New York Summer

So far our first new York summer has not been kind. Sunny days with cool breezes are yet to arrive. The last few weeks have consistent of temperatures in the 30's with 90% humidity, combined with daily rain showers that flood the streets and sidewalks.

Just when you think the sun is coming out, you get hit with a down pour!

As a result, I have broken out in a heat rash, and for obvious reasons will not be attaching a photo.

In a nutshell, I am feeling puffy, itchy and hot!

Night out with the Cunninghams

On Saturday night we joined the Cunningham's for a night out at the Australian pub, 8 Mile Creek. We enjoyed Coopers Pale Ale, Clare Valley Shiraz and some burgers with fried egg & beetroot..............always hits the spot!

Yankee Stadium

Friday night, we were joined by Peachy & Co for a night out at the new Yankee Stadium.

We had great seats, and little vertigo, and the Yankee beat out Oakland by a mile.

Good times!

Die hard fans!

Peking Duck at Ping's

Last night, I joined Mary and her parents who are visiting from Texas for Peking Duck at Pings in Chinatown. I must admit after 6 years of no meat, our trip to France threw me from the wagon when it came to Confit de Conard. It is fair to say, duck has become my 'meat-of-choice' if only rarely.
The meal was delicious, and the duck did not stand a chance!

Peachy & Co

Last night we were delighted to catch up with John, and his two boys, James and Tom, visiting from Australia.

Peachy (aka John) and Curly (aka David) used to work together back in Sydney, so it was wonderful seeing a familiar face and hearing the accent!

We hit a local Mexican place in the East Village called La Palapa, and enjoyed the $5 margarita Tuesday night special!

Home again home again

After a jammed packed 3 days we said our farewells to Candy and Conner, and headed back to the big smoke.

But not without one last Texan beer at the airport!





















Cheers!

Club No Minors

After an exhausting day, we headed to another favourite local hot spot 'El Patio'. It is a infamous little Tex -Mex joint, and has been around since the 1960's and is most know for the sign on the front door saying 'No Minors'. As this is situated right under the sign for 'Club', it has been know ever since as "Club No Minors" to the locals.

Pee's Memorial Service.

Saturday at 11am we gathered at St John's The Divine for the Memorial Service for Peggy Elliot. It was a lovely service, with David and Conner both giving readings.

It was great to see many familiar faces come all the way to Houston to support the family, and join us afterwards to share memories and say good-bye.

What a good looking family!

David and his two best buds from school, Amir and Andrew.















We also got a visit from Andrew & Debbie's baby boy, Charlie!!




















Too cute!

Dinner at Molina's

After a relaxing day of mostly eating, we headed to one of David' favourite Mexican restaurant in Houston: Molina's. We were joined by Candy's school friends Diane and Sally, who is Mary's mum!

We had some great food and drinks, and it was lovely to meet and spend time with some of Candy's old friends.

Diane, Candy & Sally.

Me and my bubb!

Weekend in Houston

Late Thursday night, we jumped on a plane and headed to Houston TX for Pee's Memorial Service. After a bumpy flight and a sleep-in on Friday, we headed out to visit some old favourite's........James Coney Island! They serve the best hotdogs served with chilli in Texas, on specially made local rolls to ensure the chilli stays put!

Happy Anniversary Andrew & Debbie

July 15, 2009 marked the 3 year wedding anniversary of Debbie & Andrew - congratulations!

My first trip to the USA with David was for Debbie & Andrew wedding, so they hold a special place in my heart and we wish them many more years of happiness together.

It was wonderful that they were in New York and we were able to celebrate this milestone together!

Cheers!

Bastille Day

In honour of Bastille Day - and all things French - last night we headed to Paris Commune in the West Village.

It also marked the 3 year anniversary of Debbie & I meeting, so cheers to us!
















And cheers to our handsome husbands!

















davide venir ici et kiss me mon petit canard!!

















