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We have been in Palm Springs since Christmas Eve.That's five days. We never get to spend that kind of time in our home here, and with our friends. It has been a wonderful weekend. For sure we appreciate the time and our friends here.

We arrived in time to go to Hildy's for her annual Christmas Eve party. It was really great. There were many old friends with whom we seldom get to visit. The food was abundant and delicious and her home was decorated so beautifully! Thanks for a super start of Christmas Hildy.

Christmas day was a nice quiet day. Scott came over with us since he couldn't get his flights out to Michigan where his family live. It was nice to have him with us since he couldn't be with his folks.

I cooked breakfast and then started in cooking our Christmas Turkey dinner. I made the stuffing and stuffed the bird. Steve boiled the potatoes for mashing. I had made the cranberries on Monday. All that was left was the green beens which I did, and the gravy which is Steve's specialty. It all came together for a wonderful dinner at 6:00 Christmas Day.

While things were cooking Scott, Steve and I played a new game that Scott brought with him. It's a card game based on Scrabble and we played for several hours.

Saturday sure felt like Sunday to us. We just were not used to having this kind of time here. Scott had to leave fairly early as he had to be at work at 1:00PM.

We went to Bongo Johnny's for breakfast and then stopped by Chuck's place for a visit. He had things to do so we went on down to Old Navy to see what stuff they had left. Of course we found a few things.

We got together with Chuck for dinner after drinks at Lounge One 11 with Robb. We arranged to all meet up for brunch at Leon's on Sunday.

Leon's is always good food, a beautiful place and filled with gay men of all ages, as well as straight people.

We came home and got ready to go to a holiday open house at Bob and Gus's new condo in Rancho Mirage. They have just redone it and did a wonderful job. It's really quite large, but the best is that it has a covered 40 foot garage for the motorhome!! Man would I like that!

It was a great party and we met some new people as well as seeing old friends and aquaintences, mostly RV'ers from Quartzsite. We had a super time. It's nice to connect with the Q people in anticipation of the week we will spend there in January.

Monday was getting things done. Pay bills, go to the bank, go to the cleaners, the pharmacy, etc. We had a late lunch at Hamburger Mary's, before meeting Robb and Chuck and another friend, John at Lounge One11. Then Chuck joined us at Roscoe Grill for a wonderful light dinner.

Today we head back to San Diego for another gruelling 2 day work week. LOL. Then back to Palm Springs for Mitch and Dave's annual New Years Day Party and another long weekend.

Oh my life is soooo hard.

After a wonderful trip to New York City, and the subsequent and obligatory over busy work week, we returned to Palm Springs.

We drove over in pouring rain, wind and otherwise bad weather that made the drive very difficult, especially being tired from working so hard. But we made it. It was so good to be in the house after three weeks away. Home again.

We unpacked, fed Buster and Namale, and went to Wangs In The Desert for a delicious dinner. We followed that with a drink at Blame It On Midnight with Jerry the bartender, heard a few songs sung by Gennine Jackson and headed home to get some rest.

Yesterday we decorated for Christmas. I really hadn't been in the mood until we went to New York and saw all the windows there, but we got inspired. So we went out and bought a cheap white tree and a lot of lime green ornaments and some spiral sticks in orange. We put it all together and it looks very Palm Springs Christmas.

We met Chuck for drinks at Lounge One 11 and grabbed some dinner at Palette on Arenas. It was great to see him. We love our time with Chuck.

Then we crossed the street to Street Bar, know that we would find Dave and Mitch there listening to Miss Fern. We were right. We visited for a while and finally had to succumb to our weariness and drag ourselves the several blocks to home.

Today is our busy work. Bank, cleaners, etc. Anything exciting and I'll let you know. So far, just another fun weekend in Palm Springs.

I was awake early as I had to get going before anyone else. I had to be at the Ritz Carlton at 9:00 to meet my friend Joan to do her hair. I had arranged to do this as she was coming from an art show in Miami, and going to an Oscar De La Renta fashion show this afternoon. It was fun to see her and coif her in another city.

