Campbell Soup,Ice Skating and Lawerance Walk

Part 8 will bring us to a snow coated scene in early February. Ammba and I are excited as we prepare to go to New York for Ricky's wedding. It's the night before we leave and the biggest storm in decades hits the east coast. Whether we will be able to fly tomorrow or not is yet to be seen. What is known is that a little girl who has only heard of snow is about to embark on a cold and blustery journey to a winter wonderland. The flight to Houston is a go, but its' connection to New York is not definite. So our journey begins with the adventure of a possible cancellation and staying with friends in Texas. The flight goes smootlhly and we arrive at JFK international airport around 4pm in the afternoon. Everything goes smoothly and when we hit the curb it's a snow drift over 6ft tall and snow is still flurrying around. Ammba is as ecstatic as am I, for it has been a while since New York has seen a good snow. We sure hit the jackpot. The airport shut down right after out flight landed. Our taxi ride into the city was an amazing trip through some bizarre dream like replica of our well known stomping grounds. There is something so clean and pure about a fresh snow that it feels like your first snow-day as a child. For those of you who never had a snow-day it goes something like this. You awake to hear the radio playing which in our house only happened on holidays , parties and a childs' best friend "The snow-day". So as you shuffle from your warm bed you keep you blanket wrapped around you start thinking of asking the magic question, as you would when you make a wish and blow out your birthday candles. "Mama?" She responds "Yes Jody?" Fearing to hear no as the answer I ask in as grownup a voice as I can muster "So, It looks pretty bad out there. Is Dad going to work?" Smiling she rubs my head and kneels down to say " Yes dear, your father left a few minutes ago. Gilbert just finished digging out the driveway." I nod my head saying "Oh! That's good I guess. I hope he drives safe, it can get really slippery out there you know." Putting her warm hand on my cheek she says " Yes it can honey, but your father has been driving to work in the snow for a long time now. I think he'll be alright. " Running out of things to say I finally ask "Mama? Did you hear any news about school cancellations?" Standing up quickly she puts her hands on her hips and says sharply "School cancellations! Why would there be any school cancellations young man?" Hearing the words young man I start to march to the bathroom and run the shower. As I leave I look over my shoulder and say off handedly " Just curious . I always like to be informed about the weather this time of year. It's sort of a hobby of mine." My mother follows me into the bathroom and asks me " How does cinnamon toast and tigers milk sound for breakfast? My little meteorologist" I perk up and say "Wow! That sounds like a meal for someone who might be staying home to play in the snow. What's a meteorwhatchmacallit?" Bursting out laughing she pretend scolds me saying" I have no idea what you're talking about. You had better get those thoughts of playing hooky out of that head of yours right this minute!" Now naked and jumping around singing "I'm not going to school today! I've got snowmen to build! Hey Hey!" Smacking me on my bottom she says " We'll see cotton tail now get in that shower." As I shower I strain to hear the list of delays and cancellations. Armonk middle school cancelled,Pawling high school cancelled, John Jay middle school 2 hour delay... As I dry off I keep listening and see Unc coming in kicking the snow off his boots as he opens the door to come in. Waving and pumping my arms in the air I say "Unc did you hear? I'm not going to school today! Hey Hey!!" He looks to my mother and spreading her hands she says " Well so far there's no cancellation for Bedford or Pound Ridge." Unc shoots a look at me and says " Boy! You better get that foolishness out of your head right now. I saw a bus go by just a few minutes ago." I walk over to the tuner and say"Let's check the other snow stations just to be sure I don't want you to have to wait down there for nothing." Unc chuckles to himself as he hangs up his coat. I smell hot butter and cinnamon and run to the oven reaching to open it. My mother spanks my hand and says "Jody! Be careful you're going to burn yourself. Let me check to see if it's ready." Back peddling I raise my hands and say in a pretend hurt voice "Go ahead, I was just trying to help. You always say I should do more to help out around the house." She smile and pushes me on the back towards the bathroom saying "You can help by washing your hands and sitting down to eat." I reply "Ma! Jeez! What's the sense of me showering if I just have to go and wash my hands again?" Wiping wet hands on my shirt and pants I run to the table and shove a whole piece of cinnamon toast in my mouth and say " Uhn? Yuh hink gi gontakutahay?" Mama glares at me saying "Jody, please take smaller bites and don't talk with your mouth full." I roll my eyes and concentrate on hearing the radio. I gulp my tigers milk and take a look at my dads' paper(The New York Times) I always read the Times in the morning, just like my father. The little box of small words in the upper right hand corner. If you read the Times you'll know this part to be a weather summary. I finally hear the words every little boy loves to hear " Due to extreme weather conditions school in the Pound Ridge district will be cancelled today." I jump up and down yelling " Oh Yeah! I'm outta heya" Unc grabs me and swings me up around and aims me at the kitchen where my mother is cleaning up. Landing safely I say "Can I please please please go out and play in the snow?" She picks me up and says "I don't know if you can little one, but if it's alright with Gilbert you may go out and play in the snow." I run and jump on Unc climbing him like a tree asking "May I may I may I?" Unc detatches me and puts me down gently saying in his most put upon voice "Go on and get out ta here with dat foolishness! I done had enough already this morning" I run and jump saying " I'm gettin' I'm gettin'!" That's what I remember when I think of snow-days. I got a bit side tracked here. So let's return as the taxi pulls up to the apartment. Bogdan comes out and greets us saying " This is what you bring from the Caribbean? Nice present. Hey Ammba, Jody! Welcome home!" Well this seems to be a good place to stop for tonight. I'll pick up tomorrow. Thank you and goodnight. Jody

