7 January 2009
Impossible to not love a man who not only insist that you spend the day after all the museums were closed going to the museum but says, “Have you ever been to the Frick? I think you would like it.”
And off we set – backing up a bit, I mean how much detail do you want? The routine goes that I rise at 0730 hrs. (habit) while J. sleeps in, room service has my coffee and water at the door. I wake up, put on my face, and write my blog while he sleeps in. Once he is up and out of the shower the day outside begins…
I’m a big walker, we know this yes? From Paris, Rabat, Fez, etc.? I turn down a cab every chance I get and yesterday was perfect (albeit a tad on the f…ing freezing side) weather for walking. We made our way over to the East Side where apparently it is just too, too ‘common’ to drink (dare I say it?) Starbucks. We finally found a lovely little café for which I cannot remember the name! I googled for you, but no joy. It’s on east 71st and 3erd – great latté and the cutest babies you have ever seen! I made buddies with one small chap who was obviously in the throes of teething and found my fan fascinating. I ended up opening and closing the bloody thing about twenty times just to see him grin! Once fortified with caffeine we headed back toward Central Park to The Frick on1 East 70th Street.
The setting is a lovely old mansion that apparently Mr. Frick informed the architect, “Just make that place of Carnegie’s look like shack.” Um, yes… well. I purchased a book about the history of the place and when I get back home I shall fill you in further. They had some lovely Boucher paintings, quite a few Vermeer’s, several Whistler’s – one in particular “Harmony in Pink and Grey: Portrait of Lady Meux, 1881 – 82”. She is so striking that I’m determined to do a bit of research to see what I can find out about her – something in her carriage… As well I was struck by a whimsical piece by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, “The Wool Winder”. And there was another by Vermeer, “The Solider and the Girl” that had the face of the young girl so animated. It was charming and unusual I thought.
The house itself is stunning and contains an old pipe organ, one of the largest, and it has a built in sound system of the day that allowed the music to be heard throughout the house. Apparently Mr. Frick would hire the musician who had his own special room in the house to play for parties.
There were two Rembrandts I have never seen, as well as many by Mr. Gainsborough. I found the Bronze exhibit downstairs disappointing, but then that’s just not my cup of tea. We were struck by the disappointing size of the ….equipment of the Satyrs – I mean considering their reputations; albeit one did have his manhood encased in silver – I found that impressive.
Have I mentioned that all of Manhattan inside is bloody hot and overheated during winter. Apparently there is some “the water runs and the heat is set and the….” That prevents adjustments… Argh – layers people, layers. We had some lovely snow flurries on our walk over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was not going to put J. through any more museum walk since he had been so gracious but I did want to share with him the wonderful tearoom where Q and I used to have afternoon tea.
DRASTIC DISAPPOINTMENT!! Ug, yuk, crap, and oh my! They have apparently moved the location from the lovely huge airy room where it was formerly located to what is now what any museum restaurant looks like, and high tea? High tea? Not! The scones were COLD, and stale! There were no separate spoons for the jams, butter, crèmes, or tea! The sandwiches while tolerable were limited in number and variety. The tea was in BAGS! And only ONE! When asked if I would like more tea, the Philistine simply added water to the poor tepid weak concoction! Shudder!
And at such a cost! Ordinarily one has to pay the forty-dollar entrance fee, which a lovely older gentleman at the desk waived, for me, and then FIFTY dollars for the horrid excuse for tea. I was mortified. Please, go to the Plaza.
We walked back to the hotel, which I loved – J. was insisting on a cab so that I not get overtired before the night’s play but it’s so fun to walk…
Ah yes, the night’s play… We went to see “The American Plan” at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre with Mercedes Ruehl (our main reason for going) and Lily Rabe (whom I recognized from my one television addiction “Law and Order”). The play was written by Richard Greenberg and directed by David Grindley. What can I tell you? DON’T GO. Well yes, that would be first. It is a play about nothing that leaves you so stunned at the end you spend thirty minutes trying to discern some meaning or purpose – trust me, there is none.
Ms. Ruehl was fascinating and her presence on the stage was grand to watch. Young Ms. Rabe did a very good job with the material she was given. But oh my, just so very bad. Really – don’t’ go.
