NYC! 48 Hours🤗

When you get a message from your daughter early Sunday morning that says I’m going to New York City next weekend and I want you to come with me - you think about it for maybe 5 seconds and then say YES! Time with adult children is more precious everyday so the answer is always yes if at all possible. So we booked flights in the next couple of minutes and then started planning our time and where we wanted to spend it. The reason for the trip was because Keeley had gotten into a Peloton LIVE Boot Camp class the following Sunday afternoon with her most favorite instructor Jess Sims - who is quite a fitness and media phenomenon. Only 10 people in the studio with her and it’s broadcast pretty much all over the world. Getting into the class due to the small amount of people seems to be harder than getting a Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket!

We flew into Newark airport on Saturday morning and had great weather the entire time we were there. We picked Newark versus LaGuardia or Kennedy because our flights were pricey since we booked less than a week ahead and the public transit system is easiest to navigate from Newark. We were able to get the train right from the airport to Penn Station in Manhattan for very little money and only took about 40 minutes. And Keeley booked us at a wonderful hotel just two blocks from Penn Station and a couple of blocks from the Peloton studio so that worked out great. It was the Klimpton Hotel Eventi and we had a view of the Empire State Building out our 18th floor window. Also away from the street noise so we both slept great both nights.

We wanted to see a Broadway Show that night so dropped our bags at the hotel and headed right to the box office near Times Square. If at all possible I always try and buy tickets right from the box office as I find the service fees online absolutely ridiculous. We lucked out with getting two great seats together in the 11th row center! More about that later. And we paid face value!

Now we are on our way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the upper east side. We took the bus as there were various delays on the subway but happy to share that the system has been updated so you don’t need to purchase a metro pass and load it with money any longer. You can just use your phone with Apple Pay or any credit card right at the turnstile. There were two exhibits we wanted to see - the Costume Exhibit and Raphael - Sublime Poetry. Our time was limited and you could easily spend a week at the Met and not see it all.

Both exhibits were crowded - especially Raphael for good reason. First it was a Saturday and second this Raphael exhibit is really a once in a lifetime opportunity as most of the pieces will never leave Italy again. If I lived in New York I would go during the week but not an option for me and I’m feeling fortunate I even got to see it at all! Amazing!

Our next stop was across Central Park to the Museum of Natural History. The park wasn’t too crowded and such a pretty walk. Past statues and ponds with people running and biking and just enjoying the outdoors. I walked through the park again on Sunday and it was packed!

Our goal at the Museum of Natural History was to visit the new dinosaur Apex. It has been quite awhile since I was there and I was totally blown away by the enormous amount of dinosaurs and related displays! We didn’t have a ton of time but did some justice to that area and definitely found Apex. If you have kids that love dinosaurs it is a must see place.

Time to head south and get to our show. Our first choice was to try and see Maybe Happy Ending. It won 6 Tony awards in 2025 - including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Direction, Best Lead Actor etc. We had a backup if we couldn’t get tickets but our luck was strong and we got great seats together. We both loved it. The cast of just 4 performers plus great musicians were all fantastic. It was so cute and clever and the scenery and special effects were phenomenal. I think it’s coming to Chicago late fall and I want to see it again.

We scored poorly on food. Our goal was just eating to stay alive so we grabbed a sandwich on the way to the Met to share and a slice of pizza on the way to the show. We made up for it with great food on Sunday.

Day Two - Sunday. We woke up and were out the door about 9:30 after a good nights sleep. We headed over to the High Line - a public park in Manhattan built on a historic elevated freight rail line that runs from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. It is very cool and features gardens, art installations and wonderful views of the Hudson River and streets in the area. Very close to our hotel too.

When it comes to travel I’m pretty good with transportation and things to do and see. Restaurants overwhelm me and so I was very glad Keeley took on that task. We wanted to have a great brunch before her class and then a delicious dinner and she scored with both. Brunch was in the Meatpacking District at a place called Pastis. Quite French and reminded me of a place I love in Paris. We had a 10:45 reservation so our walk on the High Line took us right there. We both got the Gruyére Omelette with smashed potatoes. If I liked to cook I would be googling a recipe for smashed potatoes. It was all great.

Time to split up. Keeley headed back to the hotel to change for her Peloton class and I headed back up to the upper east side on the subway planning to visit The Frick. I will spare the ridiculous details about how I couldn’t get to the Frick no matter how hard I tried. It was open but inaccessible due to a large Israeli parade that was taking place later that day in the area. All the east west streets were blocked off so I got to within a block of the museum and then sent on a wild goose chase 10 times by different police officers with no success. I finally just had to laugh and remind myself it’s always good to have a reason to return so one of these days I will get to the Frick. Instead I made a visit to the Guggenheim Museum which is a treat. A UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that always has special exhibits. Right now the artist featured is Carol Bove and while I’m not familiar with her art it was interesting. And such a cool building.

