sunny skies, perfect for shorts, but did add a light jacket. I did mention the trestle bridge when I first commented about my walking route, but I've yet to walk across it because the sign says there is a 3 ton load limit, and if you'll remember our many references to meals and restaurants you can figure out my reluctance in going across it. I will walk it before we leave just to say I did it. Question? What do you do if you meet a car on a one-lane covered bridge? You back up very fast, which I did this morning, without going off the boards. This is old-timey, but what fun.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Revisiting America

A couple of other things in New York, then I'll get current. I always go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, I just never get to spend enough time there. This visit was only several hours, but better than nothing. Saw Rembrandts, Vermeers, and other Old Masters. I love Vermeer and actually saw four of his paintings. In Impressionists and other painters of the same time period, I saw Degas, Manet, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Tissot. I became familiar with Tissot by playing a computer game and love his work. Saw a couple of his paintings and a portrait of him painted by his friend, Degas. The museum building itself is very impressive, and when you think of everything the huge building has to offer, it's truly awesome.
Saw the New York Yankees play the Totonto Blue Jays at the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The stadium is huge, as befits the Yankees, and it was fun to see the Yankees play (and win, by the way). I don't even like baseball, but who could turn down a chance to see them play in real life?
A couple of nice young men sat in front of us and we talked to them throughout the game. One of them shared a beer with me. Thanks. It was a very hot afternoon, and some cold beer went down very well. When the guys were dragging the field between innings, "YMCA" played on the sound system. The guys went through the motions of stepping to the music, and when the chorus came on, they went through all the YMCA motions. Lots of fun.
Now we're in Woodstock, Vermont, and it's a quaint and beautiful village. We've already met some fascinating people, and I'll get into that more in the next blog. Lou told you that I had some severe back pain, so I saw a PA at the Ottaquechee Health Center and found that I have advanced(?) arthritis in the lower back area of my spine. She gave me some medication and tried to set up an appointment foa a cortisone injection in my spine at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, but they were booked until late July. So she is going to help me with a referral to someone in Maine. Anybody know of a top-notch hospital in the Boothbay Harbor, Maine, area? I'd be very interested in that information.
Closing the blog for now, but will be back soon.
Janie

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Revisiting America

There isn't much to blog about this week. The weather hasn't been particularly nice, cloudy and rainy most days, but still in the lower 70's so I won't complain. Janie hasn't felt like doing anything. We went to the Thompson Center for Seniors and Community on Tuesday for blood pressure check, and then she made an appointment at the Health Clinic here to try to get some relief. They made X-rays and determinded it was not back problems, but arthiritic in nature. They did prescribe medication and will help her get set-up for cortisone injections when we get to Maine. Her doctor in Austin also ordered some Blood-work done. So, she has tried to lay around and get better as the week progressed. Tuesday at the Center we talked to some of the ladies, and we had been invited to the Center for that purpose, about our trip, and they have asked us to speak to everyone on Tuesday the 21st. A reporter from the Vermont Standard newspaper will be there also to interview us.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Revisiting America

The last few times I've tried to blog, it has blown up in my face, because of our computer problems. So this is a test run.

Going back to New York, one of the highlights of the trip was, of course, seeing plays on Broadway. Lou and I were able to see five, the last two when we went with Shirley and Marge during their short stay in New York. The first was Billy Elliot and it was absolutely wonderful. An 11-year-old boy carried a 2-hour, 45-minute play. He was incredibly talented and very cute as well.

Then we saw Jersey Boys. Loved it because the four guys brought back to life all the songs from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons that I danced to and sang along with years and years ago. Most people tend to remember the words to songs they grew up with, and it certainly was the same for me. Again, lots of talent onstage. One of the Jersey Boys reminded me of Patrick Swayze and another of a younger Alec Baldwin. Loved the show.

The third show was the remake of That Championship Season starring Chris Noth, Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Brian Cox, and Jim Gaffigan. Perfect casting. Jason Patric, whose father (Jason Miller) wrote the play, was excellent as the drunkard of the group. He went from tipsy to falling down drunk, believably. Kiefer Sutherland played the timid, go- along-with-everybody-until-threatened guy. And the gorgeous Chris Noth played the part of the successful but sleazy guy who slept with his friend's wife. A great remake.

With Shirley and Marge, we saw Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. My personal favorite. It was incredible. Again, most of the music was completely familiar. The costume design was off the charts - approximately 500 costume changes. The show was worth seeing for that alone. The acting, music, costumes, and set design (especially the bus) were incredible (there's that word again). Loved every second of it. Please, if you have the chance, do your yourself a favor and see it.

