We rented a car and drove up to Pleasantville, about an hour north from New York City. Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a beautiful nature preserve, and a large part of it is around Swan Lake. It was boiling hot but we brought water. The social distancing was excellent. We were alone most of the time and when we saw other people, we all pulled up ( Read more... )

 As per the title, Jeff and I are in Chicago! We're staying at the ultra-ritzy Palmer House hotel.  Seriously, look at the website. Our room is nice but nothing special. Although when we asked for more towels, when we returned to our room, there were two ENORMOUS piles of towels!  Along the room corridors are large photos of entertainers who ( Read more... )

Today we went to Coney Island (about 1 1/2 hours on the subway). I wasn't sure I wanted to go. Heat affects me badly. And I was in a foul mood. Visiting Mom is a real chore. I made some blueberry muffins and Jeff took them to her. When we visited on Friday she went on at length about how terrible (her word) my muffins were. And that she was going ( Read more... )

We took the overnight train, the Lakeshore Limited, from NY Penn Central to Chicago's Union Station. We booked a roomette, which is what it sounds like. A small compartment that turns into two beds, upper and lower! My first trip to Chicago, when I went by myself, I took the upper berth and felt quite glamorous. This time Jeff got the upper berth. ( Read more... )

( A Girl's Dream Comes True )

My sister's got a room in a house in El Cerrito, close to where she works and close to my other sister. It's a room and bathroom, and supposedly a space for her stuff when the owner clears it out. Not ideal, but she's off the couch and not on the street. PHEW!

Yesterday I read my essay on wanting to buy a gun in Memphis and it went over well. One ( Read more... )

I'm interested to know who watches these shows and what your thoughts are. And what's your guilty pleasure?

( Image heavy )

( My extremely groggy first day in London )

( I Suffered So That You Should Be Entertained )

Jeff and I are heading to Philadelphia this AM for two days.  We need the time off (he does) so badly.  Today we're going to the Philadelphia Flower Show, tomorrow to the  Van Gogh exhibit.  I'll be back Thursday night, maybe on here Friday night.  Keep recc'ing, folks!