Afterward I went back to the hotel where Steve and Mother had pretty much finished the packing and we all went to Sarabeths for a final breakfast. It was delicious as usual, Mother with her 2 eggs and bacon, Steve and his white cheddar omelet and currant scone, and I had eggs Benedict. Delicious.

We went back to the hotel and checked out of our room by noon, storing our luggage in a room off the lobby until it was time to leave, which wasn't until 4:30.

Then we walked back to the park and took a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park. It was quite chilly out, around 34 degrees. But with a lap blanket, cashmere scarves, leather or wool coats and my beanie, we managed to keep plenty warm.

We walked around a bit after the ride but it was clear that Mother was getting too cold so we headed for cover. I directed us to the retail shopping area of the Plaza Hotel. It was warm and there were things to see and marvel at. Mostly it was warm.

When we decided to brave the cold again we headed across Fifth Ave toward Madison Ave, Park Ave and then south to see what shops we could see. We almost made to to Saks again when we decided it was just too cold. We dashed into the GAP for a few minutes to warm up again, then headed to Bergdorf Gooman to get a scarf we had seen earlier.

From there we headed up West 57th to the Starbuck's across for the Salisbury Hotel for a warm mocha and a rest before heading back to the hotel to kill time until the driver came to take us to JFK.

Much to my disappointment, out scheduled driver Andy was unable to pick us up. I think he forgot to put us in the schedule. But he arranged for another driver to get us there. But as we went along I wasn't sure the Town Car he was driving was going to make it. The transmission kept klunking and slipping and making noises, but we made it, and on time.

I talked with Coty, our friend, housekeeper and house sitter, and she told me that it was raining very hard and that water was coming in throught the skylight in the shower and into the hall light, and along the ceiling, and the satellite went out (but then back on) and the rain was horrible and the wind was howling. OH MY.

Nothing I can do about it until I get home. I guess we need to recaulk the roof. Sigh.....

And after almost 2 hours at JFK, through security and waiting at gate 9, we made it on the plane. We are now headed the direction of home. We won't get in til around 11:30 but the rain should have abated some by that time. I hope.

We'll see.

We decided to start the day at Lindy's again. It's Sunday if one such as I has not prethought and reserved a place for brunch it is just too crazy. Besides most of them are upwards of $50.00. No thank you.

After breakfast and a short trip back to the hotel, we decided to go up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We have never been there and I have always been curious about it. In my mind it is the American equivelent to the British Museum. I wasn't disappointed.

We wandered through the Greek and Roman exhibit and then found the Oceania section. Having spent time in Fiji and Vanuatu it was of particular interest to Steve and I. I don't think Mother got to much out of it.

Then we were on to the Modern Art section. More fabulous Picasso's, Miro's, etc. I could have stayed for hours, even though my mind wouldn't have held that much. I just loved being around that much really interesting art.

Mom, however was finally tiring out. She has been a real trooper keeping up with everything we have done. Museums, food, theaters, shoppings, more museums. It has been a very busy trip. I tried to watch out for her and Steve and their limitations, Mother's energy level and Steve's back, and I think I managed pretty well, but today she really needed to get to the hotel for a nap.

We got back and Steve and I walked up to Columbus Circle to a Holiday market they were having there. We enjoyed some hot cider and a gingerbread cookie, but the rest was all too common jewelry, scarves, ornaments and stuff we have seen everywhere. It was fun, but the day had turned quite cold, so we headed on back to the hotel ourselves to rest until time for dinner.

Tonight was our night to celebrate Mother's birthday with a fine meal. We had reservations at Park Avenue Winter (they change the name and decor with the seasons). It's a beautiful restaurant, a small space, but elegant.

The problem is they have crammed so many tables in that there wasn't room to be comfortable. The other problem for us was the noise level. If I was talking to Mother, Steve couldn't hear. If I was taking to Steve, Mother couldn't hear.

