Winding Down

We are winding down as our return to California looms tomorrow evening. We have been having a relaxing time here in New York, which may sound like an oxymoron to those of you who have been to New York. Since we are staying away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square, life is less hectic and more mellow. We have seen three excellent shows and have reconnected with family and friends who live here.

On Wednesday afternoon we saw "On The Twentieth Century", a good old fashioned musical starring Kristin Chenoweth. On our way in to the show the ticket takers told us Ms. Chenoweth would not be performing and that we had the option of exchanging our tickets, a nonviable option for us, so we saw her understudy who gave a wonderful performance. The story is silly, old fashioned, and absolutely delightful. High marks to this show. Wednesday night we dined with our cousin Brian Stevens and his husband Micheal at a very nice casual restaurant called The Trestle On Tenth and had a very good meal and enjoyed our visit with a really wonderful couple with whom we love to connect every time we visit New York.

Yesterday was baby day for us. In the morning, we had breakfast with Kristy Cates-Frankfort, whom we have known since she was performing with Pinole Young Actors and swimming for the Pinole Seals, her husband Patrick, and their beautiful little daughter Gracie who just melts your heart with her smile. What a beautiful family they are and we are so thankful they made time to see us. We had lunch at Columbus Circle with Cara Beseda and her daughter Isla, another beautiful heart melter. Cara is married to Brendan Beseda, whom we have known since he was about three or four years of age. She is a delightful young woman who teaches kindergarten. It is easy to tell she loves children and is the perfect person to teach in kinder.

Last night we saw a truly amazing play, "The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time". If you watched The Tony Awards show, you will recognize this play as the winner of Best Play. It actually immerses you in the mind of a young autistic boy. The story is totally absorbing and the staging and lighting let the audience into his mind. It is difficult to describe the play adequately. It really needs to be seen and experienced. It is a must see, if you come to New York and can get tickets to it.

Today, our friends Gerard Calvo and Frank Vanacore are picking us up and we will spend the day with them. We know our day will be one to remember as they are the perfect hosts and friends.