NYC

My aunt wrote me a note in my christmas card and said that the holidays in NYC must be really pretty.  I haven't really been out and about to see...I didn't have to do much shopping and I really don't like crowds.  I prefer to shop on a totally off day in a neighborhood that is not a destination- like say, the Upper West Side, which also happens to be where I live, so I am lazy. But, since I had a day free for the first time in weeks, I proposed that we plunge into the torrent of tourists on 5th Ave.  We went first to 59th Street to see the Plaza Hotel and the windows at Bergdorf Goodman.  BG is the fanciest department store in the city and I have never wanted to go in.  I know that I won't buy anything and I assume that the salespeople will treat me like they know that I won't buy anything.  But tonight I had courage and I figured there were a lot of tourists just gawking and I would fit right in.  It was pretty insane: $13,000 earrings, $800 shoes, dresses that were 70% off and still cost $900.  The windows were stunning...

From there we went down 5th.  Under the disguise of needing to get warm we popped into Tiffany's and Henri Bendel.  Everything was totally lit up and festooned with garlands.  We finally made it to Saks, which is right across from Rockefeller Center.  All my pics of The Tree were blurry and too dark- so just imagine the way it looks on the TV, then add the cold, the snow, and a about a million people jostling you- it is just like that.  
This is the Gothic Bridge which is near 94th and the Reservoir.
The Winterdale Arch near 82nd on the west side.  
The Reservoir running path, facing west along the north side.  Essentially, Sparks demand that I walk him all over creation when it is snowy out.  I hate to deny him, cause the snow never lasts that long.
The view from our living room window, while the snow piled up!!!

All done!

So, I am finished with all my school stuff- class, papers, student teaching, and finals.  This semester was...overwhelming.  My student teaching experience was a bit of a challenge, but I know I learned a lot.  I totally fell in love with the students and the final concert was such a blast.  Totally unconventional and like nothing I had ever experienced, but filled with joy.  I had a lot of classes this semester, but next semester I am taking a guitar class, a voice class, a method class, and a choral class- should be fun, less writing.  I am also going to be student teaching with a doctoral student from NYU, with whom I have taken several classes.  So I know a lot about him, his teaching philosophy and about his program.  Hoping that it will be really good.  

But now, I am done with that!!!  So, I can cram in all the holiday stuff I have been ignoring.  Although, that isn't that much stuff.  We are traveling, so I am bypassing a lot of decorating.  I decided that I didn't want to send very many holiday cards this year.  I really don't like doing it: it feels like an obligation, it isn't particularly environmentally friendly, and I could frankly save a few dollars.  So, if you didn't get a card from me- that is why.  My family drew names this year- so my gift is on it's way via the internet.  I will do some last minute things on Monday and then we take off on Tuesday.

So, what I am doing- taking Sparks out in the snowstorm.  Knitting, baking, cooking.
Sparks has a mania for knocking down snowmen.  Any snow that is stacked up is abhorrent to him...
He spends a lot of time bossing me around.

"Snow more, please, snow more..."

Giving Thanks

Mr. and I decided that we would stay home- just the three of us and have some quality time. This semester has been really crazy with the election and student teaching and class and etc. So I had some much needed downtime and I cooked a giant dinner just for us. We got a turkey breast and I made a new Ina Garten recipe- celery root puree. It was good, interesting, sort of sweet; it also had fennel-so it was slightly licorice-y. Mr. made stuffing, or dressing, whatever name you prefer. I made cranberry sauce- which was yummy and easy. And we had a pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust- it is ok.

Sparks likes Thanksgiving.

Then we went on a long walk- this is at the base of the Soldiers and Sailors monument at 90th and Riverside.

An unsuccessful attempt to get the three of us in a photo....
Another comment about food! The store only had double cans of pumpkin that made two pies. I was absolutely not going to make two pies, but I found a recipe for pumpkin pasta sauce. It was so good, so easy. Saute fresh rosemary sprigs in olive oil until crispy- remove. Then add minced garlic, 15 oz. pumpkin, and parmesan. You also need to add about two cups of the pasta water. Toss with penne and then sprinkle with rosemary. Wow.

WOW

What an amazing night! I am still exhausted from the late night, but so thrilled. People were in the streets-cheering! It was better than winning the World Series...

We voted for Change

Amazingly, we didn't have to wait very long. But there were more people than I have ever seen at my polling place. I almost cried when I pulled the lever...

GO VOTE

I can't believe it- finally. This is all so thrilling! Anyone who actually reads my blog knows where my interests lie. But really, it is important for everyone to vote- to be informed- and to make a sure our votes are cast and are counted!

Check out these heirloom tomatoes

Aren't they sweet? So pretty and tasty. It is now soup season, so I have been making some wonderful chicken and veggie stock. There is nothing better and you can use it for any soup and it is amazingly fast.

THAT'S IT...

I AM DOING IT! I AM SHOUTING LOUD AND CLEAR THAT I THINK BARACK OBAMA MUST BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!

Popsicles

All summer I have been making popsicles and these are my favorite recipes. They are based on Marc Bittman's Paleta recipe.
1. Banana: 2 bananas, 1 c. milk, 1/4 c. sugar, splash of vanilla. Blend with hand blender and freeze.
2. Coconut: 1 c. coconut milk, 1 c. milk, 1/4 c. sugar, shredded coconut. Stir and freeze
3. Pina colada: 1 c. smashed pinapple (do not hand blend), 1 c. coconut milk, 1/4 c. sugar.
4. Peach: 2 peaches, 1 c. milk, 1/4 c. sugar.
5. Cantaloupe: 1.5 c. fruit, 1/2 c. milk, sugar.
6. Blueberry: same as above.
7. Watermelon: just blend with hand blender and freeze.
Each of these makes about 4-6 popsicles depending on the size of mold. They are so good, so easy, and maybe healthy.

Last day

So we have had some totally beautiful weather lately. Last night we had a picnic in Riverside Park with Sparks. This is a lovely place to watch the sunset over Jersey. Also a nice view of the George Washington Bridge. I asked Mr. if he could imagine the British fleet right there kicking our butts at Fort Washington and Fort Lee. He said I was a dork. Tonight we had a picnic in our favorite spot north of the reservoir in Central Park. I was listening recently to Alice Walker on a podcast of some talks at the 92nd st. Y and she said some interesting things about belief in Heaven. Her philosophy is that heaven is here on earth. When I am happily sitting with my husband and pooch with my family and good friends in my thoughts, looking at the beautiful world- I have to agree.

I see dead people

I have been wanting to go to Greenwood cemetery in Brooklyn for awhile. I thought it was sort of a macabre desire, but then it is also the site of the Battle of Brooklyn. Since reading 1776 and starting John Adams, both by David McCullough; I have been dorking out about the Revolutionary war. So I convinced Mr. to join me on this adventure- our own "staycation" since we do live in a tourist destination.
Greenwood is shockingly beautiful and serene. Not at all creepy and totally fascinating. It is also huge- we bought a very good guide book and walked around for about 3 hours and only saw about 1/6 of the park. And that is how it feels, like a beautiful park full of gravestones and mausoleums. Above is the Alter of Liberty, atop Battle Hill commemorating the Battle of Brooklyn and near the hill which is the highest spot in Brooklyn. This is Minerva; she is looking directly through the trees to the Statue of Liberty and sort of waving to her.
Right around the corner is Lenny
And down the hill from Charles Ebbets is this guy Henry Chadwick.

I see dead people

The monument to Charlotte Canda, a 17 year old girl who died in a carriage accident after her birthday party in 1845.
The chapel
Thank you for all the jewelry and pretty windows!
The only living things we saw all afternoon were these fish at the tranquility garden which is also a huge Asian style columbarium.

Finally...free bike fridays

I am cursed. If I suggest something like a picnic or other outdoor activity- it will absolutely rain. So I now have to suggest outings like this in code and someone else involved has to "plan" it. Govenors Island is a little island off the tip of Manhattan and Mr. and I visited it last summer. This summer Bike and Roll offers a one hour free bike rental on Fridays. So recently married S. "organized" an afternoon of biking and picnicing.
There is an art installation of waterfalls around the city by Olafur Eliasson. There are about 5 of them and one is right next to the ferry station.
The day was perfect and the island the perfect size to bike around in an hour.

Chicago vs. New York

Our dear friend N. has left for Chicago to get her Ph.d at Northwestern. We are so bummed to lose her to the Windy City-but of course it just a good excuse to go there and visit. Here is her moving crew. As of this post, Mon 11:15 they are still on the road.
"Well, you know when you play Never-have-I-ever you simply have to reveal all your dirty sex secrets.""
"Really? Are ya ready for mine?"
"Lay it on me!"

Trapped in Paradise

My NYU friend M. proposed visiting this swimming hole in Harriman State Park. We were going to park at another lake and walk here. When we arrived there was a sign, *gasp*- Closed for the Season. M. fearlessly drove past it, parked and we hurried off towards the trail. Our logic was that the car might be towed- whatever, it was a rental.
It was so perfectly gorgeously and we had the best time.
Then headed back to see if the car was there. Here we are thinking we were scott-free...

Trapped in Paradise

Here we are in a delusional post swim, sunstroked car dance.
OMG! They put up a chain and we can't get over or under or around. And we can't pick the lock. And we can't call the police...thank goodness for these guys on motorcycles. M. waved at them and plaintively said "Heeelp, we are stuck."
So they backed the car up an embankment and through some boulders and to freedom! We were so thrilled and yet it was a little awkward. They wanted to get away from us silly city ladies and back to joyriding on their Harleys.

Gardeners

Have I said that I am a new member of the Westside Community Garden??? Well, I am! Here is the flower plot that I have been assigned- it is right in the front...and it is also already full. I have some too-tall lilies, salvia and some other randomness. I am trying to give it a little attention before the fall comes and school starts.
We are slowly relocating the lilies. Mr. is a reluctant, but wonderful gardener. Here are some plants I put in. We harvested some tarragon and basil tonight from the herb plot- yum.
I actually finished a knitted project! All winter I was wondering why there were like double the pairs of socks in the weekly laundry and it is because he puts on a fresh pair to keep his feet warm. These are winter slippers for Mr.

Last weeks

School starts in two weeks. I am...stressed already. I have a lot of guilt when I have free time- like I should be doing something really productive. Instead I have been spending a lot of time hanging with Sparks ( which is in fact quite important) and re-reading Harry Potter. But last weekend we had a kind of funny last minute invite. My friend E. (of Guac-off fame) had an extra ticket to the Jets game. So she asked Mr. to come along. We met her at P.S. 1 Moma in Queens where her friend curates the music for the Warmup dance party. P.S. 1 is a public school renovated as an outpost for the Museum of Modern Art. They were also hosting a really cool installation of urban farming, seen above.
This was the only exhibit that I really enjoyed; although it wasn't specifically enjoyable, it was more scary. These diver suits were hung in a lightless room and were all shaking and clanging. Below are are my classmates from NYU. S. has been catsitting a couple doors down and that has been fun. And we are all trying to hang out with N. as much as possible before she heads off to Chicago to work on her PHd at Northwestern.