NYC 2019 day 2

We had plans to see one of Tom's cousins today however we had some time before.  We walked to Grand Central and took the subway down to the Brooklyn Bridge.  It was a real nice morning for a walk.  What we didn't realize is that the left lane is for bikers only.  Some of the bikers were going along at a good clip...enough to get yourself killed if you weren't watching.

Walking back off the bridge we saw a sky hook.  No strings attached.

We hopped another subway and ended up at the Empire State Building where we were going to meet Monika after they finished at the building.  Instead of their seeing the Empire State Building, we cought another subway up to Central Park.  It was a good decision because we found a quiet place with a table near the Zoo to rest and get acquainted.

This was Monika's first time in America who was having a great time while here.  One of her favorite places was times square.  She was traveling with 3 others who could speak English and made the visit a memorable one.  We had met her dad last year when we were in Poland.

After the ride back to the room, we decided to eat at a 24 hour restaurant on Lexington Ave called Scotty's.  The waiters were very efficient and the meals were great.

NYC June 2019

Hi everyone, we finally arrived in NYC yesterday after we visited the Norman Rockwell museum in Stockbridge, MA. Tom's sister Joan had never been there before and enjoyed the visit.
Shortly after we left, we stopped in Great Barrington at the Guthrie Center. There  was a woman there that mentioned something about marriage vows.  Really?  Tom thought he had done that once. She persisted, so when we left, she came with us. Tom was humming a song about Alice's Restaurant. She was a keeper😉

After leaving Great Barrington, the ride into the city was quite peaceful. We followed the Taconic State Parkway, feeding onto the FDR Drive on the east side of Manhattan. Did I say peaceful...we are in the city now.

We finally checked into the Soldier's, Sailor's, Marines, and Airman's Club.  It turned out to be a great banf for the buck.  Bed's were reasonable, and the AC worked, as well as the car horns that you could hear well into the morning hours.  What more could you ask for the city.

Arriving reasonable early before they started rolling up the sidewalks, we decided to stretch our legs.  We walked down Lexington Ave until we got to Grand Central Station on 42nd St.  Senior citizen tickets were available at $2.75 for round trip tickets but they would only sell you one set at a time.

All set for the next day, we continued down to Bryant Park where there was a stage set up for several groups to showcase their interpretive dancing.  Bryant Park is a wide open grassy area where you can bring your own chairs, visit the concessions and enjoy the ongoing entertainment.

After a while, we decided to head North for a few streets which landed us up in Rockefeller Center.  The streets were packed, being a Friday afternoon and all with lots of tourists n the area.  There was no skating in the rink but you could go down to the tables were and enjoy some expensive vittles.  The area looks much smaller that on the TV.

In the upper right background is a toy store...FAO Schwarz.  We couldn't find any pots and pans and there no wooden spoons either.  We did find Grammie.

From here we headed to Times Square

 Today was a sightseeing day and was crowded.

 Plenty of advertising everywhere.

 I know that taking a school group to a large city can be a little bit much...but this seemed insane.  They even got in a group picture in spite of the crowd.

We enjoyed an evening meal at an Irish Pub and decided to call it a day.

March 27, 2019 - places we have been before

It has been a while since the last post and some of the places we have been in the last 2 weeks are places we have been before.
After we visited the Bok tower we went to visit 2 Winthrop friends in Lake Wales to catch up on each other since the last time 2 years ago.
The next morning we went to Vero Beach, again where we stayed for 4 days again catching up.
On the 16th, we checked into Discovery Beach resort where we ar getting to the end of our 2nd week.  On the same day we checked in, we went to Sanford to pick up 4 family members who will be with us for several days.

This weekend happened to be the last 2 days of the Surfing competition sponsored by Ron Jon.

When the sun comes out, the people come from everywhere.  This also also the beginning of the school vacation week. 

Competition winnere is based on total time of the longest 4 rides.

From out on the water, the competitors can look to shore to see who (by color of vest) is in the lead with competition time running out.

Meanwhile up on the shore there are other activities going on.

The Red Bull truck (with speakers) was here to provide commentary on the Billabong demonstrations featuring current age class winners of competitions.

 There were 2 huge pools of water separated by jumping ramps.  The landing pool was only 60 feet long.

For those of you who have retired but looking for a source of income...a traveling pizza oven.

 The things that continue to make the day are a good seat on the balcony, or a view from the waters edge of the sunsets and sunrises. Cocoa Beach is further west that Newport Me and the location west is similar to that of Cleveland Ohio so the Sunrise and sunset times are later by about 49 minutes.

 Some people like to decorate the beach...

Or just like to take in the view (Cape Canaveral) from 6 miles away)

...or to see what they can find...

...or to have some fun.

 Well maybe all the exersise was not on the beach.  A grandson wanted a game or 2.

 Has anyone done better than these picks yet?

The trip to Cocoa Beach wouldn't be the same without a trip to the Ron Jon shop.

Do you see Grammie yet?

Maybe this will help.

 Picture opportunities outside.

Just across the street is the Key Lime shop.

There were a lot of things in the shop to buy, however the Key Lime pies were in the cooler in the back.

Thanks for keep an eye out for Grammie.

March 11, 2019 - Bok Tower

Bok Tower is known for its Carillon Bells We arrived in time for a Carillon Bell concert.  For info on the Bells, click here..... Bok Tower Bells
Edward Bok was the inspiration for the Tower as well as the surrounding flower gardens.
Today, the National Historical Monument is a non profit and is aided by a supporting members.
"To inspire a better and more beautiful world by sharing Edward Bok’s legacy: 'Wherever your lives may be cast, make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”

There were plenty of flowers around and in bloom.

Tom, waiting for the concert.

There is a special Children's Garden also.  Sometimes it is hard to keep youngsters in just flowere and bells that you can't see but can hear...if you are there as scheduled.

It was another hot, but enjoyable day.

The Bok Tower is located in Lake Wales...and would you believe it...more Mainers were found here too.    If you have a chance,  visit   Bok Tower Gardens 

March 10, 2019 - Anna Maria Island

Today we headed out early to beat the Sunday morning traffic on the hour drive down.  We met up with some more Maine friends, and yes why would you drive 2400 miles to see your neighbors.  By 10 am, the sun was up and getting warmer.  Today was probably the hottest yet.

 We had front row tables to listen to the music.

 A little Jazz to go along with our breakfast.

A great day for everyone.