Spotted

We havent done very well with celebrity spotting since we got to NYC, we've only seen Tom Hanks and Julianne Moore.
They are good, but they are the only ones we've seen.

Until today!

Having lunch in Bubby's we were at a table next to....Harvey Keitel!!
Very exciting.
Oddly enough he looked younger than he does on screen.

And parked outside was a huge Rolls Royce, waiting to whisk him away.

He was also with some other guy we recognised, but have no idea who he was.

Very exciting!

Philadelphia

I went to stay with McMezzle and it was so nice to just hang out in her hood.

I got a bus, for the bargain price of $12, which only took 2 hours from NYC.
It dropped me off by the train station from where I had been reliably informed it would be a piece of cake to catch a cab.

I wandered over to what I assumed was the taxi rank, but found it full of police cars.
I noticed about 10 mounted policemen, then a crowd with placards, and finally a sign on the station door staying "Press Only".

Yes, just as I pulled into town, the president elect was leaving!

So we went to what must be the most popular place in town for brunch, there were people queuing outside in the sub-zero temperatures (I cant remember the name Mez?) for some yummy eggs, wondered round the Italian Market, looked at houses, checked out the weird murals they have on random buildings, saw the old government buildings and the Liberty Bell, got yelled at and whistled out by an officious guard and then...

We went to see the kids from the actual real School of Rock perform!
It was like being back at school at RocSoc, but with a lot more talent.

That evening we went back to the same bar for more bands, Here we go magic, Bear Hands and Department of Eagles who were amazing.
I am now very cool by association!

On Sunday we loafed about, walked through the park to get pastries, wondered to some little shops, watched some American Football and then I headed home.

To lots and lots of snow!
All in all a perfect weekend.

Bitter

For the last few years I have gone to Switzerland with Simon's family for a few days after Christmas.
I love it. The cold, the proper snow, the blue sky and the sunshine are wonderful.

Sadly this year I couldnt go.

Simon went to the Cayman Islands instead. Without me.

He is now in Switzerland. Without me.

Not that I'm bitter.

Because actually I have the cold, the proper snow, the blue sky and the sunshine right here in Stamford CT.
It is minus 8 today, and apparently will be down to minus 14 by Friday.
Yay!

Although the wind, now that is bitter.

Happy New Year!

Well, here I am back in NYC after a wonderful Christmas in England, where I managed to see lots of people I love.

We had a really good weekend, pootling about in the snow, but now Simon has gone so I am all alone again.

This is when I hate being here. When he is away and I'm in London it is a great excuse for me to go out every night! But here, it just means supper for one in front of the TV.

Its not awful, but not great either.
However, I am greatly in need of lots of quiet and rest at the moment as I have just started a new exercise DVD.

I have only done it twice, and I think it should be used as a form of torture in prison camps.
Which also means I'll stick with it, because I am hopeful it will actually work!

Off to Philly this weekend, so will have many more tales to tell.

Let it snow

Why is it that all I am hearing about in the UK is how much it is snowing, and yet here in NYC, a place that automatically brings to mind thoughts of a white Christmas, there is nary a flake to be seen?

I dont wish to complain, but this could cause me to ask for my money back.

However, all the trees and lights are up all over town and they are sort of making up for it as they are so pretty.
The one outside our front door (which actually belongs to the stock exchange, but I like to pretend is mine all mine) is HUGE.
Really, huge. And so lovely. Walking under it and looking up at all the lights is amazing, and it smells so strongly that its like being in an Alpine forest.
Sort of.

We have our tree up now too, and it is very beautiful and piney smelling and all, but its just a bit...small.

It didnt look that small when we got it (on a street corner, so authentic!) but in our flat, with its ridiculous 12ft ceilings, it is a bit lost.

But still, festive and beautiful.

Legal

Finally, FINALLY, I have my visa.

I am now official and legal and totally allowed to stay in the States for the next year, with no to-ing and fro-ing to get an extension on my dates.

What a relief!

Girls

Sorry, no time for full sentences, this is going to be too long as it is!

Desperately cleaning up after Simon and Keely both had to make loads of drinks in the kitchen for their jobs.
Still scrubbing the floor (sugar syrup!!) when Keely made it back from her job!
Suddenly, doorbell goes, and there they are! Right before my very eyes! Sophie and Gerry!!!
Earlier than expected and I’m not done cleaning, briefly think “bugger”, then run screaming into the corridor to pounce on them as they come out of the lift.
Experience moment of absolute bliss as we settle on the sofa with a bottle of wine.

Head out into the big city for a mini tour, some shopping and then to Ricky’s, which is like a dressing up dream.
Buy final bits of our costumes and Hugh Heffner jacket and pipe for Simon.
Back to the flat, all conk out on the sofa.
Getting ready, drinking lots to be brave enough to effectively just be dressing in underwear.
Vicky and George arrive with some amazing makeup and dresses.
Lots more booze.
Order pizza.
Chase pizza.
Yell at pizza company.
Andy arrives.
Pizza arrives.
Realize we have pretty much missed the parade now – bugger. Stupid pizza.
Go straight to pub, half price drinks for people in costume.
Dancing on benches. Lots of laughing.

Thankfully not too hungover.
Head to Grand Central and pick up McMez.
Go to Central Diner for amazing French toast.
More site-seeing and shopping.
Back home for another nap, out for Mexican, then to Bowery for Tom’s gig.

Off to Central Park for pony ride, discover ponies are banned for the marathon.
Huh, had forgotten about that.
Watch the winners.
Head to ice rink.
Gerry and Merrie too chicken to skate, me and Soph are awesome.
Or rather she is, and she keeps me upright.
FAO Schwartz also fab, and I finally get to run a scale on the giant floor keyboard from Big.
What to do now I have achieved my lifetime ambition?
More shopping, back home, pack, send all girls on their separate ways, weep into Simon’s shoulder.

Love the lovely girls.
Thank you for coming.