Author: Lisa

For my final full day in NYC, I wandered down to the High Line and ventured off to Little Island. Although I’ve explored the High Line a few times during previous visits, Little Island recently opened. Little Island, developed by Barry Diller at a cost of $260 million, with an amphitheater and dramatic views, opened earlier this year on Hudson River Park.
This evening, I met my “fifth” brother Eric and his fabulous wife Lisa for a delicious dinner, full of laughter and conversation. Eric’s mom Toby and my mom were best friends for most of their lives. They became friends in Brooklyn when they were 3 and 4 years old. Over time, they lost touch until Eric, Toby, and Eric’s father Hal moved to California. One night when I was 16, Toby called my mom, and they were inseparable friends for the next 30+ years.
A final NY surprise: while walking home by Central Park, I saw Law & Order SVU taping!
A few views of the High Line…

 

High Line

 

High Line

 

High Line

 

High Line

 

Little Island

 

Little Island

 

Little Island

 

With Eric and Lisa.

 

Law & Order SVU’s Mariska Hargitay

Nearly every time I’m in NYC, I go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and every time I go there, I see new, captivating, and thought-provoking artwork. Today’s adventure to the Met met (haha!) my expectations. 🙂 Lissie and I started our Met excursion on the Roof Garden where I savored the cityscape and viewed the whimsical blue Big Bird of Alex Da Corte’s As Long as the Sun Lasts exhibit.
We spent the most time pondering The New Woman Behind the Camera. “Featuring more than 120 photographers from over 20 countries, this groundbreaking exhibition explores the work of the diverse ‘new’ women who embraced photography as a mode of professional and artistic expression from the 1920s through the 1950s.” One photograph, which I didn’t capture with my camera, looked into the eyes of an African-American woman whose husband had just been lynched. Her look is now seared into my memory.
We wandered around the museum, finding a waterfall (duh!), a fountain, sculptures, paintings, etc. The Robert Lehman Collection motivated me to walk to Lehman’s former home on 54th Street, now a condominium.
The Met: wonderful. Lunch: yummy. Time with Lissie: MARVELOUS!

https://www.metmuseum.org

Coffee and Central Park fountain on my way to the Met.

 

With Lissie.

 

“Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, As Long as the Sun Lasts calls for a moment to pause, to reflect, to be ‘blue,’ but ultimately it is a statement of belief in the potential of transformation.” “Growing up in Venezuela, the artist watched the Brazilian version of Sesame Street in which Big Bird’s counterpart, Garibaldi, was blue.”

 

Only a small piece of an engaging mural.

 

Waterfall!

 

Another waterfall! The photo of the waterfall on the left is “tattooed” onto the character on the right.

 

The Crossroads: Mayan (left) and Constantine (right) sculptures showcase piety and power.

 

Robert Lehman’s former townhouse.

I can’t believe I woke up at Mia and Eileen’s house this morning, strolled Central Park most of the day, and ended the evening with my former student and fellow RV enthusiast

Emily and her husband John at the bar on the roof of the Ink 48 Hotel!

I am thrilled to explore the “new” NYC. Why do I say “new?” It’s different than when I was here BC (Before Covid) only two years ago. Yes, everyone wears a mask, generally covering both nose and mouth indoors and handy to immediately pull up if needed when walking around outdoors. Yes, there’s a lot of activity with people stepping all over the sidewalks. Yes, NY possesses an energy felt in only the big cities I’ve visited. However, there’s a hesitation in people’s eyes, a warning from friends about walking at night or taking the subway, a consciousness that “things are different” now. One example: I’m used to meandering the streets of NYC at all hours with little concern for the time. Now, I’m more…aware…of walking around after dark, especially several hours after sunset. I remember NYC in the 1980s and the fear I felt wandering the streets. I don’t feel that same fear, however, I feel a certain reluctance. I love NY! I so loved walking around Central Park during the day! Nevertheless, I plan on being more cautious about walking around, especially solo, at night.
Central Park can feel like a forest!

 

Walking around Central Park with my mask at the ready. Intriguingly, disposable masks, like this one, are more prevalent than fabric face coverings.

 

The reservoir in Central Park.

 

More Central Park.

 

Statue of Fredrick Douglas.
In Central Park, signs explore the history of Seneca Village, a community of predominantly African Americans that existed in the area before the city created the park.
https://elasticbeanstalk-us-east-1-484477975240.s3.amazon…

 

Sunset from The Ink 48 Hotel rooftop.

 

With Emily and John.

 

John took this magnificent panorama photo of the nighttime skyline…

 

…and a terrific photo of Emily and me.

