Yesterday was a low key day, got the blog done, went to lunch, hung out with Katie.
We had sushi and chocolate cake for my birthday dinner and I couldn't have been happier. It's a gift to spend your birthday with people you love that love you back.
After 3 hours a sleep, and a wake up alarm at 2:30am, we are now home after a very early, non-eventful flight.
I'll be back in New York City...just maybe during the week this time. :)
XOXO - P&C
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Monday, December 9, 2019
Times Square and The High Line!
Times Square - it is something to behold. No flash on those pics below - just how bright it is from gigantic screens and adds and hubbub. I can't imagine what it would be like on New Year's Eve. Crazed.
We then hit the High Line, the elevated walkway that was built on an old elevated railroad bed. It's such a wonder in the city - greenery, walking space, the ability to rise above the streets and walk, really, wherever you need to go. It was so peaceful at night - not crowded at all, a beautiful clear night, and continued catching up with friends.
We then hit the High Line, the elevated walkway that was built on an old elevated railroad bed. It's such a wonder in the city - greenery, walking space, the ability to rise above the streets and walk, really, wherever you need to go. It was so peaceful at night - not crowded at all, a beautiful clear night, and continued catching up with friends.
Addendum...The one thing we didn't do was go to the World Trade Center Memorial or go up in the new One World Observatory...but there it was...as we drove out of the city.
Walking Tour - Central Park and Beyond!
We walked TEN MILES on Sunday!
After a bit of a cluster with the train, then driving into the city (Patrick gets the award for Most Brave), we all headed in for a day in Central Park and seeing a few sights.
Katie and Patrick and the girls were troopers!! We spent the majority of our time in Central Park, just walking around and taking pictures of their family and of the park. It wasn't too busy, and it's amazing - there is this oasis of nature in the middle of a huge crazy city. You almost can't hear the city when you are in the park. The girls ran around on the big rocks, and it was sunny and delightful. There was also this group performing near the fountain - they were amazing! I can see why people spend time here.
After a bit of a cluster with the train, then driving into the city (Patrick gets the award for Most Brave), we all headed in for a day in Central Park and seeing a few sights.
Katie and Patrick and the girls were troopers!! We spent the majority of our time in Central Park, just walking around and taking pictures of their family and of the park. It wasn't too busy, and it's amazing - there is this oasis of nature in the middle of a huge crazy city. You almost can't hear the city when you are in the park. The girls ran around on the big rocks, and it was sunny and delightful. There was also this group performing near the fountain - they were amazing! I can see why people spend time here.
First Foray in NYC - Pearl Oyster Bar
So we needed to have dinner after the bar, and didn't want to go that far.
Found this GEM in the West Village about 3 blocks from where we were. And, we only waited about 5 minutes for a table.
Their oysters were fantastic, and I had the lobster roll. Chris's cod was a bit under-cooked, so they gave us the chocolate mousse on the house.
I kind of get overwhelmed with restaurant choices - I mean, how on earth do you know which restaurants in a city of this many restaurants which are going to be good?? Well we lucked out. For sure.
After that, it was the train back to Summit, getting ready for a big day back in the city on Sunday.
Found this GEM in the West Village about 3 blocks from where we were. And, we only waited about 5 minutes for a table.
Their oysters were fantastic, and I had the lobster roll. Chris's cod was a bit under-cooked, so they gave us the chocolate mousse on the house.
I kind of get overwhelmed with restaurant choices - I mean, how on earth do you know which restaurants in a city of this many restaurants which are going to be good?? Well we lucked out. For sure.
After that, it was the train back to Summit, getting ready for a big day back in the city on Sunday.
First Foray in NYC - Blind Tiger
Our waiter at Marta recommended Blind Tiger for their beer selection. It was already on our list, and we headed over in an Uber (too far to walk).
I thought - hey, everyone in NYC goes out late, so it's only 5pm, should be quiet in there.
Um. No. SO MANY PEOPLE. And literally the grossest bathrooms - so gross in fact, a stranger told me to use the other one because the one he came out of "was manageable...if you are standing up...and I heard the other one was better for the ladies." Ew.
So I head back through all the people to where Chris somehow, miraculously, found a seat. I think make my way to the bar to order, where I had to plant my feet and stick out my elbows so the assholes around me would stop pushing me and trying to get in front of me. Imagine it.
