A Midsummer Night's Dream in Spring

As I am approaching that big - yikes - 60 - a bucket list has formed in my head.  Things I've never done, places I've never visited - concerts and such.  Having signed up for IDNYC, the program has encouraged me to go to more cultural events and museums.  

I signed up for the New York City Ballet and as a member, am invited to 4 rehearsals.  I RSVP'ed for the dress rehearsal for A Midsummer Night's Dream and even better, was allowed one guest.  Winnie accompanied me on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon.  There is something very special being on the Lincoln Center Plaza.  

The rehearsal was absolutely wonderful and surpassed my expectation.  To be able to see every nuance of putting together a ballet - from the orchestra to the staging to the lighting was fascinating.  And of course, the dancers.  In their costumes.  Beautiful.

We enjoyed it so much - we wanted to see the whole thing.  And Winnie was able to score us some tickets for a Saturday matinee (4 days later).  Again, another beautiful day and a sublime way to spend an afternoon with my BFF. Who incidentally had never been to a ballet so it was doubly special. 

Way back in the day, when I was feeling flushed and Nikki was taking ballet, I had a subscription to the American Ballet and we went quite a few times.  Until a very young Nikki felt it was enough and then I invited friends to fill in.  I loved it all...was able to see many gorgeous performances and famed ballerinas. 

So it was nostalgic and fulfilling to once again experienced the talent of a dancer in her tutu on her toes gliding across the stage.  Breathtaking!

Rehearsal Day

Ballet Day

They're Baaaack!!

After waiting a year...maybe even 2 and even resigning ourselves to Kris & Baz settling on the west coast, they arrived safe and sound at LaGuardia Airport!  Which by the way, needs a MAJOR overhaul...it's pretty horrible!  Regardless, it was SO GREAT to pick up the returning travelers and get them back "home" - at least to Brooklyn Heights where they will stay until they find their own place.  Works out since Kathy & Tony are still in Florida.  Welcome home!!

Our Mother's Day 5.15.16

Doesn't matter that it's a week later.  A Mother's Day celebration is a Mother's Day celebration. Kathy flew in a few days after MD so it made sense to wait and have her be part of the festivities.  We met up in Chinatown and after some glitches, we were able to Skype with Kristina which was awesome! Ahhh...technology - a very good thing!!  She looked terrific and it was just wonderful to "see" her.

We dined at Golden Unicorn.  Had a wonderful meal.  Able to get in some family pics so that makes it an excellent night for me!

Skyping in

3 Generations

???

Peking Porkchops, Beef & Broccoli

Seafood in Nest

Chinese greens & Shrimp w/Mayo & Cashews 

Veggie Fried Rice & Noodles

                                           

HSAD at Joy

May appeared to be the month for reunions for me.  I had the JHS one and the gathering of my family, another.  And yesterday, my high school had a get together.  I do admit, HSAD does get together every few months but I haven't attended a mini one in a few years.

We met at Joy Curry & Tandoor Restaurant and had the upstairs to ourselves.  We were 17 which is a pretty nice number.  We were welcoming our classmate, Mim (pictured center) home from a 3 month stay in India.  

Although not everyone there was a friend of mine when I was in high school, they are friends of mine now!  

Hitting the Wendy Williams Mother Lode - 2016

The Mother's Day show at Wendy's is highly coveted.  Certainly more and more as the years go by. This year seemed over the top in terms of strict guide lines & gifts. But after seeing what we got, totally understandable.  No one was getting in without being on the list!  Security kept making announcements to people waiting on line.  No ticket...no entry - Get off the line!  I was fortunate enough to have Winnie as my BFF and got a golden ticket! And it was worth the long wait - we were all blown away! Luckily we didn't have to carry everything home...vacuum and Keurig will be delivered.  

So many of the items happened to be on a wish list of mine so it was amazing to have some wishes granted! I was thisclose to buying a new vacuum.  I received a Netflix subscription from Nikki & Tom for my birthday and have been looking into a Smart TV so I could watch on a TV instead of my laptop but now with the Chromecast...(which works beautifully) - done!  And upon Nikki's recommendation, have become a huge fan of L'Occitane - the gift set is sooo welcomed especially since it contains my preferred hand creams!  All the other "stuff" - icing & cherry on top!

Thank you, WW & staff!!   

1.   Keurig 2.0
2.   Shark Vacuum
3.   Godiva Chocolates
4.   Godiva Chocolate Pretzels
5.   Flowers
6.   Tiny Prints
7.   L'Occitane Gift Set
8.   Robe
9.   Massage Envy - one massage
10.  Lulu's gc $150
11.  Hotel Stay $150
12.  Polaroid Printer
13.  Asus Chromebook
14.  Chromecast
15.  Google gc $50

Another JHS 65 Reunion - May 2016

John Wong was in town .  Caryn put this together.  Met up in Congee Village and we all know how difficult it is to just get a couple of friends together..forget 12!  Our JHS "reunions" have been amazing - and we are getting new "members" even!  This night included the addition of grade school classmate, Mealifer!  And she brought along Patty who looks familiar to me but more importantly ended up - being Eric's aunt!  Small world!  So fun!  This was practically an anniversary of sorts.  A year ago, this week, we finally "found" Eric! And it's been pretty terrific ever since!

Standing: Mealifer, John, Esther, Caryn, Jinny, Wayne, Patty
Seated: Nancy. Winston, Robert, Winnie, Eric

Appetizer Platter

Sea Cucumber, Mushrooms & Baby Bok Choy

Lobster

Garlicky Chicken

Steak and even more dishes served but I didn't get a chance to take the shots!

Inside joke?

Definitely!

Wayne tried to pay for the whole thing...We collected the money
and Winnie was able to convince him to take it!