Cielo Azul Happenings

SHEEPSHEAD BAY, BROOKLYN

Today, we are fulfilling another of my longtime NY desires--eating seafood in Sheepshead Bay along side the pier....................

I had read about the legendary Lundy Brothers fish restaurant........

Which has now been subdivided into many restaurants and shops................

The attraction was that the seafood on Emmons Avenue was the freshest in town--coming right off the fishing boats that would dock just across the street.............................

The scale of the Lundy Brothers Restaurant....they could feed over 2,000 folks at one time and apparently did just that on a regular basis Sunday Afternoons...................

Some detail from the old restaurant..................

Since Lundys is out, the girls troll (no pun intended) the avenue in search of another place for lunch.........................

We decided on a charming sidewalk Greek Cafe....................

My beautiful Chiara with her gorgeous hair that she recently lopped off and is donating to Locks of Love...................................

We had some luncheon company--a crumb chasing gull hoping for some of our food..................

Which you couldn't fault him for because the food was delicious...................

And the "Greek" atmosphere was enhanced by this hottie channelling the indolent Greek Badgirl charm of Melina Mecuri. (sp?).....................

Ty-Quasia demonstrates some of her "Goodgirl" charm out on the pier.......................

A beautiful crumb chaser..............

Posing on the pier.....................

A lovely duo...............................

A lovely Ty-Quasia watches the boats. Chiara and Ty have been friends since she (Ty) was a young elementary school girl when Kiki moved into her building. When Frannie moved in, the bond continued with her. Ty-Quasia has blossomed into a wonderful young woman and a talented artist.............

And a good time was had by all!!

Well, ALMOST all........................................................

NEW YORK TRIP--DAY 11
BROOKLYN BOTANICAL,.PART TWO

We're taking a break at the lookout point of Brooklyn Botanical......

With a gorgeous view of the rose garden...........

While we are waiting for Frannie to meet us...........

Dwight takes note of how a modern day fossil was probably formed...........

It's Frannie......................

Here to enjoy all the fabulous specimens...........

So artistically arranged............

Even the thistles are pretty....................

Back through the other 9/11 memorial oak grove..................

To the Lily Pond..................

Abloom.........

With many different species of water lilys...........

blooming between water and sky...............

"Hey, Kiki, get out of bed and join us!--you're missing all the FUN!"................

We're resting at the lookout to..............

The Japanese Water Garden!......................

A peaceful spot for contemplation.............

Happy ducks...............

Beautiful iris.................

And reflective arches..............

Japanese Iris..............

A little bit of Japan in the midst of Brooklyn..........

A lovely display....................

And a school of Koi..............

A picturesque stone bridge................

Frannie is on the path to...................

The Brooklyn Celebrity Path--commemorating famous Brooklynites past and present.................

Like Buddy Hackett............

Rita Hayworth...............

Every Jewish Grandmother's favorite--Eddie Cantor..................

And every Italian Grandmother's favorite--Julius La Rosa..................

Vic Damone.....................

Lauren Bacall.................

That cutie--Tony Danza.............Even though Frannie "owns him" on the softball field...................

Neil Sedaka............

Barry Manlow.................

Lena Horne...............................

And here I am with one of my favorites................

Jimmy Smits! At one time there was a statistic that one in every seven Americans could trace their heritage to someone from Brooklyn. Of course that was a couple of generations removed from the great European Immigrations of the last century. Probably about the same time as when there was a huge sign posted at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge: WELCOME TO BROOKLYN, THE SECOND LARGEST CITY IN THE UNITED STATES................

Frannie is really having a grand time.............

Enjoying the Shakespeare Garden..............

With Mommie...................

That's my baby! at..................................

The Cramford Rose Garden again..................

"Wow!" she says.................................

This is beautiful!...................................

Amen!.................................

Picture perfect!..............................

Frannie frolics with Mommie as the two young women approaching them are envious wishing that they had a cool mom like Frannie has!.......................

So, it's goodbye to the "big leaves"..........................

Fabulous roses......................

Oarchards of fruit trees..................

Hedges and formal plantings......................

Unique floral specimens..........................

And just general beauty that has always made Brooklyn Botanical one of our favorite stops on any trip to New York!

MID-AUGUST

Now that it's snowing outside, it's fun to look back at the warm lazy days of summer--especially Saturdays that began with garage sailing.........

Followed by a lovely lunch with the Garage Sale crowd--like Alice........

Danny..............

Donna.......................

At Vinaigrette--a restaurant that specializes in tempting salads..................

That delight Artie! Or is it his non-alcholic beer?...................

Lou..............................

In the afternoon, we're off to a shower.......................

And conversing with Giano......................

And in the evening it's a casual pot lunch. I don't know what I made, but it really doesn't look that tempting.

IT'S FEBRUARY!--THE SHORTEST MONTH OF THE YEAR

Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for February 2010.

Click on image to enlarge calendar dates for February 2010.

A pinch and a punch for the first of the month from Baby Binks who has a birthday on February 24th!

