It's Monkey Monday (On Tuesday)

 

On this Monkey Monday, we're going to see the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo

The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo have long been on my list of things to do. But like so many things I just didn't get to it. The tickets seemed pricy, it wasn't a simple bus ride and none of my friends ever suggested it. Those are actually pretty flimsy reasons and now that I've typed them out, they're really not reasons at all. But since this is the moment when I'm looking to do things I've always wanted to do I made the effort to get to see the Lights. It was well worth it. 

Loved seeing the display of trees

Loved these parrots at the South America Illuminations,

and the sloth, pictured below

 

You may ask why this post is titled "Monkey Monday?" It's Monkey Monday because I made this trip with my beloved monkey friend, Pep. Pep was dressed up for the occasion with a cozy hoodie and his Snoopy pajamas. 

Pep had a tremendously good time seeing the lights and decorations

Another view of the Holiday Lights

Though I hadn't really meant to, this officially launches holiday posting, 2026.  I'm hoping to start making visits to my favorite sights this weekend. My goal is to get to Fifth Avenue and start with Rockefeller Center. I know I'll be there with (tens of) thousands snapping pictures, but that's -- happily -- Christmas in New York.  

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.

 

Happy Birthday, Dear Pep

 It's Monkey Monday and it may be the most exciting Monkey Monday post ever in Buttercupland. Today is Pep's 30th birthday and we're celebrating our beloved friend. 

Pep at work, circa 2012

It may be the earliest photograph I have of Pep

Pep was a birthday gift in 1994 and we worked side by side until we both retired in 2013. Pep was a great colleague, always even tempered and started and ended each day with a smile. That is more than I can say for myself.

Pep, the party animal,

at colleague's retirement party 

Pep has loved retirement and has especially enjoyed traveling and making new friends. He weathered the Pandemic well and has gotten over his broken engagement with Nessie. It hasn't always been smooth sailing for Pep, but he doesn't let the storm clouds of life get him down.  

This last year may be Pep's best, with our wonderful get-together in Wildwood and a trip to Paris. It doesn't get much better for our Pep, or for me. 

Pep and friends in Wildwood in September 2023. 

It's a great big wish for the happiest of birthdays, Pep, and many more years of fun and friendship. You're the best captain we could have for our Buttercupland Team. 

It also happens to be my birthday and I've got an iced coffee treat on the schedule. It's not a milestone birthday as it is for Pep, but any birthday/any day I wake up is a special day. I've got some thoughts on turning 74, but that's a post in the next few days. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cool!

(Belated) Monkey Monday: Valentine Edition

 

Pep Goes to the Plaza Hotel 

We got an early start to our Valentine's Day celebration over the weekend. Pep and I met visiting friends and after a sumptuous breakfast stopped by the Plaza Hotel to see the Valentine decorations. We were not disappointed. 

Just friends -- Pep and the glamorous BeBe

We met Fashionista BeBe during the weekend we spent in Wildwood in September and happily have kept in touch. Both BeBe and her family are so much fun and I was as delighted as Pep to be able to spend time with them.  

It's hearts and flowers for BeBe and Pep

I have no green thumb for orchids, but I am a big orchid fan. I loved seeing the beautiful display at the Plaza. The security staff at the hotel was very easygoing about our photo session. Though who wouldn't be easy going when the photo subjects are as cute as these two? 

Pep at the Iconic Carnegie Deli

We had breakfast at the legendary Carnegie Deli, a first visit for Pep. He was enthralled by the cake display, including the New York cheesecake. We opted for a Valentine sweet treat of carrot cake, but it was a difficult choice.  

We enjoyed hearts, flowers, sweet treats and the best Valentine gift of all, friendship. We send our wishes to all of Buttercupland for a very happy and sweet Valentine's Day with all the treats your hearts desire. Thank you all for the gift of friendship. 

As ever thanks for visiting and lots of hearts, flowers and love. 