Thankfully everything went perfectly for Keeley at Peloton so she had a fabulous memorable time. Only 10 people in this LIVE class because it’s a treadmill bootcamp studio so not a ton of room. She was right by the instructor so on camera much of the time. She had a number of family and friends watching the stream and they could see her clearly. Sounded like a very challenging one hour class but she works out a lot so felt strong throughout. Then before and especially after she got to chat with the instructor and take pictures. Here she is with Jess! Maybe you recognize her as she also is on the sidelines for ESPN for football and basketball.

I headed back across Central Park to get away from the parade crowds and took the subway back down to the hotel to meet Keeley there. She took a shower and we headed down to browse in SoHo. That’s where our dinner reservation was and just a fun place with cool shops and restaurants. Another great find by Keeley - an Italian restaurant called San Carlo Osteria Piemonte. Really felt like we were back in Italy. A small place from the more northern part of Italy. We shared a meatball appetizer, salad with roasted pears, and a homemade pasta with a light tomato sauce. Yumm!

We finished up with a stop at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream which was rated #1 on Wirecutter. I didn’t know that but Keeley enlightened me. Also a stop to pick up a little box of Ladurée macarons from Paris to bring home. Just finished the last one today.

Monday morning we were up and out of the hotel and heading for the train to Newark. A little confusing as the trains were delayed but we made it to our gate with time to swing by Starbucks for coffee and egg bites. An on time safe arrival home. Pretty much a fantastic 48 hours with my best girl. She said she will always remember her Peloton experience but for me it will be the time spent making great memories with her. Thanks for inviting me along Keeley❤️

Baltimore and Washington DC

This will be a mini post. I made a quick trip out to visit a dear friend living in Virginia with the specific purpose of going to the Baltimore Museum of Art to see the Amy Sherald exhibit. You might have heard of her because she did the portrait of Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery - a bold and wonderful choice by my favorite First Lady. The exhibit was supposed to be at the Smithsonian but the current administration decided there were paintings that couldn’t be displayed - so picking and choosing what they wanted to show. That’s not how it usually works when you ask an artist to put an exhibit together. Kind of like inviting a family over but requesting only certain children be included. So the artist decided she wouldn’t show any of her work, but the Baltimore Museum of Art quickly reached out and said they would be honored to show her entire exhibit. As soon as I read that I decided I would travel to Baltimore to see it and support her. I called my friend and asked if she had any interest in joining me and she immediately said yes, but come for longer than just one night which is how this trip came together. Big shout out to Mary Ann and Mike for being the most welcoming hosts. As much as I enjoyed seeing the exhibit and spending a day in DC at the Library of Congress my favorite part was the time spent with them around their kitchen table talking.❤️

Off to Baltimore we went! Just an hour drive from where she lives right outside of DC. I forget how close things are out on the east coast. It was a cloudy drizzly day and parking is not super easy so no picture of the outside of the museum. But just picture a classical art museum 100 years old and that’s basically what it looks like. I had luckily booked our tickets in advance. The museum itself is free but a charge for this special exhibit. It was sold out and they said it has been sold out every day. That made me happy. So if by chance you decide to see it book your ticket if you even can at this point. April 5th is the last day. But its next stop is in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art so if that works for you catch it there.

We both loved the exhibit. About 40 portraits - that’s what Amy Sherald is best known for. They are hung so that you are at eye level with the subjects. The exhibit had good audio accompaniment mostly by the artist herself. These were three of my favorites. Top right is entitled Listen, you a wonder. You a city of a woman. You got a geography of your own. (2016) Bottom left Fact was she knew more about them than she knew about herself, having never had the map to discover what she was like. (2014) Bottom right Planes, Rockets, and the Spaces in Between. (2018)

I wish this exhibit was coming to Chicago. I would see it all again and take friends. Very impactful.

And of course the most famous portrait of all was there❤️

There is a wonderful restaurant at the museum called Gertrude’s but it was packed with a two hour wait. Got to find somewhere else! We had driven by an eclectic place in our search for parking called Paper Moon. The online reviews were good so we decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. An explosion of vintage toys, Pez dispensers, Barbie dolls, and Hot Wheels cars to name just a bit of what is covering every square inch. And the food was delicious!

The goal of our day in DC was really to visit the Library of Congress right across from the Capitol. I love libraries especially after visiting the New York City library in Bryant Park and the British Library in London. Well the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world! It houses more than 175 million items which includes books, other print materials, recordings, photographs, maps, sheet music and manuscripts. The current building opened in 1897 and in 1980 was named for Thomas Jefferson in honor of his role in the Library’s history. Reservations are definitely recommended and if you fill out a request form in advance you can get a library of Congress library card. With your picture on it. Of course I had to have that. Without that library card you can’t get into the Main Reading Room and trust me you would be sad.

