Now that our New York Pass has expired, we are spending our time doing the things less touristy.
While I lived in NYC, I enjoyed shopping at a store called Avenue. I especially like the clearance stuff online, but they would sometimes have good sales in the store. Sandy was wanting to shop there while we were in town. We grabbed a bus across town and walked to the Avenue store. It was no longer there. It was drizzling outside, so we walked the couple of blocks to Grand Central Station to get out of the rain and make a bathroom stop. It’s always fun to look around there, too.
We grabbed the shuttle train over to Times Square and walked as far underground as we could. Luckily the rain had stopped and we walked a few blocks more to Yum Yum Bangkok, a favorite Thai restaurant of mine. We had a nice lunch there and then walked a few blocks more to our hotel.
We rested a few hours in the hotel and then left at 5pm to travel by subway uptown to the last stop to have dinner with my friends, the Webers. I had looked at a couple of apartments in Inwood before I moved to NYC and knew it was a long ride. The express train still took about 45 minutes. Sandy said she couldn’t imagine that trip every day. We came out of the subway entrance and I promptly got us turned around and going the wrong way. Haha As we were turning around on the sidewalk, a bus was letting people out and I heard my name being called. It was Jenny, carrying Jack, on her way home. It was so good to see her. We walked to their apartment and settled in.
Jack is so precious. He is 7 months old and the first thing I noticed was that he has his daddy’s hairline. Anyone who knows Keith will understand that statement. I got to hold Jack for a little bit until he got tired and hungry. Then mama took over and tried to get him to nap a little bit. He wanted to be with the company, though, and joined us in the kitchen while mama was cooking. Keith got home from work and we all had dinner and then Jack headed to bed. I didn’t get a picture of me holding Jack and I’m so bummed about that. I just didn’t think about it when it was the perfect time. I told Jenny I would have to come back for another visit to that! We had a great time of visiting. It was so good to see Keith and Jenny and meet Jack. What a precious time.
Sandy and I found our way back to the train and made our trek back to our hotel. As we walked from the subway to our hotel, Sandy didn’t recognize ‘our neighborhood’. It looks different at night, I guess. It was our first night to get back after dark (like I’ve mentioned, we’re having a RELAXING time and don’t stay out late). We settled in and still got a few hours of HGTV in before we went to sleep. We’re so predictable!
It was a very nice day. God is really revealing things to me this week. Getting to spend time in NYC, where I have fond memories from living there, has helped me put my current life more into perspective. God is showing many ways in which He has been faithful to me and it helps to reinforce that He will always be there (ahead of ) for me. Whatever plans He has in store for me are always perfect. I just have to let Him show me how perfect in HIS will. He’s showing me many things lately and I’m thankful for all of the lessons and revelations (even when the learning experience is painful). He is truly FAITHFUL!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Monday, Sept 17, 2012
My back was killing me when we got up this morning. I felt like it was going to snap in two. I was in a lot of pain and took some Aleve and wore the dumb IcyHot patch, but I was determined that we wouldn’t waste a day in the city.
We had breakfast in the room. I had my oatmeal and Sandy had her bagel that she’s been enjoying in the mornings. Then we jumped on a bus and headed for Central Park.
As soon as we got to the corner of the Park, a pedi-cab driver asked if we wanted a tour. We were planning on a horse and carriage ride (if they weren’t too expensive) since I couldn’t walk much. The guy, named Abraham, was very friendly and we decided it was a better deal to go with him. It was a nice day and a nice tour. I didn’t tell him that I used to live in NYC, so that he would give us the full tourist treatment and we learned a lot from him. He was funny and informative and seemed to really enjoy his job. Even though he does this thing all the time, he never made us feel like it was routine. We enjoyed it very much. Sitting in the pedi-cab was relaxing for my back and I appreciated that respite. Abraham said he likes his name because for Christians it means Father of all and as a Muslim (which he professes) is means God’s best friend. At least that was his story and he was a happy guy. He was a breath of fresh air.
After the tour, we went across Columbus Circle to Whole Foods, where I used to buy most of my groceries, and had lunch from their hot bar. I love Whole Foods. They have so many great organic and fresh foods. It was a great place for my liver-friendly diet when I was living there. I had some roast chicken, roasted potatoes and green beans. Sandy had the roast chicken, mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. Everything was tasty. Sandy thought the check-out procedure with the numbers and announcements was a little weird, and it was crowded as always, so I think she was glad that her shopping experience back home is different.
