Wednesday Matinee

My Wednesday Matinee, two weeks ago 

I love living in New York City, but the temptations are everywhere. There's a Starbuck's on every other corner and a cupcake store on the blocks in-between. There are taxicabs when I get tired of waiting for the bus, and the New York Times is reviewing enticing new restaurants every week. I can easily walk by clothing or jewelry stores, but I am drawn in by experiences, especially theater experiences. That's my major weakness. 

At least three or four times a year I read about a Broadway play I just "can't" miss. This season was a bonanza with "Kinky Boots," "The Trip to Bountiful." with Cicely Tyson and Tom Hanks in ""Lucky Guy." I hated the thought of missing Tom Hanks. There wasn't a discount ticket to be had, so, as a retirement treat, I bought a full-price ticket.  

Though it wasn't a great play -- more a series of vignettes -- it was a great theater experience. The play, by Nora Ephron, tells the story of Mike McAlary, who wrote for the "Daily News" and the "Post" in the 1980s and 1990s. It is a very moving story and Tom Hanks, was well supported by Courtney B. Vance and Maura Tierney, the latter of whom I absolutely loved as Abby Lockhart in "E.R." The afternoon was so evocative of a time in New York City that will not return and I very much enjoyed a visit back to those days. 

As an aside, this is the one year anniversary of Nora Ephron's death and she is so missed.

Today was not a matinee day. Today I had lunch with a friend, had a haircut and spent two hours creating a photo album on Shutterfly, that will be a gift for another friend's fiftieth birthday. Though not as hot as the last few days, it was still humid and as a treat I had a Diet Coke. I've worked very hard to avoid diet soda, but it seemed the only thing that could quench my thirst today was Coke. Is anyone else trying to keep away from diet sodas?

Time to do a little reading and finish the New York Times crossword. Sweet dreams and wishes for a terrific Thursday!