La Bayadere,Bright Lights and Big City!

Part 7 finds us walking down Broadway after a long day at the Museum of Natural History. Julio alias Papa Ulos also known as my Dad has the most stamina of our group. You may find him catnapping every chance he gets, but when it's time for the troops to move out he is front and center leading the march. I know what your thinking, but please do not give into the temptation to call him Seargant Shultz. It may amuse you to know that this great leader of ours was indeed a Staff Seargant in WWII. Leaving Hogan Heroes behind let's continue on to Lincoln Center. It's on 65St. and Broadway and probably one of the most beautiful urban sights known to man. In order to follow the next segments of the story it's necessary to understand that I am combining several evenings into one in order to move the story along and not make this a diary or travel log. So please don't go and try this when you visit New York. For the sake of the story I'm going to magically rejuvenate our traveling companions in order to segue into the next adventure. O.k. everyone refreshed? Let's begin. We have tickets to see a ballet tonight. They are a gift from friends who have bequeathed them to us. Tonights ballet is La Bayadere. This Russian classic is a glorious epic of eternal love and godly revenge. What stands out is the stunningly powerful Cuban dancer painted all in gold. His leaps verge on defying gravity as he somehow hovers above the rest of the dancers in an aerial duel.The splendor of walking into Lincoln Center to see a ballet is a right of passage. It's humanity at the height of aesthetics. From the Italian marble steps to the plush crimson carpet one is surrounded by art at every glance. Light glimmers down from chandeliers to ensconse the patrons in a golden light that foreshadows the epic performance to come. Each step takes on a more significant meaning as you enter the theater and are lead to your seat. The orchestra is warming up and the tone for curtain call rings like a gong in a kings court. The lights dim and you become entranced by each detail that has been attended to. The costumes, sets and lighting give hint to the art that goes into a production of this order. For this evening you are invited to take part as royalty would in the celebration of fleeting excellence. Words can only do so much to convey the feeling that one gets as the curtain falls and a thunderous applause showers down in waves of profound appreciation and gratitude. Curtain calls and flowers rejuvenate the feeling as each new wave forever bonds this audience to its performers. Upon exiting even your fellow man takes on a fresher appearance, for hope has been infused by the spirit of this experience. As the energy and people disperse to go their separate ways families friends and lovers share smiles and enthusiastic exchanges to keep this night alive. After theater bistros begin to fill with a fervor that can only be described as a post performance glow. With Playbills in hand we walk an extra subway stop to enjoy the night air before we retire to our chambers. I hope this brings to life the flavor that is uniquely New York. Thank you and goodnight. Submitted for your approval. Jody

