The Final Chapter

Hannah and I decided to extend our New York City trip a few hours Monday morning  in order to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty and hopefully see Ground Zero. These were the places Hannah had wanted to go. I didn't want to disappoint her, we had the time, and we were now used to getting on and off the subway. It also helped that we only had to ride and remember one train which, at the upper end, was walking distance to my van.

We said goodbye to Danny at the apartment and took the train with Judy until she had to get off for work. We all got off, said our goodbyes, and Hannah and I got on the next train headed for South Ferry, the very end of the line.

Once off the train and back in the sunshine, we gazed over the water at Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and various ferries shuttling passengers between here and there. We averted a young man peddling fruit snacks, declined overpriced bottled water, and snapped photos. I followed Hannah through Battery Park trying to take in the sights and capture some photos. She walked fast hoping I would stop the continuous documentation, but I continued.

Construction continues at Ground Zero which was blocked off by barricades. Only prepaid ticket-holder are granted access to the memorial at this time. We witnessed work on the new One World Trade Center, bought some better priced bottles of water, and made our way north. After a short discussion, we decided not to stop at Alice's Tea Cup on West 73rd Street on the way home, and bought two bagels from a vender before boarding the subway back to the Bronx.

It was a fun and adventurous weekend. We returned home inspired, invigorated, and ready to walk multiple city blocks in short periods of time. Today we went out to the shopping center and actually brisk-walked from Joann Fabrics on one side of the parking lot to Target on the other side without feeling like we should move the van. Now all we are missing is multiple sets of stairs and steep sloping hills to climb.




We have been extended an open invitation to visit again and you know I'm going to remember that. :)

(Boy, do I ever look tired in that picture!)

Martha and Hannah Take on NY City (part 2)

Danny made breakfast on Sunday morning (omelets) and we made plans to visit his studio which is walking distance from Wave Hill. We packed a lunch and climbed into the van for a short ride toward the Hudson River. The studio was full of paintings. He is working on a commission for a local college so there were plenty of paintings to look at.

After our tour of the studio, Judy took us for a walk down the road and up to Wave Hill. Mark Twain once lived in the home here, but it was closed for renovations so we walked the grounds, took a rest on the grass, and checked out the gardens instead. (I think I found the tool shed Peter Rabbit may have hidden in...)

After some lunch back at the studio, Judy took us for a walk down to the railroad tracks by the river where I got a glimpse of the Judy I remember from junior high school. She led us through the woods to a trail where we looked over the railroad tracks and across the river. Then, in true Judy-fashion, she took us back through the woods, up the river a tiny bit, and through a hole in the fence. We gingerly hopped over several sets of railroad tracks and down to the river's edge. This brought back memories of walking home from her grandparent's house on the railroad tracks so many years ago...

(And tomorrow morning I will write something else because it is now time to go to bed.)

J is for Journey

J is for Journey. This past weekend my daughter and I went on a journey together. We packed our bags, filled the gas tank, and headed off  for New York City. It was a long drive, but with sunny skies and good company, the hours passed quickly.





I found the home of my friend Judy with the help of my navigator daughter and spent the weekend getting re- acquainted with one of my childhood friends. We hadn't seen each other in over thirty years!

We spent a fun weekend traipsing through Manhattan and relaxing in the Bronx. After a solo final trip to the tip of Manhattan on Monday morning, Hannah and I started the journey home. It was a fun weekend. We learned a lot, laughed a lot, and look forward to a return trip one day.

To see the other participants in of ABC Wednesday Round 9, click here!

Martha and Hannah Take on NY City (part 1)

Hannah and I had a great weekend running around NY City. We stayed with my old friend Judy and her artist husband Danny in their apartment in the Bronx. They live within walking distance of the El, which is also the subway. The Line1 (red) train is a direct route to the heart of Manhattan and Judy was our tour guide..

On Saturday we caught a surprise (to us anyway) German Parade as we were on our way to Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

We stood and watched the parade for a long time and then got the deal of a lifetime getting into the museum (Judy did it) where we toured an ancient Egyptian Temple, gazed at a few paintings, and took in almost the entire furniture section much to the dismay of Danny who wasn't there to deter us.
After taking in the view from the roof of the museum, we wore out our shoes traipsing through Central Park and over to Broadway.

(Yes, Sherri, we did check out the Ramble, and even with a  map one could probably get lost, if not for helpful New Yorkers who actually know which way to go...)

We passed Alice's Tea Cup on the way to find Beard Papa's where we purchased and devoured the world's best cream puffs. After an afternoon of walking and eating only apples, we were near to starving. That cold vanilla filling was wonderful!. Sadly, we did not return to Alice's for tea. I guess that will have to be saved for another trip...


