New York City cont'd 2 - Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The plans for Tuesday, April 8th, were to meet Roni, her husband Andy and two of their three sons: Joe and Nathan. Now I don't mind divulging any information about this family because they are very very Facebook conscious. They post so much about their lives. Roni keeps telling me to read her Facebook page to know what is happening in her life. I'm not a Facebook fanatic so Roni complains about informing me the old fashioned way when I speak to her during our monthly telephone calls.

Any way, the plans were to meet by the ferry in Battery Park. This ferry would take us to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Luckily, we ran into each other easily and boarded the ferry. We found seats on the top of the boat; however, people crowded on and stood at the sides so we couldn't see much. We regretted our decision to sit. However, on the way home, the ferry was basically empty and we moved all over the ferry easily.

Our first stop was the Statue of Liberty. Having to go through what is almost worse than airport security, we made it onto the Statue's property. Along with everyone else, we marched up 240 stairs (well Roni and I took the elevator up but walked down) to reach that area jutting out near the bottom of that picture above. It was very cramped and difficult to move around with all the people. We were able to walk around the circumference but the view was not much better from the ground. We were all surprised to realize how small is the Statue of Liberty.

After lunch at a large cafeteria, Roni and I parted with her husband and sons who took the ferry back to the City; whereas, Roni and I continued on the Ellis Island. The visit to the Island involves travelling through three large rooms. In the first room, you can receive an audio tour handset which allowed you to hear the first hand stories of people who have passed through this incredible building. You also received a detailed history of Ellis Island.

The Registry Room was magnificent with its beautiful hardwood flooring and high vaulted ceilings made a small bricks. The stories about families who had been processed by officials in this large room was very interesting. The history here is long and enduring. The difficulties existing in this place was truly incredible. Some people were required to complete so much just to enter the USA. Many people were denied entry because of disease and illness.

After a coffee at Starbucks near Battery Park, Roni and I parted ways. The subway she required to return to her hotel was at a different entrance where I had to go to get the subway back to Kathy's place. It was great as always to see her and spend some time with her. Unfortunately, it was short. I look forward to visiting her in England.

As soon as I receive the CDs of my pictures, I will continue the blog and provide more photos of the rest of my trip.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

New York City cont'd

I arrived into NYC in heavy rain on Monday, April 7th. It was pouring hard during the whole bus ride from JFK to the City. Thanks to the internet, I learned that the airport has a specialty busy for the price of $29.00 round trip, I was given a ride from the airport to the Port Authority which is 10 minute drive by taxi to my cousin's home where I had planned to stay during my visit.

Since it was getting dark (I had arrived into the City at 6:30 pm) and because of the unpleasant rain, I didn't get a good picture of the New York. I was tired and a little shell shocked. I just wanted to get to my cousin's place as quickly as possible. My cousin, Kathy, who was at work, left an envelope with the doorman with instructions and the keys to her apartment. With some difficulty, I finally succeeded in working the locks and entered Kathy's gorgeous place. I was told to make myself at home which I did happily prepared to begin my holiday.

Kathy's father was my grandmother's brother. We have not seen each other for many years. Her mother, when she was alive, would come regularly to Canada to visit with her sisters-in-law after her husband died. After my grandmother died, Kathy's mother continued to visit with Helen, my great aunt, who lived to the ripe old age of 102. Kathy's mother was wonderful to Helen who appreciated her warmth and kindness. Kathy accompanied her mother several times; however, I am speaking about a time long gone by. And, unfortunately, I wasn't around for most of those visits and the last time Kathy was here, I wasn't well so didn't really get a chance to know her.

Well, I got to know her well this trip after staying with her for five days. I feel so honoured and lucky to have her as a relative. She is such a wonderful person. Her parents were fantastic people which is obviously hereditary. She gave me free reign while visiting which was great because I felt very much at home which only added to the perfection of the trip.

I did take a picture of Kathy but I'm sure she wouldn't want me to post it here. So I will finish off Monday by saying I arrived safely without any difficulties and I easily fell asleep excited for Tuesday which was the date I was meeting my friend Roni from England who was in NYC at that time too.