After some champagne, onion soup, cheese and French fries we headed home via some shenanigans in the cab!

















Riding up front and making my own fun!

Lombardi's Pizza

Last night we went to Lombardi's Pizza in NoLita. According to the locals, Lombardi's was the first American pizzeria, and the use of cola fired ovens is the reason many consider it to be the best pizza in NYC. The long lines can attent to this!




















After a short wait, we eagerly awaited the arrival of our pepperoni and white pizza. They were so good we ate both before taking a shopshot, so you have some more photos of these two handsome couples instead!
















Say cheese!

Guggenheim & Central Park

Sunday morning we re-fuelled over brunch at the trendy Zabar's spin-off, Taste, on the Upper East Side.
















We then headed towards the Guggenheim Museum to see the Frank Lloyd Wright Exhibition: From Within Outward. It was extremely interesting, as FLW was the architect that designed the Guggenheim.




















Audio guides.......check!




















It was a magificent collection of sketches, detailed drawings, 3D models, videos, construction notes, all in part due to the 50th anniversary celebration of the Guggenheim opening on October 21 1959. Clearly all great things happen on October 21, 1959 - or at the least October 21, 1980!

Afterwards we walked over to Central Park, and along the Jacqueline Onassis Reservoir..................

...... thru the main arena, over to the Belvedere Castle.............

...............thru the ramble, up to the Boat Pond, and finishing up at the Alice in Wonderland monument.........exhausted!

Wi-fi, Cable & Phone Connection

Saturday afternoon signalled the arrival of Andrew from Texas, the connection of our wireless internet, cable installation and new phone line! Whewwwww

However we had some minor technical difficulties which the boys took upon themselves to sort.................




















................several hours later we headed to dinner :)

Brunch at Arte Cafe

Saturday morning before Susan & Trish had to grab their respective flights home, we grabbed once last meal at Arte Cafe on the Upper West Side. It was a fantastic way to send the girls off, aided and abetted by the all you can drink champers!
















David and his favorite girl from Texas!















Foxy ladies.................slightly intoxicated!

Girls Night Out

This week Debbie our friend from Texas was in town with some girlfriends, Donna, Trish and Susan. After some sight seeing they joined us in the East Village Italian restaurant Barbone, for some drinks and dinner.

It was fabulous seeing Debbie enjoying herself, the city and the summer, all whilst Charlie was being looked after by the grandparents :)

Plus the added treat was seeing Susan and Trish both of which I meet at Debbie & Andrew's wedding almost 3 years ago. We can barely believe what has happened since then......our engagement & wedding, their new baby Charlie and our move to New York!

Andrew will be joining us later in the week, till then more shenanigans....

4th of July

Saturday was the 4th of July Independence Day, a celebration of the nations independence. It is the national day of the United States, and is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, BBQ's, picnic and all other things USA!

Falling on Saturday this year we got the Friday off from work, and after the excitement of Wicked we spend the day relaxing and preparing for the festivities on Saturday.

On Saturday Mick, Erin, Davis and Miles drove in from Westchester to enjoy the benefits of knowing some of the few people in NY to have access to a pool!

Water babies!

Erin later confessed she was freezing!

After some splashing we headed back to 26A for some hotdogs, hamburgers, beer, and other themed-out food before the boys (and some of the adults) crashed for an afternoon nap.

We were joined later in the afternoon by Mary and Walter, before enjoying copious amounts of red white & blue dessert!

Wicked!

On Thursday night, we headed off to Broadway to see Wicked - The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz. Having seen Wizard of Oz, read the book Wicked, and the sequel Son of a Witch, I was extremely excited to see the Emerald City come to life!

This was heightened by the fact, it is near impossible to get tickets for the show without giving up your first born. Thankfully Walter, had contacts through his work and was able to not only get us seats - but right up the front!

We had a fabulous evening, and were blown away by the sets, music, singing and twist and turns in the plot. I would highly recommend it!

It was an excellent way to start the long weekend!