The food was good and the service was nice, but it didn't overcome the shortcomings, especially after dining at Piano Due`. We still had fun and got to see Park Ave at night and the Christmas lights on Fifth Avenue.

I think we are all tired now though.

The day started slowly. Mom and Steve wanted to sleep in so I was dutifully quiet. Finally we got going. Steve and I went downstairs in the hotel to the "continental breakfast" room. Steve had cereal and I had a cold waffle square with cold syup and a fairly fresh croissant and some juice. For me - unfulfilling. I really am spoiled with the good breakfasts here in NYC.

Mom still wasn't ready to go at 11:00 so Steve and I went down to W 24th Street to an area of galleries. We went expecially to see the Carroll Dunham exhibit that had been touted by and arty friend of mine. Well the Carroll Dunham exhibit was total crap. I'm sure his style is sought after, but the content of this particular exhibit was focused on vaginas. From the front, from between the legs, from the back. NOT my cup of anything.

We went on to several other galleries and saw exhibits such as photos of sports figures by Andy Warhol, graphic screening by Sister Corita Kent, a digital photo exhibit called "New Japanese Landscapes" . We saw a lot of good art and some real losers but it was a fun time.

We then came back, picked up Mother and headed to Lincoln Center to pick up tonight's theater tickets. From there we caught a cab up to 89th and Fifth Ave to the Guggenheim Museum.

The Guggenheim currently has a large Kandinski exhibit. It was fascinating and enlightening. The audio tour gave a lot of insight into why his painting progressed in the style it did, his use of colors and shapes to influence the viewer. A wonderful experience for all of us. Mother enjoyed his later works more than his earlier stuff. We all pretty much felt that way.

Then it was time to get back and get ready for dinner. We decided to go back to Shelley's Tratoria, just a block down, because the food was good and service was so friendly. One would have thought we were celebrities with the greeting we got, and a special table in the back. One table was asking who we were. We had to laugh. Our waiter from the other night, Scott, brought some champagne just to say hi. Again the food was superb. Again the service was excellent.

We caught a cab back to Lincoln Center in time for the curtain on South Pacific. I always forget how wonderful the music is in that musical. The story is still about bigotry, but not as brutal as "Memphis". It was a great production.

We had to walk several blocks to get a taxi tonight, but we made it. The best part is that the snow had stopped while we were in the theater. There was no precipitation at all. It was plenty cold, but that we could manage.

All in all it was a busy day. It's good to go to bed tonight.

G'night all.

We started the morning with another good breakfast. Today we just went up the block to the Europa Cafe. It was adequate. Not bad, just not up to the standard of breakfasts we have been priveleged to on prior days. We are easily spoiled.

We decided that, because of impending rain and possible snow tomorrow, today would be the day to do the Circle Line boat tour around Manhattan. The sun was out and the day was relatively warm. We boarded the boat at 12:30 and it took 3 hours to make the circle. It was very interesting but I would recommend the half-circle tour of 2 hours. The island changes so much from the south to the north. And it is interesting to see what the Bronx really looks like along the East River and North Manhattan along the Hudson. We saw Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from the water but pretty close, close enough anyway. The narration was very detailed and historically interesting and informative. We're glad we did the tour.

We went back to the hotel so Steve and Mom could rest. I made cocktails.

Then it was catch a cab and head to dinner. Tonight I had selected a place near the Gershwin Theater called Piano Due (pronounced do-ay) on W. 52st Street. A really great decision, if I do say so myself. The food was extraordinary, the service impeccable yet friendly and the room was calm enough to allow easy conversation. Steve and Mom both had the parmesan encrusted pork chop (unbelievably good) on the pre theater menu (prix fixe). Steve's meal started with a very rich and robust penne dish that was amazing. I had the nights special pasta with butternut squash. We all finished with strawberries with zabiglione. Oh my...

We had a block and a half walk to the theater, and no, I didn't get us lost this time.

