After the Grad trip, it was Gramma and Gramps time. There would be even more museums and FIVE more plays! But first – time to celebrate 79 wonderful years here on earth and the continued ability to enjoy life and all it brings with it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY G!!!

And before being drug through more museums, a visit to something meaningful in a musician’s life. A walk up Central Park South to The Dakota – one of NYC’s most iconic and storied addresses. Notable residents have included Judy Garland, Lauren Bacall, Rosemary Clooney, Leonard Bernstein, Roberta Flack and John Lennon lived in the building from 1972 until his death in 1980.

OK – time for more antiquities. Welcome to The Met Cloisters. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art sits on a hilltop in Fort Tryon Park with commanding views of the Hudson River and is devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. The collection of George Grey Barnard forms the nucleus of the collection on display here. Barnard traveled extensively in France, where he purchased medieval sculpture and architectural elements which were incorporated into the fabric and structure of the Cloisters building. Thank you to John D. Rockefeller Jr. who provided for the building, the land and the acquisition of Barnard’s collection.

Within the cloisters, the capstones of the pillars and other components come from monasteries in France including one at Tarbes. The herb garden contains more than 250 species cultivated in the Middle Ages and is the primary teaching garden of The Met Cloisters. The views from the cloisters and gardens across the Hudson River are fantastic! In fact, Rockefeller wanted to be sure this view stayed this way without development across the river. Therefore he purchased 100’s of acres across the river to ensure the view into the future.

Over to Park Avenue and The Guggenheim – perhaps Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site this building is an architectural icon. The building is as much of an attraction as the art contained in it. Treasures found in the collection here include Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and modern French masterpieces such as Degas, Manet and Van Gogh. Special exhibits are housed in the circular gallery – Carol Bove was the highlight of this visit.

Further up Park Avenue is a wonderful museum housed in the residence of Henry Clay Frick, a steel magnet, who bequeathed his home and collection for the enjoyment of the public. Unfortunately, pictures were only allowed in the atrium of the home – but that can give you a feel for how exquisite the facility is. And, a new addition to the museum houses a delicious Cafe for lunch. Don’t miss the Cafe or the Museum.

Now – those FIVE more plays. Maybe Happy Ending, Ragtime, The Fear of 13, Oh, Mary and Buena Vista Social Club kept us busy almost every night.

The Fear of 13 was NOT a musical. It was a very heavy play staring Adrien Brody and was excellent as it told the true story of a man sent to death row for 22 years before DNA determined his innocence. A must see if you are in NY.

The weather finally warmed up which allowed a walk along the High Line – a railroad bed turned into a walkway with incredible artwork and plantings to entertain along the way.

One last look at Central Park with all the trees in full bloom and it was time to say goodbye for this trip. We were off to Wilmington, NC to see niece Demi.

Demi had worked hard to drum up an itinerary to keep us busy and fed. There were some new sights for us and a few seen before – as they were her favs!!

The Aquarium at the point of Cape Fear was quite interesting and provided a fun photo op – –

Her very favs are the beaches around her environs – Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach, which also includes her favorite coffee shop;-)

The dinner spots were excellent with views of the river, inland water ways and old town Wilmington.

Suddenly, it was time to say goodbye to Demi and the east coast. Phoenix was calling.

Back home it was the usual hiking on Fridays with our community, golfing on Mondays and Thursdays (with whoever would golf with us!) and walking, dining, etc. etc. etc.

A new community activity is Bocci Ball. This particular day an owl was the spectator – until everyone wanted to see the owl!!

Weather had finally warmed up so everyone was out to enjoy. Even the rattlers!! Yikes!

Hard to believe it is almost June. Soon off to CA for two graduations with one more grad trip. The first five months have flown by – but they have been enjoyable months. Even fairly cool for Phoenix, except for one little stint in March;-(

E & G – still enjoying life and looking forward to that looooong cruise beginning in July;-)