We came straight back to the hotel because I feared a migraine was stalking me. We had a lovely room service dinner – this hotel has the most consistently fast room service I have ever seen! And I was early to bed, under orders. When I woke this morning however, I fear that cold that J. lost last week found me. At present only an annoyance.
We have a matinee today and a fancy dinner planned for the evening. Details tomorrow. I hope your 2009 is going well.
Ciao.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
no museum day for me - however...
6 January 2009
What a day….
I woke yesterday to discover the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick were CLOSED ON MONDAY. Oh how my face fell! J. was sleeping soundly and I saw no reason to wake him and share my disappointment so I headed out for a walk in search of Starbucks café and a bookstore (always a comfort). I didn’t make it, but I did run right into the Met’s souvenir shop and bought seasonal cards for next year at 75% off – my day was getting better!
Just then J. called from the hotel to say he was awake and going into the shower. I returned to fetch him and we found the bookstore complete with Starbucks café. I found the New York City Mole Book I had been looking for unsuccessfully in Houston and we bought a neat paperback with walks of New York City.
We took ourselves uptown to Central Park, the ice skating rink (watching some little ones take lessons) and up to the long Mall Walk. As our toes began to get a little frosty we headed toward Tavern on the Green where they had just finished up for lunch and dinner would not start until five – but they set us up with a lovely table in the back overlooking the restaurant and it’s holiday decorations and plied us with drinks until dinner time.
We had the most marvelous dead cow for J. and salmon for me – along with liberal glasses of eggnog and brandy. My desert (more in the way of a gift really at forty dollars a glass!) was a delectable glass of Glenlivit finest Highland Malt Whisky that was about as old as I am! Whoa! My mouth could not believe it’s good fortune.
We returned home, played in the bath, watched the end of the University of Texas game, and had other adventures. By the time I laid head to pillow I had forgotten all about my disappointment over the closed museums.
What a day….
I woke yesterday to discover the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick were CLOSED ON MONDAY. Oh how my face fell! J. was sleeping soundly and I saw no reason to wake him and share my disappointment so I headed out for a walk in search of Starbucks café and a bookstore (always a comfort). I didn’t make it, but I did run right into the Met’s souvenir shop and bought seasonal cards for next year at 75% off – my day was getting better!
Just then J. called from the hotel to say he was awake and going into the shower. I returned to fetch him and we found the bookstore complete with Starbucks café. I found the New York City Mole Book I had been looking for unsuccessfully in Houston and we bought a neat paperback with walks of New York City.
We took ourselves uptown to Central Park, the ice skating rink (watching some little ones take lessons) and up to the long Mall Walk. As our toes began to get a little frosty we headed toward Tavern on the Green where they had just finished up for lunch and dinner would not start until five – but they set us up with a lovely table in the back overlooking the restaurant and it’s holiday decorations and plied us with drinks until dinner time.
We had the most marvelous dead cow for J. and salmon for me – along with liberal glasses of eggnog and brandy. My desert (more in the way of a gift really at forty dollars a glass!) was a delectable glass of Glenlivit finest Highland Malt Whisky that was about as old as I am! Whoa! My mouth could not believe it’s good fortune.
We returned home, played in the bath, watched the end of the University of Texas game, and had other adventures. By the time I laid head to pillow I had forgotten all about my disappointment over the closed museums.
Monday, 5 January 2009
What a wickedly wonderful day!
5 January 2009
Where do I begin? The beginning? Fine.
I believe I had mentioned to you that I was less than thrilled with our room and service at the Omni Berkshire in New York City – it came to a point that I had a list! I stopped by the desk on our way out (J. found himself a comfortable chair and looked cute and uncomplaining) while I asked for the manager. I was halfway through my list when I threw in some humour and we were comped an immediate upgrade. Yes, jmb as you and I have discussed, being nice goes a long way.