"Wicked" was really wonderful. The stage and staging was phenominal, the costumes (wow) and the voices were amazing. And we will never again watch "The Wizard Of Oz" with the same notions. A couple of really memorable songs like, of course, Defying Gravity.

Again we were lucky with a taxi, but after walking three blocks up to 6th. Everyone was tired, so now it's time to say goodnight. Tomorrow is another opportunity for a great day.

Goodnight.

First of all, today was like a spring day in San Diego. It started in the fifties and spent most of the day in the high 60's.

We started the day with another good breakfast. This time the hotel recommended Sarabeths on W 59th facing Central Park. A very chic place, the food was delicious and plentiful. Steve had a white cheddar omelet, I had a veggie frittata and Mother had ricotta citrus pancakes. Really a breakfast! From there we walked up to 5th Ave to see the windows at Bergdorf Goodman. They are by far the best we have seen. I'm hoping to get some pictures before we leave. I'll post them when I do.

We continued down the Avenue looking for a shoe store for Mother to buy some more comfortable shoes. We ended up at Diesel, Where, like in Athens, she found a comfortable shoe for walking. And cute too.

We headed to Rockefeller Center to see the decorations and the 75 foot tree. It was beautiful, but prettier at night like all trees lit for the holidays. The ice rink was filled with skaters enjoying the warm day. We took the requisite pictures and headed on.

We continued to the the Museum Of Modern Art. We didn't have time to see it all so we decided on the fourth and fifth floors - paintings and sculptures. It was inspiring. The Rauch, Picasso, Lichtenstein, Miro, Mondrian,etc. It was astounding and such a joy. Steve and I really loved it, and while Mother didn't quite understand all if it, she enjoyed a great deal of it. A wonderful 2 hours.

We headed back to the hotel for Steve to rest his legs (still hurting after walking up hills, even after the surgery) and Mother to just rest. I still had energy and things to do.

I took off for the theater district to pick up the tickets for tomorrow night's show, Wicked. On the way back I found a florist shop called Heather Floral Co. on W 55th and pick up a small arrangement for Mother for her birthday. It's a day early but so what.

I started researching someplace for this evening's dinner before theater. I wanted something nice and perhaps in the theater district. I came up with a great review in Zagat for a place called Brassierie 44 at the Royalton Hotel. The hotel is a boutique, trendy, wonderful place with a lot of hip young people in the hugely popular bar. Interesting place.

After you pass through the lobby, which is the bar, you come to Brassierie 44. It's beautiful, with excellent food and expensive drinks. (Martini's were $17.00) Mother and Steve had braised short ribs and I had rack of lamb. We all finished with a small chocolate mousse and headed the wrong direction to the theater.

Yes, I got us going down to W 41st when we should have gone to W 45th. I discovered the mistake at 41st and we headed back north and got to the theater 5 minutes before the curtain for "Hair".

It was a terrific production. It brought back so much of that time for me. The coarseness of the play reminded me of how much we changed the world, for good or bad, in those days. The end of the play brought me to tears. It is a powerful story. The actors were amazing and the music was as strong as ever. Whew.

We left the theater and were lucky enough to immediately get another Town Car to take us back to the hotel.

After a fun, wonderful day I think we are all ready to rest. It all starts again wiath breakfast call at 9:00 AM.
Signing off!

Wel, the cab ride to the restaurant was an adventure. We went around the blocks again and then headed to Park Ave and the south side. Oh well. Nothing to do about it.

Les Halles was incredible. It was noisy and filled with people. The food was fabulous. Mom and Steve had Steak, Fies and Salad, per the menu selection. The steak (I tried a bite) was tender and so full of great flavor. One of the most flavorful steaks ever, without over seasoning. I ordered the Cassoulet and was delighted. It had duck, falling off the thighbone, sausage and chicken, all in a wonderful bowl of white beans and a tomato based sauce. YUM!

We got a cab ride back and headed for bed. LONG day for us.

