Long distance conversation with one of my sisters this morning brought up all kinds of stuff from our past including decisions we should have made but didn’t and decisions we did make and shouldn’t have. Then she recited this poem by Shel Silverstein
WOULDA-COULDA-SHOULDA
All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas Layin’ in the sun, Talkin’ ’bout the things They woulda coulda shoulda done… But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas All ran away and hid From one little Did.
In these crazy times – reflection is good, I think, but regrets should be tossed away, in my humble opinion, to concentrate on the “dids”!
VOTE, WEAR A MASK AND BE SAFE!
KAY’S NOTES: Falling Up is a 1996 poetry collection by Shel Silverstein with this poem.
Disclaimer, I try for correct info on kaysnycways, but no guarantees people.
This song on racism isfrom Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beautiful musical of 1949, SOUTH PACIFIC. I first posted these lyrics following Charlottesville in 2017: Here they are again.
You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear You’ve got to be taught from year to year It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear You’ve got to be carefully taught
You’ve got to be taught to be afraid Of people whose eyes are oddly made And people whose skin is a diff’rent shade You’ve got to be carefully taught
You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late Before you are six or seven or eight To hate all the people your relatives hate You’ve got to be carefully taught.
Rodgers and Hammerstein believed they could write a musical based on the novel by James Michener Tales of the South Pacific that would be financially successful and, at the same time, send a strong progressive message on racism.* That was in 1949…it’s now 2020! Over 70 years ago. We must continue the fight against racism and for social justice !
Peace and love, Kay
*Wikipedia Disclaimer – I try for correct info on kaysnycways – but no guarantees people
I was going to tell you about the many outfits I’ve seen on the streets of the City during this disgusting hot weather, but the post seemed just a little boring so I did some editing and here it is. Take a nap if you need to. It’s hot outside.
To begin, I certainly did not spend much time outdoors when the thermostats were reaching their breaking points, but sometimes one has stuff to do. So in my best fashionista style, with apologies to Anna Wintour, here’s my take on what I saw.
I noticed, on my way to wherever, was that men, as usual, have it so easy. Give them shorts, a shirt, a t-shirt, maybe pants and a blazer and they’re set. I did see one handsome chap walking up Madison in a seersucker suit with a straw hat placed jauntily on his head. Looking very cool and very stylish and he knew it!
This works short pants, t shirt and water lots of cool water. (Washington Square Park)
Women have many more fun choices, but invariably I noticed that we seem to conform to our age group. Teenagers, on these simmering days, were mostly in denim shorts with a wide variety of tops: tanks, tees, and shirts. . Plus they love wearing their flip flops and sneakers as they travel through the City in pairs, in groups or solo. Very cool and comfortable…giggling and just having fun. Brings to mind that Cyndi Lauper song, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”
The next group, in my humble opinion, is that mysterious age for women somewhere in their twenties and thirties. Their preferred styles were mostly dresses and skirts: long, short, mini, maxi you name it. Colors were amazing. One woman had on a beautiful orange silky dress and flats. Another looked so comfortable and chic in a white linen ruffled long dress and sneakers. More than a few wore hats and some carried an umbrella to keep off the hot sun as they hurried along. What a difference from winter…when dark is the name of the game.
I couldn’t help but look, as did everyone else, when a tall woman probably in that mysterious age came towards us in a body hugging yellow flowered mini mini mini dress looking drop dead gorgeous with high strappy heels on her feet. Well aware of the impact she was making, as she walked along on the arm of a smiling happy fellow. As I passed them, I thought is that little thing you’re wearing really a dress or is it hiding a tiny bikini underneath as you make your way to someone’s pool or is it actually your swim suit? Hmmmm
Then, why I love this city, surprises happen at anytime and anywhere. I came upon, what I decided to call, The Pink Wedding Party being photographed in the middle of Madison Avenue. Catch the woman in the background in the orange striped mini dress and sneakers trying to get home and out of the sun who didn’t care about the pink clad people or the traffic waiting when the light changed so the photographer could finish his shoot.
Then there’s The Pink Wedding Party
I must mention what I like to drink on these kind of days… like an Aperol Spritz or a Prosecco or a minty iced Mojito. Although a really nice tequila on the rocks can be quite pleasant.
