Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
My Skinny Tree in a Sleigh
I have sure missed blogging with everyone but after I returned from New York with my family it seems that I have been full steam ahead.
I hope that you all are ready for Christmas.
I must say that I was on top of things this season. All my decorating and most every gift was taken care of before Thanksgiving this year. YAY! Of course I have had tons of piddly things to do but have enjoyed the holidays for sure.
We had such a blast in New York. This was my first trip and I am so glad that I was able to spend this time with my three daughters, three oldest grandgirls and my sweet friend Kim who is also my daughter Melissa's motherinlove.
We left on a Tuesday morning and I got home on Saturday morning around 1:15. We did so much in a short amount of time. I can't even begin to tell you all that we done. Two of my daughter's had been to New York so knew the ropes pretty much. THANK THE LORD they did because this country gal would still be standing there waiting on someone to help me! LOL!
Not quite sure I have ever seen such Christmas beauty as I did in New York. But not quite sure I have ever seen such fast pace lifestyles either! WHOA! I truly do love my quieter lifestyle for sure.
This was the most beautiful church ever!
Grandgirls ice skated while Nana had Belgium hot chocolate! BEST EVER!
Statue of Liberty
New York Library
You could spend hours in this massive library! The detail to architect and beauty was amazing.
I LOVE Christmas and needless to say New York was filled with Christmas!
Rockefeller Plaza
When our plane landed and we got to our hotel room as soon as our luggage was in the room we hit the ground running. The hotel was in downtown Manhattan and very nice. We were greeted with bottled water and our choice of snacks. A full breakfast was served every morning. But, my favorite part was that they had coffee, hot chocolate and cookies 24-7! LOL!
Central Park
I was blown out of the water at just how large Central Park is!
We covered quite a few shops. Each one decorated so lovely. Of course Macy's was my favorite. That was an outing all on its own! I love how each window was decorated differently. I could have spent hours in Macy's.
Skyline
My three beauties.
YEP, a girl can sure wish...right?
My girls asked me what did I really wanted to do while in New York. I told them that my goal was to see the Rockettes and to have a slice of New York Pizza! Well, I can tell you that I would fly back to New York again JUST to see the Rockettes. I can't even put into words at just how wonderful that production was. It was not only beautifully done but simply phenomenal! And....that pizza was the best I have ever had! OR...I was mighty hungry by the time I got it!
We had snow one morning and oh did that ever add the magic to our trip. We all got so excited that we ran out of the hotel without our jackets! I have a couple of great videos of the snow that morning.
Empire State Building
At the Friends Fountain from the show "Friends" in Central Park
I felt so blessed to be able to share this special time with these girls.
First time on the subway. I have had so many tell me they wouldn't ride the subway because they were afraid. Well, either I don't have enough sense to be afraid or it just honestly didn't bother me. I actually loved the subway!
The Christmas tree in our hotel.
911. Very moving...........Counted my blessings.
YES............was so delicious with a cup of coffee.
I carried little gifts in my suitcase for everyone. Socks in case they needed an extra pair, flavored chap stick to keep their lips from getting so wind burned and of course hot chocolate! But, we had all the hot chocolate we could drink provided by our hotel.
This is what I knew I would need when I returned home from New York....
The American Girl Doll store was a joy as I am truly a kid at heart. My granddaughter Kyleigh had been saving her money since her birthday in May and she bought a doll named Luciana. My mercy the things you can buy for these dolls! We had Luciana's ears pierced...yes, you can do that there. And...there is a beautician on staff to fix their hair if you desire. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
We surely enjoyed our time together. We covered lots of shopping areas, out to eat and some of the best food ever. We even had so much food left over one night that we stopped and gave it to a homeless man. My prayer was he would feel full and blessed.
We all shared that big boy!
Oh and I did get some roasted chestnuts. I've seen too many hallmark movies so had to try them. They weren't nearly as good as they make them look on TV! LOL!
Everyone made a list of what they truly wanted to do in New York and we done them all.
Macy's
Mail letters to Santa at Macy's
New York Library
National Museum of Natural History
Rockettes
Empire State Building
Ferry to the Statue of Liberty
Ice skating
Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller Center
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show
American Girl Doll Store
Central Park
Subway
New York Pizza
Juniors Famous Cheesecake
911
St. Patrick's Cathedral
I am sure I am leaving something out! Girls, it took me two days to get over that trip! LOL! I was so tired by the time I got home that I think I passed out before hitting my pillow! There is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
There's things that should I go back to New York I wouldn't care to do again. But, there are some things that oh yes, I would do again for sure. However, no offense to anyone but I can assure you that I would never want to live in New York. I love the simplicity of my life. New York is one beautiful city at Christmas and the memories made was worth every single STEP I took....which was a LOT!!!