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

It's time for the December Bienvenidos Luncheon.......

Where the tables are set in holiday decor with a Christmas menu........

In fact, the entire Country Club is decorated with a festive flair--as is Alice.....................

Donna is having the time of her life because...............

Artie is attending as a guest!...................

The gang's all here........................

And a good time was had by all! Let the season commence.................

NEW YORK TRIP-DAY 11
BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDEN

Today we are spending a few wonderful hours in Brooklyn at the Burroughs's Botanical Garden....

The day started out at my WW meeting in the Radio City area with the interesting lobby murals....

The Botanical Garden is commemorated with tiles at their subway stop......

And we're back in Brooklyn.........

Dwight approaches the park entrance......

Through this leafy arbor, we spy.......

A giant topiary bug in the children's section...........

I'm very happy to share my birth month with the lovely rose...............

Knockout roses at the entrance............

The Botanical Gardens are extensive, so Dwight is plotting a plan............

One of the things you might expect to see in a botanical garden is a lovely mixed planting like this one in a wooden planter..............

Another thing you might see is lots and lots of leaves.............

And blooming bushes.............

And blooming trees..................

And verdant corners for reflection...........

And colorful plants..............

and waterfalls.............

And REALLY colorful plants...................

This border is pretty tropical............

A lovely old tree...................

Interesting pods and cones.................

Some sweet poppies.......................

And my favorite--iris!

Dwight even managed to find a yucca to remind him of home.............

This is one of our activities that I look forward to on every trip.........

Look! Is that a dead body on the grass?.........................

These folks checked it out and just joined him in this green space between the two groves of trees........

These trees were planted after 9/11 to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attack...............

Click on the image to enlarge it if you want to read the inscription.

The trees have grown quite nicely and make a lovely red show in the fall.......................

This is one of the areas where young NYC brides stage their weddings...............

Dwight enters a whimsical gate to enter..................

The rose garden!...................

Here are some tree roses................

A golden variety......................

And a gorgeous Chicago Peace Rose................

A simple pink.................

And a fresh yellow.........................

Multiple blossoms................

A lovely rose maiden..................

We share a love of roses..................

And are sisters under the skin (and bronze).......................

Hail to thee Rose Maiden!..............................

A lovely and large trellis house.....................

The staff told us that we missed peak rose bloom by about ten days, but it was still a magnificent show..............

Golden girl....................

And the scent was fabulous!......................

An outstanding pink...........................

Very festive!!....................................................

I can't express what a joy it is to spend time in this magnificent rose garden!!............................

Tropical Peach.................

Sweet and pure.......................................

One Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaapy Woman!............

If you can spot the higher ground esplanade behind the garden, that is where we are headed to take a break with a view and to wait for our beautiful Frannie......................

CANYON ROAD WALK

A naked winged man on horseback heralds that you are now on artsy Canyon Road............

Apparently there are lots of naked folks on Canyon Road.................

This massive face seems to have some bodacious eyebrows made out of greenery...............

Inviting garden entrance....................

Some interesting exterior detail.............................

Lovely lady in a lovely garden................

Marble woman....................

An unusual courtship........................

Art amongst the roses.......................

Rock. paper, scissors...................

A huge "paper hat".......................

A silent face....................

Giant metal "paper doves"...................

Farewell Canyon Road, we're off to the plaza.......................

To enjoy Fiddlin' Doc Gonzales and the Orange Blossom Special.........................

Just the perfect tonic I need.........................

To dance my way to my shift in the Benvenidos Booth.............

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIANO!

You were always the most adoreable baby boy in the world--and still are! Hope your 30th birthday is wonderful!

Good Morning Kitties
I realize that I am hopelessly behind in posting my photos, but it IS rather fun to enjoy the bounty of summer as reflected in the day to day summer pictures and New York Trip photos now that we are living in the barren environs of winter.....

What a thrill to wake up early each day and enjoy the beauty of the garden........

Of course, not everyone at Cielo Azul is such an early riser.....Tallulah needs her beauty rest......

And Winston likes to rest in the morning sun...................

Outside, Topaz and Mommie say: "Daylight's a wasting.........".............

Now it's off to a morning shift at the Bienvenidos booth. What a lovely start to the day!

NEW YORK METS VS THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

It's Baseball tonight!--at the Mets' brand new stadium...............

First we pick up faithful fan, Toesette.................

Frannie approaches CitiField from our parking space in the neighborhood...........

As you can see, you can still access the field from the water. On a previous trip, we took a water bus called "The Shea Express" to a Mets-Yaankees game. I guess it's probably the Citi Express now--the Yankee bus is probably still called the "Yankee Clipper"..........................

The retro-stadium reminiscent of Ebbets Field has banners honoring Mets greats.....

Like David Wright.......................

And former greats like Daryl Strawberry..........................

And Casey Stengel--who shares a birthday with Francesca.........................

And another hero of the '86 Mets, Mookie Wilson...............

We enter the imposing Jackie Robinson Rotunda..................................

