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It's Been a Whirlwind

 

My most recent seasonal fun discovery, Gingerbread Lane

There comes a time every December when I realize "everything" won't get done before Christmas. I knew it would happen and even planned for it, by buying New Year's cards to send out when my cards didn't get written in time to arrive before Christmas. But though I know it would happen I was still surprised that while riding on the bus this afternoon the thought popped into my head, "Buttercup, you ran out of time. Put down your pen and your wrapping paper and just enjoy." 

I was making my last foray to buy a gift that I should have bought a month ago. Fortunately I found  exactly what I needed, both useful and well priced. I also caught up on groceries and a few staples that I needed, including shampoo. I'm thinking ahead to No-Spending January, which is right around the corner and so well-timed. 

But the last few weeks were definitely not all errands. It's been a wonderful season of visitors and sight-seeing. I paid a visit to the Shops at Columbus Circle and discovered Gingerbread Lane, a fabulous collection of New York sights made of gingerbread. I loved the creativity and tremendous detail. 

While I was at the Shops I enjoyed the light show in the atrium and spent time enjoying the changing light colors and the music that goes with them. Definitely need a return visit.


Fabulous view looking east across Central Park West/59th Street

My whirlwind stops including a return visit to Rockefeller Center and a stop at the  fabulous FAO Schwarz toy store, though calling it a toy store doesn't seem to include all the fun and wonders there. I usually wouldn't attempt a visit to there after Thanksgiving and there was a line (!) just to enter. But my friend, Cheryl, visiting from Atlanta had made a  reservation for the Jellycat Diner Experience. This was totally unknown to me before Cheryl mentioned it, but known to just about everyone on TikTok, including Cheryl's daughter. It was a lot of fun and an experience, rather than an actual diner. 


A moment of our very fun Jellycat Diner Experience


The Bryant Park Holiday Market

This last month has been a wonderful whirlwind, but the last days brought a time of sorrow. One of my stops was the Holiday Market at Bryant Park at 42nd Street. I enjoyed seeing the shops, browsing and watching the ice skaters. The holiday markets are a great part of the season, in New York City and all over the world. My heart and prayers go out to Germany and the people of Magdeburg, where the fun and happy spirit of the holiday market and the city was shattered on Friday.  My continuing prayers for a world where there is peace. 

That's a wrap on the pre-Christmas fun. Tomorrow I'm out of Manhattan for a few days  with friends. I'll  return on Christmas for just a little more whirlwind fun with out of town visitors as well as celebrating Chanukah, which begins on December 25.    

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy! 
  

1 comment

Nellie said...

Yes! This sounds just like me! Have just run out of time, and have made myself stop and enjoy these past few days. Relax and enjoy your time!