(Finally) It's Autumn

A celebration of autumn at Happy Day Farm

Despite drizzle and then lots of rain, I spent a happy day at the appropriately named Happy Day Farm in Manalapan, NJ. The weather forecast called for rain all day Saturday and it took some back and forth thought to brave the elements. But I put on my slicker, got to the bus to New Jersey and found my way to the bus stop near my friend's house. I then met up with my gracious friend Melissa and embarked with Pep, to the Farm and a get-together with friends I'd met at our Baby Yoda meetup last month. 

Even in the rain a good time was had by all. There was some fabulous Halloween attire in the group and Pep loved being part of this fun group. 

I'm a pumpkin fan and one of the things that never fails to cheer me is a pumpkin patch. With all the tragic goings-on in the world this week, it's hard to stay sad surrounded by pumpkins, whether its hundreds or just one pumpkin. 

 

Loved the mural and the art-observing chicken that slipped out of the petting zoo.

There was a lot to do at the farm and we enjoyed the giant bubble stand -- first time I've tried it -- a hayride and lots of photograph time. I especially liked the antique cars and trucks with pumpkin adornment. 

The u-pick sunflower season has just ended and here is the last of the sunflower crop.

The farm also has u-pick blueberries, raspberries, lavender and zinnias. The lavender season is in June and I am hoping that we can get together for a lavender festival day in 2024.  

I'm feeling a little melancholic as I write this post. The habit of Pink Saturday is going to be tough to break and I know I would have titled this post, "Pink Saturday Goes to Happy Day Farm. But blogs and life move on, as difficult as that may be. Beverly, if you stop back to visit, please know that you're in my thoughts and I hope that all is well. Miss you! 

It's a busy week ahead. A friend is visiting from France and we've got a big day exploring Lower Manhattan tomorrow. I've got my walking shoes ready and you know there will be photographs.

As ever, thanks for visiting and as ever, prayers for peace. 

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 

Happy, happy Valentine's Day

Yes, an update on egg prices is coming. But while I edit the photographs, we're taking a break from No Spending February to celebrate Valentine's Day.

My latest fun activity is putting together photo collages and reels. I'm still quite a beginner, but I'm really enjoying it and my goal is that practice makes better. Perfect isn't my goal. This is just for fun and I am having fun.

I'm not the only one celebrating today. Pep loves holidays, too, and thanks to an Instagram friend, he'll be celebrating with his Valentine, the lovely Beanie. Like many romances these days they met on-line.

Pep and Beanie

Aren't they the cutest!

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a sweet day.

On the Nineteenth Day of December

 It's Monkey (and Snowpeople and friends) Monday

It wouldn't be December without a visit from Pep LeMonkee, Nessie, Miss Fluffy and all of the happy group for Monkey Monday: The Holiday Version 2022. 

It was a festive Monkey Monday in Buttercupland. This year we have two Baby Yoda friends joining the group -- Baby Yo and Little Harry. There are also two teeny gnomes (in the first row) who are visiting from France. 

As is our tradition the Snowpeople and Friends Orchestra and Chorus

 provided the entertainment. 

Pep is wearing his Christmas sweater with the string of lights decoration and Baby Yo's hoodie lets everyone know that he loves Christmas movies. 

We wish all of Buttercupland could have joined us for the Monkey Monday holiday fun. But since that's not possible Pep and friends send their best wishes to all the joy of the holiday season and love and chocolate in the new year. 

As ever, thanks for being part of the fun and have a great week.

(Belated) Monkey Monday: Pizza for Pep and Simon the Bear

 

Pep celebrates his birthday with one of his favorites, pizza

Last Friday wasn't just my birthday, it was also Pep's birthday. Despite his very youthful appearance he turned 28. You may be wondering how Pep keeps looking so healthy. It's his good nature. Pep is an optimist with a wide circle of friends and he enjoys having fun with his friends and helping them out when when his friends need assistance. 

You may be asking "What can a monkey do to help his friends?" Pep has made a new friend via Instagram Simon the Bear. Simon and his human companion lived in Kherson, Ukraine before the war started. They evacuated to Lviv, in the Western part of Ukraine, a few months ago with just a suitcase.  As a birthday gift Pep asked for a donation to help Simon and his other friends and their humans in Ukraine through The Plushie Help Network. Pep is a monkey with a big heart. 