That is resplendent with Robinson photos ( That's Jackie signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers with Branch Rickey.)and inspirational wording. Hmmm, I wonder what that National League team in Los Angeles thinks about this.....................

This is a gorgeous public space with both an inside and an outside feel and a thrilling air of excitement....................

The escalator is packed...............

The stairs not so crowded.....................

Hey there WAS one fan here for St. Louis! Click on the image to enlarge the photo and spot this lonely fan.)........................

Hello, Mr. Met!..............................

We're loving the old brick and black metal motif--very cool..................

Fans got to vote on what they most wanted to move from Shea to the new Stadium--the choice was the Big Apple home run celebrator. It is every body's favorite photo opportunity..............

Including us! In this area there are also open tables where the Met faithful can snack and heckle opposing pitchers in their bullpen.................

An open-air food court..................

A great space with great food........................

The Mets take the field. The sportscasters on the pre-game show didn't give them much of a chance as the team is decimated by injuries and they are facing the Cardinals who are leading their division.............

Take us out to the ballgame.......................

The girls are really into what turns out to be a pretty interesting game......................

With some superstar players....................

Albert Pujos himself--although tonight was not his best outing....................

Seventh inning stretch--Mr. Met leads the faithful in singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". He's really pretty cute isn't he?.............................

The gallant Mets come through with a surprising win! GO METS!!! And a good time was had by all!

THE TIBETAN MUSEUM

Another attraction on Staten Island is the Jacques Marchais Tibetan Museum, but before we visited it, we had a delicious lunch..........

At a restaurant called Tugs! Before you blame me for ruining this photo of Keeks with an unappealing filter, be assured that the picture was really never any good. Tugs is famous for it's steaks and it's huge glass windows with a view of........................

Tugs! It was a really interesting lunch watching the comings and goings of a busy working harbor...............

An amazing lighting fan set up on the ceiling of Tugs...................

A busy barge............

After some intelligent navigating around Staten Island by our driver, Francesca, we found the Tibetan Museum in a residential area of the hills.......................

The museum was filled with many Tibetan treasures..........................

All collected by a great lover of the Tibetan culture............

This sculpture is of the patroness.....................

Another goddess.....................

A Mandela made out of colored sand............................

A beautiful bronze.................

One of several photographs of the Tibetan people. Unfortunately, we found out that no photographs were allowed in the museum, so I only got a small sampling before finding this out............

Enamel ware...............

The white haired man in this photo looks suspiciously like our old custodian at Santa Fe High, Ignacio Rodriguez. Maybe he ended up high on Mt. Everest......................

Outside photos were allowed, like this monkey in the Lilly garden............

A serene Buddha..................

And a pond for reflection................

Goodbye to the Tibetan Center...................

How'd you like to live in a little dollhouse like this neighbor to the Tibetan Museum high on a hill in Staten Island?....................

We're headed back on the beautiful Verazano Narrows Bridge.......................

Like the folks in that airplane over the bridge, we're outta here!! So it's goodbye to Staten Island, we have BIG plans in Queens tonight!

My avatar for when I am fighting crime and alliens from outer space and protecting the American Way....

IT'S A NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year, One and All!! Click on the image to enlarge the cover of the calendar for 2010.

Click on the image to enlarge the calendar photo for January 2010.

Click on the image to enlarge the calendar dates for January 2010.

SNUG HARBOR SAILOR'S RETREAT

King Neptune's fountain at the Snug Harbor complex that was originally built in the 19th century as a final home for retired sailors.

It consists of lovely landscaped grounds where the old saltys could walk and reflect..........

Part of that area is now home to the Staten Island Children's Museum.

Unfortunately, the museum was not open today, but doesn't this outside play area just say "Elliot"?

An ominous sky overhead of one of the old chapels in the complex...........

Some formal plantings in the main building's area.........

More formal plantings. Marine symbols are used quite frequently in the decoration........

One of a whole row of massive neo-classical buildings that housed the public areas of the old Sailor's Retreat...........

This one houses...................

One of the oldest theatres in New York!! Here the old saltys would enjoy the entertainments of their era--nowadays, community light theatre and other groups rent this beautiful space for performances..................

Little woman, big porch..................

The huge Neptune fountain--surely another favorite place for afternoon respites for the old seamen.............

The girls are resting on some of the benches surrounding the fountain, but before the trees up front got so huge, the sailors could have a view here of the mighty ocean they loved so much.............

Hail to thee, Mighty Neptune!

A huge ship's bell............

How you use an astrolabe..............

This long hall has benches on both sides. We figure it led to an area where there were long waits for the sailors--maybe the mess hall or the infirmary...........

Most of the large open rooms in these massive buildings have been turned into art galleries.......

A sampling of some of the art on display today...............

Most of which I really like..................

Some marine detailing in Neptune Hall....................................

Which is now a museum of the old Snug Harbor Retreat as well as a general marine museum.........

The railings on the mezzanine on the second floor and the designs leading up to the open dome all repeat this marine theme..................

One of the galleries in Neptune Hall....................

This is how it looked in previous centuries when the old saltys used the same space as a library and smoking room...........................