We left the hotel for a walkabout to the nearest Starbucks (yes we are both addicts, me more than he I admit); I was force-fed some yogurt and we headed for the Gershwin Theatre to see “Wicked”. It was sold out, has been for some time I understand, and J. paid an exorbitant amount for center third row seats – just for me. Isn’t love grand? And it was brilliant! Brilliant! Grand, huge, spectacular, and an ocean of colour and sound to dazzle the eyes and ears. Wow! Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and book by Winine Holzman based on the novel by Gregory Maquire that I admit I could not get through.
I wanted to like it. I did, but I could not. I’m thrilled to tell you that not liking the book had no discernible influence on my total enjoyment of the musical.
Now for the “awwwww” part of my day. Last month I bought a new pair of shoes. You know me; always books over shoes but these were red patent leather Cole Hahn heels with straps, and ON SALE! Too much to resist yes? Yes! They are sooooo pretty. I love them. And yes, jmb I did bring my camera, but I forgot my recharger and connections for the laptop (hanging my head in shame). I will have a photograph for you when I return home, for now take my word for it.
On our way to the theatre we took a walk through Central Park to watch the skaters on the lake. I heard – “Tell her honey.”
I looked down into a pair of gorgeous green eyes set in the face of a pixie. “I like your red shoes.”
I squatted down to her level and took her hand, “Thank you so much. These are my favourite shoes so I am so pleased that you like them. My name is C.”
“Tell her your name honey,” urged the sweet mother.
“My name is Isabella.”
“Isabella it is a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the nicest part of my day.” And the lovely family of three walked away and we headed for the lake with my grin spreading ear to ear and my heart full.
Arriving at the theatre I was sitting on a cushioned bench awaiting J. who had gone for a drink when a nicely dressed gentleman said, “Look Mattie she’s wearing the ruby slippers!”
I swear to you when I wore the shoes to the play it was merely because I love my new shoes – the significance did not, albeit it should have, occurred to me -but what fun!
We returned to the hotel and moved (all right I did it while J. went out for Starbucks – he does not like to move and I do). The upgrade is quite lovely, much larger with nicer amenities and later in the evening the management sent along a nice complementary bottle of wine.
We had time to catch the last quarter of the playoff game, and ordered room service for a nice dinner in bed. A great day all in all. What a lucky girl am I? And I know and appreciate it. Boy, just think what the rest of the year may bring!
Where do I begin? The beginning? Fine.
I believe I had mentioned to you that I was less than thrilled with our room and service at the Omni Berkshire in New York City – it came to a point that I had a list! I stopped by the desk on our way out (J. found himself a comfortable chair and looked cute and uncomplaining) while I asked for the manager. I was halfway through my list when I threw in some humour and we were comped an immediate upgrade. Yes, jmb as you and I have discussed, being nice goes a long way.
We left the hotel for a walkabout to the nearest Starbucks (yes we are both addicts, me more than he I admit); I was force-fed some yogurt and we headed for the Gershwin Theatre to see “Wicked”. It was sold out, has been for some time I understand, and J. paid an exorbitant amount for center third row seats – just for me. Isn’t love grand? And it was brilliant! Brilliant! Grand, huge, spectacular, and an ocean of colour and sound to dazzle the eyes and ears. Wow! Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and book by Winine Holzman based on the novel by Gregory Maquire that I admit I could not get through.
I wanted to like it. I did, but I could not. I’m thrilled to tell you that not liking the book had no discernible influence on my total enjoyment of the musical.
Now for the “awwwww” part of my day. Last month I bought a new pair of shoes. You know me; always books over shoes but these were red patent leather Cole Hahn heels with straps, and ON SALE! Too much to resist yes? Yes! They are sooooo pretty. I love them. And yes, jmb I did bring my camera, but I forgot my recharger and connections for the laptop (hanging my head in shame). I will have a photograph for you when I return home, for now take my word for it.
On our way to the theatre we took a walk through Central Park to watch the skaters on the lake. I heard – “Tell her honey.”
I looked down into a pair of gorgeous green eyes set in the face of a pixie. “I like your red shoes.”
I squatted down to her level and took her hand, “Thank you so much. These are my favourite shoes so I am so pleased that you like them. My name is C.”
“Tell her your name honey,” urged the sweet mother.
“My name is Isabella.”
“Isabella it is a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the nicest part of my day.” And the lovely family of three walked away and we headed for the lake with my grin spreading ear to ear and my heart full.
