New York

OK, this info is old but I feel that I should still post it.

Allison and I planned a girls day to New York City while she was here. It was something we were both looking forward to. We decided on Saturday so James could be home with the boys. He was a willing participant, such a sweetie!

The night before, Jameson was going for a bike ride while I walked behind him. He asked me what Auntie Allison and I were going to do the next day. I didn't want to tell him (I thought he'd be jealous) but decided to just tell him that we were going into New York. I didn't mention the fact that we would be going on the train. He looked at me and said, "You and Allison are going to have beeeeauteeeful time in New York". How sweet is that? And I thought that he would whine and want to come with us.

We got up bright and early and headed to the train station. As always, we were rushing for the train but we made it! An uneventful trip, we just sat and talked. So nice for a change. I loved being able to sit there without having to worry if someone was licking the window or stepping on a stranger while trying to get a better look out the window.

We got out at Penn Station and then started our day. Let me just add that we had been following the weather and knew that it was supposed to be hot and steamy. 97 degrees to be specific. Plus humidity. Plus the fact that we were surrounded by concrete and sky scrapers. We headed down the street and were quite thankful for the slight breeze that offered some relief in the heat. Sheesh, it was only 10 in the morning and we were already hot.

I had no plans for the day, I was just happy to be in the city sans children. Allison, on the other hand, had a long list of plans with coordinating maps and directions to all of our desired destinations. I was happy to just tag along.

Our main goal was Greenwich Village. Neither of us had been there. There were also several things that Allison wanted to do. We figured we would have breakfast down there. By the time we actually got down there we were famished. We were looking out for Magnolia Bakery, a to do on Allison's list. On the way there we saw a cheese shop that looked quite inviting. We popped in, just for a look. I was looking at their selection of yogurts when Allison came over. She immediately recongized one of the yogurts from a foodie blog that she reads. (www.amateurgourmet.com) She knew she had to try one even though it cost over $3 for an individual serving. She even treated me to one. We both chose the orange ginger flavour. Now, let me just say that this is not your ordinary, run of the mill Danone, Yoplait or whatever. This was Siggi's Skyr yogurt. Apparently there is a traditional yogurt in Iceland called Skyr. It's specially made and.....well, I don't remember the details. (You can google if you wish.) This yogurt is naturally fat free (bonus!!!) and not very high in calories. When you take your first bite you immediately notice it is so different from American yogurt. It was so thick, it was practically cheese. There is no added sugar (he uses agave juice) so it's not sweet but very pleasant. All of the ingredients are completely natural. I have to say, it was a delicious experience. I love yogurt and I have to say that Siggi's Skyr yogurt was the best yogurt I have ever tasted. I would gladly make it a part of my regular diet but, simply, I cannot afford it.

We walked a bit further and found a quaint little shop called Aphrodisia. We walked inside to be greeted by a grumpy lady (she was not pleasant nor friendly) and rows upon rows of herbs and spices. It seemed like we stepped back in time and walked into an apothecary. It looked vaguely like the ones Claire describes in the Outlander Series. (For those of you who have not read that series, go to the library and get it. FABULOUS!! The authour is Diana Gabaldon.) Allison couldn't resist and bought a few ounces of some herbs. Truthfully I think it was the smallest amount that she could buy and still say she bought something. I'm looking forward to trying the food she puts them in! ;)

We continued on our adventure through Greenwich Village. There were street vendors set up along Bleecker Street, so much fun! I stopped at a hat booth where the man promised to find me the perfect hat. I warned him that I had an especially large head and have a difficult time finding hats that fit. He said not to worry, he would find the perfect hat. At the same time, he gave me a glance of disbelief. He quickly brought back a hat for me to try. As expected, it was too small. "Oh, uh, no problem, I'll find one that is perfect". "See, I told you, I have a large head." He did come back with another hat and, after some minor adjustments, the hat actually fit. It was a great sun hat and I liked it very much but I was just not willing to spend $55 on a hat when I am not one to wear hats regularly.

We continued to walk down Bleecker St, looking at the vendors all the while keeping our eyes open for Magnolia Bakery. We found it when suddnely Allison said, "I think that's Adam". Now, I had no idea who she was talking about, I was just surprised that she saw someone she knew. Come to find out, she doesn't really know him personally, he just happens to be the guy who writes the foodie blog. This was all quite exciting for Allison but she was too nervous to go over and find out if it was definitely him. I don't have a lot of inhibitions so I went up to him and asked if his name was Adam. Sure enough, it was him. He asked how I recognized him and I told him, "Honestly, I have no idea who you are. My friend recognized you." It was at that point that Allison joined the conversation. They chatted for quite some time. He was very polite and tried to include me in the conversation but I just outright admitted that I had never read his blog and definitely did not consider myself a foodie. After a picture together and quick good-byes, we headed into Magnolia Bakery where we treated ourselves to a pumpkin cheesecake and one of the famous (to some people at least) cupcakes. My opinion...I LOVED the pumpkin cheesecake. The cupcake was dry and the icing too sweet. Go figure. I won't rush back.

Well, it was middle of the day and Allison had visited the cafe and seen a famous (to some) person. She was quite pleased. Me, I'm pleased because she's pleased. Again, I had no goals.

I've only gotten to lunch time but I need to go. I will write the rest later.