Just a few pictures to whet your appetite. Happy to report it is very well maintained and really quite spectacular. Top left ceiling in the Grand Hall. Top right mosaic of Minerva by Elihu Vedder made of glass and gold-leaf mosaic. Bottom left is the huge Main Reading Room. Bottom right one of the many corridors on the lower level. They also have special exhibits. One currently is called The Two Georges - Parallel Lives in an age of Revolution.

Another special place is the Thomas Jefferson Library. In 1814 when the British burned the Capitol and the Congressional Library housed there, Jefferson had the largest personal collection of books in the United States. In fact he loved books so much he almost went broke buying them, so offered to sell his collection to Congress as a replacement. Here is where his original books are kept.

There was a whole brochure of special events you could get tickets for. Writers, musicians, dancers, and many other interesting topics. There were many volunteers available to answer questions, point you in the right direction or make suggestions on other things to see. Such a fun pleasant day. Thank you so much Mary for offering to take me there and show me around.

Right across the park is the Capitol. Standing tall and beautiful. A symbol of democracy around the world. I pray we can still say that in the years to come. 🇺🇸

Goodbye 2025🥳

2025 is ending BIG for me. My grandson was born at the very end of the year and I am so happy he is here! He is healthy and doing well and so is his amazing mom. If you’re keeping track that’s two grandsons for me woohoo! I grew up with all brothers so that is perfect.

Tom and Anna are doing great. Very busy with a two year old and now a baby but they are a team and make it all work out. While I wish I lived closer I love visiting them in North Carolina. I made 4 trips there this year and each one was a blast. My first born grandson brings me boundless joy. He is so bright and inquisitive and fun! I guess now with two my joy will double❤️❤️

Keeley and Matt are right here in town so I’m fortunate to get to see them often. They also are busy working, taking care of their sweet dog Monica, and keeping in excellent shape. Keeley did her first mini triathlon this year and Matt and I were there to cheer for her. They did a 10K trail run together and then Keeley ran the Chicago Marathon in October for the second time but her 4th total marathon. Matt planned out where we could see her 4 times on the course to support her and it went smoothly. It was a perfect day in the most beautiful city in the world and she finished strong.

Her best training buddy is Monica. She’s such a sweet dog and I am the number one dog sitter so we are good pals. She weighs 60 pounds but likes to be right next to you on the couch.

I don’t spend much time mulling over the past. I much prefer looking forward which is why I think I like New Year’s Day so much. It’s a new beginning and the whole year stretches ahead of you full of possibilities. I have some fun things in the works for 2026. More travel. More Frank Lloyd Wright. More reading. More time with my favorite people - family and friends. I just celebrated my 70th birthday and while I feel great I know that could change in a second so going to do my best to live with that in mind.

The end of the year is the one time I take just a few minutes and reflect back on the last year. The high points for the most part but there were a couple of low points this year as well. It happens to everyone. One of my favorite first cousins passed away very unexpectedly in September. He was on a wonderful trip with his amazing wife in Europe and died getting off the plane in Florence. We were all in such shock. Concerned about his poor wife in Italy navigating his death and even though she is a super competent person a tough situation. We had all just been at their wonderful home on a lake in North Carolina in June for a big family reunion they hosted. He was just 74 years old. There was an amazing service in early November that many in the family attended so sharing our sadness was helpful. I still can’t believe he is gone but we are blessed still by our close relationship with his wife, children and their spouses. It’s hard to live every day like there is no tomorrow but at least I want to live with no regrets.

Just a recap of a few fun trips I took. February was out to Arizona for a few days in Phoenix where I visited Taliesen West. I’m a huge Wright fan so that was definitely a bucket list item. It did not disappoint.

Then part two was Sedona for a hiking and yoga retreat. There were 9 of us and I was invited to join by my friend Joy from KC. She was the only person I knew but everyone was lovely and we had a great time. Beautiful scenery on the daily hikes. Relaxing wonderful yoga every night. The most delicious healthy meals cooked for us by the amazing Julie! Can’t we stay longer than 4 days? Loved it!