After lunch, we headed across the bottom of the Park and shopped at FAO Schwartz. We saw lots of cute things, but only bought a little stuffed bear for Sandy’s coming grandson.
We then walked down Fifth Ave and stopped in at Tiffany’s, which was interesting. Sandy was disappointed that they didn’t have the price tags showing. Haha
We visited St Patrick’s Cathedral. I’ve been in there a few times, but this was the first time that mass wasn’t going on. We got to walk along one side and across the back and return up the other side. It was beautiful with little stations honoring different Saints and with candles everywhere. We sat down for a little bit for my back, but there was so much beautiful stained glass everywhere, that it was nice to take it all in.
Next we crossed the street and went into Rockefeller Center. Sandy had been there back during her first and very cold visit. The skating rink was happening at that time. This time of year, that area is full of umbrella tables for outdoor dining. We found our way to the entrance for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Our New York Pass allowed us to skip ahead and get our tickets to go up. We enjoyed it very much. More than the Empire State Building, actually. Since it’s just 60 or so floors up, we felt more like we were amongst the skyscrapers and we could look out and see the Empire State Building above us. It was a nice view and I took some pics with my phone. Sandy was enjoying trying to figure out where all we had been.
We then walked back down Fifth Ave to the American Doll Store. Sandy was going to look for some things for our Aunt Susie to give to her grand-daughter. That store cracks me up every time I go in there. I think it’s neat for little (and big) girls to have a place to get a doll and accessories, and to bring their dolls in for ‘treatments’. There is a hospital department, where your doll rides in a little wheelchair to get a cast, band-aid, sling, etc (for a cost, of course). Also, there is a hair salon, where the doll sits in a beauty shop chair and gets her hair done (another fee, of course). That was so cute and funny to watch. There’s another department where you can get a little t shirt (3 colors, choice of long or short sleeves) for your doll and a matching t shirt for yourself. You pick out appliqués for the shirts so that you can match your doll. The doll’s t shirt costs $10 and the girl’s t shirt costs $24. They were cute, though.
We then went back to the hotel for a little rest. It was nice to lay down a little bit and Sandy loves being in the room with the HGTV and her wi-fi access to her Kindle. We had a nice afternoon.
Later, we walked down to Times Square and had dinner at Chevy’s. It’s a favorite of mine for their grilled fish tacos. They have lots of good Tex-Mex food and Sandy enjoyed some loaded up nachos. We then walked up to Junior’s restaurant and got some cheesecake to go. I chose the chocolate mousse cheesecake and Sandy got the red velvet cheesecake. It’s like having 2 desserts in one with the multiple flavors piled on top of each other and the portions are large. We ended up eating them in multiple settings, and that was twice as nice!
We got back to our room before dark, as usual, and settled in and relaxed. My back was feeling better and I was looking forward to the next day. It wasn’t a really fast-paced day, but it was fun and enjoyable. I felt very blessed.
We had breakfast in the room. I had my oatmeal and Sandy had her bagel that she’s been enjoying in the mornings. Then we jumped on a bus and headed for Central Park.
As soon as we got to the corner of the Park, a pedi-cab driver asked if we wanted a tour. We were planning on a horse and carriage ride (if they weren’t too expensive) since I couldn’t walk much. The guy, named Abraham, was very friendly and we decided it was a better deal to go with him. It was a nice day and a nice tour. I didn’t tell him that I used to live in NYC, so that he would give us the full tourist treatment and we learned a lot from him. He was funny and informative and seemed to really enjoy his job. Even though he does this thing all the time, he never made us feel like it was routine. We enjoyed it very much. Sitting in the pedi-cab was relaxing for my back and I appreciated that respite. Abraham said he likes his name because for Christians it means Father of all and as a Muslim (which he professes) is means God’s best friend. At least that was his story and he was a happy guy. He was a breath of fresh air.
After the tour, we went across Columbus Circle to Whole Foods, where I used to buy most of my groceries, and had lunch from their hot bar. I love Whole Foods. They have so many great organic and fresh foods. It was a great place for my liver-friendly diet when I was living there. I had some roast chicken, roasted potatoes and green beans. Sandy had the roast chicken, mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. Everything was tasty. Sandy thought the check-out procedure with the numbers and announcements was a little weird, and it was crowded as always, so I think she was glad that her shopping experience back home is different.
After lunch, we headed across the bottom of the Park and shopped at FAO Schwartz. We saw lots of cute things, but only bought a little stuffed bear for Sandy’s coming grandson.
