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You Can Go Home Again


Our formal class portrait
 
I'm now back from Reunion and I've slipped back into "real life."  I've slept in my own bed for three nights -- not missing the dorm mattress at all -- grocery shopped and begun to catch up with a dozen other errands. But more often than not, I find my thoughts turning back to the Reunion weekend. I expected to have a good time and enjoy spending time with classmates, but the experience far exceeded my expectations. There was a connection and warmth that surpassed any previous reunions -- which I've enjoyed -- and presents a path into the future.  
 

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Alumnae Parade. Each class that is present marches with the class banner and signs through the campus. We wear white to honor the Suffragettes and an accessory in our class color. The colors alternate -- red, blue, green, yellow -- and my class wears blue. For our fortieth reunion we had bright blue shawls and for this reunion gardening aprons complemented our look.  In the to-do of getting organized in the morning I left mine in my room, so I'm not quite properly attired. 
 
We had dinners, lunches and brunches and this is one of my favorite pictures from the weekend. I'm with my friends Anne and Peggy and Anne's daughters at our Saturday night dinner.

The Class of 1952, back for their 65th Reunion

After my class marched we stood at the sidelines and cheered for the classes of 1962, 1952 and yes, 1942. The women of 1952 are in their late 80s and I was impressed by their energy and enthusiasm.
There were golf carts for those who weren't able to do the walk -- about three quarters of a mile -- but most of the group walked the march route. Reunions are done on two weekends, so we didn't get to see the members of the classes of 1957 and 1967, who returned to campus the weekend before for their fiftieth and sixtieth reunions. 

I feel incredibly grateful for the good health and well-being to be able to be part of this weekend. Our class genuinely likes spending time together and we are planning (at least) four smaller reunions across the country before our fiftieth. We've met in Wilmington, Delaware and Richmond, Virginia in the last few years, but we're now looking towards the West coast to be more geographically inclusive.

Today is the last day of May and the wrap-up for the Mile A Day in May Challenge. I'll be back in the next day with my numbers and information about the giveaway. I've been keeping track and for me, May has been a terrific month for walking. I hope you've had a similar experience. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
 

To the Class of 1972



May, 1969
 
 
I'm just about ready to leave my apartment to begin the journey back to South Hadley, Massachusetts and my forty-fifth college reunion. Suitcase packed, bag of books for the book exchange by the door and a dozen other errands completed. We've been planning this seriously for the last year, and now, somewhat to my surprise, the time is here. Two of the women in the photograph will be in the car with me and I'm grateful for their presence today and through the years.
 
 
This is a toast to friends I knew forty-five years ago and others I've gotten to know in the last five years. Thank you for laughter and friendship. Here's to another step in our journey together. 

Forty-Five Point One and Counting

 
Last Sunday I had a great walk to The American Museum of Natural History. This was my sight while I enjoyed an al fresco lunch. 

It's time for my weekly update on the Mile A Day in May Challenge. I'm pleased to announce that I'm doing well on my goal of walking at least 21 miles a week. The first week in May I walked 22.7 miles and last week I walked 22.4 miles for a total (so far) of 45.1 miles. I'm on track for a similar amount for this week despite the weather and I'm optimistic that I will be happily surprised by my total tomorrow night. How is everyone else in Buttercupland doing?  
 

This is another view of the museum. I made it my destination to enjoy the farmer's market that takes place there every Sunday.
 
One of my favorite parts of the farmer's market are the plants. I was especially beguiled by the geraniums and captured them in this photograph. I used my new favorite app Snapseed and turned the photograph into a postcard. 

I'm off to a very long awaited event tonight -- will share in my post tomorrow -- and I am beyond excited. Does anyone else have long awaited plans? I know there are lots of graduations going on this weekend and send happy wishes to everyone celebrating.

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a wonderful weekend! 

Happy Mother's Day


My mother, Atlantic City, Summer 1936 

In the summer of 1936 my mother was twenty-one. This is the only picture of her on her summer vacation. I don't know who she traveled with -- I assume my grandparents and my uncle -- or how Atlantic City was the chosen destination. The stamp on the back of the picture tells me it was taken by Ritz Studio, Boardwalk, Atlantic City and a note in my mother's handwriting tells me the date.

It's hard to imagine my mother as a young woman. But thankfully I have this photograph. She is smiling and enjoying life and loving her summer walk on the Boardwalk.

My mother is gone over twenty-five years, but not a day goes by that I don't think of her and give thanks that this woman -- kind, intelligent, strong and faithful -- was my mother.

To all who are mothers -- with biological children, with adopted children, with children of the heart -- and to all who are celebrating with their mothers or remembering their mothers, wishes for happy times and sweet memories.