Simon loves pizza as much as Pep and has asked his friends to keep thinking about the people of Ukraine. He asked that when we have pizza -- and post it -- we add #pizza for Simon. 

As Simon wrote in May: 

Friends, thank you for every post #pizzaforsimon in difficult times and now, when times are a little easier for me personally. Every slice you shared with me has allowed me to keep my bearish form and keep my spirits up. After all, the main thing, as you know, is not only food. 

Pep had a wonderful birthday. He loved his veggie pizza and he was happy to help his friend Simon and his other plushie friends in Ukraine. He said it was his best birthday ever. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and hugs and kisses from Pep and from me. 

Monkey Monday: Bye Bye Whipped Cream

 

Pep and Baby Yoda before the infamous whipped cream incident

We've had a lot of fun since Baby Yoda, aka Baby Yo, joined our Buttercupland family in December. We've become part of the Baby Yoda Community on Instagram -- yes, this really exists -- and have made friends with many Baby Yodas around the world. I'm awed by the creativity I've found and my new goal is to figure out how to improve my video skills, so that Pep and friends can star in movies, too. 

There are birthday parties for our new friends just about every day and last week Pep and Baby Yo wanted to join the celebration for the their new friend, Squirt, who was turning one. We didn't have any cake in the house, but instead I made a big bowl of jello for the refreshments. To add to the festivities I bought a can of whipped cream. 

A certain monkey -- who looks so innocent in the pre-whipped cream photo -- started monkeying around with the spray can. Before I could intercede there was more whipped cream all over the kitchen than on the jello. Pep, Baby Yo and the kitchen got a good scrubbing, and sadly, we didn't get very much whipped cream.

 Pep has promised that he won't monkey around with the Reddi-Whip next time, but I'm not sure he will be able to resist temptation. For now it's bye bye to whipped cream and hello to treats that can't be sprayed around the kitchen. 

What's your favorite non-cake treat for parties? Pep likes cake and jello, but he really loves bananas. I'm pretty sure they will be the featured refreshment for Pep's birthday this summer. 

The countdown to my reunion is on. I haven't packed yet, but laundry is done and I've organized just about everything I need. In three days we'll be on the road to Massachusetts. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a good week.  

May the Fourth Be With You

 

Happy Star Wars Day from Jedi Monkee Pep and Baby Yoda

I'm not quite sure when I first heard the phrase, "May the Fourth Be With You, " but I had to ask what it meant. I learned it was word play on the Star Wars phrase, "May the Force be with you" and it celebrates the Star Wars Universe on May 4th. 

Pep LeMonkee didn't have to ask about May 4th. He's a long-time Star Wars fan and even became a Jedi Monkee several years ago. He was so happy when Baby Yoda (known as Baby Yo in Buttercupland) joined our family in December and they've both been looking forward to Star Wars Day for months.

They spent the day watching clips from the Star Wars movies on YouTube and eating snacks. They both love pizza and chicken nuggets, or as Baby Yo calls them, chiccy nuggies and they had lots of both to celebrate. Pep also likes waving his light saber, but no fear, none of the rest of group has to worry about wild monkee use of the light saber. Please don't tell Pep, but it's not a real light saber, though it's a perfect light saber for Jedi Monkee.   

Though May fourth is winding down, party animal Pep and friends are getting ready for another favorite celebration, Cinco de Mayo. There will be tequila tomorrow and a very tired monkee on Friday after two days of partying. 

Happy Star Wars Day and happy Cinco de Mayo! Has anyone joined Pep and Baby Yo in a Star Wars celebration today? Any celebrations tomorrow? 

I'm not exactly sure what I've been doing, but it feels really busy. I went for my six-month mammogram yesterday and was happy that all was well. So relieved when the radiologist said, "See you in six months." I had my own little celebration eating lunch in Central Park with my friend, Mary. The weather was lovely and so enjoyed sitting outside on a perfect spring day. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and happy Star Wars Day. 