OK folks, I didn’t cover every outfit I saw just some that I thought stood out. I really enjoyed seeing the number of seniors like myself who were stuck indoors during the hottest days, but sure knew how to dress when they emerged onto the streets. The trick was again loose flowing pants, blouses, skirts and dresses allowing even a hint of a breeze cool them, their canes and their walkers. Happy to be out and about, just like me.
FROM ME… As I finish this post, I thought I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the many people suffering without air conditioning or are homeless who are deeply concerned with how to escape the oppressive heat. One of the steps the City took during the worst of the days was to open the Libraries on Sunday as cooling centers. I did not mean in this piece to show any lack of empathy for those less fortunate, if it read that way, I deeply apologize. Kay
Photos: Washington Square Park courtesy of Getty Images Pink Wedding Party by me!
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
Or… Family and the beach for 50 years at the same place!
I’m back from this gorgeous beach and miss it already. Some may find what our family does is boring…on the other hand some may find it enviable. Don’t know, but it sure works for us.
This is how we spend our time each sun-filled or rain-filled day, with a few adjustments for showers: Breakfast, reading the papers, doing the crossword, walking on the beach, reading, family chefs cooking, golfing, happy hours drinking (notice the plural there) dinner, lively conversations with family musicians playing and singing. Plus always a unique jigsaw puzzle waiting on the table for someone to walk by and add a piece or two. Perhaps, once in a while if we are in the mood, a day trip somewhere. All in all…a perfectly wonderful time and has been all these years. Already reserved for the same weeks next year! 51 years ….wow!
This beautiful bird captured by our talented family photographer at Huntington Beach Park near where we stay.
BTW – kids, grand kids, usually not around as their lives are full with school, college, work, family, but we are able to harness them all when we have a reunion.
KAY’S NOTES:
This peninsula,off the coast of South Carolina is about 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 90 miles north of Charleston, has been our family’s go to place. It’s almost a second home and although we do not own the houses we stay in, the rentals are wonderful, on the ocean and not even close to the rates on the east end of Long Island! If you’ve been in the area you know exactly what I’m talking about. A lovely family beach! For us? spectacular memories!
Now…what’s going on in my City? I’ll let you know.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
I had to take the LIRR at Penn Station a few weeks ago and forgot how crowded, noisy, messy with people, vendors, cars,taxis, buses all trying to get somewhere. If that was the first impression that I had as a tourist arriving in NYC and coming out of Penn Station, I too would question the sanity of anyone choosing to live here. Of course, once away from that chaos, the excitement of this City starts to hit and that first impression begins to dissipate at least for a while.
Upper West Side Neighborhood
I think that all tourists should be required (rather strong word) or encouraged (better word) to visit a neighborhood where people actually live. You know, where they work, go to school, buy groceries, go to kids’ sports games like families do. Visitors might then have a better idea of why living in the City in a tiny expensive apartment might have some pluses. Now the really young – teenagers, kids with dreams-this is where they want to be. They get it.
Upper East Side Neighborhood
I’ve written about our neighborhoods before, but I’m making this suggestion. If you are coming in to see the sights, a show, eat at a great restaurant, visit a museum how about making another plan to venture out of those popular and interesting places and find a neighborhood to walk around. A great one is a few blocks from the important and heavily tourist area of the World Trade Center. Cross over West Side Highway to Murray Street which is very easy to find. If it’s a weekend or in the evening watch the kids play soccer or baseball on the large sports field. The neighborhood has a library up the street – a school nearby –grocery stores and restaurants. Walk to the river – and then walk along the river – see families having picnics on the grass – napping and reading, playing ball, climbing and swinging in the playgrounds.
Near Murray Street and Battery Park Neighborhood
These neighborhoods are all over the City. Granted some more dense than others, but it gives a glimpse into the lives of New Yorkers who live, retire and work here and enjoy most everything that visitors do with a great perk…home is just around the corner. Maybe you still won’t want that small apartment without a yard, but maybe you’ll understand why some of us do.
Happy Labor Day! Love this City!
KAY’S NOTES:
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Just have fun here – and maybe I’ll see you in my ‘hood!
Photos by me!
:Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
This post was written with the help of my granddaughter who came to the aid of her other grandmother on a city bus. In fact this post was written almost entirely by her to go on my blog, as if I was writing it.
“My son’s wife’s mother and her granddaughter were going on a shopping spree. And boy does my son’s wife’s mother look young!. They were getting on the bus and when she paid, the bus driver said,”Why are you paying half?” My son’s wife’s mother said, “I’m a senior.” “No, you’re not” said the bus driver. And her granddaughter looked that bus driver right in the eye and said, “Yes she is, she’s my grandma!”
As they walked to their seats..everyone on the bus, that could hear what happened, laughed out loud…including the bus driver!
Thanks for your help Dear Granddaughter! Good job!
New York City stories never end — and this is one of my favorites!
Love this City and full of love for my granddaughters.
KAY’S NOTES:
Listening to my seven granddaughter’s stories about what’s going on in their lives is often a joy, often eye-opening and often a learning experience for me. We share stories and often make up stories to tell each other. Bet some of you do too. Right?
A note on the “my son’s wife’s mother” we liked the way it sounded.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
I never heard of a procrastibaker till last week. Have you?
Photo courtesy of NY Times Jens Christian Balle
One of my favorite parts of my favorite paper is Wednesday’s FOOD section. Recently it ran an article named “But First I’ll Bake” and there it was “procrastibaking”. According to the Times”it is the practice of baking something completely unnecessary with the intention of avoiding real work.”
Now, not only have I never heard “procrastibaker”, but was totally surprised at the number of people that not only knew about this technique, but were main-line practitioners. Plus it’s even on Instagram…check out #procrastibaking. I’m a really good procrastinator at avoiding something that I really do want to do, but not now or really have to do, but not now. And I can sharpen pencils with the best of them, however, my all time favorite procrastinating method is taking a nap. Baking never entered my mind.
So you understand, I’m not a very good cook. In fact, I don’t cook except occasionally when I make soup from a rotisserie chicken. I used to be a pretty good baker, but the only thing I bake nowadays are my sugar cookies with my grandchildren.
So the moral of this short post….learn something new everyday and if you’re going to put something off? Skip the nap, bake a cookie!
I was walking home on 1st Ave under the Queensboro Bridge when the roar of a hundred or more bikers came rumbling down 59th and stopped at the light. I looked at them and they waved me across and one said, “Take your time.” In the meantime the light was changing, but not one of them moved until this shopping bag lady made it safely across! Then they were off as we all stood watching their thunderous departure. As they quickly moved on, we blase’ spectators proceeded to wherever we were headed with barely a pause.
Love this City!
Kay’s Notes: You just never know what you’ll see on an otherwise normal Saturday afternoon in this great City.
My photo.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people
Or..How a play, a bus trip, and a piece of attire can make for an interesting fall evening!
I was riding home on the bus from Lincoln Center sitting in the “elderly” section, when an elegant couple dressed in traditional NY colors of black and black, came on and joined us. They were laughing and continued to laugh all the way across town. When the couple across from them got up to leave, the woman looked down and said, “I like your red socks.” I hadn’t noticed them before but, along with everyone else in our section, we also looked down and smiled at the bright red socks in his shiny well-polished black shoes. The comment sent the couple into gales of laughter. (Inside joke?) It appeared they had been out to dinner as red-socked man was holding one of those ubiquitous restaurant bags, probably with leftovers. Couldn’t help but wonder was it for them to snack on later or for their dog?
Now speaking of animals… (nice segue, if I say so myself) I was on the bus after seeing Lincoln Center Theater’s production of The Wolves. A good interesting play about a high school girls’ soccer team at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater. (See Kay’s Notes for more on the play and the playwright.)
While I was waiting for the bus after the play, some of the young cast went by and shouted, “Thanks for coming, hope you liked it!” as they saw us in the queue holding our PLAYBILL with its yellow logo.
Seeing the bus approaching, I got ready to step up those steep stairs, Metro card in hand with my red sweater under my black cape. (BTW, I was freezing, it was a cold windy night) And behind me came the laughing well-dressed couple, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Interesting happenings…happen all the time in this City.
For more than a hint of color…Central Park in the fall is gorgeous!
Love this City!
KAY’S NOTES:
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: From LCT’s website…about the playwright and the play: Last season a young playwright, Sarah DeLappe, brought her debut play, THE WOLVES, to New York and it became something of a phenomenon. It was a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama; the production won an Obie Ensemble Award; it won a special Drama Desk Award for its acting ensemble, and was nominated for Lucille Lortel and Drama League awards for Best Play, as well as for the Outer Critics’ Circle John Gassner Award for Outstanding New American Play. At its most straightforward, THE WOLVES is a fly-on-the-wall look at a girls’ high school soccer team as they go through their warm-ups. Beyond the surface, though, is the thoughtful and eloquent way Ms. DeLappe delineates each of the young women in the space of 90 minutes and six scenes.
GOOD TO KNOW: Lincoln Center Theater membership link and remember tickets for MY FAIR LADY now on sale opening in Spring 2018, a production by Lincoln Center Theater. http://www.lct.org/membership/
*Fun to know: The line I used to intro this post came from Nathan Lane’s character in the movie The Birdcage. In the scene he came out in a suit (not his character’s usual attire) and when he crossed his legs..voilà… pink socks! Hence, one of the favorite quotes from the film. If you’ve seen the movie you know the scene, if not you’re missing a really funny and touching movie.
The cast with Nathan Lane and Robin Williams is one of my favorites. I’ve seen it many times, know the lines and still laugh out loud …I think I’ll watch it again soon.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people
Or…Act now, to get the Senior Life Time Pass to all National Parks, all 417 of them before the price goes up from $10 to $80!
Thanks to Senior Planet for sending out this post! I copied it in its totality (like the eclipse) .
Act Now for a National Parks Senior Pass
One of the perks of turning 62 has long been the privilege of buying a Senior Lifetime Pass that covers you and your traveling companions at all 417 National Park Sites only $10—but don’t wait till you’re planning a trip to get yours. The price for a senior pass price is about to go up dramatically, and the rush is on.
The National Parks Department will raise the price of the Senior Lifetime Pass to $80 on August 28; a new $20 annual Senior Pass will become available at the same time.
On its website, the Parks Department promises that all eligible senior pass orders placed online before 11:59pm EDT on August 27, or mail orders postmarked on or before the 27th, will be processed at the $10 price. (There’s also an additional $10 processing charge.)
Why the steep increase? Blame Congress. It’s an indirect result of the America the Beautiful parks pass going up as legislated by Congress in 2016.
How to Get Your Senior Lifetime Pass
Unless you plan to visit a National Parks site before August 27, fire up your computer now.
Click here to access the store’s Senior Pass Page, where you’ll find all the info about the pass.
On the Senior Pass Page, you’ll see a link to “Purchase your pass via Your Pass Now.” This is a digital validation service that’s helping the department handle the rush of applications by automatically verifying your age against public documents. That’s good news for you, because it saves you having to upload an image of your driver’s license or other state issued ID. You will have to enter your personal details, including Social Security number, but Your Pass Now says it deletes all information once your application has been processed.
If you can’t bring yourself to enter your Social Security Number (or the site doesn’t work for you), you can use the standard application here and upload a photo or scan of your ID.
Print or save your confirmation page—due to the last minute crush, it can take up to 12 weeks to receive your pass; meanwhile you can use your confirmation for entry to the National Parks.
You can also apply by mail by printing and completing this application along with a photocopy of your ID.
Once you get your pass, hold on to it; the passes are non-refundable and can’t be replaced if lost or stolen.
Questions? Contact the National Parks Department at 888-ASK-USGS and press 3, or email fedrecpass@usgs.gov. You can also check the Senior Pass FAQ here.
Happy camping!
KAY’S NOTES:
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Senior Planet is a website for seniors offering all kinds of good info on events in NYC. Check them out to see if they are in your area seniorplanet.org
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
The cast with Nathan Lane and Robin Williams is one of my favorites. I’ve seen it many times, know the lines and still laugh out loud …I think I’ll watch it again soon.