A Day In The City

I grew up in the northern part of New Jersey. We lived probably just an hour out of New York City. I went periodically, but as with most things, anything too accessible is often taken for granted. I moved to Florida in 1990. I love it here. I do miss my home state, family and friends left behind and oh do I miss New York City!! It is truly the city that never sleeps. Anything is acceptable and there is an endless supply of things to do.

On our recent vacation to New Jersey, we spent a day in the city. It was a tremendous day. We went on a guided "Gossip Girl" tour. Have you ever seen that show on the CW? Rachel and I love it! Here are a couple pix from that tour of the upper east side.

I love the skyscrapers!

Where else but Park Avenue in NYC could you get fined for honking your horn? I wonder if that rule is enforced. . .

Believe it or not, it only took a couple minutes to get through this mess.

Times Square was great! The Mayor recently instituted this large area to be classified as a "resting" area because the people of New York need a place to sit, relax and enjoy their surroundings. It was great! Rachel loved everything about the city.

In the evening, we went on a Circle Line Harbor Lights cruise. For all the years I lived right there, I had never been on a Circle Line cruise on the Hudson River. It was phenomenal!

You can play golf in the screened-in area in this next picture. Why should you be deprived of playing golf just because you live in the city???

The financial district of New York City.

Skyscrapers by sea, um, well, by the Hudson River.

The sun sets behind the Empire State building. It was beautiful.


And our glorious Statue of Liberty!

It was a magnificent day as we toured the city twice - once by bus and once by boat. It was a wonderful vacation!

Amish Friendship Bread

Have you ever made Amish Friendship Bread? I recently finished my second go-round with it and am now out of starter bags and cannot continue. Boo hoo!! It is such fun and very tasty!!

I was given my first starter bag in early June and enjoyed the days of "mashing the bag". On day six you have to add a couple of ingredients, mash the bag for a few more days and then day ten is the best!!!

Additional ingredients get added to this thoroughly mashed bag, then divided up into bags to share with your friends (be sure to keep one for yourself so you can continue) and then you get to bake two loaves of this yummy bread.

I'm hoping that one of the recipients of my starter bags has one saved for me so I can continue this fun little ritual of mashing the bag, adding ingredients, mashing the bag, sharing the starters and enjoying this tasty cinnamony bread that disappears faster than time!! If anyone ever offers you a starter bag, grab it - you'll love it!!!

Oh Geeze, I Was Tagged and Have To Be Honest

My dear friend, Cheryl, from Gratitude Gal, tagged me. I have to list ten things about myself that you may not know, tag ten others and link back to Cheryl. Mmmm. What unknown entities do I wish to share . . .

1. I am the third of four siblings and was always the most social and outgoing, smartest, prettiest, etc., etc. (None of my siblings read this so I can say what I want)

2. I am claustrophobic and afraid of heights.

3. I have been Rachel's Girl Scout leader since she was in Kindergarten. She's now going into 10th grade.

4. I went to sleep away camp every year when I was a kid. I even won a free week at camp for bringing the most kids to Sunday School.

5. I love to do laundry, but hate to mop the floor. I do it, but I hate to.

6. My very first job was at Hot Sam, a pretzel shop at the Livingston Mall. At the end of the night, after everything was all cleaned up and put away, I had to mop the little floor in front of the shop. I hated it. That's probably why I hate to mop the floor now. I was able to bring leftover pretzels home at the end of the night. My dad loved that!!

7. My favorite number is seven. I was born in the seventh month. My dad passed away at 77. Whenever the temperature in my car reads 77, I think of my dad.

8. I really do not like to travel. The furthest I've ever been from home is Toronto and that was a recruiting trip for work. I've never been further west than Tennessee.

9. I used to have a plum tree in my backyard as a child and I planted 300 red tulip bulbs beneath it. It was just gorgeous when all were in bloom. I miss it every Spring.

10. While it really stinks to not be the youngest wherever I go anymore, I really like the person I've become.

Okay, now I'm supposed to tag ten, but I'm only going to tag seven because that's my favorite number. Only do this if you want to. I won't be insulted, but I'd like to read your list too!

1. Glenda - Many Fond Memories

2. KeKe - In My Sepia Studio

3. Deb - Garage Sale Gal

4. Cheryl - Mommy and Me

5. Michele - Country Vintage

6. Kay - Musings

7. Sherri - Sherri's Jubilee

I leave tomorrow for New Jersey. I haven't seen Rachel since June 22nd. I'm missing her quite a bit now so I hope she's ready for some cracked ribs - not really, but she will be getting a gigundo hug from me and kisses galore!!

And The Winner Is . . .

Thank you all for leaving your comments and sharing your talents. It's always nice to hear people give credit to themselves for something they're good at. To select the winner, I entrusted the help of my co-worker, Cynthia. She has worked with me for the last five years, helping to keep our office running smoothly. I am very proud of Cynthia because while she was working full time with me, she attended nursing school full time also and just graduated! Cynthia is now an RN and is getting ready to start her nursing career at a local hospital within the next couple of weeks. So after a couple of years of hard work learning how to be a nurse, Cynthia has more than doubled her salary and will soon be at a hospital near you. Hard work and perseverance does pay off.

Now for the giveaway winner . . .

My trust little handmade bag . . .

All of the commentors names in the bag . . .

Cynthia selecting a name . . .

And the winner is . . .



Oh wait. I can't see it. Let me put my glasses on . . .


Yeah!!!

Victoria Lynn of Sweet Victoria Antiques!!!

Your package is packed, ready to go and will be in the mail to you tomorrow! I hope you enjoy.


Had to share this picture of my Logan with Katelyn. We went out to dinner tonight and I thought this was a cute picture so had to share.


Katelyn was Logan's first girlfriend in 8th grade. They say they're just friends now, but they sure make a cute couple to me . . .