Monkey Monday Goes to the Color Factory NYC

Pep and I (and our friends) loved our Monkey Monday at Color Factory NYC 

My high school friend, Sue, and I have planning our get-together in New York this week for months. Our major event of her visit is seeing "The Music Man" on Thursday, but as we got closer to her visit we added more activities. About a month ago she asked if I wanted to join her, her daughter and meet her grandson -- just turned an adorable four -- at the Color Factory. I had no idea what the Color Factory was, but it sounded like a fun time and said yes. Pep was overdue for an outing and since today was Monkey Monday, I decided to bring Pep on our excursion.   

Pep loves to ride the subway and he was the happiest monkey today. 

We had three separate subway trips. 

The Color Factory is an interactive art museum. I wasn't quite sure what we would be seeing, but it was definitely more what we experienced. There were (about) a dozen different areas/experiences and there was lots of participation. There was a drawing experience, a dancing experience and a musical time. There were also snacks -- yummy gelato at the end of the visit -- and a fun treat. I chose a bright yellow luggage tag, that will make it easy to identify my suitcase when I start traveling again in the future. We all had a great time. I took lots of photographs and we'll return again on Saturday for Pink Saturday fun. 

Pep had a great time in the musical experience.

In addition to New York City, there are Color Factory sites in Houston and Chicago. It was a terrific multi-generational experience and the four year old, the almost forty year old and the two much older participants, and the Monkey all enjoyed it. Because everything was interactive, each experience drew all of us in. 

It's a busy week ahead -- I may have gotten carried away with plans for things to do -- but I'm so looking forward to being busy and spending time with Sue. I will be posting about our adventures, but my goal is to do a post tomorrow to catch up on February activities, before February lapses any further in the past. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

Monkey Monday: Like Is a Many Splendored Thing

Pep and Acorn are in "like"

On Facebook Pep's new status -- as soon as I change it -- will be "in a relationship," but here in Buttercupland Pep and Acorn are "in like." I'm happy to let Buttercupland know that City Monkey Pep and Country Acorn Pep are a couple, and happier still to announce during Hearts and Flowers Week.

Pep has had a tough time romantically since his breakup with Nessie and there are days he's been a mopey monkey. But when Acorn came into his life last summer I've seen more smiles than frowns on Pep's face. Acorn is calm when Pep is impetuous and they both like movies, quiet times and drives around the apartment in Pep's red car. I've been asked where this friendship is leading, i.e., is there a wedding in the future?  Que sera sera!

Our second happy announcement for this post is the two bloggers who will be receiving a copy each of a book by Jill Lynn. Our first winner is Theresa of They Call Me Ganky.  Our second winner is Carol of Slater's Funny Farm. I will be in touch with both of you to confirm addresses. I wish I had books to send to all who shared in the blogaversary celebration. Thanks, all, for your comments and friendship and thanks, too, Jill Lynn, for
your thoughtful generosity. 

It was a cold and drizzly Monday in Manhattan, but tomorrow is predicted to be warmer and sunnier. Yay! I got better mileage in today than the last few freezing days and enjoyed a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, my favorite place to walk indoors. I spent time in the Egyptian gallery and visited my favorite, the Temple of Dendur.

Next best to a visit to Egypt!

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

Monkey Monday: The Holiday Edition

 Happy, healthy and merry from Pep Le Monkee and friends

I'm behind on cards and packages, but I'm keeping on schedule with sharing greetings from Pep and all of his friends for 2021. Pep, Bongo (in the Santa suit on the right), DK (in the back of the car) are joining their new friend, Baby Yoda for a spin in the red convertible.  Baby Yoda is holding Pep's gift for this year, a cell phone. 

I know there are concerns about Pep driving and texting, but the Buttercupland Department of Public Safety reports that Pep has completed a safe driving class. In addition -- please don't tell Pep -- his phone doesn't have texting (or calling) capacity. 