Arriving at the theatre I was sitting on a cushioned bench awaiting J. who had gone for a drink when a nicely dressed gentleman said, “Look Mattie she’s wearing the ruby slippers!”
I swear to you when I wore the shoes to the play it was merely because I love my new shoes – the significance did not, albeit it should have, occurred to me -but what fun!
We returned to the hotel and moved (all right I did it while J. went out for Starbucks – he does not like to move and I do). The upgrade is quite lovely, much larger with nicer amenities and later in the evening the management sent along a nice complementary bottle of wine.
We had time to catch the last quarter of the playoff game, and ordered room service for a nice dinner in bed. A great day all in all. What a lucky girl am I? And I know and appreciate it. Boy, just think what the rest of the year may bring!
Sunday, 4 January 2009
and on we go...
4 January 2009
Up and at it again, no bloody migraine is keeping me from enjoying my trip any more than I can help it! Grrr….
Yesterday. for me was sleep and drugs but J. went to our afternoon play and was raving about it. He enjoyed it so much he is thinking of ditching our tickets for Tuesday night in an attempt to go again so I can see it. “The Cripple of Inishmann” by Martin McDonagh. J. has seen two other of his plays that he says were just as fine. This one is filled with an almost totality of Irish actors for the cast, adding to the pleasure of the dialogue. It is a “black comedy” so you have to enjoy that sort of humour and sad sweetness, but it is done so well as to bring both a tear and a smile. I can’t wait to see it!
Now let me tell you about a couple of incidents that I did not have time for earlier…
At “All my Sons” the very best part was that before the play began J. spotted Alan Rickman at the bar. Now S. (J’s daughter) is a HUGE fan. So he took courage and playbill in hand and approached him for an autograph for S. I cannot tell you how gracious Mr. Rickman was! I love it when that happens. I enjoyed his acting before, now I shall like it even better I think. Well done Mr. Rickman.
However – da da de dum… while waiting the interval between “Jersey Boys” and “All my Sons” we happened upon the Marriot in Times Square. A national hotel chain yes? Normalcy yes? Not! It was so surreal, like a time loop from the “Twilight Zone” (the old series). The first seven floors were mostly barren of normal lobby décor and filled with tourists and some hometown folk without abodes with heat I believe sitting and lounging about. We went up the seventh floor where there was a restaurant promised – weeelllll – not exactly. It was more an area where people (as had we) had frequented the nearby Starbucks, brought in the café’ and just sat down! It was a bar, no really it was – but no bar tenders or waitresses. There was a small area to our rear that had tables with those screens on them that you can order from and several people were frantically pushing the screen without results. Over to the right behind a fence of some ilk there did appear people at tables with food, but again no servers. From whence had the food come? And as we sat and speculated and laughed, a sound began – it was all around us, from every side, soft and harsh – the sound of chairs – dare I say it – having flatus! I’m not kidding you that is bloody well what it sounded like! We collapsed into a pile of giggling sillies and enjoyed our coffee and left!
We are staying at the Omni Berkshire Hotel of 52nd street – a wonderful location but I am yet to be thrilled by the hotel. The rooms are more on the size of Europe and the temperature control in the room is rather dependant on opening and closing the windows! The bed rattles and shakes (oh stop thinking naughty – no, go ahead) with any physical activity and the armoire is too small for two people here for a week’s stay. I will say the delivery of early morning café and paper (free) goes some way to alleviate my disappointment. I did have to request extra pillows twice and I was not thrilled with the clean up job – yes I am visiting the manager today. Well now, you know that I always write notes and in the Blog about good service, so…
Speaking of people who should be threatened with sticky things on their chairs for life – there was a huge woman behind us at “Jersey Boys” who would not stop talking DURINGT THE PERFORMACE! I took all I could and then turned and gave her my best ‘mother’ “Shush!”. She did quiet right down, I say smugly. And there was an older gentleman who not only did not turn off his cell phone but answered it DURING THE PERFROMANCE! That was more funny than annoying I must say.