Check my blog tomorrow for the next installment of my trip.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

New York City

So much for writing a blog every day during my trip to New York City. Sorry guys but I was just too exhausted. You have to understand that I've been basically hibernating through winter. Not often did the dog get a walk because I didn't want to trudge through that deep snow. And it was so cold outside which is my second excuse for not walking.

Well, I'm so stiff now and my feet hurt. I did a lot of walking this past week. New York is great to walk around. There is so much to see. Everything is there. So much to do but so little time to do it all.  Now that I have returned home, I'm tired but energized. I was hoping this trip would refresh me and it definitely has.

You don't really appreciate what you have until you have been away from it for a while. Even just a few days to experience another city which is completely the opposite way of life. That was it for me while in New York City. I stayed with a cousin who lived on Central Park. Yes, right across from that famous park. And what a park! I spent a day walking around half of it which I will tell you about another time.

I live on a very quiet street in a very quiet neighbourhood. If I ever hear anything, it's a dog barking (lots of dogs in the neighbourhood) or the children playing in the park across from my front door. Neither noises are a bother. However, my cousin in NYC lives on a main street and there is lots of noise from the street as well as from the other condos. That was an experience in itself. I appreciate the silence now that I'm home.

New York City is an absolutely amazing city with so many fascinating places to visit. I couldn't go to them all but I will write my adventures while in NYC. I have taken some pictures which I plan to share. Hope you enjoy the stories.

My backdoor is wide open. My windows have all been opened. Fresh air. My cousin's windows were all kept closed and when I looked out the front windows, they were black even though the view was magnificent. Other windows were kept covered. I missed the fresh air. Not much of that in New York.

So I will relate my trip over the next few days. I will attempt to write every day for the next little while. I would love to recount my holiday. Hope you will enjoy it too.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

Just a taste. A shot of a path alongside the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park.

Hamilton Speaks Out

Last night, a good filling crowd gathered at the well situated Artword Artbar, in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, to hear writers and musicians perform. The Artword Artbar is a delightful, quaint bar hosting a grand stage where people can show off. A number of artists revealed off their special abilities. Six people offered poems, three guitar wielding men played a few songs and four of us read from our novels.

Even though I'm not a great fan of poetry, I was immensely impressed with the quality of work crafted by these poets. One older gentleman read a hilarious poem about things which disclose your sexuality. At first, the man appeared to be a cross, sullen, stone-faced person. However, when he spoke, he transformed into a brilliant orator allowing us to enjoy his written words.

An enthusiastic, middle aged man played original songs on his guitar. He played well and his songs were enjoyable. Another act was two brothers playing guitar and bass guitar. They were terrible. One brother announced that they had a recording contacts and how famous they were. Well, it turned out that he couldn't sing at all and was always off pitch. I cringed and closed my ears.

As soon as this arrogant, distinguished gentleman arrived, he demanded attention. He required a table upon which to show off all of his books. When the organizer advised that it wasn't possible, he marched off in anger and took over one of the coffee tables. Thinking I was bored, he handed me a two long page catalogue of his work. None of his books interested me nor anyone else at the Artword Artbar. He had his own publishing company and he self-publishes all of his books. When one young man showed an interest, this man was very rude to him which turned everyone off.

I read from Locker Rooms and was told I did well. I wasn't as nervous as I thought since I had seen several people read from shaking papers or books as their hands quivered. I felt quite comfortable on the stage even though I couldn't really see the audience because of the lights. It was fun and a good experience.

On my way home, I was stopped by a police ride check. I freaked out. No, I hadn't been drinking but no one likes to be stopped by the police. I worried they would find a reason to charge me with something. I always feel guilty that I have done something wrong. The cop laughed with me about my fear after I had assured him that I don't drink.

Four more days until Monday when I leave for New York City. Can't wait.

have fun,
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

The Junos

Did you watch the Junos last night? What a difference from a Hollywood affair and the Grammys! Everyone was dressed so comfortably and casually. No fancy expensive ball gowns here. Only the Olympic gold medal winning women's curling team was dressed up. They received a well-deserved standing ovation since they reside in Winnipeg where the Junos were held last night.

The people of Winnipeg put on a good show. I only listen to a classic rock radio program while driving in the car so I didn't know most of the entertainers. We have some great musical talent here in Canada and I should be paying more attention. Some of the popular songs, which I've heard over the last year, are by Canadian bands. I didn't know that and was very proud of them.

