A blog for older adults about loving this City even when your knees hurt and your hearing is not what it used to be!
Author: Kay
I knew when I started my blog I wanted to reach out to seniors like myself. I wanted to share my stories and even be a bit of a tour guide on what I’ve learned and the fun I’ve had at famous and not so famous New York places.
This is an art installation by the Garment District Alliance Art Program called IMPULSE between 37th and 38th street on Broadway.
A quote from an article in the Times (Jan 29) on this installation: “Tightening the straps on Gucci purses, tucking in sneaker laces and securing wallets (and wigs) riders push off. Slowly and cautiously at first. Then, after a few lifts into the air: elation. Arms and legs splay out as riders rise into the air…giggles, screeching, then howls”
LOVE THIS CITY WITH ALL ITS SURPRISES!
*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on kaysnycways – but no guarantees people.
May they always be as happy as they are in this photo!
I hope your holidays were packed full of family, friends,traditions and good times.
As you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting lately, but I am anxious to get back into the game about life here in NYC. BTW…I was given a gift of new hearing aids by a very generous family member, so now my eavesdropping skills are close to the professional level!
My best regards and thank you for reading my blog!
OR…bring your sandwich, your popcorn, your water, your other beverage, whatever that might be, your sweater, your umbrella and just sit back and enjoy…The FREE Metropolitan Opera’s Annual Summer HD Festival of glorious operas on the Plaza is here! August 23rd thru September 2nd!
And this year on Friday August 23rd, to kick off the Festival, is one of my favorite movies FUNNY FACE with that beautiful Audrey Hepburn and that charming Fred Astaire….combined with the streets of New York and the landmarks of Paris. . Add to that the gorgeous clothes, a charming love story all tied together with a great soundtrack..thanks to the Gershwin’s. A lovely night under the stars (hopefully) that can take one away from all the craziness in this world at least for a few hours.
Friday, August 23, 8 PM Funny Face Saturday, August 24, 7:45 PM Aida Verdi Sunday, August 25, 8 PM Carmen Bizet Monday, August 26, 7:45 PM Das Rheingold Wagner Tuesday, August 27, 7:45 PM Dialogues des Carmélites Poulenc Wednesday, August 28, 8 PM Samson et Dalila Saint-Saëns Thursday, August 29, 8 PM Cendrillon Massenet( Cinderella – good intro to the opera for kids) Friday, August 30, 8 PM La Fanciulla del West Puccini Saturday, August 31, 8 PM La Fille du Régiment Donizetti Sunday, September 1, 8 PM Luisa Miller Verdi Monday, September 2, 8 PM Adriana Lecouvreur Cilea
Love this City…and adore wonderful free events like this one!
KAY’S NOTES: (Taken from one of my previous posts on the Festival that might be helpful IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Go early – the seats go quickly even though there are 3000 of them! Good to know: The series goes on rain or shine except thunder storms. Suggest you bring extra jacket or sweater as it can get chilly. And, perhaps a seat cushion Where to eat: All over the place. Many people, in fact, bring their own food, drinks and snacks. I, myself, am a popcorn and wine person. Restaurant prices: In the area – varies from hotdog carts to OMG$$$$ Where is it: At Lincoln Center Plaza known as the Josie Robertson Plaza in front of the Met Opera House on the Upper West Side between West 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. Buses and subways close by. Plenty of parking. Met website has all kinds of info on directions. Restrooms: Here’s the tricky part. If there is an event at the David Geffen Hall (formerly Avery Fisher) the restrooms are open in the Hall. But if not there are restrooms on the Concourse level below the Met Opera house. There is an elevator to Concourse level on the outside of the David Koch Theater or an escalator in front of the David Geffen Hall. Restrooms also at the David Rubenstein Atrium on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd right across the street. Kid Friendly: Absolutely and stay for a little while or for the whole performance. Lots of kids will be there.
Photo and opera listings by Metropolitan Opera
*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.
OR…What to do in the City on 3 Saturday mornings in August!