After all that, I did get two beers. And when I got back to our table there was a couple there, and they were so kind and nice. He asked me if we had the same beer, and she somehow entrusted Chris to hold her purse while she went up to the bar to talk to her husband. I can't figure out if they WERE or WERE NOT New Yorkers.
So - I would definitely go to Blind Tiger again...on a Wednesday, at 2 in the afternoon.
I thought - hey, everyone in NYC goes out late, so it's only 5pm, should be quiet in there.
Um. No. SO MANY PEOPLE. And literally the grossest bathrooms - so gross in fact, a stranger told me to use the other one because the one he came out of "was manageable...if you are standing up...and I heard the other one was better for the ladies." Ew.
So I head back through all the people to where Chris somehow, miraculously, found a seat. I think make my way to the bar to order, where I had to plant my feet and stick out my elbows so the assholes around me would stop pushing me and trying to get in front of me. Imagine it.
After all that, I did get two beers. And when I got back to our table there was a couple there, and they were so kind and nice. He asked me if we had the same beer, and she somehow entrusted Chris to hold her purse while she went up to the bar to talk to her husband. I can't figure out if they WERE or WERE NOT New Yorkers.
So - I would definitely go to Blind Tiger again...on a Wednesday, at 2 in the afternoon.
First Foray in NYC - Bryant Park Winter Village and NOT Rockefeller Center
After Marta, we walked over to the Bryan Park Winter Village (or Kriss Kringleplatz, as Patrick called it). SO. MANY. PEOPLE.
At this moment I realized that I really want to think I'm a person that LOVES New York City. But I think I love the New York City that has half the people in it, on a quiet weekday. Let's just say, I do not love the Saturday night, before Christmas, at a huge tourist attraction, with 14 million people.
We made our way through the throng and over the the tree. Which really was pretty.
Then we got the hell out - and...like idiots, started to head to Rockefeller Center to see the big tree. And about a block in, stopped and abandoned that idea immediately. Just walking the two blocks in the direction of Rockefeller Center was enough. So instead, our next stop was a bar.
At this moment I realized that I really want to think I'm a person that LOVES New York City. But I think I love the New York City that has half the people in it, on a quiet weekday. Let's just say, I do not love the Saturday night, before Christmas, at a huge tourist attraction, with 14 million people.
We made our way through the throng and over the the tree. Which really was pretty.
Then we got the hell out - and...like idiots, started to head to Rockefeller Center to see the big tree. And about a block in, stopped and abandoned that idea immediately. Just walking the two blocks in the direction of Rockefeller Center was enough. So instead, our next stop was a bar.
First Foray in NYC - Late Lunch at Marta
On the recommendation from Steve, our lovely friend at Brick House Vineyards in Portland, we headed to Marta for a late lunch. And it did not disappoint!!
They had their happy hour menu only, but it didn't matter, beers and pizza were all we needed.
Let's start with the beers. I loved the fact that I had to look up all of the beers online, I had never heard of them or any of the breweries. I had the saison, Chris had the IPA - delightful. Then we had another. Our waiter was great, he asked if we were beer people, and when we said yes, he recommended a bar (more on that later), and then brought us samples of the cream ale and the porter. Who says people in NYC are dicks?
Then - the pizza. Oh man...so good. Chris even ate mushrooms it was soooo good.
I found out later that Steve wanted us to have champagne. So I guess we will have to go back! 😃
They had their happy hour menu only, but it didn't matter, beers and pizza were all we needed.
Let's start with the beers. I loved the fact that I had to look up all of the beers online, I had never heard of them or any of the breweries. I had the saison, Chris had the IPA - delightful. Then we had another. Our waiter was great, he asked if we were beer people, and when we said yes, he recommended a bar (more on that later), and then brought us samples of the cream ale and the porter. Who says people in NYC are dicks?
Then - the pizza. Oh man...so good. Chris even ate mushrooms it was soooo good.