Christmas, 2021 and (most of) the group is in festive attire for the annual holiday concert by the Snowpeople and Friends Orchestra and Chorus, a highlight of the season. 

The Orchestra and Chorus

The featured soloist this year was Socko Monkey

The Snowpeople and Socko were in fine voice this year and the finale of this long awaited event was a festive version of Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. I know I say that the every concert is the best ever, but this one was definitely the best ever -- until next year!

The weather in New York is predicted to be beautiful this week and I hope to photograph the places I haven't had a chance  to get to yet. I'm planning to post Christmas in New York photographs through New Years, so I can share all of my favorite places with Buttercupland. 

Besides enjoying holiday time in New York, I've got a busy week ahead. It's my last watercolor class this week, several doctor visits and I've started physical therapy again. I'm going to make sure there's some fun, besides the medical appointments. What fun do you have this week?

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

Monkey Monday: Meet Acorn

This could be the start of a beautiful friendship

Pep and his new friend, Acorn, have enjoyed day trips around New York City to see the sights. This photograph was taken before they left for a visit to Central Park on Saturday.  

I met Acorn last summer when I was visiting my friend of very long-standing, Debby (Junior High School) in Norway, Maine.  We were both struck by Acorn's gentle smile and sweet nature and it crossed my mind that she might be a match for our lovelorn monkee. After Pep's recent heartbreaks I've been reluctant to introduce him to anyone new and put Acorn out of my mind. But Debby continued to see Acorn around town and felt that Acorn and Pep would get along. Debby was so strong in her conviction that she offered Acorn a ticket (actually a mailing envelope) to New York. Acorn arrived a few weeks ago and a sweet friendship developed between Pep and Acorn. 

You may be asking what's in the future for this adorable couple. Acorn is shy and she is not rushing into anything permanent, which tempers Pep's customary impetuousness. As my grandmother used to say and Doris Day sang, "Que sera, sera; What will be, will be."

Thanks, Debby, for being a matchmaker and thanks for being a friend of almost sixty years. 

It's a cooler night than it's been in awhile and I was inspired to whip up a batch of no-sugar ginger cookies. They're due to come out of the oven in about a minute, so I'll bid good night and have a cup of tea and home-baked cookies. Happy autumn, friends.

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a sweet evening.  

Monkey Monday: Pen Pal Time

Meet Pinky!

And Meet Acorn!

While I was in Maine Pep continued to look for love. During his on-line searches he found two new friends, and they both live in Maine. I got to meet both of them while during my trip, and I thought they were both great. 

Pinky is a monkey gymnast who lives in Portland. Pinky loves the city and is an extrovert. I am sure Pep would have a buddy for all the adventures he enjoys. 

Acorn, who lives in small town Maine, is the opposite of Pinky. Acorn loves the out of doors, is quiet and shy, and has a sweet temperament. I am sure that Acorn would bring a calming presence to Pep's life.

Though Pep is usually very impetuous, he has been taking it slow and more thoughtfully in this latest round of looking for love and showing lots of monkey maturity. Perhaps neither Pinky nor Acorn will be Pep's next great love, but he's having lots of fun with his new friends.   

I spent the morning catching up on making a few medical appointments. I thought it would be easy-breezy, but they were on different websites and neither of the passwords that I had worked. Making the appointments only took a few minutes, but redoing my passwords was a lot more time consuming. 

I'm off to do a few errands and get myself back to the gym. I'm so out of the habit for the last, but I know I need to get back into the habit. I also want to get some walking in before I get too settled in my chair watching the Olympics. What are you up to today?

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

Monkey Monday: Looking for Love

 

Love is a monkey splendored thing

One of my activities in Breckenridge was meeting Brecka, the cute monkey on the left, while I was visiting. We had a nice visit, but to my surprise Brecka introduced me to her monkey friend, Oswald, on the right of the photograph. I was surprised that Brecka had a monkey friend because she had been corresponding with Pep on Monkey.Match. 