Then we saw Memphis. Frankly, I was a little disappointed. The female lead had a wonderful voice but, other than that, I had a hard time finding anything to love. Unusual for me, because I'm generally an easy grader.

This turned out to be kind of a long test blog, but it feels good to be blogging again.

Janie

Revisiting America

Today was my first chance to walk in several days because of the rain, but everything is greener and the temperature staying in the low 70's, so different than those Alabama temps. Several noticeable things on my walk; no signs saying "pick up after your dog", I haven't even seen one but did hear one bark, no people out walking, very few sounds other than the river I told you about, so peaceful. Several interesting road signs, Biscuit Hollow Road and Fletcher Hill road. One car passed my entire walk. I like this for a change. And the sun is actually shining now.
Enjoyed a wonderful church service yesterday at First Congregational Chuch of Woodstock, Vermont. Such a wonderful mix of people: as many young as old, many colors, lots of young adults with their families. The pastor encouraged learning Bible verses by having families stand together and say the Bible verse they learned in Sunday School. There was a children's sermon, very brief but to the point. Special recognitions of the High School Seniors as they were presented Bibles, as well as first graders receiving Bibles, Sunday School teachers were recognized, and this was the last day for their Youth minister who is leaving for Seminary in Florida.
The pastor, Norman Koop, brought a wonderful message. I can see why people are drawn to this church if the preaching is like this all the time, and I've heard it is.
The pastor's father, Dr. C. Everett Koop, the former Surgeon General of the United States, was there also, and we did meet him.
Good friendly people, all ages involved, and we've been invited to participate, of course. I'm sure we'll go back.
Not sure what we'll do today, but do have something scheduled for Tues. and Thurs. I'll share with you later.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Revisiting America

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOU!
No one ever said it was wrong to wish your own self a Happy Birthday, because I know today will be a happy day. For 78 years old, I've already walked over two miles ( there's a dirt-gravel road running parallel to our main road with the Ottaquechee river in between and the whole time you're walking you can hear the water rippling over the rocks, everything is so beautifully green due to a lot of rain, the temperature around 70 this morning), had a cholestral breakfast ( bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, juice)gotten several e-mails and phone calls, and it's only 8:00 a.m.
How could anyone be more blessed!
We are beginning to explore the area and know we won't have nearly enough time to do all that's here to do.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Revisiting America

In Vermont the sky is bluer, the white clouds puffier, the air crisper and can you tell I'm already liking this place. The noise level is somewhat different also. This is similiar to Blowing Rock where there are no whistles, screeches, roars, airplanes, horns, ambulances, police sirens, fire trucks; we are right on a main road from White River Junction to Windsor, but we haven't noticed noise at all compared to where we've been.
And back to New York, I forgot to mention a very special family that lived next door to us. Kirsten John Foy, The Public Advocate for the City of New York(Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Office of The Public Advocate)his wife Janel, daughter Chastity, and new baby son(three months old) Seth. A beautiful family, having lived in the neighbor many years, and so eager to become friends.
The morning we left Kirsten made a special effort to come by and tell us goodby. We will keep in touch.
There's no way to keep from spending money-staying in the motel until June 6 necessitated eating out several meals a day so we tried most of the ones in the area. Lui Lui's served mostly Italian, the Crossroads Cafe good ole country cooking and more than you could ever eat, and most of you know I'm a big eater. Then we tried the China Moon buffet which was quite good, as well as the Tip Top Cafe, which was so different than what the name implied to me-quite up-scale, but excellent food, service and atmosphere, and rather pricey.
Saturday, the 4th, we rode the train from White River Junction to Bradford, to a "Farmway" promotion, barbecue, open house, sale.
A huge store with everything you would need to camp, bike, fish, canoe, hunt, hike, ride horses, in any kind of weather, any where, any time. Also Adirondack chairs, swings, picnic tables, hammocks, gift shop. A big affair and a big crowd of people. Did I mention the lunch was free, but that really wasn't the reason we went.
The train ride was great. I haven't ridden a train since the "doodle bug" ride from Millry to Chatom when I was quite young. This train maybe went 30 miles an hour once or twice but mostly around 12 miles an hour so we were on the train several hours. Rrfreshment were available, there was fiddle and guitar music, and stepped off the train onto a red carpet. Wow! I was a fun day though.
Sunday, Janie wasn't feeling well so I attended Valley Bible Church, non-denominational, very good sermon and music.
And Monday, we finally got to get in our house but not until we had shopped at Walmart and Pricechoppers to re-stock our kitchen, and was I looking forward to a kitchen after the small idea we had in Brooklyn.
Met the owner of the house, Scott Chisholm, an architect in the Boston area, and got the grand tour. It is so charming, and country looking, painted red, a big yard, four bedrooms, three baths, one huge room with a pool table, upstairs, eating and living area, mud room, and then a sorta secret attic room, our computers work, washer-dryer, more than we need, but the price was right. A neighbor came by to help Scott finish the cleaning and gave us some great ideas of things to do.
Heard a loud knock on the door this morning, opened the door and there stood a policeman (a constable here). I know my face went expressionless, because my first thought was, what happened to the check I mailed in New York for the tickets I had to pay, or had he seen the Alabama tag and I had done something illegal. No need to worry. It was a simple routine check because the house had been empty and this house was on his beat. What a relief, and how nice to know we would be watched. Very nice and informative conversation about the area. He also told me about an area that would be safe to walk in so Janie and I rode over there late this afternoon and we have to ride through a covered bridge, and later cross a trestle bridge. How exciting!, and we haven't even explored Woodstock yet, but everyone says it's a delightful place. I'll let you know later.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Revisiting America