I think my feet and legs are still in shock!
The next time I go to New York, I plan to do a few new things....and I surely will get a slice of that New York Pizza again!
I pray that you all have a Merry Christmas and a most wonderful New Year. May God bless you in a mighty way.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
What a wonderful post!!! I can assure you-we here in western NY do not live in a fast paced world. Only the "city" my friend. I am so glad you had a wonderful time. Welcome home and I agree, There is no place like home, smiles.
ReplyDeleteI just adore your skinny tree, smiles. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
Lida, I heard that Manhattan was the busiest part of New York and that the outer skirts of New York was not. Which I did see that for myself as we went through Queens. It was nothing compared to Manhattan. I was telling my girls that you were about 6 hours away from us. Wish we had of been closer!
DeleteCindy, I loved all your great pictures of the time in NYC. I want to return there one day. Your family is full of pretty women. :) Blessings for a Merry Christmas to all of you. xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie. I would love to go back one day again. I want to see some of those broadway shows. But I must say, The Christmas light festival was wonderful and the Rockettes...my fav.
DeleteOh Cindy, I am not surprised that you were tired after the great time you had in NYC. It's wonderful how you and your family have such amazing times together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Christmas wishes and A VERY Happy Christmas to you and yours!!
We truly do enjoy one another and we had a most wonderful time.
DeleteI loved reading about your trip. You gals certainly accomplished a lot in a short time. It is a fast paced city that never sleeps and it wears me out when I go but I love it (would not want to live there either). I thought of you when it started snowing! I'm so glad you got to experience it in NYC. The subway (and walking) is the way to go in NYC and it's not bad at all! You've given me a few ideas of what I still need to do there. Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday!
ReplyDeleteWe did a lot on that trip. I was shocked at how a walk to a particular destination might take 6 minutes versus a 26 minute cab ride and that did not include waiting on the cab! Traffic was just that crazy. However Heather Lou...my next trip....I think I may need a whole day in the hotel for down time! LOL!
DeleteI love your tree. I have a skinny tree too and love it. I decided to put a small one in my kitchen this year. You inspired me. I am so glad that you enjoyed NY with the girls. The pictures are great. I am not sure I could hold out for all that walking!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Cindy.
Connie Royals
Thanks Connie. I love my little tree in my kitchen. Next year I might put the skinny tree in the kitchen. Girl...I done some walking!WHOA!
DeleteWhat a fabulous trip Cindy, a lifetime of memories for all of you! You did really pack it full of wonderful activities and sights! So many beautiful photos! Next year I am going to get a head start like you did, too stressful do wait til the last minute! I hope you can rest up and relax and enjoy the rest of the season with your family now!
ReplyDelete❤️ Jenna
Oh Jenna, I have gotten to that age now that I am trying really hard to NOT add extra stress to my life if I can help it. LOL! We did have a great time.
DeleteOh, Cindy - what a neat trip! I love NYC but have never been there this time of year (have always sung in church choir and have too many practices to consider travelling.) You have inspired me to try - what a gloriously fun trip.
ReplyDeleteYour home - and family - are beautiful.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and yours, dear lady. Hugs.
Thank you Michele. Girl...go to New York City at Christmas! So very pretty. And you can sing some there...I ran into some that surely needed some Jesus music....LOL!
DeleteCindy, I followed your trip on FB and enjoyed all the photos. I have been to NYC 3 times at Christmas, it is truly magical! I am thrilled that you were able to enjoy it with your daughters and older granddaughters. It was fun seeing it through your eyes sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Pam
Thanks Pam. We did have such a wonderful time. I have decided that Christmas is surely the time to go there...though it was CRAZY busy!
DeleteLove your skinny tree, I think I'm going to have one next year. Oh my goodness, did y'all have fun in NYC or what? Loved all the pictures and all the smiles, precious memories were made. Merry Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Miss Mary. I enjoy that tree too. Perfect size.
DeleteLooks like it was a dream trip for everyone! What a wonderful time of the year to go to NYC. You all were brave and smart too! so glad you found everything you wanted to see and do. Thank you for sharing the beauty of it all with us. But yes, I understand what you mean, "there's no place like home." Welcome back down to earth! Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteI was brave not smart???? LOL! Nope! Praise the Lord for daughters!
DeleteWOW!!! You didn't miss a thing!
ReplyDeleteAnd to think you got to be there with all those bee-u-t-full girls!
Great pictures and I'm sure great memories.
Welcome back and now get ready for Christmas.
Thank you Christine. Girl, I am ready for Christmas. Love it!
