To summarize, the South Koreans received an invite from the Buffalo family and ended up staying at their home for the weekend sleeping in sleeping bags on their floor, (as there were 10 of them). In return the South Koreans cooked for the family, watched football, television, and generally camped out. This is America, we are a welcoming nation, and always seem to find a way to help others. What an amazing and uplifting story to reflect upon during this holiday season.
Am sure these folks have made life long friends and will remember this their entire lives.
Wanted to stick with something uplifting and different during this post Christmas week. The news is dead, (and a downer), so decided to seek what was celebrated today. It is Fruitcake and Zoo Day, and since I’m not a fan of zoos investigated fruitcakes, and what better one than America’s own ..
The Claxton
Am sure all of us have received one of these World Famous delights as a Christmas gift. Made in Claxton, Georgia, the fruit cake capitol of the world, it has a fascinating history. The company began, when an Italian New York City immigrant and pastry chef, Savino Tos, in the early 1900’s, moved and fell in love with the South. Here he began his bakery and homemade ice cream shop in Claxton.
Beloved by the community he acquired a young man of 11 to assist him. Albert Parker eventually became his most valuable employee and bought the company in 1945, deciding to specialize in fruit cakes. Mr. Parker has left us but his family continues to operate the company going from horse and buggy sales to a world wide operation. Their web site is fascinating and encourage all to read it, https://www.claxtonfruitcake.com/. It is an American success story.
And in the meantime enjoy this special day – and please have a piece of fruitcake. You won’t be sorry.
For those who still yearn to celebrate zoos, check out my 8/31/2022 blog.
How were your holidays? Mine were lovely and peaceful. While solo, each year I enjoy the solitude more and more. It is a delightful time of peace and reflection. Reading a book, taking a bubble bath, doing my nails, and shutting off the cell phone certainly recharges the batteries of the soul. Try it, you may like it!
And this year there were Northeast temps in Florida. While no snow fell, had the trial of covering the plants and donning the gloves. Florida almost felt Christmas-like.
Today I will check out the stores for sales of Christmas decorations to add to the collection for Christmas 2023.
Let’s hope the Dollar Tree has something left.. They have the best decorations, and yes, buy their stock. My tip for the year.
Have been considering a career shift from the blog, to neurofeedback, dog grooming or perhaps both? For those who are unsure what neurofeedback is, check out this site for specifics, https://www.eeginfo.com/what-is-neurofeedback.jsp. It certainly assists with many mental health issues.
And as to the dog, that could be an adjunct for assisting with these issues as well, and for me a fun add-on part time career to the more involved one. Love dogs!
Rocco received Pomeranian salt and pepper shakers for Christmas from his Minnesota grandma. Too cute. And update on his swallowing my vitamins/supplements. He is alive and kicking after stealing and swallowing tumeric from my suitcase. Only had 2 days of orange stools. Too funny and colorful, too!
So, enjoy your day, and have some left overs. Always love that turkey.
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.
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.
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,
say it all..
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.
Ziegfield Girls 1907-1927
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.
Let me make a prediction – another Tony for Audra in 2023 with this performance. For 90 minutes Audra mesmerizes, and does not leave the stage in this story of intrigue, evil, and sorrow. Written by Adrienne Kennedy, the play provides a blend of laughter and horror by this crafty 91 year old playwright. Let us hope the Tony’s don’t forget her as well.
The play tells the story of a young black woman at Ohio State who becomes involved with a white professor. There is a pregnancy and the professor does not claim the children. The woman, (Audra), who has the children is ostracized and this is all I will reveal. It is a compelling performance stirring much emotion yet done tastefully and creatively. Audra at her best!
It is appropriate that this play is held at the James Earl Jones Theater. The Theater is newly renovated and comfortable.
My seat was in the 5th row, (behind Duke Ellington’s son I over heard someone say), and was prime for cast pictures at the end of performance when New Yorker’s jumped to their feet with a standing ovation.
Note to Audra: Start looking for that dress for the 2023 Tony Awards.
Have discovered a new, more reasonable yet still phenomenal way to enjoy New York City performances. Sign on to the Juilliard web site, info@lincolncenter.org. and hook on to these deals. Follow along to learn more.
Juilliard Orchestra – Evening Event
This December performance had Speranza Scappucci of Italy conducting the Juilliard Orchestra with Zhouhui Shen on piano. Giuseppe Martucci, Johannes Brahms, and Ottorino Respighi, were played at this concert. Cost – priceless, but actually $37.50, including tax and fees. What a performance!
The Juilliard Honors Chamber Music Ensembles – Afternoon Event
There were 2 Chamber Music performances. The first group performed a lively number of Villa-Lobos. Was fun to see the excitement of these performers.
Next set..
The second group performed a set of Ravel, the String Quartet in F Major. What a phenomenal hour performance and FREE!!
New Dances: Edition 2022 – Evening Event
There were 4 dances during this “Edition.” Those who have graduated returned to choreograph these students. In reviewing the brochure associated with this event noted Jon Batiste on Board of Trustees. Good choice, Juilliard! Let’s take a peek at the pics.
First Dance
Second Dance
Dance Three
Dance Four
On to Jazz at Lincoln Center after the dances…
This jazz club is in the 59th Street retail complex, 5th floor. Reservations are required. What a phenomenal night of Christmas music, “jazzed” up. Food and drinks available with minimal cover of $25 for a hour set. Stellar night – see pics.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 