After Nessie married E Bunny on New Year's Eve, Pep was a sad monkey. Unbeknownst to me he signed up for Monkey.Match and started chatting with monkeys all over the country. He kept his computer matches a secret and logged onto the computer late at night when the rest of the household was asleep. I'm not sure how long this monkey matching might have gone on, but when I said I was going to visit Breckenridge Pep told me about his nocturnal activities and asked me to meet the Colorado monkey who had stolen his heart. 

Alas for Pep, Oswald had also been chatting with Brecka and Oswald lived in Colorado. When the two Colorado monkeys met in person a few weeks ago, it was love at first sight. Even though I was rooting for Pep I had to admit that Brecka and Oswald were made for each other. Brecka and Oswald are two happy monkeys in love and are now chatting in person. 

Pep was disappointed, but not deterred. Now that his Monkey.Match activities are known to all we are now sharing the computer. Hope springs eternal in a monkey's heart. 

Pep is gesturing to me that my computer time for tonight is over in ten minutes, so I'll bid a fond good evening to all of my Buttercupland friends. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and love and hugs from me and Pep!  

Happy Retiraversary, Pep (and Me)

 

Pep Le Monkee, all dressed up for our retirement party in 2013 

I very much doubt that anyone will find "retiraversary" in any dictionary, but neither can one find "blogaversary" in the dictionary and it's long been in use in Buttercupland. May 31 is both Monkey Monday and the eighth anniversary of Pep and my retirement. During my most recent phase of decluttering I found this handsome photograph of Pep in his retirement tuxedo and knew it was the perfect retiraversary/Monkey Monday picture. 

Being retired for eight years is like being seventy, almost impossible to fathom. Consciously I know the years have passed, but the last eight years have been the fastest of my life. With a blip for 2020 and the winter of 2021, each month seems to end just as it's begun. That certainly wasn't the case for my working years when meetings seemed to go on for a month and vacation seemed a decade away. 

I worried a lot when I retired. I worried that my financial decisions might not have been wise. I worried that I wouldn't find meaningful things to do and I worried that I would be lonely. The last issue especially troubled me. The office was hectic and pressure-filled, but it was never lonely and I made some of the best friends I've ever had at my job. It was difficult to imagine my new life where I wouldn't be turning every corner and seeing someone I knew and liked. 

Eight years later I worry a lot less about those issues. Keeping a budget and planning has helped with money management. I've found meaningful things to keep me busy and I've been able to maintain friendships and make new friends to continue to enjoy life with.  

As for Pep, it's been a great retirement, too. He's gotten to travel, meet new friends and have the best monkey retirement ever. Neither of us can ask for more. 

  Here's to our ninth year of retirement and many more! 

The sun finally came out in New York City today and what a pleasure it was. After my full round of socializing yesterday, today was a quieter day. I took a walk, read and caught up on the Sunday newspaper I barely touched yesterday. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.  

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

 

...Said Pep Le Monkee

FYI: Pep is pictured without his mask only during photo taking

I'm not sure who was more excited about our first post-Pandemic trip, Pep or me. Pep was  dressed and ready for days before we left. I, on the other hand, was not as organized and forgot to bring my Derek Jeter Yankee t-shirt. There was no monkey business from Pep on this trip. It was his first road trip and he helped out with navigating. He did great until we got to the George Washington Bridge, a challenge for the most experienced navigator, and got confused with the Upper Level and the Lower Level. 

The littlest Yankees fan and one of his favorite places in the museum. 

Pep and I especially enjoyed the Plaque Gallery, where the Hall of Famers who had been admitted were honored with plaques. It's considered "Sacred Ground"  to those of us who love baseball and I was moved to see the tribute to a tiny percentage of the 19,000 players who have been part of baseball through the decades. 

The Plaque Gallery at the Baseball Hall of Fame

Pep wears the same number as his favorite player, Mariano Rivera, of the Yankees. There were so many fascinating areas in the museum, but the Plaque Gallery was a favorite for both Pep and for me. 

