Partings...and new beginnings

Intense week behind me. A few days ago, my amazing cousin peacefully let go of this life in the arms of the man who she loved. She was buried in Cleveland, in a grave beside her brother and just a few rows away from their parents; their dad was my father's cousin. It was a graveside service, just like, three years and a month ago, when we gathered to see off her brother. Even the weather was the same...rainy, wet and bone chilling. 

Our relatively small, close knit family, inspired by our parents, carry on the legacy of family is everything. We gather for holidays, we have a family chat group, we attend each other's important events, we stay in touch. We look out for each other the best that we can given how spread out across the USA we are. 

Who are "we?" We are the first American generation who are now parents and grandparents or childless. And cousins. Second cousins if we want to be precise. The third cousins? We have to keep the torch burning. And it's up to them to decide if they'll run with it.    

Dinner guest premiere!

 Very excited as I set the table for my first dinner guest in the new old neighborhood. Nice having someone to cook for and eat dinner with. 

Table all set...festive to set a table. I didn't photograph the food or my guest...too busy enjoying each other's company and the spontaneous mix of stir-fried chicken, brocolli and potatoes. She asked if I missed Stockholm. And I do. I miss speaking Swedish for one. Så hör av er svenskar som följer detta...

And I both miss and am looking forward to once again having a dishwasher!

 

The Beauty of Flowers

Today was a good day. The weather cooperated as two high school friends and I made our way to the Orchid Show at the Bronx Botanical Gardens. After being stuck in traffic at the entrance to the Gardens, it felt wonderful to step out of the car into the sunshine and the kaleidoscope of colors that greeted us.

Here are but a few of the photos I took...they don't do full justice to the variety and colors that were on display but I hope they give a sense of how beautiful these delicate flowers are. 

Closer to home, here are some photos I took on a walk through Forest Hills Gardens the other day. Not as spectacular as the orchids but a sure sign that spring has sprung in my neighborhood.

Dyson

It's been too long since I've checked in, so there'll be some catching up to do. But first...I've had the BEST couple of days ever since being introduced to the new love of my life...M. Dyson (insert  desired gender...:-)) 

So together we spent today vacuuming (M. Dyson's speciality) and dusting and organizing. I did the laundry...bedding, towels and all, and changed the bed linens. Did the dining area and kitchen floor yesterday. Tomorrow...bathroom!

My back is not the happiest of campers (once I get started, I forget when to stop). But soon I will slip into my newly made bed in my laundered nightie with a smile on my face. And I'm guaranteed to sleep well tonight. 

Throughout my life I have been blessed with friends who have shared their homes and children with me and others who have indulged my overreaching desire for order by allowing me to organize their living quarters, cook for them, fold laundry together. One such person has opened her home, a home I have known since childhood...that's how far back we go. 

This is us in 1967. She was thirteen and I was twelve. 

Taken in front of my family's candy store, which was around the corner from where I'm staying now.  

She did this without question fully aware of the risks involved ;-) It's a full service organization; if there's anything you need chances are there's at least one of it to be had. Finding one, well let's just say that's my mission in life, implementing order. LOL. 

(Yes, I was outside in the beautiful weather today too.)

Janis Ian

She's calling it the "Celebrating our years together" tour and it is her final year on the road. I'd seen her live in concert a number of times and in a variety of venues over the years, including The Bottom Line in Manhattan and at her one European concert a decade or so ago in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She never disappoints and last night's farewell concert at the Parker in Fort Lauderdale, Florida was no exception.

As a bonus, Tom Chapin (Harry's younger brother) and Livingston Taylor (James's younger brother) each did an opening set. Each an exceptional musician in his own right, this was an eye-opening treat for me, Liv Taylor in particular with his gorgeous voice, hilarious sense of humor and melodious, clever original songs.

After a brief intermission, it was time to welcome Janis to the stage. Her opening number was an ode to her long and illustrious career sung against a backdrop slide show of photos forming a timeline of her years as a recording artist and performer. It was heart wrenching and heartwarming all at the same time. 

Take this final opportunity to see Janis Ian if she's playing at a theater near you. You will not be sorry! Here's a link to the tour schedule (through November 2022).

https://janisian.com/tour/

    

Culture shock 01

Really not used to people, especially professionals, not keeping their word. This has happened to me on three occasions since moving here a mere 10 days ago. When someone assures me that I will hear back from them by a specific date, I expect to hear from that person by that date. Or at the very least be advised that there is going to be a delay. What is up with that? Urgh. Won't bore you with the details. Suffice it to say that I'm getting the sense that trust is not highly valued in this USA.

On a brighter note, after a nice bike ride, a Pilates class and some roasted duck over rice, I settled down to an interesting couple of hours watching and listening to part 2 of a three part interview of Stephen Sondheim conducted by Library of Congress Senior Music Specialist Mark Horowitz. With Sondheim's manuscripts at hand, they poured over the music. While the focus was on music details, there are enough anecdotes to keep this Sondheim enthusiast engaged and interested. Here is a link in case you are interested in watching too.

 

Game on!

 Much to my delight, there is a regular board game meetup in Forest Hills at a restaurant a short walk from where I am living. About a dozen people turned up tonight and I got to learn a new game. This will most definitely become my regular Tuesday night hangout going forward.

On another bright note...my Amazon package arrived after all! A good day all in all.