Tajmachocolate,Chrysalis and Archaeology

Part 6 takes us through the museum and beyond. There are several entrances to this museum. I usually use the main one facing central park west. We'll walk in and go to membership services to get ticket to whatever special events are going on that day. The one we're going to today eradicates the barrier of age. When it comes to chocolate there are only a rare few that show no interest. For them, I as well as many others say "Good! more for me." Not a lot of moral high-ground, but addiction isn't known for its selfless ways. The chocolate exhibit is amazing. If that was taught in history or science class there would be significantly fewer absences. If you checkout the link above , you'll see that every facet of mankind is brought in somewhere in the chocolate chain. It's quite a wait to get in, but once you enter you feel as though you found the golden ticket (Willy Wonka). I never even thought about how or when chocolate entered into my life. It was there and that's all that mattered to me. Walking through the exhibit you begin to see the depth and intensity it has played in world affairs. There is even a conservational angle in terms of shade grown chocolate. Seldom do you see 6 year olds with 80 year olds studying and cherishing the heritage of a long loved friend. At the end there is a chance to try all types of chocolate and buy books, videos and souvenirs. From here we go to see the butterfly exhibit. Again there is quite a wait, but when you walk into the conservatory its like being teleported to another planet. Scientists are everywhere ready to answer any question about butterflies you can think of. You see the life cycle and all the different species up close and personal . Upon exiting you are carefully inspected to make sure no unwanted guest accidentally departs with you. Now it's time to hit the cafeteria to rest our tired feet and try putting something other than chocolate in our bellies. That done we waddle to the discovery room. This place allows kids to experience what it's like to dig at an archaeological site, plus a bunch of other cool scientific fun things to do. Now we go to see the imax show where just about everyone sleeps. This isn't to mean the movies are boring it's just that exhaustion settles in now whenever you sit. If you get to go back a second time checkout the planetarium. It's a days adventure all by itself. If you're anything like us the museum's closing and it's time to leave. We walk out and around to Columbus Ave and 81rst st. to wait in line at pizza uno. Just about ready to explode and pass out we begin the 70's shuffle down broadway to see the sights. That's all for now.Good night Jody

Columbus Circle, Central Park and a Voyage to where no man has...

