New York for the 4th

We drove up to NYC to visit Ken's aunt Beth for the Fourth of July weekend. We left Baltimore around 7 p.m. on Friday night and arrived in NYC at 11:30 p.m.. It's so close!

Saturday morning we took the train into downtown. Neither Ken nor I had been to NYC as adults. We were very excited! The city was quiet and interesting. We had authentic Italian coffee at Caffe & Gelateria Dante on 81 Macdougal Street. We went to a couple antique/flea markets. We walked around Central Park, Washington Square, and The Village. We met up with a few of Beth's friends and had a fantastic Thai dinner before we took the train back to Bronxville.

Grand Central Station

Beth recommended that we go to the Met. She didn't have to twist my arm... We started with the Francis Bacon exhibit. I enjoyed seeing how he used photography to inspire paintings. His paint-smeared photos were on display, they were my favorite.

We then wandered over to the Modern art area where we got up close to a Chuck Close. Chuck Close has two very unique styles. This was the first time I've seen one of his photorealistic paintings in person. WoW!!
Chuck Close detail- This is a painting... not a photograph...
We had a great time in New York. We look forward to our next visit!

My snow parka sure came in handy

While packing in Juneau I was torn between two coats. My trusty snow parka and my beautiful new red wool coat Ken gave me for Christmas. I really wanted to pack the red wool coat but the reports of blizzards in the Northeast made me think the snow parka might be the better choice. In the end practicality/the snow parka won. 

Traveling and changing planes four times with this huge coat was annoying. I had to put it under the seat in front of me along with my backpack and I was wearing my big snow boots (Extra Tuffs). The space was cramped. Arriving in NY I decided the snow parka wasn't the best choice, it was in the 60's.

Today is our fifth day in NY and I am glad to have my snow parka and boots. It snowed all through the night and into the morning. We walked to get a bagel in a beautiful white fluffy snow and then shoveled the driveway. 

Snow is the best. It makes me want t sing the song Snow, Snow, Snow from the movie White Christmas. Only if Bing Crosby were here.