We then walked down Fifth Ave and stopped in at Tiffany’s, which was interesting. Sandy was disappointed that they didn’t have the price tags showing. Haha
We visited St Patrick’s Cathedral. I’ve been in there a few times, but this was the first time that mass wasn’t going on. We got to walk along one side and across the back and return up the other side. It was beautiful with little stations honoring different Saints and with candles everywhere. We sat down for a little bit for my back, but there was so much beautiful stained glass everywhere, that it was nice to take it all in.
Next we crossed the street and went into Rockefeller Center. Sandy had been there back during her first and very cold visit. The skating rink was happening at that time. This time of year, that area is full of umbrella tables for outdoor dining. We found our way to the entrance for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Our New York Pass allowed us to skip ahead and get our tickets to go up. We enjoyed it very much. More than the Empire State Building, actually. Since it’s just 60 or so floors up, we felt more like we were amongst the skyscrapers and we could look out and see the Empire State Building above us. It was a nice view and I took some pics with my phone. Sandy was enjoying trying to figure out where all we had been.
We then walked back down Fifth Ave to the American Doll Store. Sandy was going to look for some things for our Aunt Susie to give to her grand-daughter. That store cracks me up every time I go in there. I think it’s neat for little (and big) girls to have a place to get a doll and accessories, and to bring their dolls in for ‘treatments’. There is a hospital department, where your doll rides in a little wheelchair to get a cast, band-aid, sling, etc (for a cost, of course). Also, there is a hair salon, where the doll sits in a beauty shop chair and gets her hair done (another fee, of course). That was so cute and funny to watch. There’s another department where you can get a little t shirt (3 colors, choice of long or short sleeves) for your doll and a matching t shirt for yourself. You pick out appliqués for the shirts so that you can match your doll. The doll’s t shirt costs $10 and the girl’s t shirt costs $24. They were cute, though.
We then went back to the hotel for a little rest. It was nice to lay down a little bit and Sandy loves being in the room with the HGTV and her wi-fi access to her Kindle. We had a nice afternoon.
Later, we walked down to Times Square and had dinner at Chevy’s. It’s a favorite of mine for their grilled fish tacos. They have lots of good Tex-Mex food and Sandy enjoyed some loaded up nachos. We then walked up to Junior’s restaurant and got some cheesecake to go. I chose the chocolate mousse cheesecake and Sandy got the red velvet cheesecake. It’s like having 2 desserts in one with the multiple flavors piled on top of each other and the portions are large. We ended up eating them in multiple settings, and that was twice as nice!
We got back to our room before dark, as usual, and settled in and relaxed. My back was feeling better and I was looking forward to the next day. It wasn’t a really fast-paced day, but it was fun and enjoyable. I felt very blessed.
Sunday, Sept 16, 2012
Sandy’s birthday!! She’s trying to ignore it, but we’ll have fun in NYC anyway.
We took the subway down to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry. Since we have the New York Pass, we got to skip the line to buy tickets and go to the security area. It wasn’t overly crowded, but it was nice to skip ahead. The weather was great, not too hot, but sunny. We skipped touring the Liberty Island, since the best views of the statue are actually from the water. We stayed on the ferry and went on over to Ellis Island. We spent a few hours touring Ellis Island and enjoying learning about the history.
We got back to Manhattan and took the subway to head to the Empire State Building. We had lunch in a restaurant on ground level of the building. It was yummy and then we up to the observation deck. Sandy thought the elevator going up to the 80th floor was fun. It was very fast, but didn’t feel weird. It just made our ears pop a few times.
I had been up in the building once before at nighttime and I remember it felt a little scary when I first walked out. I was expecting that same chill this time. Even though I’m very scared of heights, I was more comfortable during the daytime. I took some pictures and we looked around all four sides.
With our New York Pass, we were eligible to do the Sky Ride, but we chose not to scare ourselves. ☺ We came back down to ground level and marked the Empire State Building off of our bucket list.
We stopped in at Macy’s and checked out what the deal was for our discount with the New York Pass. We looked around a little bit, but since they didn’t have the Christmas merchandise out yet, Sandy wasn’t all that excited about shopping. I had no interest in buying anything anyway, but I do love riding up and down the old escalators between all 9 floors.
We stopped in at K-Mart for some items and then headed back to the hotel. My back was killing me. I had twisted or something and had muscle spasms and felt like something was pinched. I was miserable, but didn’t want to miss anything, so I kept on chugging along.
Back at the hotel I soaked in a tub of very hot water, took some Aleve (which is not good for my liver, but oh well) and put on an Icy Hot patch. I was miserable all night long, but did get a little bit of sleep. I was definitely ready to feel better! But I was thankful that we could be here in NYC for our vacation.