One big absence from the Junos was anyone thanking God for their win. I am so tired of hearing American winners thanking God for their award. I'm sure, if there is a God, he/she wouldn't care if they won an award. Canadians are very different from Americans and it shows brightly on Canadian shows like the Junos.

 A week today, I will be in New York City. I will be spending five days there and I hope to account for my time with a blog every night. Would be fun to share my excursions with you. I am very lucky and will be staying with my cousin who lives across from Central Park. Yes, she has a good job and does well for herself I'm sure. Looking forward to seeing her place.

My main reason for travelling to NYC is that my best friend from England will be there at that time and I will meet up with her. We met at the Tel Aviv University in Israel. She was studying music and I was an English Literature major. From the day we met, we became fast friends. With her parents' assistance, she bought an apartment and I moved in with her while studying. Eventually, I left Israel and she moved to England where she married a Brit. We have kept in touch over the years. I have flown to England many times and stayed with her while there. I also try and call her once a month to catch up.

I really need to get away. It has been five years since I have travelled anywhere which is an eternity for me. When I had money, I would visit two to four new places a year. And, I can't write. I just can't concentrate creatively when I'm feeling so out of sorts. A trip will solve that problem and I hope to come away rejuvenated.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

Assorted Thoughts

Thank you, everyone, for your concern about my father. Yesterday, he was discharged from the hospital and is now at home. He had his first good sleep in two weeks. So wonderful to have him out of the hospital. No one likes to be in hospital and always around sick people.

Luckily, had a successful signing at the Oakville Chapters bookstore on Saturday, March 22, 2014. See the photo below. It was a very slow store and so, unfortunately, not many patrons entered. My table was situated right in front of the store's entry so I could accost everyone. Met some lovely people who bought Locker Rooms either because they were very interested or because they wanted to support a local author.

My next signing will be at the Mississauga Chapters store on Saturday, April 19, 2014, starting at 1:00 pm. I hope you will attend and have me autograph my novel for you.

Locker Rooms has received another wonderful review by Christopher Reeves (no not Superman).

I have such bad cabin fever. A trip to New York City has been planned for April 7th to 11th. I can't wait to get away from every form of responsibility. I will be staying with my cousin and visiting with my best friend from England. She will be in New York at the same time which is the main reason why I am going. Am so looking forward to seeing new things, feeling new things, smelling new things and hearing new things.

It is beginning to look more like spring. The temperatures are still too low for spring but it is supposed to warm up this weekend. I'll believe it when I feel it. Everything is still brown and I see no flowers yet but hopefully they will be along soon. Can't wait to see green everywhere which is my second favourite colour. My favourite colour is blue of every shade and tint.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

Hospitals

Unfortunately, my father has been in the hospital for the last couple of weeks due to pneumonia and the poor amount of oxygen in his blood which causes him to become very tried. He is on oxygen now and will probably have to return home with it. He is not a young man so, of course, every illness is much more difficult and takes longer to become cured. He is improving well and we hope he will be able to come home soon.

Funnily enough, I pass by two hospitals on the way to where my father is hold up. It is across the city and up onto the mountain (or escarpment). It's an easy drive and luckily a friend lives near the hospital. I can park in her driveway while I visit my father. I don't know why, but there is never any parking available near a hospital. I wonder why there isn't more available places to park while attending at the hospital. Sure there is a parking garage but it costs a fortune to park there. Crazy eh?

Luckily, I have never had an illness requiring me to remain in hospital for long. And I have no idea how I would stand it if I had to stay in hospital. Today, I couldn't wait to leave when my father excused me. I had to get out. I was feeling claustrophobic and all that ill health made me sick. Felt so much better when I reached the cold spring air.

Well, its spring but it sure doesn't feel like it. We had spotted flurries today which didn't amount to anything, but it's still cold. I am now wearing my spring jacket in protest. Winter is over and I won't put on my winter coat again. It is spring so I will just sport a jacket from now on.

On Saturday, March 22nd, 2014, Chapters Oakville is hosting a signing for me. I hope anyone who lives in the area would attend and I would be happy to sign Locker Rooms for you.

have fun
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser