Wednesday November 22, 2023 - Meg & Maddy get home from London today, so it's going to be a day for chores. We straightened up their apartment, did laundry, went to Trader Joe's to stock up the fridge, and made pies to take to the Booth's tomorrow. We did a bit too much dilly dallying this morning and didn't make it to the balloon inflation like we had hoped. Guess we'll have to wait until next year!
Kevy Flay - the pie man
An apple and a pumpkin pie. I had to make the decoration for the top of the apple, this is usually Meg's job. I'm not nearly as artistic as Meg, so I stayed within my abilities and made a heart.
We baked hamloaf and potatoes for dinner, in case the girls were hungry. We weren't sure what time schedule they'd be on since they were just getting back from London.
The street this year is lined with a high fence. In the past it was lined with a waist high fence, not sure why the increased security this year.
We were only able to walk a few blocks this year, as they were staging the bands from the side streets
The Brachs Candy float, quite colorful
The last float of the parade, but Santa's not on board yet.
The choir isn't on the Christmas Tree float yet either
The 85th St sign
It was a quick walk back to Meg's apartment!
But instead of going into the apartment we decided to look for donuts. We found some good ones at Orwashers about 5 blocks south on Amsterdam.
We made our traditional egg souffle and watched the parade on TV
Now we're headed to NJ
NJ transit to Convent Station, where Jon picked us up
ping pong in the Booth garage
Maddy making gravy
A few selfies before dinner
the pie counter
lets eat
that plate looooooks goooooood!
and dessert looks great!
Around the corner from Meg's apartment is Space Market, that has a little of everything and really good sandwiches made at the deli counter.
it's a very organized market
The subway down to 42nd St
Radio City Music Hall in the background
We always have to get a pic in front of the ornaments
The tree at Rockefeller Center hasn't been lit yet, but we need a pic anyway
The tree is from Binghamton, NY this year
Another angle of the tree
Saks Fifth Ave has a new display this year
we had to stop at a street cart for a hot dog and pretzel
Looked at the Saks window displays
And then stopped at the nearest bar for a beer
Then a walk through the Bryant Park Christmas market
Tree pics at Bryant Park
Then Maddy's Mom, Sally joined us!
Next we walked to the Union Square Christmas Market
Chrysler Building above Meg
Then Pete's Tavern for more beer
They like to decorate for Christmas here
There wasn't space for the 5 of us inside, so they seated outside with Santa (at the other end!)
Next we went Christmas Tree shopping. These stands are EVERYWHERE!
They picked out this perfect tree, after some very shrewd negotiating by Meg
We found a really really good ice cream place around the corner from Meg's that made the leftover pies extra special. When we come back in the spring I'm going to need another carton of the sweet cream & cookies ice cream
Saturday November 25, 2023 - Today we're celebrating Christmas with Meg & Maddy and luckily Santa came early! After lunch we took the subway down to Times Square to see the Broadway play, Lion King.
Meg & Maddy's stockings
Cozy Apartment
Decorating the tree
They're ready to open presents!
Santa usually gets scratch offs and he did again this year
Maddy makes the best bagel sandwiches!
We're ready for Lion King!
The Dad of one of Maddy's students was a hyena in the show and we ran into him on the way out!
selfie in front of the marquee
Times Square selfie
Dinner at the Mediterranean restaurant Dagon
Fresh made bread with hummus
more tree stands on the street
I liked the rainbow bench in front of Big Gay Ice Cream
I've walked the .4 miles to Tal Bagels most mornings over the last week. I'm sure going to miss those bagels
As we were leaving the city, I saw this Amazon delivery e-bike pulling a trailer. They have to be creative to deliver packages in NYC!