After another jaunt down Broadway and a ride on the bus, we found our way to Lincoln Center. We sat in the grass across from Julliard where "August Rush" once went to school. (You did see that movie, didn't you?) Thanks to an old subway map, we took the wrong train from Lincoln Center, got to the Mexican restaurant later than anticipated, and missed out on a loosely planned evening activity. Every cab after dinner was full, so we gave up on seeing the show, headed for Times Square to take in the sights, and then back to the A Train for a ride home to the Bronx.

I was amazed to find that even after hours of walking, climbing hills and stairs, and chasing after Hannah and Judy, who both have longer legs than me, my body was still moving forward of its own accord. I amazed even myself by walking up the hill back to the apartment without collapsing once along the way. Sleep never felt so good.

(On Sunday we stayed in the Bronx. Stay tuned.)

Leaving in the Morning

Hannah and I are off to the Bronx tomorrow morning. It a six hour drive from here. The weekend weather is forecast to be cool and sunny. Perfect. We'll be back sometime late Monday afternoon. We are excited.

I'm not sure yet what all we're going to do, though I would like to visit Central Park. I'm also going to find out if my friend's husband looks anything like Renoir. I have a sneaking suspicion that the illustrator of this children's book used him as a model.

Mom is spending the weekend with Rachel, even though she was fairly certain she would be fine staying here alone most of the time. (James and the boys aren't going with us, but I know they'll be busy working.) On our way out of town I'm hoping to pick up some apples and/or peaches for my friend, and maybe find one of those prepaid E-Z Pass gift cards for the Thruway tolls too.

See you next week!

Wednesday

Wednesday evening. James and the kids are watching The Andy Griffith Show... again. It's the middle of the week already.

I walked back into the orchard yesterday afternoon and caught a few apples. :)

Looks like they're on a string.

Funny how the property looks so foreign from a different angle.

I is for Inside

I is for inside, or perhaps imprisoned. This tree is imprisoned inside the silo. I could be wrong, but it appears to me he's in for life, most of which is over. He can't even leave... (Ha, ha ha! Okay, bad joke... bad, bad joke)

Is there a story behind this photo? Well, Hannah and I have driven past this barn on our way home from soccer for the past few Saturdays. This past week I remembered to bring my camera along and put her through the agony of me stopping and getting out of the van to capture the moment. Friday Hannah and I will be headed out to NY City for the weekend. To those who don't know New York State, the name often means "big city," but this photo captures the New York I know best. We live in apple country, and this weekend we'll be visiting the "Big Apple" for the very first time.

To see the other participants in of ABC Wednesday Round 9, click here!

1000 gifts

The Holy Experience 

Hate to Burst Your Bubble

Josh and Hannah are good friends. The other night they spent some together time blowing bubbles on Bethany's front step. I found a smile creeping across my face as I reached for my camera.

On the end table in Bethany's living room is a book, "Bringing Up Boys" by James Dobson. As I flipped through that pages, she looked slightly sheepish as she admitted that she hadn't ever read it. The copy was mine and the stories inside familiar. One upon a time this book had given me a glimpse into an otherwise foreign world.

Though I was in the midst of raising five boys I had never been given such a clear picture into the world of boys. I found myself able to relax a bit more when they pulled those crazy boy stunts and worry a bit less when they tore their knees open on trees and pavement. I hadn't given up on worrying altogether, but my understanding was forever altered.

In Remembrance

It was a sad day, one that changed our lives forever. I was touched by the incredible sand sculpture at this year's NY State Fair and the honor it gave to both the fallen and those who stepped up to risk their own lives in the hope of helping perfect strangers.

(Wish I could figure out how to arrange this the way I want it...)

Jump!

Kids are funny aren't they?

It was a beautiful day. We spent most of it inside with toddlers but had a little bit of outside time this afternoon with Josh and Emma. They were feeling jumpy. :)

Two Small Boys

Today found me sitting on the living room floor with two small boys. AC has decided I should be kept in his range of sight. He doesn't cry if I'm not, but if I walk away he will come find me, take me by the hand, and lead me to wherever it is he wants to be. He is pretty sure my lap is a good spot to sit, especially if I am sitting on the floor. AJ was content to crawl about, pull himself up on the furniture, climb into laundry baskets, and taste toys. I scarcely remember when I spent more time sitting on the floor than I did today. It was a good day and I remembered to enjoy the moment for once.

It was a pretty good day.

I Want to Get Up!

Welcome to the world of small children who hate naps. (Click here for a glimpse into Hannah's afternoon.) I will say this child is persistent. He is very much like his father, but he talks more. In fact, once he gets upset, there's no stopping him!

H is for Hurry

H is for hurry. "Here's your hat, what's your hurry?"