The Fireside Restaurant next to the hotel is quite good and we had their yummies for room service last night because someone didn’t want to risk my getting out of bed. Yes, “someone” is rather lovely. (patience, patience – when I get back home).
So there it stands lovely readers. WE have a matinee today, and are going to walk about the city because I feel great! Huzzah. And tonight? Tonight of course you silly are the American football playoffs! Grin. Grin.
Ciao
Up and at it again, no bloody migraine is keeping me from enjoying my trip any more than I can help it! Grrr….
Yesterday. for me was sleep and drugs but J. went to our afternoon play and was raving about it. He enjoyed it so much he is thinking of ditching our tickets for Tuesday night in an attempt to go again so I can see it. “The Cripple of Inishmann” by Martin McDonagh. J. has seen two other of his plays that he says were just as fine. This one is filled with an almost totality of Irish actors for the cast, adding to the pleasure of the dialogue. It is a “black comedy” so you have to enjoy that sort of humour and sad sweetness, but it is done so well as to bring both a tear and a smile. I can’t wait to see it!
Now let me tell you about a couple of incidents that I did not have time for earlier…
At “All my Sons” the very best part was that before the play began J. spotted Alan Rickman at the bar. Now S. (J’s daughter) is a HUGE fan. So he took courage and playbill in hand and approached him for an autograph for S. I cannot tell you how gracious Mr. Rickman was! I love it when that happens. I enjoyed his acting before, now I shall like it even better I think. Well done Mr. Rickman.
However – da da de dum… while waiting the interval between “Jersey Boys” and “All my Sons” we happened upon the Marriot in Times Square. A national hotel chain yes? Normalcy yes? Not! It was so surreal, like a time loop from the “Twilight Zone” (the old series). The first seven floors were mostly barren of normal lobby décor and filled with tourists and some hometown folk without abodes with heat I believe sitting and lounging about. We went up the seventh floor where there was a restaurant promised – weeelllll – not exactly. It was more an area where people (as had we) had frequented the nearby Starbucks, brought in the café’ and just sat down! It was a bar, no really it was – but no bar tenders or waitresses. There was a small area to our rear that had tables with those screens on them that you can order from and several people were frantically pushing the screen without results. Over to the right behind a fence of some ilk there did appear people at tables with food, but again no servers. From whence had the food come? And as we sat and speculated and laughed, a sound began – it was all around us, from every side, soft and harsh – the sound of chairs – dare I say it – having flatus! I’m not kidding you that is bloody well what it sounded like! We collapsed into a pile of giggling sillies and enjoyed our coffee and left!
We are staying at the Omni Berkshire Hotel of 52nd street – a wonderful location but I am yet to be thrilled by the hotel. The rooms are more on the size of Europe and the temperature control in the room is rather dependant on opening and closing the windows! The bed rattles and shakes (oh stop thinking naughty – no, go ahead) with any physical activity and the armoire is too small for two people here for a week’s stay. I will say the delivery of early morning café and paper (free) goes some way to alleviate my disappointment. I did have to request extra pillows twice and I was not thrilled with the clean up job – yes I am visiting the manager today. Well now, you know that I always write notes and in the Blog about good service, so…
Speaking of people who should be threatened with sticky things on their chairs for life – there was a huge woman behind us at “Jersey Boys” who would not stop talking DURINGT THE PERFORMACE! I took all I could and then turned and gave her my best ‘mother’ “Shush!”. She did quiet right down, I say smugly. And there was an older gentleman who not only did not turn off his cell phone but answered it DURING THE PERFROMANCE! That was more funny than annoying I must say.
The Fireside Restaurant next to the hotel is quite good and we had their yummies for room service last night because someone didn’t want to risk my getting out of bed. Yes, “someone” is rather lovely. (patience, patience – when I get back home).
So there it stands lovely readers. WE have a matinee today, and are going to walk about the city because I feel great! Huzzah. And tonight? Tonight of course you silly are the American football playoffs! Grin. Grin.
Ciao
Saturday, 3 January 2009
quick update
WE saw "Jersey Boys" yesterdeay afternooon and it was BRILLIANT!!! WE had a wonderfulo dinner . We were taken aback at first by its appearance (a bit gaudy) but it was wonderful. And then I got slammed with a migraine. I made half way through "All my Sons" , which was not awful, when I was forced to leave. I spent today in bed - yuk.
could be worse, could always be worse...
could be worse, could always be worse...
