Happy Halloween from Our Corner of the World

 

Halloween, as seen down the block

Halloween, as seen on my walk this afternoon 

Halloween, as seen at Newark Airport 

Halloween, as seen in Buttercupland

Pep is wearing his Yankees uniform, even though his heart was broken by last night's final World Series game. 

I've been immersed in Halloween for the last week, including a very fun Halloween party in Oklahoma City last weekend. There are lots of decorations in the neighborhood and there were lots of trick or treaters. The weather was cooperative, both for our costumes last week and in New York City today. 

 I haven't worn a costume in years, but my group of friends decided to go to the Halloween party, very graciously hosted by my friend's sister, in costume. We arrived as a group of Christmas carolers. After a visit to Walmart we were all attired in plaid holiday pajamas. We definitely were a sight, but there was a lot of laughter and a very good time was had by all. Was anyone else in a costume this Halloween?  

My trip to Oklahoma was great. We did some sightseeing -- post to come -- shopping, laughing, catching up on the years since I've seen my friends (much too long!), a fun lunch out at a beautiful Mexican restaurant and eating ice cream. I discovered a new favorite ice cream store, Braum's, and for all of the above, hope for a return visit. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and hope your Halloween was a yummy one. 

O.K.L.A.H.O.M.A

 

Tribute to Oklahoma at the Museum of Broadway

The first musical I saw was "Oklahoma." I saw it in "summer stock" with my mother, my Brownie friend, her mother and sister. My friend's aunt was Ado Annie, so not only were we seeing live theater, we knew someone in the cast. Sixty plus years later I can still feel the sense of excitement of ten year old Buttercup. I knew Oklahoma was a state, but in 1960 it might has well have been Mars. I never expected that I would visit there.

Sixty plus years later, I leave for Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon. I had plans to be there in the fall of 2020, but I didn't get very far from home then. I'm most excited to see friends I first met on-line in 2016. I got to meet a number of members of the group in 2018 in Nashville and happily, I've had visits with others since then. This weekend I'll be part of a long weekend get-together in Oklahoma City and I'll visit my 46th state. 

Last year Kansas was number 45 and this year Oklahoma is number 46. There are still visits to Nebraska, Iowa and North and South Dakota to come, not yet scheduled. My goal for a number of years has been to visit all fifty states and I'm getting closer.  Any blog friends in Nebraska, Iowa or the Dakotas?

This is my last planned travel adventure for 2024. There may be a trip or two to Connecticut or New Jersey, but nothing much further away is planned now. I've got a few ideas for 2025, but those are just ideas right now. 

Now it's on to finish packing. There's really not a lot to pack. It's going to be hot -- 92 degrees tomorrow -- and I'll get a chance to wear shorts again for at least a few days. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and enjoy the weekend. 

Monkey Monday Salutes Baseball

 

Fervent baseball fan, Pep, is ready for the World Series

The last time the Yankees won the the World Series was 2009, the year that Buttercupland began. There have been some lackluster years since then for Pep's and my favorite team. I had begun to believe that I might not get to see another World Series with my beloved Yankees again. But Pep and I never gave up hope and the Yankees will be playing the Dodgers again for the first time since 1981. 

Pep "meets" his baseball idol at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY

Pep wears number 42 in honor of his favorite player, Mariano Rivera. The number 42 has since been retired by all baseball teams, in tribute to the great Dodgers player, Jackie Robinson.  We were both fascinated by the baseball history we learned during our visit. 

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

I took this picture of Yankee Stadium during a visit in 2010. I've been to minor league games both for the Yankees and the Mets in the interim. I also enjoyed two spring training games while I was in Phoenix this spring. I didn't plan ahead and didn't think to buy a ticket for the Series while the playoffs were going on. I just checked for tickets a little while ago and they're sold out. I found tickets on a resale site and for $1,300+ I can attend the first night of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. It's tempting, but not tempting enough. There won't be any play-by-play commentary from Buttercupland, but I expect at least one more post about baseball. Is anyone else looking forward to the World Series?

It was definitely summer in New York today and I loved being out without a jacket. It's not going to happen very much longer, so I'm savoring these last warm days of the year. I attended my Zoom book club with my friends in Richmond -- what a great group -- and then worked on projects in my apartment. I did get out a couple of times to get in some walking and do a quick grocery stop. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a terrific Tuesday. 

Not Quite Sweater Weather

 

Yesterday in Central Park

In my head -- does anyone else draft posts in their thoughts? -- I was "working" on a post about the joys of autumn. And for a few days it was autumn in New York. My flip flops were put away. I had switched to heavier socks and I was sure it was goodbye to shorts and t-shirts. I hadn't quite gotten my gloves out, but we were only a few degrees away. 