Part5-We left off going to the Movies. On our way home there was an inevitable stop at a Korean all night deli to buy Ben and Jerry's, milk and probably some fruit. Since it's summer I will be rising around noon to find Ammba eating cereal, watching T.V. and Tammy coming home from yoga class. I'm headed for the coffee machine and to idiotically announce my intentions to shower in front of 2 women. What was I thinking? The shower skit goes something like this: I stretch, yawn and say "I'm going to hop in the shower. What do we have to eat?" Ammba chides in "Well, one thing we sure don't have is any ice cream or cookies for that matter. " Looking up at an angle she tilts her head and places her right index finger on her cheek while folding her other arm beneath her elbow for support and asks "I wonder what happened to them Papi? Do you have any clue as to where they might have gone?" Feigning innocence I rub my face slowly with my hand stopping on my chin and say "Why no little one . It does appear to be a mystery? Tammy do you know where they might have gotten off to? Starting to strip off her wet clothes she waves her one free hand saying " Oh no you don't! I'm not getting dragged into this again. You know full well my position on the copious consumption of junk 24 hrs. a day. So please spare me the daily unrefined sugar-drama. Between the both of you there is no end to the amount of crap that's eaten around here." Ammba and I both cringe in the wake of what is sure to be a whole grain lecture of the first order. It's as if mother earth herself has infused her with righteous indigestion. The organic tirade begins, "It's one thing if you choose to ignore and deny the laws of basic nutrition, it's another when you campaign to undermine your own daughters health under the auspices of fun and games." Starting to feel the crippling weight of the truth I begin to realize the unfair position I've placed Tammy in. Ammba in a misguided effort to defend me says " Papi bought Clementines and their healthy." Now fearing the dam about to break I frantically begin to offer remedies like the little Dutch girl does fingers in the dyke. I say "Tammy you're right I am being childishly irresponsible. Ammba honestly we should make a better effort to eat healthier." Grinning slyly Tammy goes to a bag she brought from the farmers market. Holding it up as a waitress would she smiles, winks and says " Scones, carrot cake or cookies anyone? They're homemade and oh oh soo healthy and delicious." Suddenly realizing she just played us like Bob Dylan on the harmonica we charge and tackle her to the ground for a little tickle retribution. The coffees ready and Tammy escapes to be the first one in the shower. Ammba goes for the cookies and a Clementine to balance out her diet. I sip my espresso counting my blessings to be part of something so real and beautiful. As Tammy is blow drying her hair Ammba and I conspire to opt out of bathing for that day. The nuts and bolts of getting ready for our outing out of the way we begin to slim Ammba's travel gear down to something a bit more manageable. This act begins with Tammy gently suggesting "Ammba dear, I don't think it's such a great idea to bring your groovy girls, nitendo DS and god knows what else you have in that back pack. You're going to lose it and then be really upset."She responds with a whine "I get bored going to the museum. We went yesterday. Why do we have to go again today? When are we going to Toy's R Us? " Looking for a little back up, Tammy looks to me. I take a big breath and say " O.k., Let's be fair and think this through before we make any decisions. Ammba, Papa Ulos is going so he can spend some time with you and share something special. Remember last summer we went to see the mythical beasts?" Ammba's furrowed brow begins to relax and says "Yeah, He even like the dragons and all the other monsters. But what about Toys R Us?" I say "Have you gone every year so far?" Ammba nods saying "Yeah, but..." Index finger on my temple I jump in with " Hmm, I wonder if Papa Ulos is home saying "Karen, Do we really have to go to the Natural History Museum? Wouldn't Ammba like to see a 5 hour German opera just a much?" Ammba leaping off the couch waving her finger says "Unh uh, I know Papa Ulos isn't saying that he loves the museum. Especially with me , he said so. Hmpf!" She crosses he arms in emphasis. Unloading her backpack to the barest essentials she repacks and stands ready by the door. Tammy who is reading her yoga journal looks up and says "Are we ready ready or just ready?" In unison we all say "Ready ready" So it's out he door, to the elevator, down to the lobby a quick gab with the dooorman. One of us always needs to go back upstairs for something and then it's off to the subway. Facing 10th st. I say " So anyone remember how to get to the Museum of Natural History?" Ammba smiles and says "Taxi?" I say " Sure if you want it to come out of your Toy money" Ammba smiles and in a Ricky imitation throws her arms back juts out her chest says "Uh.. I Don't think so buckeroo! It can come out of your book money how about that?" Tammy still thinking about how to get there says "Union Square to the #6?" I shrug and start to walk saying " If you say so lead on." Grabbing my arm and coquetly flirting with me in a little girls voice says "I'm just guessing, is that right?" Narrowing my eyes and pushing my lips out I smirk and say " Nice try cutie pie, but no banana." Ammba yells "Eeeyooo bananas gross!!" I say "It aint no skin off my nose. You guys are leading I'm just along for the ride. I will give you a hint." In chorus arms spread and mouths open eyes bulge "Well Einstein what?" I am thrilled with this answer because written on the wall of the subway station itself is:

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

—Albert Einstein

Ammba says " What's that mean?" Hands on my hips I say "What that means is you should have checked before we left the house." Ammba says " So what? I'm supposed to go back upstairs. I think you don't know. We get lost every time we go your way. " Sheepishly acknowledging this I say " Well that's true, but only because after so many years they changed the subway it stop on. It always was the "A" now it's the unh unh unh. Nice try! But no cigar."They both stomp their feet and say " Come on we're wasting time." Giving in I tell them. So you know here's a link worth checking:http://www.naturalhistorymag.com/city_of_stars/06_81st_street.html
You'll see from the art work it's hard to miss. So we walk down 6th ave to the W4th st. station and wait for the "C" train to take us to ???????? That's right 81rst st. That's it for tonight folks goodnight. Jody