It was a nice day of sightseeing. Not too rushed. We relax when we feel like it. It’s a good week for both of us. I’m so thankful that God would allow me to have this fun.
We took the subway down to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry. Since we have the New York Pass, we got to skip the line to buy tickets and go to the security area. It wasn’t overly crowded, but it was nice to skip ahead. The weather was great, not too hot, but sunny. We skipped touring the Liberty Island, since the best views of the statue are actually from the water. We stayed on the ferry and went on over to Ellis Island. We spent a few hours touring Ellis Island and enjoying learning about the history.
We got back to Manhattan and took the subway to head to the Empire State Building. We had lunch in a restaurant on ground level of the building. It was yummy and then we up to the observation deck. Sandy thought the elevator going up to the 80th floor was fun. It was very fast, but didn’t feel weird. It just made our ears pop a few times.
I had been up in the building once before at nighttime and I remember it felt a little scary when I first walked out. I was expecting that same chill this time. Even though I’m very scared of heights, I was more comfortable during the daytime. I took some pictures and we looked around all four sides.
With our New York Pass, we were eligible to do the Sky Ride, but we chose not to scare ourselves. ☺ We came back down to ground level and marked the Empire State Building off of our bucket list.
We stopped in at Macy’s and checked out what the deal was for our discount with the New York Pass. We looked around a little bit, but since they didn’t have the Christmas merchandise out yet, Sandy wasn’t all that excited about shopping. I had no interest in buying anything anyway, but I do love riding up and down the old escalators between all 9 floors.
We stopped in at K-Mart for some items and then headed back to the hotel. My back was killing me. I had twisted or something and had muscle spasms and felt like something was pinched. I was miserable, but didn’t want to miss anything, so I kept on chugging along.
Back at the hotel I soaked in a tub of very hot water, took some Aleve (which is not good for my liver, but oh well) and put on an Icy Hot patch. I was miserable all night long, but did get a little bit of sleep. I was definitely ready to feel better! But I was thankful that we could be here in NYC for our vacation.
It was a nice day of sightseeing. Not too rushed. We relax when we feel like it. It’s a good week for both of us. I’m so thankful that God would allow me to have this fun.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
September 14-15, 2012
Friday - Our first day to explore NYC. We got up and took our time getting ready, enjoying not having a timetable to follow. We walked down to a little restaurant near Times Square and had bagels for breakfast.
Then we grabbed the subway to Chinatown. We shopped for bags for us and something to use for a diaperbag for my niece. We ate lunch at Wo Hop, a favorite little place from the days when I lived here. It was great and we had so much food, we had to bring carryout back to the hotel. On the way back from Chinatown, we walked through Little Italy and enjoyed seeing all the festivities for the festival going on this weekend. We stopped and bought some canolls for a late night snack. Sandy had never had one before, so she also got an éclair as a back up.
We took the subway to Grand Central Station to walk around a little bit. We had spent a little time in there when Sandy and Stacey came to visit me in 2008. I love the building and we enjoyed walking around and gawking like tourists! The weather was beautiful outside so we walked back to our hotel for a little rest.
We met my friend Carol at a restaurant across from her apartment building. I had a really good salad, Sandy enjoyed a wrap (and brought half home for breakfast) and Carol had a great looking burger and fries. It was so good to see Carol.
After our visit, Sandy and I walked a little way into Times Square and stopped at the Skechers store again. I tried on some shoes, but decided not to get any more. After that, we walked back to the hotel, after stopping off at the corner store for some juice & stuff for our little kitchenette. We spent the rest of the evening relaxing on our beds and watching tv and getting on the internet. It was a very good day.
Saturday – Day #2
We got up leisurely and had breakfast in the room (leftovers from yesterday for Sandy and oatmeal for me). We went to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum for the morning. It’s an aircraft carrier that has been made into a museum with all kinds of planes, helicopters, space stuff, even the Enterprise Space Shuttle. We spent about three hours there looking at things and watching videos. It was pretty cool. There was a little health fair going on, so we both got our blood pressures checked (good for each of us) and got some giveaway stuff, including pedometers. Fun!
We made a pit-stop at the hotel to drop off our goodies. We then went to have lunch at Uncle Nick’s Greek restaurant. It was so good! We are trying to explore lots of cuisines and also not eat at all the touristy places. I’m loving visiting my old favorites from when I lived here.
