Bouncing Back a Little

[days_unfolding]

I'm looking at hotels in New York City, and fuuuuck, they're expensive. I'm leaning towards the Hilton Garden Inn because it has a refrigerator. Okay, the Hotel Indigo has a minifridge and seems a little cheaper. I’d like to take the train there if I can spare the time. There would be an eight-hour layover in Chicago, but I would have a roomette, so I could use the lounge. I’m not booking anything until we get the “all clear“ from the vet.

I’m thinking of what I’d want to do in NYC:

• Ground Zero
• Go to the top of One World Trade Center (same day)
• Go up to Central Park and pay my respects to John Lennon across from the Dakota Building
• Cruise (boat) around Manhattan
• Hang out in the Village
• Go to a terrific bookstore
• See the High Line
• Go to Katz’s deli
• Eat great cheesecake
• ???

I need to buy a guidebook (ordered).

Oh crap. My singing teacher is stopping online lessons, so I need to find a new teacher. That explains why her availability has been limited. I found someone that I would like to try.

I tried to put Bella’s food in a cat dish, so it’s time to go to bed. I took Bella and Gracie out, but I’ve been having problems with my front door, so I’ve been leaving the door a little ajar with the screen door closed. Oliver usually goes in the doorway but backs off when Gracie comes in. This time, he got out. Luckily, I was able to grab him. I guess that I’ll have to go in through the back door.

Woke up a little after 9 AM. (I wound up staying up late.) Dogs (to the tune of “Baby I Love Your Way”): “Mommy, I want your food. Want to tell you I want your food….” Fed us all.

It rained last night, so I don’t need to water the outdoor plants. I need to check on the big fern on the porch though. It needs water.

Drat. Bonnie Raitt is going to be in Chicago in early September, but it’s in the middle of the week, so I can’t go.

I bought a nice wallet that includes a passport holder for my next trip.

Napped and dreamed that my father was being an asshole. He was pretty bad when I was a kid, but has improved with age. Took the dogs out, and Oliver tried to get out when I was bringing them back in. He’s being a pain. This is why he has an AirTag collar.

I want to stay home today and clean off the porch and work on the kitchen.

I think that Gracie is annoying Bella. I heard a small yelp from Gracie, but now they’re happily chewing stuff side by side. I bought them some tug-of-war toys because they like to play tug, usually with something of mine that they shouldn’t be into!

The New York Times suggested traveling with a small carbon monoxide detector, which sounded like a good idea so I ordered one.

I’m feeling tired but I hope that my shower will help. It helped a little. Now it’s feeding time at the zoo.

I’m experimenting with visualizing how the house will look when it’s organized so motivate me to work on it.

Started cleaning off the porch until my back started killing me. Now I’m drinking some flavored carbonated water.

Hmm. A massage. That’s what I need to calm down. And try out the sauna. Okay, I booked one on the 30th.

Got my old stoneware downstairs. (I’m hanging onto it until I find the small plates and bowls.) Now I need to eat something (done). Got my new stoneware put away with help (NOT!) from Oliver. I need a white sugar bowl and creamer to go with it (ordered).

Crud. The dining chairs that I liked have been sold. Need to look for others. Okay, I found a set on Overstock that I like. I need to finish cleaning up the kitchen before getting them.

The cats are starting to tell me that they’re hungry. I'm going to feed the beasties and crash. At least I got some stuff done today.

Comments

[zforce]

If bookstores are your thing, read this article. I saved this on my Pinterest and I am determined to hit up as many of these as I can https://newyorkdearest.com/best-bookstores-new-york-city/.

I would also say go to the Whitney Museum (my favorite) which has fabulous views as well as interesting art. Then walk over to Little Island. Walk around, have a drink, see if there are any free shows that day. You're in the meatpacking district, which has so many good food options too.

Go to the Botanical Gardens. See the Van Gogh's Flowers exhibit.

The Bronx Zoo (my favorite place)

Union Square Greenmarket

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

There was a time when I would have said to avoid the cruises. They are touristy and you don't really do anything. Then my office did a booze cruise on the Circle Line. It really is an interesting view of the city and a new perspective.

[days_unfolding]

I’ll have only four days in New York, which isn’t enough, but then I’ll be leaving for a cruise to Bermuda. I had wanted to go to at least one museum; is there one with a great photography exhibition?

I’ll keep your suggestions in mind!

[days_unfolding]

Note to self: International Center for Photography

[zforce]

I can't think of one that has a permanent photography exhibition offhand, but there could be temporary ones. I would check out the websites for museums and see what is on display on the dates you are there. To narrow down your search, I would still suggest The Whitney. I would also suggest MoMA. Both of them have had some photography exhibits the last time I visited. The former tends to be less crowded though. The last time I went to MoMA, the line was going around the block to get in even with advanced tickets.

[fauxklore]

The International Center for Photography is worth a visit.

The don't miss bookstore is The Strand. If you like mysteries, The Mysterious Bookshop is amazing, too.

I prefer 2nd Avenue Deli to Katz's.

The Tenement Museum is very interesting. I also suggest visiting the main branch of the NY Public Library, which usually has interesting exhibits (and is free!)

[days_unfolding]

Thanks for the recommendations! I had already added the International Center for Photography to my list. My dad also recommended the Met for art, and they have an Asian Art wing, which I would enjoy.

[fauxklore]

I didn't recommend the Met because it is so huge that you really need a full day for it. Personally, I find it completely overwhelming.

[zforce]

I don't recommend the Met for the same reason. It's just too big if you don't have a lot of time.

The Library is great. I'm surprised I hadn't thought of that. The Treasures exhibit is the best. They have everything from original copies of the Declaration of Independence to the actual original Winnie the Pooh toys. Plus there is always something going on in Bryant Park right behind it.

[fauxklore]

And one of my favorite hidden gems of NYC architecture is right across 42nd St from Bryant Park. Specifically, 11 42nd St is the Salmon Tower Building, which has a series of bas reliefs of the zodiac signs around its doorway. They're also on 43rd St.

And, of course, you can look east and see the Chrysler Building, which I consider the most beautiful skyscraper in the world.

[days_unfolding]

I love the Chrysler Building.

I might go to the Met just to see their Asian art exhibit, and save the rest for another time.