Part 4- William the Hippo,Tremendous Tapestries and The Temple of Dendur

Part 4 begins as we walk up the majestic steps of this magnificent landmark in New York's history. Walking past the rotunda we will go immediately to membership services. Our family has been members since 1950. Here you will receive a colorful metal button to put on as proof of entry.If this is your first time you are truly in for a great treat.It's one of the most impressive buildings in the world. I have been visiting this place for over 40 years and still haven't even come close to seeing it all. Having bonded with this place as a child I obviously have some favorite sections and exhibits.The first I would like to share with you is the infamous "William" who I will let others describe, as not to blow his importance out of proportion. As if that were even possible! The following is taken from an article in the New York Times.- "William" is the nickname given by the Metropolitan Museum of Art to this blue faience hippopotamus from ancient Egypt. The figure is decorated with stylized water lilies, symbolic of the hippo's river home, and dates back to the 12th Dynasty (1991-1786 B.C.). William has enjoyed such popularity that he has become the Museum's unofficial mascot. William came to the Metropolitan Museum in 1917, when it was donated by Edward Harkness. William was originally discovered in 1910, in the Tomb of Senbi at Meir. William has captured the hearts of museum visitors ever since his arrival there, and reproductions of William can be bought, along with smaller figurines, stuffed animals, and more.William is only one of many, many faience hippos and other figurines that were crafted by the Ancient Egyptians. They were used as protective amulets and figurines in the home, and they were placed in tombs to protect and aid in the journey to the afterlife. In the spirit of ancient Egypt, Ammba will drag you to her refuge and home away from home. The temple of Dendur-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Dendur

This exhibit has several strategic reasons to visit it. It's the closest and most easily accessible bathroom in the museum. Next, it has several places to sit , relax and enjoy the spectacular view. Last but not least it's an awe inspiring space which is second to none. Make your pit stop quickly , Ammba will be ready to educate you on the art of mummification and why she thinks it's the best way to go. It would be wise to be a little prepared, because she expects you to keep up and contribute something worthy to her special tour. So you don't embarrass yourself here is a little basic background info.-http://www.egyptologyonline.com/mummification.htm

So after a thorough inspection of this hall, we usually head to whatever is the main exhibit at the time. This is followed by a trip to the cafeteria and a little break. Small breaks allow you to pace yourself. My favorite is the tapestries. Even though the main tapestry exhibit is at the Cloisters, there are several incredible pieces in the permanent collection. We usually end up in the American wing which is a giant arboretum. Again plenty of places to sit and a wishing fountain. When our feet stop pounding we head for the exit. Onto the steps where street entertainment abounds. There are mimes, clowns, acrobatic troupes and musicians. Then it's onto the downtown bus. Deciphering the bus schedule is a task for a master cryptologist. I can not help you here, it remains a mystery even after it has been explained, so good luck. The reason we take the bus is that the view traveling down 5th Ave.is absolutely a sensory sensation. We get off at 10th st. and walk the extra block home. It's now a race to see who gets to the bathroom first. Silence and nodding heads are the next order of business followed by the next meal debate of what, where, when and how. If we survive that it's movie time- "Brought to you by Moviefone. If you know the name of the movie you'd like to see press one...You've picked 'Oh my god it's 12 bucks a person' starring you and your family. It's playing around the corner at Regal Union Square stadium 14. Thanks for calling Moviefone." That's it for now Jody

