Am taking a break from Paris to honor our military. Thank you.
I pass this tribute on my walk to the library. Decided for Memorial Day it was time to stop and pay reverence with a prayer of thanks. The City of Auburn has done a handsome Park to honor their local brave heroes who gave everything.
World War II
World War I Memorial
Korean War
There are also small memorials to each war or conflict the United States has been involved in. Too many..
Let’s hope this spot remains vacant forever.
In trying to locate something to write about decided to check out what is celebrated on April 4th.. Came across this interesting web site http://www.holidays-and-observances.com/april-4.htm, and will highlight a few entries from this site, some good, some not so good.
National Vitamin C Day
And finally, it’s the 94th day of the year!
Into each day a little rain must fall, however, then there is the rainbow.
In a world full of angst and challenges, let us look for the rainbows.
So what causes rainbows??
According to Auntie Google – rainbows are caused by light shining through water.
When sunlight hits a rain droplet, some of the light is reflected. The electromagnetic spectrum is made of light with many different wavelengths, and each is reflected at a different angle. Thus, spectrum is separated, producing a rainbow.
And look for what is at the base of the rainbow.
Did you know some sources state April Fools Day dates back to 1582?
But, whatever the date, make sure to plan a prank and have some fun!
With all the New Years resolutions out there, came across this, and wanted to share. Hope it provides inspiration.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, and peace filled 2023!
Some Christmas lights for your enjoyment..
At the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens there is an interesting display which runs through January 1st.
Then on to Kuhn’s Flowers in Jacksonville. What a lovely Christmas window display!
Next.. Girvin Road in Jacksonville, but after waiting 45 minutes in bumper to bumper traffic decided enough is enough. Some pics from the beginning of the road.
Driving back from Jacksonville all was decorated along the journey. Nice, but will end with my favorite.
Once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker. Happy Holidays.
Happy Holidays to all!
Attended the Whitney Museum for the Edward Hopper exhibit. Edward and his wife, Josephine Nivison, also a painter, and Edward’s muse, were native New Yorkers.
Edward’s wife, Jo. Sad this exhibit held no paintings done by Jo. It was stated that Edward painted exteriors, and Jo painted interiors. Perfect blend for marriage – opposites…
The couple married in their 40’s and lived in the Washington Square area of New York. They were avid theater buffs, and Edward often painted scenes of the theater. He worked in charcoal and oils. There was a fascinating documentary playing in the exhibit as well as and ongoing stream of an interview with the couple. The interview played with this Hudson River view as backdrop.
Perhaps Edward’s most famous work. There is a Hopper Museum in Nyack, New York, Edward’s birthplace, and where he lived his early years. If visiting Upstate check it out.
Other Hopper paintings..
Found this the most interesting piece of the exhibit. Hopper’s notebook. Priceless.
The Edward Hopper Exhibit is through March 5, 2023. A must see.
The Whitney Museum – History and Beyond
The Whitney was founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney in 1930, (b. 1875- d.1942). Gertrude was the daughter of Cornelius II and Alice Vanderbilt. She summered at the Breaker’s in Newport, Rhode Island and was a talented sculptress. She longed for a life of purpose other than that of a wealthy heiress. Besides her own creative abilities she was also a patron to others in the arts.
Portraits of Gertrude
The Whitney has 5 floors of painting and sculpture with outdoor sculpture gardens on two floors.
Some favorites from their collection..
Upon departing from Little Island walked through the Meat Packing area of Manhattan and up 40 blocks to the Museum of Broadway. In the Meat Packing District there are many trendy shops and restaurants. Stella McCartney, Beatle Paul’s daughter, has her shop here.
The journey in pictures..
A Christmas decoration under construction – and completed..
The shops, and yes they sell real Christmas trees in NYC, and the Museum of Illusions which had a long line of teens awaiting entry.
School of the Visual Arts
While walking came across this college exhibit and explored it further. As a former prison administrator was fascinated by these proposed concepts and hopeful they come to fruition. Too many are incarcerated unfairly, this ruins lives, families, and generations.
The sad facts,
The journey continues – Macy’s Christmas windows
Then lunch at Margon’s before the Museum Visit
What an amazing Cuban sandwich – and love that Mexican beer. If you can’t read the sign, it is 136 West 46th St. – just off Times Square. Forgot to take a picture of the restaurant so had to return after hours. Great service – Tasty food – Authentic.
Museum of Broadway
After the long walk finally arrived at 145 W. 45th St., The Museum of Broadway. This newly ordained Museum is a nice tribute to all those wonderful Broadway plays and actors. Attended the first Tuesday of the month when pricing is more reasonable as it currently is about $50 per adult ticket, also entry is strictly timed, and tickets must be purchased in advance. However, as of this writing pricing has changed for students and seniors to $29. and $32, respectively on certain days. Check out their website for particulars https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com.
It is the typical museum with a movie to start you off, followed by a play timeline, then many long winded explanations of various plays. Since I was not in the mood to read found all these narratives offensive as I did the overzealous young Broadway junkies who worked at the Museum and followed you throughout the visit.
However, what I did enjoy was the costumes.
Lion King, Hello Dolly, Godspell
Annie, Cabaret, Pirates of the Caribbean
xxxx
Broadway certainly has an impact on NYC economy as was stated in these two billboards.
Another interesting Museum piece was the backstage operations. Some photos..
There was also a nice tribute to Broadway Cares, an organization which does much to support AIDS victims, and many other folks in need.
All in all this was a perfect visit for a rainy day, but need to plan ahead for the rain.
Let’s end this visit with some folks celebrating New Year’s in the subway. What fun!
This area of New York City is relatively new. It began after the development of the High Line which will be discussed later in this blog. It is a retail and business area adjacent to the Hudson River.
Let’s start at the subway stop and progress through the area.
Once off the subway much to see…
Bella Abzug Park – this gal was an American lawyer, feminist, politician, and leader of the Women’s Movement in the 1970’s.
The Buildings of Hudson Yard
Retail Area
Many trendy shops found here. Word to the wise…stop at the mall bathrooms prior to your High Line stroll.
The Vessel
This 16 story architectural feat was built to be a free area to walk and view the area. Currently, it is closed as folks were jumping off the structure. There are plans to somehow enclose the structure, however as stated this is in the “planning” stage.
The Shed – theater at Hudson Yards
How appropriate that a play concerning this man, Robert Moses, who essentially built the New York City landscape, is currently being performed at Hudson Yards. Ticket cost – in the neighborhood of $4000. However, while Moses was a genius and created the City streets, bridges, and parks, he was a known racist.
Railroad corner piece to the Bloomberg Building at Hudson Yard which is near to my High Line entry. There are several entrances to the High Line, a Manhattan Urban Park donated to the City by designer Diane von Furstenberg and family, ($20 million). While gifted to the City of New York it is privately funded and supported by Friends of the High Line.
The High Line was originally built in 1934, as an infrastructure project lifting train traffic 30 feet in the air. Remnants of train memorabilia are found among the walkways and plants.
High Line Entrances and Rules
Access Points
The Rules
Exhibits
ART
PLANTS
Neat idea for a home bee keeping experience. Will have to try!
Views
Apartment Views – almost feel like a voyeur, however, this apartment appears to be under construction..
Little Island-the treasure at the High Line end…
And the Whitney Museum falls at the end of this trek. Sadly, it was closed, (Tuesday), so will return Wednesday.
Am told an amazing Edward Hopper exhibit is in house… Can’t wait.
What a fun morning and more to come! Stay tuned..
Young Retiree Needs a Life 