Manhattan to Marco

Despite my vow, I caved on the Uber rant and had a better experience out of Manhattan to EWR Wednesday. We made our way back to Marco as I finished my mystical journey into RSW with the last chapter of The Fortune Teller. Two great otherworldly novels in two weeks. Next in queue is on the lighter side:

UPDATE: Couldn't get through The Friend. First book of the year that I bailed on. A tedious read about writers and writing; not really about a dog and grieving. And not at all on the lighter side. No worries. I jumped ahead to "Where the Crawdads Sing" and it became one of my favorite books of the year. Beautifully written, a fast-paced mystery and lots of lessons about nature. Loved it!

Thanks for following along!

The Greatest City on Earth

This city never gets old! Familiar haunts and new faves made for a fabulous day in Manhattan. We hopped the #4 subway for breakfast at Danny Meyer's Daily Provisions in Union Square. We walked in the cold rain until we had enough. A perfect opportunity to see a matinee. "A Star is Born" worked out with the timing. Great movie. As the city dried out, we walked around the Christmas Market at Bryant Park. A fun annual tradition. Back downtown to Moxy to rest our feet and get ready for Zuma. With no reservations, we were determined to be the first at the 5:30pm opening. As our good luck prevailed, we were treated to a seat at the Chefs table. What an unbelievable two hour dining experience! Blown away with our omakase!

Veterans Day 2018

We dropped the kids at Hillside school Monday despite the Veteran's Day holiday for some. Ally slept in a bit; still trying to recover from jet lag. Bill treated the three of us to our fave breakfast at La Vie En Rose Bakery Cafe in Waldwick NJ. Afterwards, Ally dropped us at the train for our NYC escape.

The Moxy on Ann St. in FiDi is only two weeks old and super cute. We love staying at tiny NYC hotels! We hung out in the lobby talking to several professionals planning the Bumble event. The first event where Bumble app users get together in person for cocktails and hook ups will be held at Moxy Tuesday night. 😅

Per Ally's recommendation, we taxied to Don Angie Restaurant on Greenwich in the Village. We were able to snatch seats at the bar because we didn't get reservations six months ago. Yes, they book six month out. The famous rolled lasagna was delicious.

It was a good Veterans Day celebration as we reminisced about our five year anniversary of rolling over the Marco Bridge this Monday in 2013.

Stew and Snuggles

Sunday Funday in Allendale started with a mad dash to Celery Farm to get the best of the morning light for a photoshoot appointment. It was chilly, but the kids cooperated, and we were home by the fire in no time. And that's where we stayed for most of the day. A rollicking game of Monopoly consumed most of the afternoon. We made a chicken stew for dinner and snuggled all night.

Rumson Kutztown Allendale

In order to work the whole family into our weekend, we had to spend nearly six hours on NJ highways Saturday. Lucky for us, the colors were still brilliant on the trees and provided a beautiful taste of fall.

Our first college bound grandchild, Zach, gave us a terrific, albeit freezing, tour of the PA campus after our lunch at the Kutztown Tavern. We were so happy to hear Zach's enthusiasm for his studies, marching band and social life at the university.

The Epps met us back in Rumson NJ. Daughter the Younger, Ally, was dragging after just returning from business in Australia. After some selfies, video games, a glass of wine, and a quick stop to see Devin at work in Carvel's, we rode home to Allendale NJ with the Epps for a fire, an awesome surprise of Lou Malanati's pizza and a sleepover.

A Taste of Winter

We were home long enough to bake a cake for a neighbor and attend opening golf events at the Island Club before heading out to our old stomping grounds up north.

It was a typical cold and rainy November day when we landed at Newark Airport. An Uber dropped us at Rumson and I vowed never to use that car service again. Cheap but super ridiculous mode of travel at our age. I had more room in my United seat than in my Uber car. Haha.

Trama Restaurant in Long Branch NJ was a real treat for dinner. It was great to catch up with Son the Eldest, Chris, and his sweet Devin. Devin shared his most amazing tiramisu, as pictured.