A Day in NYC

Barry sympathizing with a local.

As you can see from this photo - Barry was ready to take a break after 2 days at Toy Fair in late February. Since we were in NYC, we decided to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art where I got to indulge in its fabulous Egyptian exhibits:

Egyptian Temple

Barry had lots of fun with the statuary, but this was his favorite one, though:

Statue at the Met

I know there's some sort of mythology behind this, which Barry knows, but I just can't remember what it was. Something about the guy being condemned to starving to death and his sons insisting that they be eaten to save their dad. Quite twisted, if you ask me.

After spending a great morning and early afternoon at the museum, we were museum'ed out and decided to head south to his favorite place - Tiffanies! Along the way, I convinced him to allow us to talk through Central Park after PROMISING him that we weren't going to be mugged... After all, it was during the Gates exhibit (which no one understood, but it was still neat to see).


The Gates.

During our walk through the park, we had a celebrity moment - we walked right past Dianne Wiest who was taking an afternoon stroll. I told Barry about it as soon as I could without looking like a complete tourist loser, and he was ready to run after her to say hello. Fortunately, I was able to convince him not to do that since she probably didn't come walking through the park to be accosted by passersby.

Finally, though, after a delightful walk through the park, and passing by the Bronx Zoo, we made it to Barry's Mecca:

Why is this man smiling?

Yes, we stopped off in Tiffanys, where Barry was more than helpful in picking out future Xmas, anniversary and birthday gifts for him. After a quick run around inside, we continued on to see the Disney store, St. Pats Cathedral, and Rockefeller Square before heading back to the hotel. A full day that resulted in BOTH of us collapsing exhausted in the room!

Accessory for EVERY vehicle!

Do YOU have YOUR Trunk Monkey???

World of Warcraft - Vindicated!

My Dwarven Hunter flying to a new destination.

So, I've taken a LOT of ridicule for my geeky ways. Well, that can finally end - it seems that my passion and obsession has been legitimized!!! Check out NPR - how much more legitimate can you get from that???

Toy Fair 2005

In late February, I went with Barry, his brother and his father to Toy Fair in NYC. Toy Fair is a very important event for any retailer of toys or related merchandise; you get to see the latest gadgets, dolls, games, etc. for the upcoming season.


Clown Band Opening Toy Fair.

Javits Center teeming with people on the first day of Toy Fair.

The vendors pull out all the stops, with extravagant displays, and celebrities to boot! Why, even Marie Osmond turned out for this event - of course, she owns a very successful doll company that features many dolls of her own design.


At Toy Fair meeting Marie Osmond.

One vendor even had one of the original munchkins from The Wizard of Oz. It was very surreal to see this withered gnome who is still recognizable sitting behind the folding table of a vendor in the back end of the Fair where many of the companies were from Hong Kong...

This is March Madness...

View from the back.

View from the front porch.


While Barry was complaining about yet ANOTHER snow storm this season (and on his birthday, no less!), I took the time to snap these pictures. I don't know about Barry, but I think THIS is the reason I love to live in the country. Now to get a car that can actually DRIVE in it...

Let the Season be Bright

Xmas Lights in Snow

So here's the promised picture of the house decorated for Xmas. Strand of lighted garland draping across the front acting as an achor to the lit artificial tree decorated with silver garland. To top it off, a white light in each window!

I'm feeling festive!

Land of Misfits

Xmas Tree and Village

In many ways, the fact that we have set up a small Land of Misfit Toys Christmas village in our bay window is a fitting reminder of how out of place I sometimes feel in the country. Yes, I love my house and, yes, we have been (mostly) accepted into the neighborhood. But still - to have so much fashionably good taste in the middle of Windham country? Truly misfits. :)

Anyway - the tree is just lovely. Crystal and silver garland, white lights and ornaments colored in various shades of purple and white. And its my first live tree in many years - thanks to Todd and Melissa to letting me know when they were going out to cut their tree - I was able to hitch a ride and we went to a local tree farm in Brooklyn.

We even bought some pre-lit garland for the front of the house - it is draped across the front of the farmer's porch - I'll see if I can get a picture to come out of that. We also took my artificial tree, strung it with lights and silver garland and put that to one side on the porch. We even have white lights for the windows in front. Very pretty indeed!

Now all we need is for a good snowfall before Christmas. (I know - I know - becareful what you wish for!!!)

Our First Snow

The House with Its White Coat

Our Neighbor Jean's House and Barn

This is the scene we woke up to this morning -- Winter has arrived a bit early! I'm running around all romantic like, thoroughly enjoying the beauty and splendor of first snow in Chaplin CT. Barry's grousing about how much he hates snow and how on EARTH is he going to get out with over 6 inches on the ground (it's probably about 2 inches, but the TV News said Chaplin got upwards of 4).

Regardless, my good spirits are NOT dampened and its absolutely GORGEOUS.