This section of the museum is furnished with artifacts from the heyday of this retreat..............

The decor was both elegant and homey as this was probably the only home these men ever had besides the sea.....................

More marine accents from the smoking room.....................

More second-story trim....................

Some appropriate artwork.................

More period art......................

The trim on Neptune's dome mimics the massive wrought iron fence that surrounds these large grounds.....................

If you spent your life on the ocean, I guess you would miss it...................

One of the many stained glass windows....................

Outside, Frannie approaches a memorial to the patron who left the endowment to build and sustain the Old Sailor's Home..................

A closer view of this great humanitarian--Robert Richard Randall. I don't know what ran out first--the money or a supply of old whalers etc. But his generousity did provide a home for some pretty desperate folks for over a century......................

You get to see a lot of memorials for people who are a lot more famous, but this one is very special to me because it honors someone who was truly KIND. In my mind, a true hero...............

More nautical trim from his memorial...............................

I believe this is his actual grave--also on the grounds.................

Through the years some modern art pieces have been added...............

Ominous sky over the old domintories. It is perhaps quite fitting, because the lovely buildings and grounds are somewhat influx--in search of funding and a new purpose that could best utilize the complex............................

Goodbye from one of our favorite stops in New York, Snug Harbor, Staten Island!

GOODBYE 2009!

Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for December 2009.

Click on image to enlarge calendar dates for December 2009.

Click on image to enlarge back cover with Parting Shots of 2009. Out with the old, in with the new!

NEW YORK TRIP--DAY 10
STATEN ISLAND BOTANICAL GARDEN

We've arrived at Staten Island Botanical Gardens at Snug Harbor, Staten Island.......

As you know, Botanical Gardens are a great place to see big leaves..........

And fluffy specimens--flora not fauna..............

In the greenhouse we enjoy some tropical displays............

Like this gorgeous hibiscus.................

And some lovely variegated leaves..............

Tropic man.................

Another delicate blossom.................

And more crazy leaves................

And some fancy leaves........................

The greenhouse courtyard features container grown plants and a Lilly pond...........

Lots to admire..............

On the charming grounds of the botanical garden..................

Floating gardens..................

Floating blossoms...............

There is variety even among the floaters...........

We have the garden practically to ourselves.................

This is a white nighttime garden.................

We love the Victorian garden houses................

I believe this is a sensory garden for the visually impaired..............

Gotta love the lilies......................

A lot of repair and maintenance work was going on................

To keep this place looking lovely.....................

Even nature needs a helping hand sometimes..........

Chiara explores an herb garden................

Quite a lovely spot..............

This delightful series of arbors has made a deep dark summertime tunnel.............

This would be a cool haven on a really hot day..............

And fun too........................

A cheery bouquet.....................

Being painstakingly maintained. About this time we finally realized that the Botanical Garden was not really open to the public today, but that none of the workers keeping it up could speak enough English to tell us to "get out".................

One of the darling groundskeeper's bungalows. I love the little flowers in the siding tiles............

A welcoming bench................

Miss Chiara before a garden house..............

A very nice perennial border...............

The castellated turrets of the Children's Garden that was locked up...............

Frannie on one of the many paths through the garden's open dells...............

There are a few others on the path--neighbors of the garden, I think..................

A pretty girl, a pretty scene...................

This is as close as we could get to the Chinese Scholar's Garden--a truly gorgeous building and environment that I have visited on previous visits--Today it is all locked up................

Some bronze deer stand guard over a new stand of trees................

Another winding path.................

Chiara enjoys the bucolic feeling....................

A truly romantic scene for a morning's respite..............................

There's lots of open spaces that beckon visitors to picnics or afternoon naps....................

A wall fountain without water.................

Another specimen tree....................

So you see, even on a day it's closed, a botanical garden has many many charms to extend for free...................

MEEEEEERY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!!

Best wishes to all for a wonderful Christmas and every happiness in 2010 from all of us at Cielo Azul!!

LA RAZA ON THE PLAZA
The kids visit Santa Fe on the train

The kids came up on the Railrunner to spend an afternoon in downtown Santa Fe.........

And with visiting cousins and friends, it's a rather large contingent................

After eating their ice cream, Crista's boys enjoy wrestling on the new grass on the plaza..............

Up close and personal.........................

Baby Brother gets the pin!!............................

A lost shoe is a fatality of the fray...................

Battered face of a warrior...............

Eric and Makenna chill out......................

Crista relaxes with her brood....................

Super cute!...............

Mother knows best!--she calls in the group...............

A pretty girl in the sunshine..................

The visit is almost over and the group will soon head back to the train..............

Bye, Bye darling boy...................

And sister too......................

It was great to see you all................

One last look and they're off................until we meet again.

A SUMMERTIME BARBECUE

We're enjoying the summer garden before leaving for an afternoon barbecue in Albuquerque.....

This time of year it is always a joy to spend time outside with the flowers.........

Even goddesses are besides themselves with joy!................