DeleteWhat an awesome trip and memory for you and your girls. I so enjoyed seeing your daily pics on Facebook. Wishing you and yours the merriest of Christmases.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lea. Merry Christmas to you and Tommy.
DeleteI smiled all the way through this post, dear Cindy! Seeing all your happy faces and knowing all the fun you had just made my day. You will have memories to last forever!! I also was touched knowing that you gave leftover food to a homeless man. I know that feeling of No Place Like Home! God bless you and your family, and thank you for sharing your trip through your blog and FB.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
DeleteWow Cindy what a wonderful trip to NYC. I so enjoyed the fun photos, lots of great memories were created. Merry Christmas to you and yours, xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. Merry Christmas to you.
DeleteCindy this is the best trip tour evere!!! New York is on our bucket list to do. Terry wants to go to the 911 memorial too. I hope next year we can plan a trip there. Hey you and your sweet daughters need to make a trip to Chicago so we can meet up. We have better pizza and skating and shopping on the Mag Mile and the lights and hotels are the best at Christmas. We have that big lake and Navy Pier which probably would be better to come in the summer for lake and beach stuff. We are going down to the Mccormick Mansion that is now Lawry's Prime Rib for Christmas Eve and then will walk the mag mile for the shops and all the pretty lights all a glow. Then my two grand girls will have lunch at the American Girl Doll Cafe with their dolls. So much fun. I am like you when I get into the big cities I feel lost. I feel fortunate to have family that knows how to navigate these places. I hope we can get to New York. Have a very Merry Christmas. Love your skinny tree in the sleigh. Too adorable! Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you and Terry get to go Kris. Girl...don't be tempting me with another trip! LOL! I told my girls that we had to start planning another trip before we left NY! LOL! Sounds like you have a lovely town and full of Christmas too. My kind of place with all the beautiful Christmas. Oh I know that you will enjoy your holiday time. Merry Christmas Kris.
DeleteWhat lovely pictures from your trip! I have never been to New York; it sounds so busy! But I bet it was beautiful at Christmastime.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Love,
Ashley
It was very busy Ashley! But so glad I went. Merry Christmas.
DeleteOh, what a wonderful time you must have had! It looked like scenes from Hallmark movies! Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful photos with us, and may the Lord bless you and yours with a wonderful Christmas season!
ReplyDeleteAwe...thanks Cheryl and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
DeleteWhat a fabulous! It has been of mine to visit NYC at Christmastime. You gals did it up right!
ReplyDeleteI saw my comment flicker by...something’s wrong. 🙃 Not sure what...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip to New York hat you had and extra special because you got to do it with your girls! That is truly a blessing. Have a wonderful Christmas! Nancy
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy.
DeleteWow!!! It looks like your NYC tour was a blast! You and your family have made precious memories for sure! Wishing you a blessed Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Zenda. We had an awesome time!
DeleteLovely decorations, Cindy, and great photos of your NYC adventures. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you Amalia.
DeleteHi Cindy, a belated Merry Christmas! I enjoyed your pictures of New York. I was there in 2008 in the fall. We were there just 3 days before our cruise. I still have the pictures at my webhome.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.garden4mylord.com/NewYork.html
I plan to save as much as I can from my website this year before I let it go. Blogger is just easier to use. I have had my webhome for 20 years and it will be hard to let go but it is time.
Thank you Susan. I will check out the NY pictures girl.
DeleteI somehow missed this fun post during the holiday rush.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip! I went to NYC in December back in 2008 and also had a blast experiencing the touristy stuff, as well as the Big Apple's holiday energy. I would love to go back when the weather is warmer (but not in the heat of summer) to do more outdoor stuff.
I'm catching up again - as it always seems to be! I loved reading about your trip to NYC and seeing your photos. I have only been to NYC at night! I was on a business trip to New Jersey, just across the water from NYC. One of the corporate sales reps asked if any of us 'west coast' girls would like to go into 'The City' after dinner. That city never sleeps, for sure. Vendors out selling at midnight. We got to Broadway just after the lights shut off! My fondest memory - and sad in many ways - was drinks at the top of the World Trade Center. I had 7-Up and stood at the windows looking out on the city for a long time while my peers enjoyed their drinks and eats. I remember as we rode the elevator up to the 110th floor, my thoughts were that I would hate to be in that building if there was a fire. I knew I wouldn't be capable of taking the steps all the way down in a panic. Needless to say, that feeling came back the morning of 9/11. I'd love to go back to The City and tour and see the things you saw in the daytime. We did ride the Staten Island Ferry out past the Statue of Liberty at night. She was beautiful! Thank you for sharing NYC with us. And I'm glad you had that Christmas time with your girls.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~