Seventy

It has been a month; I have waited for it all to sink in before writing. So, now I am both retired and have turned 70. This past December 24th was not only the eve of Christmas, but it was my 70th birthday. No fireworks, no confetti, just a quiet celebratory dinner with Terry and Brian at a great Italian restaurant. (I would get a chance to celebrate again with Michael and Jessica in New York in early January - they were out west for Christmas.)

And the results...

• Being retired
• Rarely have to set the alarm clock
• Actual have time to read the paper in the morning and not wait until 5:00 pm
• Lots of "together" time
• Needing to find a groove
• Happy not to have to wait to hear about snow days/delayed openings
• Time to catch up on more reading
• Setting time to volunteer
• Getting back to my genealogy research
• No reason to ever again say "TGIF"
• Every day feels like Saturday
• Planning a new adventure

• Being 70
• Taking stock of what is truly important
• Feeling the need to purge the extraneous
• Becoming more aware of mortality
• Less time to put off things
• Wanting to reconnect with those with whom I have lost touch
• Cherishing family and friends
• Looking forward to new experiences

One of the things I am confronting is the probable need for a hip replacement. I see the surgeon on Wednesday, January 29th and I must admit that I am more than a little anxious about the prospect of this surgery. Why? I have been told that I am considered high risk for a blood clot. My dad died of a pulmonary embolism post op; we have a family history of cancer; I once had a bout of ischemic colitis. All of that adds up to putting me in the category of high risk. Another thing I am acutely aware of from my genealogy research is that no one in my family had lived beyond the age of 72. Now, I plan to be the one to be the first to surpass that milestone. So, I am going to go into this with a positive attitude and prepare for a good outcome - not to mention, to enjoy the ability to regain pain-free movement. 

Periodically I will review today's thoughts and see where I stand. I now take a new step on this journey. 

I Love New York

Working our way back home after five weeks on the road, and Terry feeling more like himself, was an excuse to spend two nights at our favorite hotel in NYC - The Roosevelt. I love the ambiance of this jewel which dates back almost 90 years. It also brings back memories of my parents who brought my sister and me there when Guy Lombardo and his orchestra played at the Roosevelt Grill. How grown up we felt sitting at an elegant table. Of course, when my sister learned that they did not offer peanut butter, she ordered a hamburger - on the menu as chopped sirloin!

We took advantage of the Madison Lounge just off the lobby. Lovely cocktails and nice menu of small bites. After a day out, we sat in our cozy chairs and I ordered a chocolate martini. Our waiter's response was, "Oh, really"? What? Am I under-age? That was the only lapse of decorum at the Roosevelt!

A stay in the city also gave us the chance to catch up with two of our favorite New Yorkers, Mike and Jess. We had lunch at the restaurant at Tommy Bahamas. Yes, they actually do have a dining room there. On the recommendation of Jessica, who certainly knows her way around NYC eating establishments,  I had some great fish tacos. Nice meal and even nicer company. Love my son and daughter-in-law. 

Now what would a weekend in the city be without a parade? And since this was October 12th, the city accommodated with the annual Columbus Parade which was lining up right near our hotel. We chose to view the pre-parade and got a look at many of the marchers as they assembled - sort of an inside peek. Crowds were big  and streets were blocked off - just a typical weekend in NYC.

One of my favorite morning traditions is the Today Show. Terry and I went down in the morning, a little later than the die-hard fans, but close enough to get a pretty good spot. Cee Lo Green was the guest. Matt and Al weren't there and we weren't standing at a good vantage point for photos, but I got some that were at least passable. 

Not far from The Roosevelt is a small oasis. Located behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park hosts a conglomeration of people walking, reading, sunning, sleeping, juggling, eating - all in a space much smaller than Central Park. There's something charming and familiar about Bryant Park. Young and old, the well-to-do and the financially challenged share this green space on a beautiful fall afternoon. This is quintessential New York and I still feel at home here. I don't think I could live full-time in the city again, but I do love to visit and "hang out". So fortunate to have my children there as a good excuse to make the trip.


Another landmark close by is the magnificent Grand Central Station which happens to be celebrating its centennial this year. What is fascinating about this rail hub is that it is so much more than just a train station. You find shops, restaurants, the annex of the Transit Museum and, of course, the fabulous ceiling in its Main Concourse. Little known fact: that the world's largest Tiffany clock is housed there as well. It is interesting to people-watch - the seasoned New York commuter, the awe-struck tourist, the nonchalant browser and those who appear to be there as part of their habitat - all provide a fascinating study. Right across the street is the famous Pershing Square restaurant where we dined on some exquisite pancakes - long lines, but worth the wait.

Could not leave the city without taking in a Broadway show, so we got tickets (over-priced) through the concierge to see Newsies. Although our seats were not what we expected - a little higher and tighter - this was a really good, energetic musical based on the plight of the news boys back in 1899. Dancing was great. Fun night.