Happy Mother's Day!   

Twenty-Two Point Seven and Counting

William Seward looks out from his seat in Madison Square Park 

Without planning it, I seemed to have taken a "blogcation" for the last few weeks. I've kept accumulating ideas and photographs, but not producing actual posts. No fear, I'm not leaving blogging and I'm even planning to get over to Coffee Light and Mysteries Noir for a very long overdue post.

I had a wonderful day with friends last Saturday in the "Flatiron" District, the area of Manhattan that is home to the Flatiron Building, one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world. It is to the right of where I am standing as I took the picture of William Seward featured above. Alas, I didn't take a picture when I was in the neighborhood and the building deserves a post of its own.

Looking north towards the Empire State Building

One of the things I did do last Saturday was walk. My Mile A Day (or More) in May equaled 22.7 miles for the first week of the month. The weather was cooperative and I planned extra walking around the city as I did my errands. How are all the rest of the Buttercupland walkers doing?

After my day in the Flatiron area I went home to watch the Kentucky Derby on television. On my way to the subway I passed a very elegant Derby Day party at Eleven Madison Park, one of the loveliest restaurants in New York City. I have only eaten there once, but the memory stays with me. It looked like a very fun party and I enjoyed giving it a Waterlogue look.


Today the weather doesn't match last Saturday's sun. The forecast is for heavy rain and wind. It's the second Saturday of the month and I'm joining synagogue friends for our monthly study. I'm also joining my  Pink Saturday friends for blog fun and good times.

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

Times Square Is Not a Square


At the north end of Times Square a salute to George M. Cohan and his contributions to American music -- Give My Regards to Broadway, Over There and You're a Grand Old Flag.

Twilight looking south to Times Square
 
Times Square is dazzling, crowded and the center of theater in New York City. It is the iconic spot that almost every visitor wants to see. However, Times Square isn't a square. It's closer in shape to a polygon that starts at Forty Second Street and extends to the  TKTS (Discount theater ticket) kiosk at Forty Seventh Street. The latter is a great stop for same day discount theater tickets. 
 
In the Nineteenth century the area was known as Longacre Square (after the area in London) and it was the home of the horse trade. But the popular entertainment district moved uptown and by the end of the nineteenth century it was crowded with theaters and other amusements. In 1904 Longacre Square became Times Square when the New York Times moved its headquarters there. In 1907 the New Year's Eve ball drop began -- 100 years this year -- and the area became legendary throughout the world.  


Looking north from Forty Second Street.
 
There was some concern among the citizens of Buttercupland -- actually it was only my college friend, Karin -- that I wouldn't be finishing the A to Z Welcome to New York City. Do not trouble yourselves. I didn't finish in time for the challenge, but the remaining letters (including H) will be featured.
 
I was pleased to see the enthusiasm for the Mile A Day Challenge in May. It's nice to know that my Buttercupland buddies all over the world will be walking for good health this month. 
 
Today was errand day for me, uptown and downtown. There were a few pesky things that needed to get done and I happily checked several things off my list. It was a perfect spring day and I enjoyed being outside, walking and being productive. 
 
As ever, thanks for visiting and let's keep walking!    


Mile a Day in May


Purple Sneakers in Montevideo Uruguay, February 2017
 
One of my goals for 2017 is to walk 1,000 miles. I had a little setback when I broke my shoulder, but I'm back on track and getting in my mileage towards my goal. In April I walked 88 miles -- I need to walk 84 miles a month to make my goal -- and I'm right on schedule. 
 
I admit I have to push myself to keep walking, but then I remember it's not simply a goal, but a way of keeping fit and healthy. I've got my college friend, Jane, keeping me company on my journey of 1,000 miles, but I thought it would be fun to see if anyone in Buttercupland would like to join us. We're starting a little gentler with a challenge of a mile a day in May.  
 
The "rules" are simple. You need to walk 31 miles in May, preferably a mile a day and at least six miles each week. The goal is to make regular walks a healthy habit. Everyone is on their honor -- this is a trust worthy group -- and at the beginning of June I'll be posting a giveaway for everyone who completed an average of a mile a day. To keep myself accountable, I'll be posting about the Mile A Day every Monday and reporting my mileage for the week past. All miles count, whether you're corralling grandkids, doing errands, running or simply taking a walk after dinner.
 
I've got a busy week ahead -- errands and some fun things -- but I'm going to leave time in order to make sure I get my miles accomplished. My personal goal is 25 miles for the week ahead. It's going to take some planning, but it's a great cause, my better health.
 
Tomorrow we return to our New York A to Z fun with a visit to one of the most popular sites for visitors, Times Square. I hope you will stop by.
 
As ever, thanks for visiting and happy miles!