Joan and the Lake

While visiting with his parents in Buffalo this past September, Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to the theatre in the postcard pretty town of Niagara on the Lake, Canada. It is about an hours drive from Buffalo. Felt funny having to bring your passport to get into Canada but these are different times. On a lovely September evening we attended The Shaw Festival production of Saint Joan. Light hearted fare it was not but very very well done. I really enjoyed it and what a great theatre!

Prior to curtain up we walked around NOTL a bit (Niagara On The Lake- to those in the know!) and then had an interesting do- it- yourself dinner at The Tetley. We each ordered a selection of meats to cook on individual hot polished stones. The raw meats were then brought to our table with a selection of dipping sauces which we cooked ourselves on our little stones, (with potatoes and veggies that we didn’t have to thankfully also cook). I am normally not a fan of meals where I have to do the work (I like my clams out of the shells on my pasta, thank you very much!) but this was fun and felt vaguely healthy. We skipped the fondue dessert. I guess we were exhausted by then! It was definitely a different type of meal. Still we didn't have to do the dishes! It was then onto the theatre.....

Saint Joan, was written in 1923, by George Bernard Shaw shortly after the Roman Catholic Church canonized Joan of Arc. The play is based on what is known of her life and is the personification of the tragic heroine. A very tough part to play and many have failed. Succeed with this one and you can call your self a real actress. Tara Rosling as Joan did a fine job with the role and I think Jeff managed to stay awake most of the time. Poor guy, he has to sleep when he can! I won't even mention the passport mix up story.....

Grounds for Sculpture

While visiting Staten Island, I went to lunch and had an art outing in NJ. Scoff as you may at the thought of there being culture in NJ - it does exist. The old NJ State Fairgrounds has done something very unique with its old buildings and landscaping.They made it into an art center. Opening in 1992, the Grounds for Sculpture occupies about thirty-five acres of land providing a beautiful setting for art. Who knew? After a very nice lunch in Rats restaurant with Aunt Fran, Uncle Joe, my cousin Linda and her energetic daughter Kate (whom I absolutely adore!) we strolled through the grounds on a very warm summer afternoon. What a fabulous place. If you are ever near Hamilton,NJ you must go. The grounds are immaculately manicured and the art varied. There is something for everyone.

Sweet Deanna

One of the main reasons for my trip to the US was to attend a Sweet 16 party for someone I am especially fond of; my cousin Denise’s daughter Deanna. Dee is one of the nicest kids you would ever want to meet. Not only is she sweet, beautiful, funny and very genuine: she is an excellent dancer and knows how to pose for a picture. When I am in NYC I never miss a chance to visit the A family. They always make me feel welcome and it is always great to be with them, (Thanks to Ebby who gives up her bed for me!)
Deanna, sister Ebby along with their mom visited my home in London this past summer and we went on to have a blast in Ireland (more on this later!). While in Ireland, Deanna taught us the Chicken Noodle Soup dance, a feat I got to repeat at the party ( I should have practiced more!)

A lovely hall in Brooklyn, my cousin Denise and her husband Donald put on an excellent party with a Mardi Gras theme. Deanna looked princess like in her dress and tiara. Jeff and I were honored when we were asked to light one of the candles on her birthday cake.The food and music was terrific but the best part was the in-gathering of family members. It was great to share memories and laugh again with cousins Bruce, Cindy and George. It was a night that went by much too quickly.

George, Bruce & Jeff

George and Terry

Brother & Sister: Uncle Austin & Aunt Rose

Uncle Austin, Bruce & Aunt Ro!

Back in the saddle again - well almost.

It has taken me a week to get back into my life in London and start writing this blog again. I have been in the USA with family and friends since the end of August. What a time it was! I traveled to NYC, Long Island, Buffalo, Florida, Canada and Texas.(I even spent the better part of a day in the Nashville Airport). I caught up with family and some very special friends. I had a great time partying, shopping and visiting. I celebrated my 28th wedding anniversary in St. Augustine, Florida and the birthdays of four people whom I hold very dear.

I managed to spend a lot of money shopping for a new floor for the Venice House, clothes and other shiny things! I should own stock in National Car rental and Jetblue airlines!

Life was not without it’s heartbreak though as I witnessed the complete collapse of the NY Mets, gained about 10 pounds, watched the Tottenham Hotspurs collapse into 17^th place in the tables and Lewis Hamilton lose the F1 championship. I am off sports for a while, this hasn't been my year! I also missed my daughter moving into her first house.

Life such as it is! I miss NYC but I am glad to be back in London where my daughters and cats reside!