A wonderful busy fun exciting beautiful and terrific day in two acts:
Act 2: The morning started with Mia and me walking at Rockwood Hall at Sleepy Hollow overlooking the Hudson River. In addition to the New York Botanical Garden, Mia and I had fun at the Bronx Zoo, the first time I’ve been to this zoo. A special treat: today is Stephen’s, Eileen‘s husband’s, birthday, so of course we had to celebrate with ice cream cake!
Rockwood Hall at Sleepy Hollow overlooking the Hudson River.

 

Entrance to the Bronx Zoo.

 

Peacock.

 

Giraffe.

 

Monkeys.

 

Anteater.

 

Snow Leopard.

 

Red Panda.

 

Tiger.

 

Rhino.

 

With Eileen.

 

With Miranda.

 

Happy birthday, Stephen!

 

A wonderful busy fun exciting beautiful and terrific day in two acts:
Act 1: Miranda, Mia‘s daughter and Eileen‘s granddaughter, earned a competitive internship at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in the Bronx. At the NYBG, Mia and I enjoyed watching Miranda interact with children, exploring the gardens, and viewing Kusama’s artwork.
“Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular artists in the world, drawing millions to experience her immersive installations.
Exclusively at NYBG, Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world, beginning with her childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family’s seed nursery. Her artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.”

 

 

 

 

With Mia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Started the day with Mindy and Ralph at Sagamore Hill, former family farm of Teddy Roosevelt and now a National Historic Site. After a delicious picnic lunch, Mindy and Ralph, who are graciously babysitting Addie for me, dropped me off at the train station in Hicksville on Long Island.
Two trains and a short walk from Penn Station to Grand Central later, I arrived at my cousin Mia’s house in Pleasantville where I get to spend a couple of wonderful days with Mia, her mom Eileen, her two children, and her stepfather.
Even with Addie taking a break under Mindy and Ralph’s excellent care, the adventure continues! (Sorry, Eileen, I didn’t bring Addie with me!)
Sagamore Hill.

 

With Mindy and Ralph.

 

Sagamore Hill.

 

Teddy Roosevelt’s “little” farmhouse.

 

Sagamore Hill.

 

The beach at Sagamore.

 

With Mindy at Sagamore’s beach.

 

Sagamore beach.

 

Which train station is this?

 

With Mia.

Fantastic day hanging out with three fabulous friends!
Following a mellow morning – laundry, computer puttering, tending to Addie – I headed over to my friend Laurie’s house. Laurie and I met during our year at Hebrew University. It was great to catch up over lunch and walking in Wantagh Park and around Moss Lake.
Returned to Mindy and Ralph’s house to relax before dinner. Mindy, Ralph, and I met at Brandeis, and Mindy and I attended Hebrew University together and, during our Winter Break, traveled to Greece, Yugoslavia, and Romania. Spending time with Mindy and Ralph is always a treat!
Wantagh Park lighthouse.

 

Can you see it? Jones Beach lighthouse!

 

Last night, the torrential rainstorm. Today, cool cloud formations!

 

Homes across the harbor.

 

With Laurie.

 

Kind of a waterfall at Moss Lake.

 

Moss Lake.

 

Mindy and Ralph.

 

I don’t normally post food pics, however, this acorn squash bowl filled with brussel sprouts, almonds, and cranberries and topped with grilled salmon impressed both my vision and taste buds!

 

After dinner while walking to the car, I danced to the music of this fun band.

Started today with yummy breakfast with Susie and Steve and ended it with yummy dinner with Mindy and Ralph! In between, I drove to New London, CT, took the ferry to Orient Point, NY, stopped at the beach on Long Island’s north shore, and drove to Plainview. Catching up with long time friends? FABULOUS!

A bit windy, eh?!

 

View of New London from the ferry.

 

Lighthouse Point, New London, CT.

 

Those clouds are a-coming… Heavy rain movin on in.

 

Orient Point Lighthouse.

 

The ferry has arrived!

 

Gorgeous blue beach water.

 

Curled up on the couch catching up.

Part 3 of 3: Marble House: The Cliff Walk and the Breakers were not enough for Susie and me! We next wandered over to the Marble House, built by yet another Vanderbilt with too much money and not enough to do! Seriously, though, his wife Alva fought for women’s suffrage – after forcing her daughter to marry the Duke of Marlborough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 2 of 3: The Breakers: Following our Cliff Walk and nondescript lunch, Steve returned to work (meaning home office with the dogs!) while Susie and I toured the summer “cottage” of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the grandfather of Gloria Vanderbilt, great-grandfather of Anderson Cooper, and great-great-grandfather of Wyatt Cooper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 1 of 3: The Cliff Walk: Susie, her husband Steve, and I ventured onto the Cliff Walk which hugs the shoreline behind Newport’s “summer cottages,” affording us an exquisite view of the backyards of the Gilded Age’s rich and famous. About two miles into the 4.5 miles trek, Susie put on her chauffeur’s hat, so she could get the car and meet Steve and me at the end of the trail.

