Shhhh -- It Snowed!

On the evening of February 8, 2012, it actually snowed in NYC, Inwood. I know, I was here! Oh, yes it has snowed earlier like that freak blizzard in October or the one time I was out-of-town.

Nope, it has been a shockingly mild winter here. In Texas too. I know, I was there! When we left here it was 42 degrees. When we landed there, it was 42 degrees. That's a sweater and jacket for me, short sleeves for hubby. But then while in Texas, we roamed about in 60 - 70's.  Back in NYC, it still in the 50's with a few cool days thrown in for good measure.

The real reason I mention all this winter stuff is preparation. Coats, boots, shoes, umbrellas, rain hats, scarves, gloves, extra towels and blankets, guest comforters and extra raincoats. We purchased all of these things in anticipation of our first New York winter.


Who knows when winter will hit.

After all, the earthquake and hurricane happened in the same week!

Trip Thoughts

January 2012 Texas trip thoughts, scroll to bottom of page, click on title, left column.
(posted on Facebook Notes)

We're Baaaack!

Yes our 1/10 - 26/2012 trip to Texas and back has indeed happen! And somewhere I'll post the complete report as soon as I figure out how to do that obviously simple thing. Until that time, I want to share my personal highlight.

Day 8 (1/17)
Shopping with sister  This is my personal highlight. She is more than my sister, a BFF, or fellow Christian. Knowing that we will giggle in Heaven together makes this world okay. 


Oh, and she showered me with a completely new wardrobe!

Of course hubby and I had many many special visits, appointments, sharing the E.C.C. story and the joys of living in Inwood. In fact 1/17 happen to have a shared highlight, but that's another posting. 

This Just In--

It was a very good night...

 Eyslyn Hunte and me. And thanks for the picture Hae Sung!

Did You Know???

That roaches can fly?

Those that formerly enjoyed the hospitality of our front room failed to ask our permission to move-in. They earned airline miles directly into the trash can.

Some roach facts I already knew, like the females were pregnant for life. No fact sheet needs to tell anyone that. Or that they wear they're skeletons outside of their bodies, ho hum.

Interesting face that I did not know or  really care about is that their blood is white. Okay, that explains why there is no red when they are deservedly removed. Um, are you beginning to see how I feel about these creatures?

I realize that they are God's making, yet there are 5,000 species. And there is only one human species. (Really, again that fact sheet--5,000.) Give me a few spiders and I can deal with it. If you have seen the rats here, then you would call the humane society--for your own protection. Mice? No problem as yet here, but the 58 and counting in the 1st floor apartment has me wondering why she has dogs instead of cats...

Did I tell you that every squirrel that I've seen is either black or deep chocolate?

Living in NYC has its own set of tiny creatures who love and are devoted to being with you. None of whom you are prepared to welcome into your precious food and water supply much share the 1,000 year old plumbing and beautiful architecture.

But it is all worth every antenna and whisker to share God's inner peace with a stressed-out professional. Amazing talent is all around us here and each are striving to use that talent to the best of their ability. The pressure they put upon themselves is overwhelming. We are so glad to be here, share and pray that God's Spirit indwell each one.

Another One???

Finding a dentist shouldn't be a problem really, then again...when you absolutely have to have one, no way around it, its almost impossible. And we were too far away from Macy's to ask for directions this time (another story).

I'd chipped a tooth. Oh so tiny but my tongue had decided it has to be the size of a major rock slide. So this chip had to be repaired at the earliest possible moment...our last emergence guy, well, he was not going to be the one that was for sure.

After scouring the neighborhood and calling the major dental schools (all the students turned out to be on holiday!), I was depressed in addition to having a chipped tooth.

Not to be denied, late in the night, I through my eye sight to the side and scoured the Internet one more time. TADA--a local dentist, not five blocks from me who services everyone? Eureka!

The chip is repaired, no cavities and he loves my teeth and all the former dentists who have ever done work on my mouth. Obviously he has a great chair side manor.

Fast forward to this week. While eating breakfast, one cheerio will not chew properly. Much to my chagrin I know immediately that the tooth immediately next to that tiny chip has chipped. The backside of the tooth is now in my hand. No rough tongue this time.

An immediate call to my great new dentist--he is not in the office today.

Ring Them Bells

No, they weren't dancing Santas, amazing Rocketts, prancing reindeer or even Macy's window displays. Outside Grand Central Terminal on the northeast corner, the hopping bellringers surrounding the Salvation Army Christmas red kettle was the most amazing spontaneous happening I've seen this season...thus far. And I've seen some very amazing things.

I have to be super honest here, I am saving up sights for Christmas Eve. Still, the season around here can not be ignored. Try as I might, it will not be silent, in the night or otherwise.

There I was, minding my own busy business of heading for the next subway train. Just like uncounted other New Yorkers. Imagine our surprise...

People were stunned, shocked, dancing and actually stopping before ducking into the Terminal to catch the next transport. Oh and cameras were flashing of course. Enough cameras to add a line to "The 12 Days of Christmas". (Hey, when was the last time you didn't see a digital camera or phone flashing?)

Okay, what did I enjoy so much? There was one lone uniformed Salvation Army volunteer ringing his bell...and dancing to the bell's ringing. Beside him was a group of around 15, ringing bells accenting hiphop dance steps.

The corner was packed with people, holiday spirit and down right fun.

Ring them bells.