Janie and I lugged suitcases, dop kits, and computer to take the subway to Manhattan to meet our sister Shirley, and her partner, Marge. Marge can't manipulate stairs or subways easily so we were booked at the Flatotel, a hotel on 52nd street between 6th and 7th streets, very convenient for plays and restaurants. Our fist chore was to have an extra table moved into the room for our card playing, which we always do when we're together. Then, lunch across a concourse to Dukes Cafe, where there were probably 30 different food stations with everything from shushi to barbecue, soups, salads of every kind, hot and cold, fresh vegetables and fruit, pastas, seafood, beautiful desserts, every kind of sandwich known to man, amazing to imagine keeping everything in there running smoothly.
Taxied to a concert in the evening at St. Patrick's Cathedral featuring the Cathedral orchestra and choir. A beautiful program of music and this is one time it didn't matter that my mind wandered or I took in the beauty of the Cathedral. Probably 50 in the orchestra and 36(we counted) in the choir. Very professional musicians and soloists, the best music I've heard so far. Then to Bill's Bar and Burger's for hamburgers, even though the hour is late, but we had to soak up the atmosphere while it was available.
After lugging the computer into the hotel the connection on our floor didn't work so we were still without a computer-use it so much for looking up addresses, phone numbers etc:
Marge not feeling well on Friday so Shirley, Janie and I took the double-decker tour of the city, focusing on the uptown loop and then the Greenwich Village, Prospect Park look. A good way to see a lot and be able to be on and off. Ate lunch at a Greenwich Village, then home to be ready for our musical in the evening.
"Priscilla", Queen of the Desert, was hilarous. A story of three gays on a bus touring the Australian outback. Music great, over 500 costumes changes, and superb acting. I don't care who you were, you would have loved it.
Went across the street to Sardi's, famous since 1921, for late night supper. Delicious food, and we talked to everyone seated at tables around us, so that was fun. Then I happened to look up to the entrance door and there stood Chris Noth(remember in "That Championship Season", "Big" in the Sex and the City series and movies, a lead in the series of the last several seasons, "The Good Wife". Anyway I started searching in my purse for my camera and paper for his autograph, looked back and he was gone. I have seen him in person now and he is more handsome than on screen.
Saturday, Marge's son, Johnny, and grandson, Abel(so handsome and nice) came for her to spend the day so we three finished our double-decker tour. Attended the musical, "Memphis" that night, back to Sardi's because the food and atmosphere were so great, and hoping Chris Noth would show up again, then to our hotel to play cards till around 3:00 a.m.
We attended Metropolitian Community Church on Sunday, Marge knew the pastor and again we met the nicest folks and heard a great sermon.
Shirley and Marge had to leave by 11:00 for the airport so Janie and I splurged on a taxi, which suprisingly was not that expensive. Had such a good time with Shirley and Marge, the weather was perfect, and we absolutely couldn't have done another thing.
We were worn out also, just the change in routine, etc:
Sunday afternoon there were block parties up and down our streets, loud music, kids running and playing, and good smells. Then, Monday, everything was very quiet for the actual holiday day.
Monday it rained and we began to take stock of what we had to do to pack and leave on Wednesday. My nephew, Stanton Schell, called and said he would come by, that didn't work out but he came on Tuesday evening. So good to see him; he's one of these computer genius's that I believe is in
advertising or presentations for high-powered businesses.
Early Wednesday we realized we would be leaving and there's always a sadness; we actually lived a month in Brooklyn, New York. Roy and David,our two very special friends had engaged someone to help us carry our things downstairs and load the car.
It never takes long to become a part of a place. Have always heard New Yorkers are not nice and friendly-we found that to be the opposite. My overall impression-I would go back to the same place, stay a month, and do it all over again. I consider it a very unique experience to have really become a part of the neighborhood. You could never do or see everything there is to do and see, but I feel like we gave it our best try and did some wonderful things.
And did I mention, this was an all black neighborhood?