The plants that struggle inside in the winter love to be outside in the temperate weather...............

There is a serenity and stillness that feeds the soul...................

Please enter the "Fern Room"--the perfect place to read that summer novel..................

Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Invisible Eyeball" strolls up near the arbor............................

It's enough to make these old people frisky!..................

But Farewell to the flowers........................

And the Roman deities...................

And the roses and birdbaths...............

We're off to Albuquerque to see Crista and her family at a party for Dwight at Tricia and James' house...............

Makenna is enjoying her cousin from California who is just the right age to become her new BFF.........

And Chase is always a joy!...................................

Eric is doing fabulously in his new position in Las Vegas...........................

And Dwight's newest grandchild, Landon has grown up a lot since we saw him last.......................

He has the same light curly hair that Dwight had at his age.........................

An angel in Daddy's arms.....................

"I love you Grandpa!".......................

Makenna is ready for fourth grade.........................

Landon has had a touch few days. Yesterday he fell and scraped his nose and today he burned his fingers on the grill....................

Chase is loving having so many friends in Las Vegas...........................

Just chillin'.........................

A very fine manner of girlhood bonding--sharing the lip gloss.........................

Shelly is enjoying her cousins......................

And Landon won't let his injuries keep him down................

When God passed out personalities, guess who was first in line?.........................

Serious--like father, like son....................

James was the perfect host--and the perfect griller..........................

Tricia--the perfect hostess--checks to see that all is running smoothly...............

She definitely gets his approval of the whole party.......................

" Thanks for bringing my grand kids to New Mexico to see me!"....................

And a great time was had by all!!

HALLOWEEN GENDER-BENDER IN SAN FRANCISCO

Who is this exotic San Francisco Geisha?.......................................

Why it's Michael and his "businessman" girlfriend....................

Baby Binks!!!!.................

Jessie and Sarah--Binky's roomates......................

Be honest, which one of these two would make a better Playboy Bunny?.....................

Halloween celebration--Day two...................

Why is there so much sadness in the cereal aisle?.........................

The Lucy Charms leperchaun has lost his pot of gold! This is the night the group all tries to dress up following one theme...................

And a good time was had by all!!!

NEW YORK TRIP--DAY 10
BRYANT PARK

We're enjoying a pleasant morning in Bryant Park.......................

After a long stroll......................

We recognised the famous and elaborate lamp posts of Bryant Park.............

It is a lovely oasis on the site of the former City Reservoir..............

A view of the Radiator Building and other buildings surrounding the park...............

Inside the park, the perennial border is in bloom..........

What do you know? That's a yucca plant.............

Dwight enjoys the serenity of this area..............

And the well planned border that is timed for constant bloom................

Lovely lilies..................

Bryant Park Restaurant--someday we'd like to eat here................

On the perimeters of the park the busy life of New York continues at its hectic pace..............

Farewell peaceful bench..................

Our real interest today was to investigate the Radiator Building........

Some of the gilded trim on the Radiator Building.....................

Now that the Radiator Building is a hotel, we thought public access might be a possibility for us...............

So, we ventured inside....................

The inside has been decorated in a modern motif, but we were not allowed to take any more photos..............

A remnant of the old motif in the outer lobby.........................

The old front door..................

Some exterior detail...........................

The doorman next door felt sorry for us since we got the bum rush out of the Radiator Building, and allowed us inside his building that is probably from about the same era...............

The refuge of the park....................

On the move.....................

Another spot for another trip.................

The Radiator Building is joined by the Empire State Building in the distinctive skyline of this area.......................

Hail to thee, Empire State!!.....................

Dwight checks the subway map to figure out the best train to take to meet the girls in Brooklyn for the rest of the day's activities..............

SPANISH MARKET 2009

We're excited to be walking down to the Plaza for our favorite event of the summer--Spanish Market!.............

Where beautiful Spanish colonial arts still practiced by modern day craftsmen and craftswomen are presented in the Traditional Market, and more modern arts are displayed in the Contemporary Market...........

I would love to have this chest at Cielo Azul.............

A great deal of carving went into this tree depicting biblical stories...........

A truly beautiful bulto--most definitely deserving of its several awards........

A lovely bulto of the Blessed Mother that looks surprising like Saint Sarah of the Bullring.................

The procession is coming out of the Cathedral after the Traditional Spanish Market Mass.........

The craftspersons walk proudly with their best example of their work...........

Here Julie proudly displays her colcha embroidery.....................

This young lady displayed her talents in the Youth Division...............

As did this slightly older young lady..................

Mary Rita is a frequent winner in the weaving division......................

A beautiful homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe...............

Arlene is one of the finest craftsmen in the entire market. She is responsible for an entire altar screen in the Cathedral..................

Judy carries her intricate stray applique crucifix. She has won first place in her division as well........

Another Rio Grande style weaving................

A retablo of St. Joseph.............

We join family and friends for Sunday morning breakfast under the rosy glow of the umbrellas of the food court......................

Big Al likes the fare..............

As do Danny and Lou...............

"Now THIS is something worth recording..................."

