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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!

13 comments

Anonymous said...

So glad you treated yourself to the play.

Hot and humid here, too. I got my hair cut yesterday.

We have given up diet drinks too. Occasionally, we splurge and it sure tastes great!

Have a good night.

TARYTERRE said...

Living so close to live theatre has to be a temptation for sure. The play sounded fascinating.

Sheilagh said...

Tweleve weeks today, we will be coming your way...WooHooo..

Hugs


Sheilagh

xxx

Marie Rayner said...

One day I will visit New York City. It's on my bucket list. I keep thinking I need to cut out diet coke. I have noticed that when I don't drink it I have an easier time staying away from sugar and salt. When I do drink it I crave sugar and salt. xxoo

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

If I lived closer to NY, I know I would spend way too much oh my hard-earned savings on Broadway. NY, NY. It is a wonderful town.

I could never get off of diet drinks. I have been drinking them since I was young and it is too late to change.

Theresa said...

Sounds like the perfect way to spend a hot day in your beautiful city! I am coming up there one of these days and we can enjoy a play together:) I have really been itching to make a visit to the big city! Have a blessed day dear Carol, HUGS!

Lynda said...

Interesting about the comments on the soda. Research does show that cravings for sugar and salt increase when you drink them. My concern is the chemicals in them - - - so when I drink one, it has real sugar - - which adds the pounds but hopefully doesn't harm the brain. Sounds like you had a very good day and you are keeping your "wants" in moderation. The gift for your friend is a wonderful one. Our daughter does that for family and we love it.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I do like Tom Hanks and so would have like to have seen that play too. I love my iced tea and that is my thirst quencher here. I rarely have soda of any kind. Lemonade is good too. It's been very hot and humid here.

Nellie said...

I actually can't remember the last time I had a diet soda. It must be years. Never did drink too many of them, anyway.

I have always enjoyed Tom Hanks in any of his movies I have seen. I'm sure it is a different experience to see him on stage.

Yes, it sounds as though the temptations abound in NYC!:-)

Enjoy your Thursday.

Grammy Staffy said...

I heard Tom talk about this play on a talk show. I wish I could see it. I always like Tom Hanks. I'm glad you treated yourself. I'm also glad that you are enjoying retirement so much..... So do I. Hugs

Ms Sparrow said...

I stopped drinking pop back in the 80's and switched to lime-flavored sparkling water. I find it even more refreshing than sticky soda pop!

Susie said...

I would have loved seeing Tom Hanks.I don't know how you can resist. We have to not treat ourselves too much...have to make our monies go farther, once retired. You are enjoying your retirement so far Buttercup. I am so happy for you. Stay happy and strong. xoxo,Susie

Dee @ A Deecoded Life said...

Sometimes you need to splurge on yourself. Glad you enjoyed it and wow, Tom Hanks!