After lunch, we walked back over to the Hudson River area and got our tickets for the New York Water Taxi tour. It’s a Hop On Hop Off kind of thing, so we got on at Midtown and rode down to Battery Park. The tour guide was very entertaining and we enjoyed it. We rode up top in the open, but there were some people standing between our seats and the railing chatting away, so we didn’t have a really great view, but we could see what was going on. From Battery Park we walked to the 9/11 Memorial site and went through the lines and security to visit the beautiful Memorial Park that has been built in honor of those lost on 9/11 at the World Trade Center. It was beautiful and peaceful. I was impressed with the atmosphere and a wonderful tribute to those lives lost.
After the 9/11 Memorial, we walked back to Battery Park and got back on the Water Taxi tour. It stopped at South Street Seaport, DUMBO in Brooklyn, near the Statue of Liberty and then back to Midtown. We sure enjoyed it. It was great to get to sit for a while, too.
We were so tired of walking that we chose to take the bus back towards the hotel. We stopped at an Amish bakery and grocery store. I got food from the hot-bar since Sandy had leftovers in the room’s mini-fridge. We also both got another canoli. Once back to the room, we eat dinner and evaluated the canolis (which were ok, but not as good as Littly Italy – go figure!) and relaxed the rest of the evening.
We both enjoy HGTV and she doesn’t get that channel at her house and I don’t get TV in Nica, so we have been watching that channel a lot these last few days. A very nice treat for us!
It’s been a very nice few days and we are truly enjoying this time away from regular life. I’m so thankful that the Lord is giving me this week of reconnecting to my life here in NYC. I’m loving it!
Then we grabbed the subway to Chinatown. We shopped for bags for us and something to use for a diaperbag for my niece. We ate lunch at Wo Hop, a favorite little place from the days when I lived here. It was great and we had so much food, we had to bring carryout back to the hotel. On the way back from Chinatown, we walked through Little Italy and enjoyed seeing all the festivities for the festival going on this weekend. We stopped and bought some canolls for a late night snack. Sandy had never had one before, so she also got an éclair as a back up.
We took the subway to Grand Central Station to walk around a little bit. We had spent a little time in there when Sandy and Stacey came to visit me in 2008. I love the building and we enjoyed walking around and gawking like tourists! The weather was beautiful outside so we walked back to our hotel for a little rest.
We met my friend Carol at a restaurant across from her apartment building. I had a really good salad, Sandy enjoyed a wrap (and brought half home for breakfast) and Carol had a great looking burger and fries. It was so good to see Carol.
After our visit, Sandy and I walked a little way into Times Square and stopped at the Skechers store again. I tried on some shoes, but decided not to get any more. After that, we walked back to the hotel, after stopping off at the corner store for some juice & stuff for our little kitchenette. We spent the rest of the evening relaxing on our beds and watching tv and getting on the internet. It was a very good day.
Saturday – Day #2
We got up leisurely and had breakfast in the room (leftovers from yesterday for Sandy and oatmeal for me). We went to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum for the morning. It’s an aircraft carrier that has been made into a museum with all kinds of planes, helicopters, space stuff, even the Enterprise Space Shuttle. We spent about three hours there looking at things and watching videos. It was pretty cool. There was a little health fair going on, so we both got our blood pressures checked (good for each of us) and got some giveaway stuff, including pedometers. Fun!
We made a pit-stop at the hotel to drop off our goodies. We then went to have lunch at Uncle Nick’s Greek restaurant. It was so good! We are trying to explore lots of cuisines and also not eat at all the touristy places. I’m loving visiting my old favorites from when I lived here.
After lunch, we walked back over to the Hudson River area and got our tickets for the New York Water Taxi tour. It’s a Hop On Hop Off kind of thing, so we got on at Midtown and rode down to Battery Park. The tour guide was very entertaining and we enjoyed it. We rode up top in the open, but there were some people standing between our seats and the railing chatting away, so we didn’t have a really great view, but we could see what was going on. From Battery Park we walked to the 9/11 Memorial site and went through the lines and security to visit the beautiful Memorial Park that has been built in honor of those lost on 9/11 at the World Trade Center. It was beautiful and peaceful. I was impressed with the atmosphere and a wonderful tribute to those lives lost.
After the 9/11 Memorial, we walked back to Battery Park and got back on the Water Taxi tour. It stopped at South Street Seaport, DUMBO in Brooklyn, near the Statue of Liberty and then back to Midtown. We sure enjoyed it. It was great to get to sit for a while, too.
