Almost Christmas in New York

Last weekend we splurged and took a few days off to go to NYC.  It was a long-overdue trip, especially considering how easy it is to get there.  It didn't feel particularly Christmassy, however, since the temps have been much warmer than usual.  The good thing is that we didn't have to freeze while walking around town!

We had a wonderful staying with my cousin, Christina, and her husband, Kevin.  We were even treated with a fish pie dinner party at their place Saturday night! 

Midtown fish pie party with the Ngs and friends

Jogging along East River Park

We got rush tickets to see my first Broadway show, "Hand to God".  It was excellent, and intense.  One of the best parts was seeing Bob Saget (remember him from Full House??). 

Broadway all lit up!

The NYC Christmas window displays were over the top and spectacular.  Lord and Taylor drew a huge crowd.

Their electricity bill must be through the roof!

We spent Tuesday with Angela, and Taylor, good friends from NC. 

 

After brunch we stopped by the American Museum of Natural History.

Time for the big show...

I have been wanting to see the Rockettes for a good while!  Kitschy but really awesome :o) 

Worth seeing at least once, especially if you want a typical "Christmas in NY" experience.

Rockefeller Center!  A bit too crowded to be very enjoyable...

More crazy window displays on 5th Ave.  These were completely made out of sparkling stones!

Rather extravagant, no? 

Sack's has a light production on their facade that runs every 15 minutes.  What a mind-blowing use of electricity!

Lots of walking called for a gratuitous amount of cheap, late-night Indian food at Curry in a Hurry.  Yes, we ate almost everything on the table!  Good moments with good friends ;o)

After spending most of our time in the bustling tourist districts we took a nice stroll through the quiet villages before heading back to Boston on Tuesday.  I do miss staying with Bo in this part of town but it was nice to get to know midtown, where Christina and Kevin live. 

Spooky Salem

It was great to have Halloween land on a Saturday this year.  We took advantage of the happy alignment and headed to our favorite place for reveling in the spookiest night of the year.  

Seth and I are getting slightly better at carving pumpkins but we still have a long way to go

The head of historic River St, Salem; I vote it as the Halloweeniest street in America!

Every house on the street is intricately decorated

Most of the houses are from the mid- to late-18th century

Most residents sit outside their beautifully decorated homes and gave out candy.

An intimidating porch for little Trick or Treaters!

We wandered over to the second best street for trick-or-treating, Chestnut St.  Here the road is wider and the houses are bigger.  This residence had its own movie playing, and the fire eater was a nice touch, too!

The big kids bypass River St and Chestnut St and beeline it for Essex.  Many diverse groups emerge on nights like this; angry preachers, the witch covens, and the Hare Krishnas all feel at home in these settings.

The Bumble, Cornelius and Misfit Toys!!

Cute old ladies (I mean, witches)

T-Rex was rocking it in the Commons (he will make an appearance again later)

The Beatles cover band in the Commons, where the party continues

A spooky home on the edge of the Commons

Back on Essex Street...

 

 

Yay, we were so happy to find the Energy Tunnel again this year!

Feel the energy and feel the love :o)

T-Rex wants to experience the healing energy!

There he goes!

We were quite taken by the sexy transvestite demon, one of the last great costumes we saw before heading home.  In fact, many of the thousands of costumes we saw were absolutely amazing.  I'll miss Halloween in Salem!

Fall in NY

We have really been trying to make the most of our Fall, which doesn't last nearly long enough.  One of our favorite places to enjoy the season is Upstate, which is where we spent last weekend.

I went with Seth and his folks for a gorgeous drive around Keuka Lake.  The leaves are about two weeks late this year and we happened to catch them right at their peak!

Keuka Lake

We were on the Wine Trail for a little while

We had a late lunch in the village of Hammondsport, one of the cosiest places I have seen in a while.

I hope this is a Halloween prop...

The grapes have just been harvested

Early morning on Scoon Road

Full moon over the tractor