The annual car-free festival—which takes over seven miles of streets on the first three Saturdays in August—is returning this year, while the first one on August 3rd is over, there are two more to come on August 10th and 17th from 7 AM to 1 PM. Starting from lower Manhattan to the Upper East Side, with street closures beginning at the Brooklyn Bridge, going up Lafayette Street, and then along Park Avenue from Union Square to the Upper East Side. Check out the website that tells what goes on during Summer Streets describing the rest stops along the way with all kinds of activities….have fun! Remember it’s all over at 1 PM. Note: if you’re driving around the City on these dates be aware of the street closures.
FOR FULL INFO GO TO http://nyc.gov/summerstreets Much of this post was taken directly from the website – no plagiarism on my part (LOL)
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, 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.
Remember that dinosaur I wrote about in Central Park in my last post? Well, as of April 19th, the Bronx Zoo will have a lot more of those creatures including the Dinosaur Parade, the Dinosaur Safari and for International Dinosaur Day on June 1st all kinds of events.. Have fun! https://bronxzoo.com/
Love this City and its many places to find those good old dinos, at least for now!
Photo courtesy of the Bronx Zoo website.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
When my 11 year old granddaughter told me, as we were sitting on a bench by the Central Park Zoo watching the animated dinosaur scare some kids, that she was on her school’s softball team and the games would be played on Randall’s Island… I said, “Randall’s Island Park! I love that place.”
Now just so you understand my reaction. I had seen the sign for Randall’s Island many times as I crossed over the RFK Bridge (formerly Triboro) in and out of the City. I was curious about what it was, but that was the extent of my curiosity. Then a few years ago my son told me that his daughter’s soccer team was playing there and did I want to go. Of course, to see her play, cheer on her team and to find out what Randall’s was all about. I was impressed as soon as we arrived. Little kids, big kids, adults in their team uniforms playing in fields all over the place. I didn’t know on that first visit the scope of the Park. It took multiple trips to really grasp it all.
The place is incredible. There are over 60 athletic fields for soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby and more. Space for huge concerts, outdoor movie nights, the Icahn Stadium for track and waterfront pathways for walking or biking. To top it off a mini-golf, golf and tennis centers, picnic spots and gardens. See what I mean. If you’ve been there you know what I’m talking about.
If your driving over the bridge, and time allows make the turn onto Randall’s Island. It’s free. Drive around and see this amazing part of the NYC Park system.( See under KAY’S NOTES directions on ways to get there other than by car). Fields are packed on weekends and after school on weekdays for school teams. Watch some fun games. The views are fantastic and if you decide to walk the path along the river with the City in the distance, take photos, views are that good. And notice the pedestrian bridges where people walk or bike from upper Manhattan. Check out the website packed full of info. /https://randallsisland.org/
One of the pedestrian bridges
Walk along the river
Something for everyone
Driving range
Central Park forsythia trying its best to show its colors
Back to our day at Central Park, the forsythias were just starting to show signs of spring. It was the first nice day after days of cold and rain. We had lunch at that little restaurant* by Sheep Meadow and then made our way to the west side. We headed downtown to see two of my other granddaughters. Delicious smells came as soon as the door opened at my son and daughter-in-law’s. They were preparing a wonderful dinner and after all the hugging and kissing, a beautiful glass of pinot noir came my way. A lovely City day by all counts.
LOVE THIS CITY! Dinos and all! As a special note, if you’re into dinosaurs, Museum of Natural History is the place especially with the addition of the Big Dino. https://www.amnh.org/
KAY’S NOTES
IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT RANDALL’S ISLAND PARK
There are snack bars open during spring and summer with roving carts of hot dogs, snacks and drinks. Yes, of course, restrooms. Except for Icahn Stadium there are very few bleachers or places to sit. Suggest you take a blanket, plus a hat and that good old umbrella just in case. I take my black cashmere cape…but that’s a story for another post..