Another very worthy award winner in the furniture division.............

A bulto of Our Lady of Mount Carmel........................

St. Michael carved in antler..............

I always love the tin work.......................

Linda displays her embroidery.........................

And her new main squeeze.....................

Dwight enjoys a rest on a plaza bench..................

I enjoy the almost constant plaza entertainment...........................

Mariachi music fills the air.....................

I want this! I want it!!.....................

We are always proud of Martha--she has won both her division and the overall sweepstakes award................

Martha is proud of her wonderful daughter..........................

She displays the intricacies of this year's centerpiece work...............

Martha has found a true vocation in this delicate art form............

As has sister Judy who has also established herself as a straw applique master......................

Dwight and Waymon inspect a mammoth work..................

"Do you think this will fit in the P.T. Cruiser?"

In the Contemporary Market, a fan displays a beautiful painting by our favorite artist--Clarence Medina........................

This was my favorite retablo--it was purchased by a lucky friend.................

Waymon gets his Market Poster signed by the artist Gabriel Vigil..................

As does Dwight--Gabriel is a former classmate and a friend of Frannie's....................

Dwight takes a break in front of City Hall........................

A perfect place for more skirt flouncing.......................

A Northern New Mexico painting by Roger Montoya.................

He specializes in some special texturizing...............................

A colorful retablo.....................

Another Montoya original.................................

St. John the Baptist gets baptised by his cousin, Jesus.......................

Dwight catches up with the latest with Anne..................................

Arlene--who as usual is sold out--enjoys a playful moment.......................

A rather brilliant retable..................

A rosey view of a Northern New Mexico village........................

I put in a bid on a print of this skateboard art by Rob Rael in the silent auction, but my bid was very quickly topped............................

A rather somber retablo of Our Lady of Sorrows..............................

And a GREAT time was had by all!!!

DECEMBER 2009

Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for December 2009.

Click on image to enlarge calendar dates for December 2009.

A pinch and a punch for the first of the month from Dude who has a birthday this month!! We can hardly wait to see him for the holidays!

PARTY!!!PARTY!!!!

We are excited to be invited to another gala affair................

Yvanda's 60th Birthday Party!!................

The party has a Hawaiian theme and a delicious menu of grilled delicacies.............

Yvanda's daughter Erin is one of the party givers..............

As is Jay--Yvanda's recently met "significant other"..........

Liz looks lovely...............

Yvanda's son is enjoying being "griller-in-chief"....................

Catching up with classmate and co-worker, Kathy................

Yvanda and Jay are a new couple who met over the Internet................

Another new romance......................

BFFs......................

Beneath all these exotic flowers..........................

There's a delicious cake!....................

They're singing that Birthday song.....................

Yvanda thanks all her guests for all the warm wishes.....................

And she can get pretty animated about it all......................

Girls just wanna have fun.....................

Congratulations to a truly wonderful girl!! We hope all your dreams come true in the exciting years to follow! HAPPY 60TH!!!!

Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for November 2009.

Click on image to enlarge calendar dates for November 2009.

Thank you all very much for your warm wishes and patience with this blogger during the past couple weeks as we were dealing with Dwight's series of hospitalizations. He is home and much better now and hopefully I can now attempt to catch up on my blogging activities. Thanks again.

NOVEMBER LUNCHEON

It's time for the Bienvenidos November Luncheon.............

First, we pick up Alice.................

The theme this month is the bounty of the harvest, and the menu was a traditional Thanksgiving Feast.................

The speaker was Penn LaFarge.................

The gang's all here.................

And a good time was......................

Had by all!!!!

ECUMENICAL ALERT: Today, November 17th has formerly been known as the Feast of St. Gregory, the Wonder Worker--It is now known as the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. This is of special note because it has in the past and is STILL known as the Birthday of Sisi!!!

Hope you have a wonderful Birthday Sisi!!!

THOSE LAZY, HAZY, CRAZY DAYS OF SUMMER

Because I am so backlogged in preparing my photos, these photos of mid-summer will feel like a sentimental look back to the carefree warm weather days of summer......................

We start off at the Farmer's Market where the mid-summer bounty was still in supply...........

Lots to choose from...........................

Including some beautiful dahlias...............

We stop by to visit Sisi in her garden.........................

Where she points out some of her more unique specimens to Karen..................

What a gorgeous garden!.................

Both formal and inviting................

Sunflowers, hollyhocks and gladiolas are just part of the display.................

Check out these little hollyhock ladies floating in their pool................

A gorgeous combination of color and form....................

Late afternoon finds Dwight down on the plaza..........................

As several times a week we walk down to enjoy the Plaza Nights mix of entertainment.............

This band is so good that these ladies are willing to suffer through a seating situation that appears to be designed by the Spanish Inquisition, just to hear the band's music.................

Louie has a July birthday.....................

The end of another busy summer day..............................

And we're back where we started--Ah! Rest!!!

NEW YORK TRIP--DAY 9
AFTERNOON AND EVENING

We're through at the museum and posing outside Radio City Music Hall................