I found out later that Steve wanted us to have champagne. So I guess we will have to go back! 😃
First Foray in NYC - Empire State Building
Saturday was a great day. We started our day by hanging out with Katie and Patrick for a few hours, and as always, Patrick was a great resource for what to do in NY. It was great to catch up, and see the girls - it's been 5 or 6 years, and they are getting so old! I love that with your best friends in the world time doesn't seem to have passed at all, and the comfort, laughter, and connection that you made 30 years ago will always be there.
Off to the city!
Chris and I took the train from Summit - super easy! Ended up at Penn Station, where there are STILL the worst bathrooms I have ever seen in my life. I mean, wow. Just wow.
After fleeing the station, we started our walk down 34th Avenue to head past Macy's, and then the Empire State Building. We still have never gotten past the lobby - one day we may come back here during the week on like a Wednesday...at 2 in the afternoon...when there aren't 9 million people hitting all the tourist attractions.
However, it was a gorgeous December day, bright-hurt-your-eyes-blue-sky, and a pretty amazing architectural landmark in front of us.
Off to the city!
Chris and I took the train from Summit - super easy! Ended up at Penn Station, where there are STILL the worst bathrooms I have ever seen in my life. I mean, wow. Just wow.
After fleeing the station, we started our walk down 34th Avenue to head past Macy's, and then the Empire State Building. We still have never gotten past the lobby - one day we may come back here during the week on like a Wednesday...at 2 in the afternoon...when there aren't 9 million people hitting all the tourist attractions.
However, it was a gorgeous December day, bright-hurt-your-eyes-blue-sky, and a pretty amazing architectural landmark in front of us.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
New Jersey birthday trip!!
Day 1 of my birthday weekend and already spent a fab morning with K/P and the girls. French toast, and some good catching up.
On the train now to New York Ciry for the day, going to have pizza at Marta (we hope) and generally walking tour-ness.
Fingers crossed that we can get to the north part of Brooklyn to have a few beers at Tørst!
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Headed Home...to Reality
This, our 10th year in PDX, was one for the books. So much good food, time with good friends and the nephew, good wine, good laughs, and good memories.
I wonder sometimes if I will get sick of it here. I wonder if I lived here would I love it so much.
I guess I'll have to do more research and come more often. We never have been here in the winter you know.
Wish for smooth air and better movies on Delta on the way home.
XOXO
P&C
I wonder sometimes if I will get sick of it here. I wonder if I lived here would I love it so much.
I guess I'll have to do more research and come more often. We never have been here in the winter you know.
Wish for smooth air and better movies on Delta on the way home.
XOXO
P&C
Last Night in PDX...
Finished the amazing day at Nostrana for dinner. Again, with the amazing meal!!
We had apps and salads and pizzas and pastas and steak and drinks and wine and dessert.
And no pictures. 🙂
We had apps and salads and pizzas and pastas and steak and drinks and wine and dessert.
And no pictures. 🙂
Saturday...Best of the Willamette Valley! Part 4...
And finally...stop 4. Sokol Blosser. They had a cat named Harry. Wines were solid as usual.
We were all so full and drunk and ready to take a nap in the Pinot Car. Which we did. Promptly.
We were all so full and drunk and ready to take a nap in the Pinot Car. Which we did. Promptly.
Saturday...Best of the Willamette Valley! Part 3...
Stop 3...Beaux Freres!
It was a quick trip, where...because Carlos our Pinot Car driver ran into Dundee to pick up our lunch...we had to sit outside, sequestered from the other people. I would have been super annoyed but it was nice for it to just be us!
Porkchop had a litter recently, and I asked to see her, but no...she is also sequestered.
Good wine. Fun lunch from Red Hills Market. As usual!!
It was a quick trip, where...because Carlos our Pinot Car driver ran into Dundee to pick up our lunch...we had to sit outside, sequestered from the other people. I would have been super annoyed but it was nice for it to just be us!
Porkchop had a litter recently, and I asked to see her, but no...she is also sequestered.
Good wine. Fun lunch from Red Hills Market. As usual!!
Saturday...Best of the Willamette Valley! Part 2...
Next stop - Patricia Green. Caroline wasn't supposed to work, but she hung around to hang out with us! Love her...
Great wines and snacks, saw the Beaux Freres pigs and petted them and got splattered with what I hope was mud.
I love it there.
Great wines and snacks, saw the Beaux Freres pigs and petted them and got splattered with what I hope was mud.
I love it there.
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