Three days and two nights in the Big Apple at the end of our long road trip was a nice way to end the adventure. One more stop on the west side before we head home.

Sisters

The stop in New Jersey gave me an opportunity to check in with my sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Frank; meet up with my nephew and his wife, Steve and Sarita; and a chance for Terry to crash as he was still clearly not feeling himself.

My sister is the one person on earth that I have been linked to my whole life (well, since I was four years old - when she was born). We are alike in many respects, but different enough to make it interesting. As children, the four-year age difference separated us in our socializing; that difference evaporated in adulthood. Thanks to the benefits of electronic and social media, Jeanne & I are in contact just about every day (email, texting, Facebook, oh, and the phone!). There's not much in life that we can't share with one another, and we relish the fact that we are there for each other, no matter what. My sister is loving, honest, and caring. We are the best of friends and I thank God for her everyday.

The Heyer family (my maiden name) is small and we are geographically dispersed. Neither Jeanne nor I have our children living close by; there are no Sunday dinners where family gathers around the table. It takes planning and coordinating schedules to find a date on busy calendars that works for visits. Well, that applies to me. For the last 3 years my sister was separated from her son by the Atlantic Ocean, as he and his wife lived in Liverpool. Two trips to England wasn't quite what she would have preferred. Now, Steve and Sarita are back, but only for 6 weeks. They are heading in the opposite direction this time, to New Mexico. At least they are state-side. My layover in September was a chance to spend time with my nephew, catch up, give him a hug and wish him well. It was also time with Jeanne - to be there with her as she prepares for another time to see Steve and Sarita off once again.

Although this visit did not see the entire family share a meal together, our very own and favorite chef, Frank, provided a great Italian dinner (his homemade sauce!) for the five of us who made it to Gordon Avenue. Salute!

Carry Me Back to Old Virginny

It was October 9th when we headed to Virginia. Fifteen years ago this past April, we spent our honeymoon there.Now we are back, beginning another chapter in our lives. The reality of retirement hasn't settled in yet, since this trip seems more like a vacation than a life-change. With that said, I am happy to be back in Virginia on a rainy fall day - it's for lovers, you know.

Our first stop had been on Terry's bucket list for a long time - The Mariner's Museum which houses the exhibit of the Civil War Iron-clad ship, The Monitor. We made a quick tour of the museum, arriving only two hours before closing. It is a most impressive place containing artifacts covering the whole history of man's life on the water and way too much to see in two hours. Seeing the Monitor's recovered turret was the highlight of our visit.- an amazing feat to have recovered this relic of the Civil War.
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We checked in to our hotel, the SpringHill Suites in Williamsburg, (The absolute best rates of the entire trip.) Because Terry was feeling under the weather and getting tired of packing and unpacking, we extended our stay from two to three nights. (Good choice.) While in this place that is so immersed in history, we of course visited Colonial Williamsburg. But what I consider the highlight of the "Colonial" experience, was a wonderful candlelight organ and harpsichord recital at the Bruton Parish Church. This parish, the first Anglican church,  was begun in 1660! The building now standing is the third iteration of a structure erected in 1715. Among its worshipers were the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. I must say, that I stood for a moment, taking in the fact that I was sitting in those same pews once occupied by these renown figures. And then there was the music - a beautiful hour spent listening to a remarkable concert performed by Rebecca Davy, the Musical Director and Organist. It was a most memorable evening.

Our visit to Yorktown was abbreviated because of two things: Terry's not feeling well and the Government Shutdown. This was now the second time our plans were affected by the shutdown - a disappointment, to be sure. Yorktown is another area so rich in history and meaning, it makes one stop and ponder where we came from and appreciate those that created this country of ours.

We made our way back from Yorktown to Williamsburg along the Colonial Parkway, a short, peaceful trip with periodic signs along the way preventing travelers from pulling off to enjoy scenic spots because of - The Government Shutdown, of course.

The stay in Williamsburg did not go as we planned with Terry's not feeling well. However, it did give us a chance to re-group and take some time to catch our breath. It also gave me time to reflect on the abundance of  treasures we have from our past and on the lengths we go as people to preserve these. Hopefully, they serve as an explanation of where we came from and a guide for where we are going.

We left for New Jersey on the 12th of October, my turn behind the wheel - the whole way. Next stop the Haggertys and Steve & Sarita. We began in the rain and ended in the sunshine - not a bad drive.

Getting to Savannah

A little out of sequence, but I had to include a description of the drive leading from N'Orleans to Savannah, a distance of almost 700 miles.We headed out on the fifth of October going east along Interstate 10. This part of our Fall Adventure took us through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida before we stopped for the night in Madison FL. We could not get reservations anywhere else in northern Florida - football weekend!

