Eric & Jinny

Since my friends who were also classmates are basically the same age, we are all about to hit that big number!  Some earlier than others but it's on the horizon.  Jinny & Eric hit it this year - Jinny (May) and Eric (August).

I wanted to celebrate and gathered the group for a Wo Hop dinner.  I myself hadn't been to Wo Hop in 40 years?  And it was the "old" Wo Hop...downstairs.  They now have a street level location which is where we dined.  And for a weeknight, it was packed!

Caryn's mom (who lives across the street) joined us - so perfect since we really still appreciate her hosting us for our first dinner after we "found" each other again.  

This JHS group has gotten together quite a few times...small or large depending on who could make it but it does take effort so I applaud mostly Eric who usually is the one who puts out the invite.  And it always amazes me that there's still things to discover about each other.  It's a wonderful thing!

US Open and New Roof

Last time I attended the US Open (2013) - it was with Nikki and we saw Djokovic (win).  I wanted to see the brand new roof and was joined by Nikki, Winnie & Liz.  We met in Rego Park first for sushi and then took the 7 to the arena.

Phil Collins "christened" the roof by performing "In the Air Tonight" - and Leslie Odom Jr (from Hamilton) sang the national anthem and later joined Collins to sing Easy Lover...it was great!

And Djokovic was the main draw...he won again. Which was good since he's my favorite p

Weather-wise, it was a clear evening and they introduced the roof by opening while Collins sang and everyone oohed and aahhed...kind of funny...it's a roof, folks!  But admittedly...I did it too...:)

Liz's Salmon platter...want this next time!

But this was pretty good too!

In the American Express lounge where we got snacks and swag

The lanyards!!  Attached to a radio given by AMEX

Barbra!

I have started a bucket list and hands down, this event was on my top ten!  Seeing Barbra Streisand in concert!  Besides the fact that she had "retired" and I thought I lost my chance eons ago...I was never able to justified the expense.  Now I can blame it on old age maturity.

From the first time Bicky and I saw her in A Star is Born at the Ziegfield and picking up the soundtrack album right after, I have been a fan! She is...sublime.  Perfection.  And even though it was 100 degrees and I took the subway for the first time to Barclay's Center, it was so worth it!

She didn't have an opening act and pretty much started the show with not much of a wait. When The Way We Were started playing and she sang the first note, I literally started to cry!  It was beyond all my expectations! *love*

Fireball! Pitbull...!!!

 My next "alone" concert was to see Pitbull.  Who I absolutely adore! And that he was going to be at Bethel Woods was an extra plus.  I had been wanting to see this venue for the longest time!!  It's supposed to be a hop-skip & a jump from my upstate home but since it's a one lane road after the exit, could make for slow going.  No matter...I was game!

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous grounds!  Omigosh...amazing vistas all around.  And the arena itself is spectacular!  It was where Woodstock took place.  There is a Rock & Roll museum year round for visitors.

While waiting for the concert to begin (and I chose an absolutely perfect day for an outdoor show!) - I saw a woman who was an usher.  The astounding thing was I thought I was watching myself!!  I know it sounds crazy because no one ever feels that another stranger looks like themselves but I was mesmerized! Granted, full-on face view...no - nothing like me but from the back, the side and even her motions were...uh...spot-on!  This made me think of how many times I'm mistaken for "someone" at my Shop Rite!  I bet you it's HER!

I read that their ushers are volunteers and I'm seriously thinking of doing that next year...who knows...maybe I'll meet my doppelganger!

Pitbull was A-Mazing!!  Had the place jumping - me included.  Will be back next season!!

Museum in the background

Museum giftshop

Lawn Seating

Reserved seating...shot taken from my seat

Doppelganger!

Prince Royce opened (was excellent!)

PITBULL!!