Some musicians that trim the building..............

More musicians....................

Even more........................

The girls are waiting for us.............................

In Chinatown--a place with sights, sounds and smells like no other...........

Some things are on display that I don't even know what they are........

Or how they taste.......................

Although, some things I do recognize.................

In Chinatown, we collect the girls..................

This street has quite a few pedestrians on this Sunday afternoon................

But no one happier to be together than these three..................

My Bianca--can you say "Natalie Wood Look-Alike"?.........................

Baby Chiara who has discovered this restaurant that has a long line and an hour's wait............

Out on this street, we enjoy these darling dancers.................

This is one of the few winding streets in Manhattan.................

This is some of the great food we enjoyed at Joe's Shanghai Restaurant--but I should have taken a picture of the speciality that draws the huge crowd--the steamed crumpets...........

More of our delicious lunch..................

Outside, teenagers will be teenagers.................

We thank Kiki for recommending this little jewel of a restaurant........................

Even Dwight didn't mind waiting for such a great meal.........................

And I thoroughly enjoyed spending the time with the girls.....................

Miss Bianca Luz.............................

And Chiara Feliz...............................

Well worth waiting for............................

After lunch Binks had to hurry off to catch her plane to San Francisco. Here she pays us some money for being nice to her in New York.................

We have an evening engagement and this is a present for niece Angelica who had a birthday yesterday.........................

And she has invited us for a home cooked dinner...............................

Meanwhile we enjoy some hi jinx from Frannie...................................

Toesette has always been a super cook.............................

And Kiki and Dwight can hardly wait for dinner.............................

Can you say "electric chair"?..................................

Cousins relax....................

A huge cat who is also hugely talented......................

A delicious dinner.......................

Then up to enjoy the view on the roof........................

A hug from my baby..................................

Thanks Toesette for a lovely evening.........................

On the way home, we viewed a collapsed building a few blocks from the girl's apartment. The students from Pratt frequented the bar that was on the bottom floor.............

One final view from the roof--and Yanie was REALLY glad that she was there!

Congratulations Patricia!!--You are the winner of the final Caption Contest of 2009! Your most excellent prize will be in the mail shortly.
Scroll down to the GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER post to view her caption.

NEW YORK TRIP--DAY 9
NEW YORK MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

We are visiting the famous Museum of Modern Art..................

Which houses great works by all the great masters from approx. 1900 forward........

This is one museum where the views out the window are almost as interesting as what's on the walls of the galleries..........

One of our favorite sections is furniture design.................

This is a really unusual chair.............

And some interesting chaise lounges...........

This is a cool chair that looks pretty comfortable...........

Some fence art.............

It's neat to get some views of a lovely mid-town neighborhood that you usually cannot get from street level............

A nice still life..........

Art lover............

What follows is a sampling of a lot of different art works from the 20th century........

Tiffany...........

Another view............

More art............

Deciding what to see next............

Mexican art............

New Mexican art fan............

More art..............

Looks familiar?.....................

Kandinsky..................

Gauguin.................

More art................

Another art lover.............

Pointillism.....................

Hey what's coming up here?...................

Another familiar work of art...................

More art...................

View out the gallery windows...............

"E.T. Phone home!".................

Mr. Picasso's women..............

Still life, maybe...............

Pop art..............

No modern art museum would be complete without installations that make you say "What?"...........

Neon art.................

LBJ WAS one of our tallest presidents.................

Heavy....................

A 3-dimensional installation.................

Op art.......................

Geography lesson..................

Mr. Art World.................

I enjoy this piece, but I have seen a similar artwork done by a chimp..................

Miniature of Falling Water...........................

Those lads from Liverpool...................

"What?"................................

Mini Guernica........................

Revolutionary art......................

"Mommie, look what I did at school today............."

Outside into the sculpture garden.....................

A lovely space with lots of art........................

This has always been my favorite part of the museum.......................

It's a nice mix of art, architecture and nature......................

Dwight likes the skinny broads.......................

I took a picture in this very spot with this Picasso goat at least 35 years ago..................

As we left, we enjoyed these massive marine paintings...........and a good time was had by all!!

DEADLINE EXTENSION
In response to public outcry, the deadline for entries in my Caption Contest has been extended to 12:00 midnight tonight. To enter, just scroll down to the GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER post and then scroll down to the appropriate "captionless picture" and follow the directions. Good Luck and HAPPY CAPTIONING!

THEEEEEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!!!
THE YANKEES WIIIIIIINNNNNNN!!!!

Dwight predicted that the Yankees would win the World Series when we visited the new stadium in June. CONGRATULATIONS YANKEES FROM YOUR NUMBER ONE FANS!!!!!!

NEW YORK TRIP--DAY 9
A QUIET SUNDAY MORNING IN NEW YORK

Up early Sunday morning for a mid-town walk to Mass...................

These lovely bronze doors are the doors of.............................

St. Patrick's Cathedral!.......................

The huge interior as Mass was being celebrated....................

The massive organ and a partial view of the famous rose window.................