The Cliff Walk

 

Ochre Court, now part of Salve Regina University.

 

Vinland Estate, also now part of SRU.

 

The Breakers: see part 2!

 

Beechwood, previously owned by the Astors and now owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. He bought it in 2010 for $10.5 million.

 

Pretty beach :-).

 

Rough Point, built by Frederick Vanderbilt and purchased by Doris Duke, a tobacco heiress.

 

I don’t remember the name of this cottage!

 

Lands’s End, the former home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton.

 

The Waves, through various family relationships, connected to Pell of Pell Grant fame.

Noni and I had one last hurrah this morning before Addie and I continued on our adventure. We kayaked on Big Sandy Pond right in back of Noni’s cottage and walked on the beach. Lovely morning – and so glad I got to spend some wonderful time with a woman I would love to be like when I grow up – active, smart, capable, warm, humorous.
After our fun yet relaxing morning, Addie and I headed over to Rhode Island. Arriving a little early, I walked around Tiverton, viewing the bay and old bridge.
Finally, we arrived at my high school friend Susie’s house. Over yummy croissants, Susie and I chatted…and chatted…and chatted. Lots to catch up on! Susie, her husband Steve, and I went out to dinner and returned to their home and two dogs – one much calmer than the other.
All in all, another fabulous day!
Last night’s harvest moon!

 

Cranberry bog on the other side of Noni’s pond. When the conditions are right, the bog is flooded.

 

Cranberries getting ready for Thanksgiving.

 

Kayaking on the pond.

 

Great view from my kayak.

 

A few lily pad flowers still blooming.

 

The beach off of West Yarmouth, Cape Cod.

 

West Yarmouth, Cape Cod.

 

Addie and I saying goodbye to Noni and her cottage.

 

Tiverton.

Nope. Not going to do it. I try to cull my photos to about ten or so each day. Ain’t happening today.
This morning, Noni dropped me off at the Hyannis bus station so I could take the bus into Boston for the day. Following an uneventful bus ride, I found myself back in the city I loved as a college student. What to do? I strode over to the Freedom Trail and explored the historical sights, buildings, and cemeteries. The first time I did this was in 1978! The city, cleaner and livelier than when I first meandered its streets, enraptured me yet again.
So happy to be roaming the streets of Boston!

 

Park Street Church.

 

Benjamin Franklin’s tomb in the Granary Burying Grounds.

 

I think it’s the King’s Chapel. I like the Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ banners.

 

Boston Latin School site.

 

Memorial to Boston’s Irish.

 

Old South Meeting House.

 

Faneuil Hall.

 

Paul Revere Home.

 

Beacon Hill.

 

Paul Revere Mall.

 

I love the composition of the windows and flower boxes.

 

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.

 

Civil War Monument (I think).

 

Bunker Hill Monument.

 

Holocaust/Shoah Memorial.

 

Boston Commons.

 

Make Way for Ducklings.

 

Boston Public Garden.

 

Hancock Tower reflecting Trinity Church. During my senior year, I volunteered weekly for The Samaritans, a suicide hotline located in the basement of the Hancock Tower. I remember vividly chatting with lonely and scared people who mainly needed someone to listen to and acknowledge them.

Another amazing day! Early – for me! – this morning, Noni and I took the ferry from Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard. After renting a car for the day, we explored the island, including three lighthouses, lots of shops, exquisite homes, and breathtaking ocean views. Although there were quite a few tourists, most properly wearing masks indoors (although some wearing chin straps more than masks), I can see how absolutely crazy MV must be during the height of summer! We picked a great day – delightful weather and not an overabundance of people.

Geese enjoying MV almost as much as we did.

 

Kite surfers!

 

Edgartown – we loved this tree!

 

Edgartown lighthouse, built in 1875.

 

Most of the villages on MV have cute shopping districts like this one.

 

Menemsha beach where we sat on the wall and ate our lobster rolls for lunch.

 

Swordfish Harpooner sculpture in Menemsha.

 

Gay Head Cliffs and Gat Head Lighthouse – Aquinnah. The cliffs are a national landmark; fossil bones of whales, camels, and wild horses have been found in the cliff layers. This lighthouse, built in 1856, is the only working lighthouse on MV.

 

Gay Head Lighthouse.

 

East Chop Lighthouse, built in 1878, Oak Bluffs.

 

Oak Bluffs Harbor.