New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve
As I have said before, I am the luckiest woman alive. Today I met up with my Son, his girlfriend and a another friend of his at a bar in NYC to celebrate the New Year...2 cosmo's later, a conversation, a photo session with New York's finest, a cigar, and joint conversation with my daughter (on the other coast), and I am completely ready for all 2009 will give...Happy New Year World, and to all, Peace on Earth...

Philly to Times Square

30th Street Station, Philadelphia to Penn Station, NYC

I took the train this morning from Philly to NYC. I love the view and feel of train stations, and the yellow pillars of Penn are wonderful. The train ride was so pleasant, and I passed the time listening to the opera of Paul Potts, and the spring season of Gucci. I am amazed that I am actually back in NYC, and how at home I feel here and in Philly. Perhaps it is time to consider a tour of duty in the East...though I know that that would not be compatible with the people who are important in my life...but what if...

Times Square, the day before...

This is a picture of Times Square this afternoon...a message board that I was lucky enough to catch with the lips. It is crowded today, and tomorrow will be insane...but that is what I came for, to end this year in a way I have ended no others, and that will pave the way for a different path in 2009. I must thank God for the courage and clarity this voyage has given me...along with some much needed closure. As 2000 and 9 begins...I truly feel this will be one of many of the best years of my life...whatever it brings. I have grown up, and am ready for anything...so stay tuned!

First Presbyterian Church - Philadelphia

First Presbyterian Church
Today I spent most of the day walking the beautiful streets of Philly, with focus on seeing what I have previously missed. This Church is amazing, in the heart of downtown, by Rittenhouse Square. The peaceful feeling of the building poured out over the street, and those standing nearby.
Tomorrow I take the train to New York, and will once again enjoy the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. I think I could watch this forever...I love the music.
Last night was a wild Mexican dinner with my Son, and friends...Philly has such great food and drink...and for now people...my Son is working on a transfer back to Cali...so my next trip to see him may be a hop, skip and jump to Long Beach...closely located next to my Sister...as happy as I am about him being closer...I will miss the trips to Philly, I am really starting to like it here..

Philly View

Philly View
They say timing is everything...and I could not agree more. Today has been so special, sleeping until almost noon, brunch, facial, make-over and shopping with my Son's girlfriend. I consider myself somewhat of a shoe addict...and Head Start is a shoe store in Philly that is like no other. All European imports of the cutest styles, and leathers...usually out of my comfort price range, but today, one fifth of the store was on SALE! Can you say brown suede and leather perfect healed boots...that match my yesterday's brown coat...that match my perfect Christmas scarf.

The above picture was taken at the perfect moment of light late this afternoon...5 minutes later while downing it, this view was gone...I was lucky to be paying attention...

Bowling

Bowling
My last adventure in bowling occurred the beginning of November when I was in Philly for work. The Lucky Strike is not your typical bowling alley...full (delicious) bar, neon light, great tunes, and colorful balls! My Son thought it would be a great place to grab a drink, and after 2 games of pool (something I am not good at!), margaritas, and bowling alley food, our lane was ready. After two games, two strikes, a sore arm...and very sore face from laughing...I was gifted with one of the best evenings I have shared with my son.
Today we will meet up with Liz, and hit the several high points. Tomorrow or Monday Liz and I are going for make-overs...let the beauty begin!

Flying to Philly

Flying to Philly...
Leaving Sacramento this morning by air, I thought about the concept of air travel. I thought about how small the plane felt in the sky among the fierce wind...I thought of how I would be seeing my Son on the other side of the Country tonight, and for the next few days, and I thought about how large mountains seem, and how small they are from above...which flipped me into continued commentary in my head about my life...and I think made some things that have not been clear...clearer...a very good thing.
This is a picture of Nevada...just over the California border...Reno-ish...

Christmas Day

Christmas Day
Today began as heavenly and morphed into a surreal afternoon that included gifts and dinner with someone who when she was not suffering from dementia did not like anything about me. I am proud of myself and how I have grown into a person I respect. It was my idea to entertain her...though in retrospect I am not sure if that qualifies me for sainthood...or a plush room at the sanitarium...most likely the later...
This picture was taken a couple of week ago at Goldhill's Welsh. I have been waiting to post it, and today is that day. I am enjoying the fence that frames the face...sitting in my new scarf...cozy in my new coat...and looking forward to my journey to Philadelphia tomorrow to see my son. The bloom is a bit off the rose with travel these days...and I am wondering how long can I be gone...I will decide in the next couple of days...