Friday, 2 January 2009
The first night in New York City
2 January 2009
Good News/Bad News
I like the bad news first myself – gets it out of the way you know? And that would be “Dividing the Estate” at the Booth theater in New York City. Written by Horton Foote of such fame as the play “To Kill a Mockingbird” and two Oscars has a real dud here. Our conclusion was that he wrote and pushed onto Broadway (at Broadway prices!) a vehicle for his daughter, Hallie Foote who, at least in this production was shrill, unbelievable, and annoying. We were in sharp disagreement with the New York Times obviously.
It was the Booth Theatre and quite frankly it may well be that the assassination was easier to watch! The characters had the depth of a cookie tin and the dialogue was to put it kindly stiff-stilted-moronic-and trite. As I attended the play with an actual Texan I can tell you the play revealed nothing of the people or the culture of that fascinating state.
Normally I’m the one who is the annoying optimist, the one to look under every trashcan for the bright side – but I was anxious for the play to end! So I could leave! This is not a good sign. The drawing card that proved so disappointing was the billing of Elizabeth Ashley, who deigned not to appear; and Gerald McRaney who could not overcome the drab dialogue or the pointless story.
The one bright moment was a young actress who appeared at the very end for too short a time to lend a bright light to a drab stage – Virginia Kull, played a white trash waitress and was a funny moment in an otherwise dirge of a play that was billed as a comedy.
Now for the good news! New York City is still all dressed up in its holiday finery and we had a wonderful meal in the hotel restaurant (a nice surprise) after the play and the weather is winter wonderful freezing! Huzzzah!
I must get to the gym as we have two plays scheduled for today – but more later on the surreal experience we had before the play looking for a bite to eat! Twilight Zone stuff I promise you.
Good News/Bad News
I like the bad news first myself – gets it out of the way you know? And that would be “Dividing the Estate” at the Booth theater in New York City. Written by Horton Foote of such fame as the play “To Kill a Mockingbird” and two Oscars has a real dud here. Our conclusion was that he wrote and pushed onto Broadway (at Broadway prices!) a vehicle for his daughter, Hallie Foote who, at least in this production was shrill, unbelievable, and annoying. We were in sharp disagreement with the New York Times obviously.
It was the Booth Theatre and quite frankly it may well be that the assassination was easier to watch! The characters had the depth of a cookie tin and the dialogue was to put it kindly stiff-stilted-moronic-and trite. As I attended the play with an actual Texan I can tell you the play revealed nothing of the people or the culture of that fascinating state.
Normally I’m the one who is the annoying optimist, the one to look under every trashcan for the bright side – but I was anxious for the play to end! So I could leave! This is not a good sign. The drawing card that proved so disappointing was the billing of Elizabeth Ashley, who deigned not to appear; and Gerald McRaney who could not overcome the drab dialogue or the pointless story.
The one bright moment was a young actress who appeared at the very end for too short a time to lend a bright light to a drab stage – Virginia Kull, played a white trash waitress and was a funny moment in an otherwise dirge of a play that was billed as a comedy.
Now for the good news! New York City is still all dressed up in its holiday finery and we had a wonderful meal in the hotel restaurant (a nice surprise) after the play and the weather is winter wonderful freezing! Huzzzah!
I must get to the gym as we have two plays scheduled for today – but more later on the surreal experience we had before the play looking for a bite to eat! Twilight Zone stuff I promise you.
Thursday, 1 January 2009
up, up, and away...
It's 0530 hours where I sit. I'm off to the airport soon (oh joy and rapture) to wing to the "Big Apple", New York City for a week of seeing shows, the museum, and dinner with Q ( the new son can't make it, laboring away at medical school - face glows with pride).
Should be lots to share. Yes, jmb and my friend in Italy - I'm taking the camera! Honestly you two!
Happy day to all!
Should be lots to share. Yes, jmb and my friend in Italy - I'm taking the camera! Honestly you two!
Happy day to all!
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