DIRECTIONS: Easy to get there by car, bus, ferry, walking, biking and shuttle. Some modes, like the ferry and shuttle, operate only during certain events. I suggest you check out the Park’s website. Don’t rely on my directions, more than likely I’d get you lost! /https://randallsisland.org/
*That little restaurant is part of the Le Pain Quotidien chain, they’re all over the City and I like them. On occasion, I’ll write about some restaurants I’ve been to as to give some info that might be helpful on your travels. This location in the Park is a great place to stop for coffee, lunch, a glass of wine. Food is good, staff is nice and has table service and to-go options. Tables are all outside and people watching is primo! If you’re walking your dog, dogs are definitely welcome.
Photos: Courtesy of Randall’s Island Park website, the dinosaur and forsythia photos by my granddaughter.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
Or…hints on visiting the Met Museum with granddaughters 10, 9 and 7 guided by 2 grandmothers.
I’m pretty sure that most of you already know much of what is in this post, but I’m going to tell you anyway just in case. These hints have worked for me over the years when going with young children. Older kids are a whole other story to be saved for another time.
FOR A FUN VISIT
Suggestion 1: Really helps to have a partner with you – my co-grandmother was the best! Keep your sense of humor (lol)
Suggestion 2: Go early. In fact, if you can get there when the museum opens all the better. It gets very crowded as the day progresses especially on weekends or holidays. We went on President’s Day and met at 10.
Suggestion 3: Although it’s fun going up those big steps to enter the Met, if you can manage them (kids fine, but grandmothers…not so much), an alternative is to use the entrance on 81st street, which is left of the steps facing the museum. The lines are less, there’s a bathroom, coat check, not as crazy as main floor and no steps!
Suggestion 4: Have a plan. Take plenty of photos. Be sure everyone has a map of the museum and check out any special events.
Suggestion 5: Start with something they have seen before and liked or never saw, but you think they would like. We headed to the Temple of Dendur walking through the Egyptian wing with all those hieroglyphics and mummies and jewels… a big hit!
Suggestion 6: Definitely see the knights and armor right off the American Wing. One granddaughter, after looking at them with their lances. weapons and shields ready to battle said, “And I’m afraid of the basketball?”
Knights and Armor – always a good stop!
Suggestion 7: See the classics and watch out for boredom. It can happen quickly. Impressionists are good as is the contemporary wing. We only made it to the impressionists, which they liked as they recognized some of the works.
Suggestion 8: Any special exhibits? We saw JEWELRY: THE BODY TRANSFORMED with unique pieces, such as these sandals. It was our unanimous opinion that they would be very uncomfortable especially with one toe missing.
YIKES!
We took our photos under the glass enclosed gold jeweled encrusted crown pretending we were wearing it atop our heads. The other wasn’t bad — but we went for the bling
Bling? Oh yeah!
Coffee? Mine. Rest? theirs!
Suggestion 9: Eat before they are starving. Go early! Cafeteria downstairs is great and has all the food they like. During lunch we talked about our favorite artists. One of our granddaughters couldn’t remember an artist’s name, but said he was her favorite. He drew pictures without faces she said and sketched a rough drawing on her paper cup. We all knew at once who the artist was, just couldn’t remember the name either. So we googled it and discovered, of course, Keith Haring!
Photo courtesy of Keith Haring Foundation
Suggestion 10: Before you leave stop at the gift shop for a souvenir. Price limit is a good idea. We set under $10…lots of choices, they were happy. We had stayed about four hours, which is just about the right amount of time for this age group. I think! We all had a really great time.
CLOSING WITH MY USUAL ‘LOVE THIS CITY’ WITH THE ADDITION OF “AND LOVE SHARING IT WITH GRANDCHILDREN”!
KAY’S NOTES:
It was really fun and they want to do it again. In fact, our next trip will be to The Whitney. A whole other vibe as suggested by my good friend and co-grandmother! Of course, we’ll return to the Met we only touched the tip of this cultural masterpiece.
THE WHITNEY
Photos courtesy of Met Museum, Keith Haring Foundation, The Whitney and my smart phone.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people. ——————————————————————————————————————–
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