Let’s start with a confession. I once baked and decorated a tiny gingerbread house. It took forever and the end product was less than stellar. So, I have a great appreciation for bakers who can create fabulous architectural models out of gingerbread. The Museum of the City of New York hosts an annual “All Borough Gingerbread Competition.” I spent this … Read More
NYC in the Movies
While I was at the Museum of the City of New York yesterday, I wandered into an exhibit about movies shot in the city. Apart from the gingerbread houses, that was where most visitors gravitated. When I’m traveling and mention I’m a New Yorker, people tell me about visiting New York, wanting to come here, loving the city from movies … Read More
London – Day 1
My friend Sue and I arrived in London on Wednesday morning after an uneventful, though totally packed, flight. After checking in at the hotel and miraculously being able to get into a room immediately, Sue and I set out for a walk and lunch. Our hotel is in a wonderful location, right on Tottenham Court Road, close to an underground … Read More
London – Day 2
My plans for the morning included taking a long walk to see holiday decorations and what is new since my last visit. I should have known better than to make plans. It was drizzling when I woke. Rather than the sky brightening, it became more menacing. When I stepped out to start the walk, serious rain began. I hopped a … Read More
London – Day 3
It didn’t rain today!!! It was cold and windy, and rain threatened but never came. But with the forecast for rain, I changed my plans from a walking tour of the street art of Brixton to visiting two of my favorite museums. My first destination was the National Portrait Gallery, recently opened after a three-year pause for repairs, re-design, and … Read More
London – Day 4
This has been a whirlwind trip, cramming a lot into a brief time. Today our friend Jacqui took the train down from the Midlands to meet Sue and me. After catching up during a leisurely breakfast, we headed to the Tate Modern. The Tate Modern, opened in 2000, is a massive museum housed in a former Power Station. The special … Read More
London – Day 5
I started the day off very slowly because I hadn’t slept well. Caffeine in my system, I had just about enough energy to board a bus to Selfridges on Oxford Street. In years past they’d had some wonderful holiday windows. This year most of the windows were announcing the post-Christmas sales. Back on a bus, I headed towards the Royal … Read More
London – Day 6
Five out of six days have been rainy, but that hasn’t dampened my spirits. London has too much to offer, inside or out, to make me feel gloomy. I walked from the hotel to Covent Garden with the intent of exploring the London Transport Museum. Adjacent to the museum was a small flea market that I couldn’t resist poking around. … Read More
London – Day 7
The weather on my final day in London convinced me it was time to go home. For the sixth day out of seven it was raining—not a drizzle but full-out drenching rain. Because my flight wasn’t until evening, I wanted to spend it productively. I headed over to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. It seemed as if every other … Read More
Fabrics
I can neatly sew a button or hem, but beyond that I’m not fond of sewing. That’s probably because of a home ec class in middle school. The wrap-around skirt we sewed and were required to wear to class was less than flattering. Consequently, shopping instead of sewing became my go-to. But I love looking at fabrics. The myriad patterns, … Read More