Part 3-Sensory Smorgasbord,Cutting Edge Temptations and Delightful Anonymity

This picks up as Ammba leaves to get the bagels. O.k. I'm back. 3 days of intensive yoga slowed me down a little. I will say I learned a lot and would recommend it to anyone interested in getting in touch with how their body works. So where were we? Right, Ammba is on her way to Murrays to get everyone food. Even though I played very nonchalant with Ammba going on her own, I was very tempted to follow just to make sure she was safe. 30 minutes later she returns with tales of her adventures and the bagels . We all sit and gobble down our New York delicacy. Waving her hands animatedly and pacing back and forth, Ammba begins her report with "It was crazy, a real mad-house. People everywhere were pushing and shoving in front of me like I wasn't even there .Finally when it was my turn, I was too short for the guy to see me. So he says 'next'. Can you believe that? After waiting so patiently! Well let me tell you, I had enough. I finally yell 'Hey buddy! I 'm down here. what are ya blind?' He leans over the counter and I see he obviously speaks spanish. So I politely give my order in spanish:'Perdoname senor...' get this, he treats me like a queen and gives me a free dessert. It rocked!" We all laugh with amazement at how Ammba is coming into her own. Being the proud Papi that I am I immediately say "Wow that's great Baby! We're thinking of going to the museum. Would you go to the magazine-stand and pick up a copy of the New Yorker?" With a mouth full of bagel she responds " Yaw ah geh rye on it, rye affa yuh may ya behs payhi!" Speaking fluent bagel for sometime now I say "touche kiddo touche! I'm on it. For those of you who don't speak or read bagelese she said " Yes I'll get right on it, right after you make the beds Papi." After noshing and straightening up we decide to head out to the Met.(http://www.metmuseum.org/) We head downstairs and catch up with Lenny the doorman on the latest building gossip. Lenny, who is like family, shares his ups and downs since we left last year. Lenny and I share a special bond. We both were mentored by a doorman named Jim. He died a few years ago, but lives on in those he touched over the years in this building. I have many great Jim stories, but that's for another time. We turn left and walk down 10th st., left on 5th ave., right on 14th st. to the #6 train at Union Square(check map link for for info)http://newyorkcity2005.web.infoseek.co.jp/information/maps/downtownmap.html
We take the #6 to 86th st. and Lexington ave. and walk over to 5th ave and the Metropolitan Museum of art. This will continue tomorrow. Jody

Part 2 Bagels,Museums and Vaselka

I see you're still with us, brave soul that you are. O.k. , it's probably around noon and I'm just getting up . Ammba will be watching t.v. and Tammy will be returning from yoga class. Yea, here she come with her hands full of fruits and vegetables from the farmers market. The scene will pretty much go like this. Ammba will roll over from laying on her stomach stretch, yawn and will say "Is anybody else hungry?" Tammy will always jump in with " I'm starving! I haven't had anything since a cup of tea this morning" I will raise both hands in surrender and say "o.k. o.k. I hear you. How about Murrays bagels?" A simultaneous yelp of agreement is followed by the type of bagel everyone wants. I reply with "That was a suggestion, not me volunteering to be delivery boy." I look to Ammba and she slowly gets up with a dramatic groan of inconvenience and like Egor from Winnie the pooh says" Yea, I know. I'm the one who always gets the bagels. So what does everybody want?" Since you're just a guest and not from New York you'll get what we give you. So just hold your horses. Tammy very politely begins her bagel request . Raising her index finger Ammba interupts her with " Let me guess, I'm to travel to Greece for the cheese, swim the Mediterranean to Italy for the bread and fly to Nova Scotia and board a trawler to fish for the lox." Tammy retorts " Don't forget to hand-glide to Bermuda for the onion and parachute into the farmers market for the organic heirloom tomatoes" In an insane attempt to interject a note of rationality I recommend we let our little scout(Natty Bumpo)http://www.mohicanpress.com/mo06032.html begin with a reconnaissance mission to Murrays to see if she's up to the task, before we send her on an international assignment. Ammba's eyes widen as see realizes it's only her 2nd trip to Murrays and doesn't remember where it is. She approaches me while I am already drawing her a map and writing down the orders. Papi? she says. I reply "Yes little one?" "Will you go with me?" she timidly inquires. I answer. Pointing at what I'm doing " No baby, you're perfectly capable of making this journey on your own. Here's everything you'll need." Nodding she looks over my shoulder at the map and bagel orders. In a final attempt she wimpers " But, what if?..." I whip a no nonsense look of "Don't even think of trying to get out of this." at her and hand her the papers. She nods in agreement. So the orders look something like this: Papi-Plain bagel with lox, tomato and cream cheese, no onion and grapefruit juice. Tammy-An all-grain everything bagel with lox, red onion, tomato and zero-fat cream cheese, all natural cranberry juice and herbal tea. Ammba- Sesame bagel, tomato, red onion,cream cheese and orange juice and chocolate milk. You-phone in your order and Ammba will pick it up. You're still on probation. I give her the money, directions and a gentle push out of the nest with a kiss goodbye. More coming later. Looks like tomorrow. Jody P.S. The photos are from yesterdays story "Snack Restaurant" The other is the infamous "Naked Cowboy" strictly for tourists, but fun nevertheless.