Revisiting America

Oops! You can see my computer skills have not improved. Apparently I hit the wrong key and the blog posted, without any corrections, hence the word minute spelled with a "j". I'm back on track for the time being! Numerous speakers during the service, one part honoring faithful servants, we don't do enough of that, several choir specials, and the actual preaching began around 1:30. So, in this instance the Holy Spirit didn't leave at 12:00, as we say in Baptist circles. Wonderful message by Jim Cymbala and the choir is led by Carol Cymbala, his wife. A really dynamic two- I've heard about them for many years so it was great to see them in person and realize the work they're doing in the Brooklyn area. We ate lunch in the cafeteria down stairs, then opted to leave, since it was already around 4:00. (see how time concious I am).
Parking in our area is atrocious so I'm leading up to the parking ticket I received for double parking, I intended to be there just long enough for a space to be available, and forgot. I will not disclose the amount, but it could have meant tickets to another Broadway show. And that isn't all. I got the second one(much cheaper thank goodness)for being parked on the wrong side of the street. I counted the days until we were leaving and prayed I could do everything right until we left town. There were certain days you had to park on one side of the street, then you had to move your car from 11:00 to 12:30 to the other side for the street cleaners. Thank goodness Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday were free days. Roy finally got to where he would blow his car horn when it was time to move the car so we could move ours. We did arrange with him to move our car the days we would be in Manhattan with Shirley and Marge.
Did you ever buy ice cream off an ice cream truck coming through a neighborhood with music playing? Well, one came down our street everyday and then you could walk down the street and see everyone sitting on their steps eating ice cream cones. We never did buy any because he always came at an inopportune time for us, we had just eaten a big meal or something.
But the idea is so "neighborhood".
Janie and I did get our haircuts from Felicia in the barbershop on the corner called Pee Wee's Playhouse. I really can't describe either of our haircuts, but after all we were in a barbershop and she was licensed from the American Barber School. The nice thing, hair does grow back out.
We loved the Yankee ballgame and did everything you're supposed to do at a game, ate hotdogs and peanuts, stood and cheered and clapped with everyone, sang, visited, just a good time and experience. Made friends quickly with two guys from South Carolina, living in New Jersey, working in New York. We left top of the ninth, so don't even know the final score, but did see Andruw Jones hit two home runs.
Shirley and Marge are coming on Thursday,May 26, so I'll sign off again, this time intentional, and tell about our time with them, and then close out New York.

Revisiting America

I must finish blogging about New York, because we are in White River Junction, Vermont at a Super 8 motel, staying here until our house is available on June 6, and there is already a lot to say about Vermont. We did ride by the house we've rented for June, a red farm house by the side of the road, with a beautiful stream across the road. I hope to make a walking path beside the stream, being very careful about snakes after having read about the many varieties of snakes in Vermont. Back to New York!
One of our favorite places to eat in New York is Junior's where nothing served is "junior". A cup of coffee is like a quart bowl, and a serving of oatmeal a two quart bowl. They do have some of the best cheesecake.
Saturday, May 21. We all make mistakes about things and I guess our biggest one so far is arriving at the Yankee stadium, which is so beautiful, for our ballgame only to realize, when we saw so few people about, that our tickets were for the Wedneday, May 25 game at 1:05. One consolation, we knew the way, which subways to take, etc:, but a hard lesson learned-always check and double check your tickets to anything rather than just trying to remember.
Our Sunday church experience is unforgettable. We visited the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church and I heard the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, numbering at least 250 singers on this particular Sunday. They are world renowned but of course do very little traveling because of the size of the group. The church is an old theater, refurbished, very beautiful and ornate, with stage area holding the choir seats, naturally, in tiers. The choir, closer to the service time of 12:00 noon, just drifted in and took their seats. All colors of people, all nationalities, all dressed however they chose(no shorts or any thing like that). At least 3000 in attendance-the theater holds that many seats and I didn't see any vacant ones. The service began with at least 30 mjinutes of