Actually, for most of the day I have been considering the thought, "Hurry up and wait." Life speeds along at an incredible clip and there appears but just one solution, to stop running through each day, to slow down and savor the moments. It's all easier said than done, of course, but if you will think back to days of childhood, I think you will find that yesteryear was a simpler time, a time of no hurrying, or at least much less of it, and you know, at the end of the day I wasn't feeling all stressed out.

It is my hope to once again learn how to "stop and smell the roses," after all "the hurrier you go, the behinder you get" and I don't have time for that!

To see the other participants in of ABC Wednesday Round 9, click here!

Color Changing Weather

Today I am thankful for cool temperatures, long sleeves, a little boy to love, and Ladies' Prayer group in Webster. I am blessed by hot coffee in my favorite mug, a daughter for company, and a new basketful of fresh peaches for my snacks and cereal. Putting on a positive attitude today and hoping the sun will peek through the dark and gloomy skies.

Rain Date

Is there a rain date for Labor Day?

A Thank You Note

Thank God every morning when you get up, that you have something to do that day which must be done,whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self-control,diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content,and a hundred virtues which the idle never know. ~Charles Kingsley~

In the midst of our oft weary struggles, God is near. Perhaps it is Labor Day that brings the quotes of verses maintaining the virtues of work, but God's timing is always perfect and He knows exactly what we need to hear and when. In those moments when my eyes are on me, I find myself frustrated and fatigued. I forget to thank God for the work he has given me to do and fail to see it is His Hand molding and shaping me into a vessel fit for His use.

I have kept a Gratitude Journal now since February. It has been an exercise in seeing the love of the Father in the ordinary everyday blessings as well as the grand and obvious, but somehow I often don't feel any more thankful than I did previous to starting my list. Perhaps it is because I have kept those lists tucked away in the secrecy of my bedroom. I wonder what would happen if I wrote them out on sticky notes and posted them about the house...

1842. Hand on my back, arm around my shoulders
1853. Bag of green beans
1871. Daddy memories. I hear him in my mind.
1885. Granddaughter small and sleepy
1901. One dollar baked potatoes at the State Fair
1903. A spirited 100 year old woman who doesn't know she is old
1904. Dew on the grass
1905. Ice in my coffee
1911. A God who isn't finished yet
1920. Sticky Notes

The labor of the righteous leads to life 

Proverbs 10:16

The Holy Experience

Too Late

It's too late to write tonight. Guess I'll go to bed now.

And So It Begins

A new year, a fresh garden...

Tuesday begins a new school year with one little girl to put on the bus and two small boys to love on during the day.

There will be days with my grand children and I think we'll have some fun times together. I'm going to miss my other flower garden, but maybe they'll come to visit.

Fair is Fair

I planned to be at the State Fair early but, due to extenuating circumstances, we arrived closer to noon. Once at the Fairgrounds, I let Ben and Hannah wander off on their own and I meandered about by myself. It sounds lonelier than it really was. Quite honestly, I didn't mind at all.

I stopped in Building 8 to check out the Arts and Crafts displays where James' friend Jose had a few award winning pieces. His rocking chair garnered a lot of attention and with reason. It is a beautiful piece and looks very comfortable. It won a third place ribbon. I really wanted to try it out, but that was not allowed. Maybe another time...

Upstairs in the same building I found the player piano and sat down to watch and listen. It is quite possible that this is the real reason I like going to the Fair. The giant music box is my favorite. I told Hannah I'd much rather have one of these than a treadmill, but then again I suppose the novelty might wear off over time, unless of course I had a hefty collection of rolls. During a quiet spell I chose a song to play, The Candy Man. It was sweet.

I wandered in and out of buildings looking at displays, taking in the sights, and dodging purses, backpacks, and scooters. I bought a cup of chocolate milk for a quarter, found the butter sculpture, and checked out the cow barn. Back in the horticultural building I got in line for a baked potato. Probably the best dollar I spent, aside from the black raspberry/vanilla twist ice cream later on.

Later in the afternoon Hannah and I made a return trip to the player piano. Hannah chose "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." While she played an elderly woman arrived in a wheelchair and stopped next to my seat. She leaned over and said, "St Louis Blues." When Hannah was finished playing, this woman was helped to the piano bench by her granddaughter. Soon she was playing the St. Louis Blues but not with the help of a roll. She played the song herself, from memory. (Her granddaughter told us we could find her on Youtube where I learned she is 100 years old!)

It was another good day. I missed my friend Della who couldn't make it to the fair today, but I'm going to find her another time. I heard my friend Vinnie was there today, but I didn't happen to see him either.

Full House

Today there were five, five flowers, all beautiful. Three were grandflowers. It was a busy day but a good one. Once again I am attempting to put into practice old lessons learned.

"Toys are not dirt."
and
"Hold them close while you can. They won't be here forever."
 
I snuggled my granddaughter, sniffled Lucas' ears, loved on Simon, kissed AC, and teased Emma. Yes, it was a good day.