We were so tired of walking that we chose to take the bus back towards the hotel. We stopped at an Amish bakery and grocery store. I got food from the hot-bar since Sandy had leftovers in the room’s mini-fridge. We also both got another canoli. Once back to the room, we eat dinner and evaluated the canolis (which were ok, but not as good as Littly Italy – go figure!) and relaxed the rest of the evening.
We both enjoy HGTV and she doesn’t get that channel at her house and I don’t get TV in Nica, so we have been watching that channel a lot these last few days. A very nice treat for us!
It’s been a very nice few days and we are truly enjoying this time away from regular life. I’m so thankful that the Lord is giving me this week of reconnecting to my life here in NYC. I’m loving it!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
September 13, 2012
Exciting day!!! My sister Sandy and I left Indiana for a week in NYC!!!
Terry (bro-in-law) and Colten (great-nephew) drove us to the Louisville airport. I love flying in and out of that airport because it is relatively small and easy to get to and easy to get around in. The prices are usually cheaper or at least the same as the tickets from Indianapolis. My family live about halfway between Indy and Louisville, so it works out well to use the Louisville airport.
Anyway, Colten has been to the airport a couple of times to either pick me up or drop me off. He was fine with the trip. That is until he realized that his Mamaw was getting out of the car, too. After letting us out, Terry drove away with Colten crying, but I’m sure that all was well soon enough. Colten loves seeing the airplanes, school buses, semi trucks and tractors. He had lots to keep him busy while riding down the highway.
Our flight was pretty good. Sandy doesn’t fly much, so she was a little nervous. I hadn’t flown in to or out of JFK airport before, but we didn’t have any major trouble getting our luggage and out of the airport. We were in the taxi line, but someone told us about a car that we could get in pretty quick and the taxi line was long and slow. So we rode in a car with a guy from Australia. It was interesting listening to the accent. It took us 2.5 hours to get the 19 miles to our hotel, due to traffic. But we had fun looking out the windows and putting ourselves in ‘relaxing vacation’ mode.
We got checked in to our hotel, which is really nice. We sprung for the deluxe double room which comes with a kitchenette, desk, dresser, free wi-fi and other amenities. There is a large screen tv, so we plan to have some relaxing times laying in our beds with the tv on and reading or being on the internet and just chilling.
After checking in, we walked down to John’s Pizza and enjoyed a yummy veggie pizza dinner. Then we walked down to Time’s Square and stopped in the Skechers store to look around. Pretty stuff! We strolled back toward the hotel and stopped at a little store for juice for breakfast in the morning.
I’m so thankful that God made it possible for me to be here this week. Frequent flyer miles and some savings and special blessings have made it possible for me to travel here. Sandy was really needing a vacation away from all that has happened this past year. She was in vacation mode as soon as we arrived at the airport in Louisville!
It’s been over 3 years since I left here after living and serving here for 2 years. I have very fond memories and I was hoping that I would still feel the same way when walking down the streets. I feel very happy and content to be here.
We will see some sites that we have picked out, enjoy different types of food, do a little shopping (mostly Sandy), visit some friends of mine who live here, and enjoy just hanging out and not being on any particular schedule. What fun!
My mind is on some friends who are going through some tough times in Nica. I wish I could be there with them, but I’m praying for them and I’m thankful that there is internet to keep in touch. And I’m thankful that God is keeping us connected and He is holding them in His hands.
Terry (bro-in-law) and Colten (great-nephew) drove us to the Louisville airport. I love flying in and out of that airport because it is relatively small and easy to get to and easy to get around in. The prices are usually cheaper or at least the same as the tickets from Indianapolis. My family live about halfway between Indy and Louisville, so it works out well to use the Louisville airport.
Anyway, Colten has been to the airport a couple of times to either pick me up or drop me off. He was fine with the trip. That is until he realized that his Mamaw was getting out of the car, too. After letting us out, Terry drove away with Colten crying, but I’m sure that all was well soon enough. Colten loves seeing the airplanes, school buses, semi trucks and tractors. He had lots to keep him busy while riding down the highway.
Our flight was pretty good. Sandy doesn’t fly much, so she was a little nervous. I hadn’t flown in to or out of JFK airport before, but we didn’t have any major trouble getting our luggage and out of the airport. We were in the taxi line, but someone told us about a car that we could get in pretty quick and the taxi line was long and slow. So we rode in a car with a guy from Australia. It was interesting listening to the accent. It took us 2.5 hours to get the 19 miles to our hotel, due to traffic. But we had fun looking out the windows and putting ourselves in ‘relaxing vacation’ mode.