May was a wonderful mother daughter trip to Naples Italy and hiking the Amalfi Coast. The hike was 9 days so we were gone two weeks and it was so gorgeous. We did the trip with an adventure travel company I had used for the Alps hike in Sept of 2023 called Mt Sobek. The scenery, food, hikes, and boat rides were all wonderful. The time in Naples was on our own and we really enjoyed it. It’s where pizza was invented so what’s not to love! If you want more detail check out my archive and read all about it. Here we are on the Lemon Trail where lemons grow as big as your head!😂

June was our family reunion in North Carolina which was wonderful. Then I flew straight to Seattle for a two week Pacific Northwest extravaganza with my sorority sisters from the University of Illinois. Seattle to Union Washington to Portland Oregon to Hood River Oregon and back to Seattle. Action packed and memories for a lifetime. Here we are on Bainbridge Island visiting the famous troll. Thanks to Kim and Nancy for hosting and planning - and to my high school friend Pam and her husband Lance for retrieving me in Oregon and taking me back for a few days at their amazing home in Gig Harbor. Then out to the ocean with my brother David. Does anyone have it better than me?

July was all about my move. I wanted to buy a condo in the town (it’s actually the largest village in the world) that I love but had a very specific wish list. Luckily I had a great realtor that really understood what I wanted and didn’t waste both of our time seeing places that weren’t close. So I’m super happy and really love everything about my new place. I’m no stranger to moving and since unlike most people my age I moved into a place quite a bit larger than where I was living the move went really smoothly. But a move is a move so even if you’re only moving 6 blocks all your stuff still has to be packed. But it’s been fun to buy some new things and really make it my home.

August was a fun trip back to Kansas City. The purpose was a special wedding that was amazing, but gave me an opportunity to see a number of great friends. Big shoutout to Joy and Marsha and Randy for hosting me in their beautiful homes, and letting me treat it like a high end hotel and coming and going as I pleased. I still miss KC and all my great friends so thanks to everyone who accommodated my fairly inflexible plan to see as many people as possible.

October was a somewhat spur of the moment trip by myself to London. I have been wanting to go back since I was there for just a few days in 2011, and still had so much I wanted to see and do. Airfares were fairly low and it’s a direct flight from Chicago that takes just a little over 7 hours. I checked off almost everything on my list but really enjoyed it so much I might make another trip back and extend my time and see more of the country. To be determined. I blogged the whole time I was there so if you want details - like about where to get the best donut in the world - click the archive and read all about it!

November sadly was a trip to North Carolina for my cousin John’s funeral. A bit of a silver lining was that in addition to getting to see many of my family members I was able to stay a bit longer and spend time with my son and his family pre new baby arrival. I will take every chance I get to do that.

December was a planned trip to North Carolina to celebrate my 70th birthday with both my kids. That did take place but prior to it by two weeks my daughter threw a surprise party for me that I’m still in shock over! I’ve never had a surprise party in my life and I had zero suspicion so when I say I am still recovering I mean it. She could not have done a better job. She somehow invited friends and family from so many aspects of my life. 5 of my dearest friends came from Kansas City! Friends from Wright, from high school, from college, from post college, family. She had it at a beautiful historic home here that she knows I love. Great food, flowers, balloons, my favorite cake (chantilly cream from Whole Foods. Life changing). It was the best surprise ever and she is the most amazing daughter. Love you Keeley! And everyone who helped to make it so special. No one blew the surprise!

Then got to spend my actual birthday with both my kids, Anna and my grandson in North Caroline. Two wonderful celebrations that fill me with gratitude for all the wonderful people that surround me.

In addition to those special times I had a number of trips to one of my most favorite places - Lake Geneva Wisconsin. I can’t remember a single time when I was invited up that I ever said no. Not far away so an easy drive but I am transported to an idyllic place where all my concerns take a back seat and I can just enjoy nature and good friendship and fun. Thank you to Cindy and Peggy for the invitations to share your slices of heaven.

I also made a number of day trips to see some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s beautiful architecture. Penwern in Wisconsin, Meyer May in Grand Rapids, SE Johnson andWingspread in Racine Wisconsin, the Allen House in Wichita when I was visiting Kansas City, the Dana Thomas in Springfield Illinois to name a few.

I read a lot. 55 books to be exact. And my want-to-read list just keeps getting longer and longer. That’s a good thing. I have made it a tradition to post my top three books from the year. It’s always challenging but this year especially so. My first list of favorites which was even hard to narrow down to was 9 books! I’m going to stick to 3 so here they are after much hand wringing and anguish.

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

• Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

• The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

So it’s a wrap on 2025. While it was all in all a good year for me I think often of something I read by ullie-kaye a poet. “Grief can share a heart with gratitude.” I don’t think 2025 was a good year for the country I love and many people living here and around the world. We can and need to do much better. My word for 2026 is HOPE. But as a verb. Hope as a verb is a belief that we have the power to make the future better. I’m going to continue to do all I can to support people and actions to make the future better not just for my grandsons but for everyone’s children and grandchildren. Hello 2026!