One of the side altars......................

Another side altar--each one seemed to have devotees of a certain special devotion.............

A view across Fifth Avenue from St. Patrick's of Rockefeller Center on a sleepy Sunday morning.........

I spot something familiar across the street............................

Why it's Atlas holding up the whole world!!...............

Love the art deco trim of Rockefeller Center..........................

Up close.........................................

Mr. Trump's vertical forest up Fifth Avenue.............................

A normally bustling business plaza now silent for the weekend........................

Some flora.......................

Another pocket plaza.......................

Venus needs a cab......................

Dwight has joined me and we are en route to the museum.................

We're loving having this great big city all to ourselves................

Mid-Town Sunday in New York......................

AND SO STARTS NOVEMBER....................

Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for November 2009.

Click on image to enlarge calendar dates for November 2009.

A pinch and a punch for the start of the month from Sisi who has a birthday on November 17th! Hope you have a great month!

NEW YORK TRIP--DAY 8
CONEY ISLAND
THE MERMAID PARADE

We've stopped off at Madison Square en route to Coney Island, Brooklyn.......

The Flatiron Building--can you believe that it was at one time the tallest building in the world?......

The unmistakable skyline of the Madison Square district.......

This is a very refined and enjoyable park..............

We've arrived in Coney Island and are experiencing two traditions of the area--hot dogs from Nathan's and horrendous weather for the Mermaid Parade!.............

The boardwalk is quite wet and bitterly cold..........

Dwight doesn't even feel like riding The Cyclone..........

But this is our usual experience here--Once we decide to go to Coney Island, it gets miserable......

The struggling midway is primed for what should be a stellar day of sales, but the cold weather is ruining the turn-out...........

Even the carousel is silent..........

But some stoic mermaids have braved the weather...................

Some good fruit on the beach.........................

Da girls.........Binky's striped pants caused quite a stir--one of the carnies on the midway yelled to her: "Hey Fancy Pants! I'll give YOU a teddy bear for free!". Bianca was unimpressed..................

We're all set up near the judging stand and ready for the parade-----Right, Fancy Pants?........

Frannie leaves the midway very disappointed that she did not win SHOOT THE FREAK...........

Proper attire for a Coney Island Daddy--a cute stroller and an even cuter sequin dress.......

Here comes the parade.............

Some of the mermaids are very fresh and wholesome..................

Some are not.....................

Remember: "I'm O.K., You're O.K."..........................

A real siren.................

Not all the divas are female....................

This was a great entry, it was a group of about ten all fitted with Roller Coaster cars that careened down the street screaming like they were on the ride--you just had to be there...................

Medusa?..............

Despite the weather, the girls are enjoying the parade............

I'm speechless--perhaps I should have saved this photo for the caption contest. (Remember that you have until 12:00 MIDNIGHT on Friday, November 6, 2009 to enter the contest. Just scroll down to the GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER entry and follow the directions.)

A bevy of bathing beauties.............

They are gorgeous!! Why that long legged red-head could be a showgirl! Perhaps she could be one of the Floradora Sextet!.........................

Oh my goodness! It's our old friend Shiban! Great to see you!...............

This mermaid obviously did not learn the moral lesson of GOLDFINGER: Grease paint GOOD, Gold Paint BAD!.....................................................

An excellent jitterbug group...............

Had to add another picture cause there's nothing cuter than a jitterbugging sailor..........

The girls are holding up. New York parades do not last minutes or even an hour, they last for HOURS..................

The goldfish cavort!.........

Bodacious Nun Fish! Judging from the expression on the little girl's face, I think the Mermaid Parade may be a lot more suited to adult tastes and may be a little inappropriate for children..........

A purple octopus..............

Bet they'd love to post this photo in his office!.............

A bright smile from one of New York's Finest...............

Another bright smile from another of New York's finest..............

One of the stilt people....................

Moby Dick does Broadway....................

It must have taken hours to do all this body painting.....................

They're making their appeal to the judges..................

A few butt smudges--ocupational hazard I guess................

Farewell brave body art ladies......................

Lots of Cops--I wonder if they get "hazard pay"?....................

Perhaps they should.....................

The Blue Man Group..................

An excellent pirate!.............

Can you say "hippie bus"?...................

Part mermaid, part showgirl.....................

All showgirl!............................

Another questioanble Mommie moment.................

Some underwater fantasy........................

A cheerful Drum Major leads the Mummers Band from Philadelphia.......................

The rest of the very exceptional band. I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank the fine people of Philadelphia for their gracious hospitality to the visiting New York Yankees in the current World Series. Thanks for the "Home Games" guys!!!.................

There's even a Mets mermaid.................

Frannie finally has something to cheer for.....................

Bet you didn't know that Jim Dovi was in New York!.............................

This is the tentacle of a giant sea monster, I thought that the depiction of the waves beneath him was particularly effective..........................

Don't know what it is, but it took a lot of work................

This guy is a local character--Frannie has sent photos of him in similar garb for the Easter Parade down Broadway from St. Patrick's...................