We got checked in to our hotel, which is really nice. We sprung for the deluxe double room which comes with a kitchenette, desk, dresser, free wi-fi and other amenities. There is a large screen tv, so we plan to have some relaxing times laying in our beds with the tv on and reading or being on the internet and just chilling.
After checking in, we walked down to John’s Pizza and enjoyed a yummy veggie pizza dinner. Then we walked down to Time’s Square and stopped in the Skechers store to look around. Pretty stuff! We strolled back toward the hotel and stopped at a little store for juice for breakfast in the morning.
I’m so thankful that God made it possible for me to be here this week. Frequent flyer miles and some savings and special blessings have made it possible for me to travel here. Sandy was really needing a vacation away from all that has happened this past year. She was in vacation mode as soon as we arrived at the airport in Louisville!
It’s been over 3 years since I left here after living and serving here for 2 years. I have very fond memories and I was hoping that I would still feel the same way when walking down the streets. I feel very happy and content to be here.
We will see some sites that we have picked out, enjoy different types of food, do a little shopping (mostly Sandy), visit some friends of mine who live here, and enjoy just hanging out and not being on any particular schedule. What fun!
My mind is on some friends who are going through some tough times in Nica. I wish I could be there with them, but I’m praying for them and I’m thankful that there is internet to keep in touch. And I’m thankful that God is keeping us connected and He is holding them in His hands.
September 10-12, 2012
Monday was spent with Mom, Colten and Sandy. We went to Olive Garden (Mom’s request) for a yummy lunch. Colten and I fell asleep in the car on the way back home. We took Mom home and stopped by Colten’s house to use the internet for awhile. Colten loves to show us around his house (no matter how many times we have been there). He is so funny sometimes. We came on to Sandy’s house and played outside for awhile. Stacey came after work visited until time for Colten to go home to bed. It is so nice to see her. She is expecting a little brother for Colten in November. (I was hoping for a GIRL, but no such luck this time! I told her to be planning on a third pregnancy for next year!)
Tuesday I needed to go back to Stacey’s house for some internet time. Sandy dropped me off there on her way to the dentist. I got a lot of work done. We went to Hobby Lobby and Carson’s department store and had a yummy lunch at Blues BBQ. Can’t beat brisket and sweet potato casserole! We got back to Sandy’s and worked on laundry and packing!
Wednesday (today) started off with a nice walk. We made a last trip to Walmart for a few things and Kohl’s for Sandy to use her many coupons and discounts. We had lunch at Sirloin Stockade, which was great for salad, meat and veggies! I didn’t even eat dessert because I was chowing on those veggies! We stopped at Stacey’s so I could answer some work related emails and we could check-in for our flight tomorrow. We made it home and finished packing for NYC. I’m sure we are overpacked, but we still have some room in our luggage to bring back all the souvenirs that Sandy wants to get for the kids.
Now we are sitting here all ready to go! We just have to sleep and get up and go. I’m going to get to visit some friends who still live in NYC. I met them when I lived there and served as a missionary from 2007-2009. I haven’t been back since and I know that it won’t be the same as the special memories of living there. But, I’m going back as a tourist this time and it will be strictly fun! Sandy needs this vacation after this hard year that started with finding my Father passed away the first of January. Then there was my niece’s wedding in February, months of working on Dad’s estate and unbelievable tasks of handling all of the personal property and collections. (It was crazy!) She also babysits the grandkids weekly and cooks, cleans, cans and freezes the produce from the garden, etc. She’s ready for a vacation!!!
God has blessed me so much. He renews me emotionally and spiritually all of the time. Some experiences are hard, but those are the ones in which He reveals the most to me about myself and my relationship with Him. As hard as it is to be away from Nica, which I feel is my ‘home’ for now, it is good to visit friends and family in the US. I feel that God pulls me away from things just enough for me to remember that this world is not permanent. It’s hard sometimes, but it’s more like seeing things from His perspective. I trust Him and love Him and only want to live for Him.
Tuesday I needed to go back to Stacey’s house for some internet time. Sandy dropped me off there on her way to the dentist. I got a lot of work done. We went to Hobby Lobby and Carson’s department store and had a yummy lunch at Blues BBQ. Can’t beat brisket and sweet potato casserole! We got back to Sandy’s and worked on laundry and packing!
Wednesday (today) started off with a nice walk. We made a last trip to Walmart for a few things and Kohl’s for Sandy to use her many coupons and discounts. We had lunch at Sirloin Stockade, which was great for salad, meat and veggies! I didn’t even eat dessert because I was chowing on those veggies! We stopped at Stacey’s so I could answer some work related emails and we could check-in for our flight tomorrow. We made it home and finished packing for NYC. I’m sure we are overpacked, but we still have some room in our luggage to bring back all the souvenirs that Sandy wants to get for the kids.
Now we are sitting here all ready to go! We just have to sleep and get up and go. I’m going to get to visit some friends who still live in NYC. I met them when I lived there and served as a missionary from 2007-2009. I haven’t been back since and I know that it won’t be the same as the special memories of living there. But, I’m going back as a tourist this time and it will be strictly fun! Sandy needs this vacation after this hard year that started with finding my Father passed away the first of January. Then there was my niece’s wedding in February, months of working on Dad’s estate and unbelievable tasks of handling all of the personal property and collections. (It was crazy!) She also babysits the grandkids weekly and cooks, cleans, cans and freezes the produce from the garden, etc. She’s ready for a vacation!!!
God has blessed me so much. He renews me emotionally and spiritually all of the time. Some experiences are hard, but those are the ones in which He reveals the most to me about myself and my relationship with Him. As hard as it is to be away from Nica, which I feel is my ‘home’ for now, it is good to visit friends and family in the US. I feel that God pulls me away from things just enough for me to remember that this world is not permanent. It’s hard sometimes, but it’s more like seeing things from His perspective. I trust Him and love Him and only want to live for Him.
September 7-9, 2012
Friday started our marathon week of shopping and errands to get ready for our trip to NYC. I took care of some personal banking needs where I have the little nest-egg from my Dad’s estate. We got pedicures (how frivolous!), enjoyed a wonderful smoothie, spent some time with my Mom and step-dad and had lunch. We spent the evening at Sandy’s house. A very nice day!
Saturday morning, Sandy and I went to the outlet mall and met up with Stacey and then went to Greenwood for some shopping. I really enjoy looking at stuff and Sandy loves buying! We are both very clearance conscious and love looking for bargains. We enjoyed lunch and then headed back home. We stopped at the grocery store and I found some ‘allowed’ foods to fix this week. We stopped to pick up my 6 year old great-nephew Conner and his half brother Isaac. They spent the night with us at Sandy’s. It was interesting and fun!
Sunday morning, Sandy, Terry, me, the boys and Mom all met at the church near my Mom’s house. She and Gary are going to start going there. It was a very nice service. We went to the contemporary service because it was later and easier to get the boys to. I imagine that Mom and Gary will probably go to the earlier traditional service, but they like the contemporary one, too. I really like the Pastor and the people were very welcoming. I also loved being in a building that was older, but well kept up and added on to. It seemed refreshing to me not to be in a building that is brand spanking new and very expensive. The building seemed well loved and taken care of. The people seemed united and loving. I think Mom and Gary will be very happy there and I look forward to visiting there when I’m in Columbus visiting family.
My nephew Curtis came out Conner’s older half-sister Emily. Stacey, Rob and Colten came out and we had a cookout and some cake for Sandy’s early birthday. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed being outside. (Sandy’s birthday is actually on the 16th and she will be in NYC with me, so we’ll have to do something really fun for that day!)
Saturday morning, Sandy and I went to the outlet mall and met up with Stacey and then went to Greenwood for some shopping. I really enjoy looking at stuff and Sandy loves buying! We are both very clearance conscious and love looking for bargains. We enjoyed lunch and then headed back home. We stopped at the grocery store and I found some ‘allowed’ foods to fix this week. We stopped to pick up my 6 year old great-nephew Conner and his half brother Isaac. They spent the night with us at Sandy’s. It was interesting and fun!
Sunday morning, Sandy, Terry, me, the boys and Mom all met at the church near my Mom’s house. She and Gary are going to start going there. It was a very nice service. We went to the contemporary service because it was later and easier to get the boys to. I imagine that Mom and Gary will probably go to the earlier traditional service, but they like the contemporary one, too. I really like the Pastor and the people were very welcoming. I also loved being in a building that was older, but well kept up and added on to. It seemed refreshing to me not to be in a building that is brand spanking new and very expensive. The building seemed well loved and taken care of. The people seemed united and loving. I think Mom and Gary will be very happy there and I look forward to visiting there when I’m in Columbus visiting family.
My nephew Curtis came out Conner’s older half-sister Emily. Stacey, Rob and Colten came out and we had a cookout and some cake for Sandy’s early birthday. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed being outside. (Sandy’s birthday is actually on the 16th and she will be in NYC with me, so we’ll have to do something really fun for that day!)
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