Lake Pontchartrain

If I thought crossing the Atchafalaya Basin was an impressive ride, the trip out of New Orleans over Lake Pontchartrain Causeway was, as they say, "something else". I remember the references to this lake during Hurricane Katrina, but seeing it up close gave me a better understanding of the magnitude of this body of water. The bridge crossing Lake Pontchartrain spans over 23 miles, making it the longest bridge over water (continuous) in the world. And...I'll vouch for that. What an experience - it feels like crossing an ocean.(OK, slight exaggeration.)

Blue Angels

Triangle Peg Game
 at Crackerbarrel

The trip along I-10  was accompanied by intermittent showers, but was uneventful overall. We crossed Mobile Bay on, yet again, another long twin-bridge crossing. (Starting to get used to these.) From the road, we saw the USS Alabama in Mobile and got a glimpse of  the home of the Blue Angels in Pensacola. But there was no stopping to sight-see. A more mundane experience was our stop for lunch at the Crackerbarrel in Crestview, Floriada where Terry played the Triangle Peg Game. (I think he cheated.) It had been decades since doing the Crackerbarrel thing, and it was all that I remembered - a little bit of everything.

We arrived in Madison, Florida for a night at the Days Inn which was right next door to a Denny's - built-in dinner and breakfast destinations. Not too much else around Madison. However, true to much of the South, there was a DQ not far away . By the way, the South loves DQ; they are all over!

Next morning we traveled a short distance east and then turned left - heading north!

The Charm of a Southern City

Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, moss-draped live oaks, magnolias - this was our introduction to Savannah on the 6th of October. Savannah is graced with a quintessential Southern charm. It is unspoiled by high-rise buildings and over-commercialization. It is one of the few Southern cities left intact during the Civil War since it was spared the ravaging that so many endured. Among its beauties are the 22 Squares that define its historic neighborhoods and provide beauty and respite for its residents and visitors. These squares, built in the 18th and 19th centuries are truly works of art. Some include impressive monuments and fountains; others include areas for music or play. It cannot be overstated how iconic these oases are. We got a great overview of the Squares and the vibrant Riverfront during our trolley tour on our first afternoon. Our guide pointed out many spots that we put on our "to do" list when returning on our own.

The Marshall House

Adding to the charm of our stay in Savannah was The Marshall House, our place-to-stay for two nights. (Needed much more time to do justice to our visit.) The ambiance, service and amenities were outstanding - not to mention the complimentary breakfast in the solarium and the wine and cheese at 5:30 in the "living room."  During one of the cocktail hours, we met a couple from Oregon, Mark and Nancy Blevin. He, a retired judge and she, a retired teacher, were traveling in the South and shared stories of previous trips in the US and Europe. (We exchanged phone and address info. I wonder if either of us will follow-up.)

We decided to have dinner at The Olde Pink House, having heard about it during our tour and from hotel staff. What a lovely restaurant! A cozy table, a "Pink Lady", and a first time for collards added to a wonderful dining experience - not to mention my dinner companion. We ended the evening downstairs at the Tavern Bar - a glass of wine and a guy at the piano provided just the right atmosphere.

The Mercer-Williams House

During our full day in Savannah, we walked to City Market, a collection of galleries, eateries and retail shops. Next on the agenda was a tour of the Mercer-Williams House, subject of the Book, Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil. This was a fascinating peek into the story of the murder that took place in that home. One of our final events of the day was a couple's massage at a local spa. It was just what we needed The travel, packing and unpacking, some long days began to take a toll, especially on the driver. 

Before leaving Savannah on the 8th, we stopped at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist which is undergoing exterior restoration. This church is by far the most beautiful we had see on our travels. Fortunately, there were parishioner/guides to provide information about this historic structure. It is rather ironic that, early in its history, Georgia did not want Catholics or Jews in the colony, and here is this magnificent edifice reflecting the faith of its Catholic population.

Leaving on the Talmadge Bridge

If I were to choose a city from our Fall Adventure to re-visit, Savannah would be at the top of the list. Its warmth, its history, its people would all invite me back.

WWII in New Orleans

C-47 on display at the Museum

When I think of New Orleans, certain things come to mind: the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Jazz, Katrina, good food. A museum dedicated to World War II would not have been one of them. But there it was, the National World War II Museum. (Fortunately, it is privately funded and not affected by the darn Government Shutdown.) We visited this collection of extraordinary exhibits covering all aspects of the Second World War. It tells the story of the price of freedom for generations to come. The artifacts and visual timelines are fascinating. Included also is the powerful 4-D movie "Beyond All Boundaries", narrated by Tom Hanks, which is a riveting account of the of the battles of WWII. The museum pays special homage to veteran's in many of its programs. It has a great gift shop and a canteen featuring music from the era. This certainly is worth at least a two - three hour visit.