My previous visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame was with my parents in 1960. I've wanted to go back for a long time and I'm so glad that my return visit surpassed the memories I had of that first visit. If anyone is a baseball fan, or has a family member who is a baseball fan, I highly recommend a visit to the Hall of Fame and to Cooperstown. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Pep and I weren't. 

I haven't forgotten the letters that I omitted from the A to Z Challenge and while I probably won't post about all of them, I've got a few I'd like to do. In honor of Tuesday, tomorrow's post is "T," and it's a big favorite of mine. 

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

Blogging From A to Z: P Is for Paris and Pep LeMonkee

 

With thanks to Cole Porter, "I love Paris every moment..."

Several years ago I decided to analyze my affection for the city of Paris. I remembered that my interest in visiting Paris (and especially seeing the Louvre) began even before I started to study French in seventh grade. As I pondered I realized that I saw Paris in images from the movie, "Gigi," which was released in 1958.  I loved the music, the colors, the clothes and the wonderful cinematography of the film. In retrospect it was probably not a great choice for an eight year old. In addition there were any number of inappropriate topics in the movie. But they went right over my eight year old head and what remained was my love of Paris. 

Nine trips later, I still love Paris. I haven't been back to France since 2001, but I'd like (at least) one more trip back. I'm sure it's changed, and as New York has, changed a lot. But Paris is on my list of five places I'd like to return to. I've got no set plans, and despite American tourists being permitted to travel to France after June 9 (if numbers are under control) I'm not quite ready for a trip quite yet. I think next spring may be just right.

Now going from the sublime of Paris to the (not quite) ridiculous of everyone's favorite monkee, Pep. When I began to think about my favorite things that started with "P," pizza, Paris and Pep came to my mind first. I am a huge fan of pizza, love Paris, but Pep and all of his pals helped get me through the Pandemic. I couldn't post about my favorites without a shout out to dear Pep. 

Pep's got Carolina on his mind, remembering our visit to Charleston

Though Pep's enjoyed driving through New York City in his new red car, he's eager for a trip out of town, too. Pep will be joining me on an adventure next week and we're both getting excited for new scenery.   

We're coming to the end of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and clearly, I will not be completing it this year. Last year I extended into May to post "Y" and "Z, and I will be posting "R" for Rhode Island and "W" for Washington, Connecticut, as promised, in May.  Now that I'm totally out of order I'm posting "Z" tomorrow -- it's a fun favorite! -- and "T" on Saturday. It was relatively easy to do the challenge last year, as I was in my apartment almost all of the time. But this year, thankfully, so many things outside of my apartment were doable and I did them. I was back to the gym, visiting museums, getting together with friends and catching up on medical appointments, some long delayed. Tomorrow night I will return to my first in-person synagogue service in thirteen months. It will be socially distanced and there won't be the opportunity to socialize before and after the service, but I'm so excited to be part of the in-person service

As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a fun weekend.   

Pink Saturday Easter: Now and Then

 

I hope that all of Buttercupland had a bright and beautiful Easter. 

Flowers thanks to Waterlogue.

The top picture is our "now" picture and this photograph is our "then" picture, that I'm sure I've used before in an Easter post. More often than not, I've ventured to Fifth Avenue to join the Easter Parade fun and see the fabulous hats. This is one of my favorite photographs from my Easter Parade memories and the perfect one for Pink Saturday.

Pep's new favorite book

I would be remiss to leave Pep Le Monkee out of the Easter greetings. Pep, Nessie, E. Bunny and Bongo had a fabulous time with their Easter deliveries and had a very successful season. They finished up late this morning on the U.S. West coast and somehow magically drove through the front door early this afternoon. I'll never quite understand how E. Bunny and now Pep and friends are able to get all the deliveries done, but happy for the magic that makes it possible. 

I didn't make it to the Easter Parade this afternoon, but no regrets. I had a wonderful Easter  lunch at a new restaurant in the neighborhood with Jane and Betsy. It wasn't the usual holiday fare, but it was delicious, and the restaurant is becoming one of my new favorite places. I liked it so well that I'll be writing about it in my "D" post tomorrow. Please stop by for some fun food pictures.  

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.