We are headed for the Star Diner for breakfast and then ??? Maybe the Guggenheim.
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Well, the Star Diner no longer exists as far as we could determine. It looked like it is now a closed electronics store. Oh well. We went half a block to Lindy's and had a great corned beef hash and egg breakfast.

From there, we walked down to Times Square to pick up the tickets for tonights show and for tomorrow. We found the Imperial Theater and got the tickets for " Billy Elliot" and walked one more block to get the tickets for "Hair".

We then got a cab back to the hotel to regroup and make a plan. We decided to do some shopping and caught a cab for the Financial District. We had heard from several people about a department store, supposedly discount, called Century 21. It was a ZOO! and it wasn't that cheap. There were sme bargain but lots of things were the same price as Nieman Marcus. We didn't stay long.

Then we went down the block to see the 9/11 Ground Zero site. It was somber and powerful and I'm glad to have seen it. We went to see the plans and presentations for the memorial they are building. It should be very wonderful.

We caught a cab back up to Saks where we belonged. Getting there was no small feat as it was 2:00 in the afterneoon on the day whene they were lighting the tree in Rockefeller Plaza, one block form Saks. We had a cab drliver that knew what he was doing, but crosstown traffic was insane. We got out 2 blocks early and let him get out of the mess. We walked to Saks. Mom bought a handbag and we shopped the men's department for a few minutes, decided we needed nothing and headed out to see Saks' animated windows on Fifth Ave. They were a delightful story of a snowflake and her travel to NYC.

We caught another cab and headed for the hotel to rest before dinner. Well, Steve and Mom rested. I headed up to Columbus Circle in search of some Belvedere Vodka. I found it and came back, dropped it off and headed back out to find cranberry juice. when I got back I headed to the 3rd floor for ice. FINALLY I got a cocktail in the room. YAY!

Then it was time to go to dinner. Dressed for the theater, we headed down the block to Shelly's Trattoria, recommended by the hotel staff. Man were they right. It was charming, we had a wonderful waiter, Scott, and really good food. Mother had 4 beef mignionettes with carmelized onion (she didn't want the gorgonzola or the pesto that also came with them). Steve and I shared a pepperoni pizza and a Cobb Salad. With cappuccino they served chocolate chip cookies off the backing sheet, right out of the oven. YUM.

Cabs in the rain at theater time with the lighting of the Christmas tree iln Rockefekker center are impossible. Finally a town car stopped and took us to Times Square for a reasonable $15! We were grateful to be out of the rain.

We saw "Billy Elliot". What a great play. I can't even tell you about it, but the sets were amazing, the dancing was off the charts and the music was inspired. But the dancing!! OMG.

We were back out in the rain, standing in Times Square again, with no available cabs in sight, when another town car pulled up and whisked us ( well, we had a slight delay while he got a ticket for turning left when he shouldn't) back to the Salisbury Hotel.

After one last nightcap in the room, we headed for dreamland.

What a day.

The cab came on time. Mom arrived at the right time. The flight left on time - and then arrived 40 minutes early at JFK. Amazing start!

The driver I hired, Andy Chi, arrived at the baggage claim just as we got our last bag and whisked us away to a waiting Town Car for a wildish rush hour drive into Manhattan. I know we came through Queens and we came across a bridge that dumped us at 60th and 2nd (and I'll get the bridge name later) but we made it in record time - 40 minutes. Hugh, the man who referred Andy to us, was right about Andy's driving prowess. Thanks Hugh and Lynn.

The Salisbury Hotel is adequate. It's old, but kept up well. It couldn't be better located. West 57th between 6th and 7th. It's directly across from Carnegie Hall and one block from Central Park. Both rooms are on the same floor. We're plenty happy.

Tonight we have reservations at Les Halles on Park Avenue. The recommendation came from NYC veteran Evelyn. I am looking forward to it and shall return to tell you more later.

For now, seeya.

NYC here we come.