20,000 at The Metropolitan Museum of Natural History

A visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Natural History is always a good bet when company comes, but on this day when many kids were on spring break, we waited 20 minutes with a huge crowd just to get in. Once inside, ticketing was a hot mess--shoulder to shoulder in a very large, echoing room.

Fortunately we located the self-serve ticket station where the line was manageable and avoided another long wait. Amazingly, once we got inside the museum section, we didn't feel crowded--well, except when we got lunch at the cafe.

On the subway trip home, an MMNH worker told us the museum had 20,000 visitors that day, not uncommon for a holiday.

The Architectural Digest Design Show

WOW! So glad I went to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show at 55th and 12th on Pier 55.

A WALL OF HERSHEY'S KISSES THAT YOU CAN EAT !

When It's Cold and Rainy. . .

If you only have a few blocks to walk, but it's cold, windy and rainy, I suggest you hop into a bike taxi. For about a dollar a block you can get there like those little babies you see bundled up in their cozy strollers with wind-breaking plastic as cover. This was one of my most enjoyed moments when a friend visited recently.

The Designer's in the Store!

While shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, my friend was trying on a number of dresses that were perfect for her, and the gal helping us said that the designer was in the store! We got to meet Nanette Lepore and talk to her about her dresses. Guess what? She's from Ohio, too.

New York Window Display at The Rock

What is the name of that clothing store that I love that has the most amazing window displays at Rockefeller Center? Why can't I ever think of that name. It begins with an A.

More MOMA Art

El Anatsui. Bleeding Takari II. 2007

This is the kind of stuff I like. I love to see how artists are able to put together common household items and create art. I think I remember this is made of smashed bottle caps. Don't quote me.

MOMA Impressionist's Paintings

You learned about them in art class or have seen them on notecards: the ubiquitous images of the Impressionist painters. What you don't realize is how different they vary in size. This Rousseau takes up a whole wall while the Van Gogh could find a spot in your guest bathroom. A visit to the Modern Museum of Art is a fine thing.

Sidewalk Buffet

A colorful buffet being set up for actors and crew members of a soon-to-be-shot film on the streets of Manhattan. Usually they block off the street. The trailer in the background may hold a famous person.

Best Nachos

I thought I'd found the best nachos in the city at a place in Hunter's Point (Queens) until I came to this Park Slope (Brooklyn) bar which I will not be able to name because I can't remember it but it's across from the Goorin Hat Shop if that helps. (Nice run-on sentence, yes?)

Ignazio's in DUMBO

Did I post this picture already? Oh well, it's worth a second look if I did, of this beautiful Ignazio's pizza shot from indoors with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.

Long Island Community Boathouse

Every now and then I look out my 17th floor apartment overlooking the East River and see people paddling in the river! They are part of a volunteer community to connect East Queens residents with their surrounding ecology called the Long Island Community Boathouse. It's free. Do you dare me?

Dogs on Sofa

On the first day of my son's visit to our Cincinnati home with his dogs, the rule is no dogs on the sofa. This is what it's like the second day. Ha ha. Can anyone relate? 

Terry's Turf Club in Cincinnati

After living in New York City a while, I realize how remiss I have been in discovering new things outside my suburb of Cincinnati. Terry's Turf Club is an example of the interesting things you miss if you keep eating at chain restaurants. My son took us to Terry's Turf Club on the east side of the city recently. It was a cold day, but there was a small heated area where we waited along with 20 or so other hungry customers. Great food and good times. Guy Fieri actually taped a show here last summer. I bet he didn't have to wait.