Yesterday, however, I was in Central Park to participate in the annual walk for CaringKind, a wonderful local organization that supports caregivers for people with Alzheimer's. It was a little nippy when I left for the park, but by the time I'd done some walking, my jacket was in my tote bag. Today was definitely a no jacket day and the forecast for tomorrow is 80+ degrees. I may even get my shorts out for one last hurrah, before it really is sweater or even coat weather. 

Love the autumn color and this statue of Beethoven in Central Park  

I'm off on my last scheduled travel adventure for 2024 on Thursday. I'm not saying that I won't be out of town again this year, but nothing's scheduled and there's lots I want to do in New York City. I've loved all of the travel of the last few months, but catching up with New York life -- the Metropolitan Museum of Art is calling -- including spending time with visitors,  blogging  and enjoying fall and holiday events is exciting, too. What are things you're looking forward to for the next few months?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

  

Happy 115th!

Al Roker was the surprise guest at the Good Housekeeping  115th anniversary celebration

I had the great good fortune to be part of the Good Housekeeping's 115th anniversary. Yes, 115 years of the Seal of Approval. Good Housekeeping pulled out the stops to make it a great day for the participants and to salute this legendary institution. There was a fabulous lunch, with my favorite sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Everything was delicious and the table setting was lovely. 

Yummy and (mostly) healthy eating, too!

Sticky Toffee Pudding and Bourbon Caramel Sauce  -- as good as it looked

After lunch we (media members and influencers) toured the Good Housekeeping labs. It was a fascinating afternoon. Each lab -- fabric, appliances, test kitchen for a few -- was so interesting. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with staff and see the various methods used to determine what products receive the Seal of Approval. 

The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen

 

The Test Kitchen was one of my favorite spots. This is where the recipes for the magazine are developed and where major appliances are tested. I enjoyed learning about everything that goes on here, meeting the staff and the delicious red velvet cookies that were served. 

Loved the view of Central Park

I can't begin to thank Good Housekeeping for this fabulous opportunity. It exceeded any expectations I had. Here's to -- at least -- another 115 years for Good Housekeeping and the Seal of Approval. 

My heart and prayers go out to friends in Florida. I'm watching the weather as I type and hoping, hoping that the reality won't be as dire as the forecast. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

  

Happy (Belated) Kanelbulle Dag

Cheers for the Cinnamon Bun!

Somehow for the first time in years I missed both National Coffee Day (September 29) and International Coffee Day (October 1). But I'm only a day late to celebrate Kanelbulle Dag, the Swedish holiday that salutes the Cinnamon Bun. Kanelbulle Dag is celebrated in both Sweden and Finland, in the latter with a slightly different spelling. It was created in 1999 and it salutes Swedish baking traditions. 

 

My salute is in this photograph at one of my favorite local bakeries. I didn't indulge, but yes, I was sorely tempted. I went with my standby, iced coffee. So one might say that I was celebrating National Coffee Day, although belatedly. 

My celebration of Rosh Hashanah was lovely, both at services and with my family of friends. I'm back from my late summer wanderings -- Maine, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Nova Scotia -- and now enjoying autumn in New York. It's back to the gym, errands, medical appointments and a few special events as well, including a leaf viewing trip in Connecticut next week. What's on your calendar for the month? 

A happy 50th anniversary shout-out to my dear Colorado blog friends, Pat and Vinny.  Here's to a wonderful anniversary celebration and wishes for many more years, happy and healthy. Pat was one of my first blog friends in the early years of Buttercupland and I'm so grateful that we are still in touch. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great weekend. 

Apples, Honey and Prayers for Peace

 

Tonight Jewish people around the world will welcome 5785, and tomorrow as is the custom I will share apples and honey with my family of friends that I celebrate with. Why apples and honey? Symbolically, to begin the new year on a sweet note. Practically, for the Jewish people of Europe apple season and the new year came together and honey was the sweetener used for centuries. Centuries later this is still the custom. 

I'm delighted to begin a new year and leave 5784 and its sorrows behind. Not that the sorrows and misery are ended for far too many around the world, but we begin once again with hopes and prayers for a better world in the year to come. 

As is my custom, I will be bringing prayer requests with me to services. Our services for the next ten days include two days for the new year (Rosh Hashanah) and two days for Yom Kippur. There will be lots of hours of prayer. Once again, I am honored to bring prayer requests that you have with me. Please feel free to message me or leave a comment. At the top of my list are prayers for peace and for relief for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Let the new year begin with apples, honey, sweetness and may we see peace in 5785.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.