Where to Go Wednesday - in QueensHello there! Much Needed Wednesday Rant... I really need a vent session before I move on. So, last night I had the worst night's sleep. I just could not fall into a deep slumber and I kept waking up. At one point, I was so hot and when I got up to open the window, I found it was already opened! Liberty woke me up at like 4am with her usual panting and pacing because she wanted to come on the bed. Poor thing can't jump on the bed anymore with her hind leg arthritis, so she bugs the heck out of us until we help her up. As if that wasn't bad enough, I woke up with a killer pain in my jaw. I figured it was the start of a sinus infection, but it got better once I woke up, so I'm thinking it was just from my usual clenching. I finally got cozy at like 5:30 and of course, the alarm went off at 6am (a little earlier than usual) so that I could study with Gianna yet again, for her social studies test. My usual short order cook duties were a real chore this morning since I still felt like I was unconscious while preparing sausage and eggs for breakfast and soup and snacks for lunches. I'm really tired!!! Moving on... Ok - I'm done! So, with that out and behind me, can I tell you how excited I am that Tanya, Cosette and Dominic are here in New York!!! That's Right - they arrived last night and we will all be hooking up later today! Actually, it's a bit of a hectic day for me prior to us getting together. First, I have the folks from PC Richards coming over to re-install my television in the appropriate location on the wall so it fits with the new wall unit. (that should be delivered a day or so before Thanksgiving). Then, originally, I had a Brownie Meeting I was supposed to be at to lead at 2pm, but, as fate would have it, I got a call from the back specialist for Gianna, who had a last minute cancellation, at 2pm (figures), so I will not be able to be at the Brownie Meeting :-( But, since Tanya is coming to Long Island, I arranged with her to pick Kelsey up from Brownies since I doubt I will be done at the doctor in time to get her. I didn't say a word to Kelsey, so I can't wait to hear about her reaction when Tanya walks in!!! Trying New Places Tomorrow... So, most times when we talk about "where to go" it's usually some kind of travel or entertainment-related place. But, today, I'm going to tell you about an eating excursions that Tanya and I planned for tomorrow. There's a great little town in Queens, called Astoria, which is only a hop, skip and a jump into Manhattan. As a matter of fact, it is the place where I was born and lived for the first 2 years of my life and where my mom grew up. The neighborhood is very multi-cultural and there are a ton of great restaurants and eateries! Tanya and I wanted to find some place that accommodated both vegan and non-vegans and instead of the same old places, we did some research and found several restaurants right in Astoria. In fact, we found a great "Sweetery" as well with an entire menu of dairy and non-dairy desserts and cold treats! We will be sure to give you all the details after we go there! But, consider Astoria, Queens for great restaurants, shopping and fun!  Can't wait to post lots of cousins pictures tomorrow!!! Enjoy your day! -E | Spending Humpday in NYGreetings everyone! Well, we got here to New York around 6pm last night. The flights were both good, and we each napped for a bit.  The kids made a little friend once we landed at LGA Our baggage quickly arrived at the carousel, and then we headed for the curbside pickup from Hertz. It was then when I noticed that my bag was totally destroyed!!! I was having Dominic pull it out, and traded with him, as he bag was lighter and I was already being very weighted down - I can be like a pack mule! lol One of the wheels was completely torn off and the inner linings of the bag ripped and exposed!!! So of course I headed right back inside to complain, struggling as I lugged all of these heavy bags with me, and one that had no wheel!  Destroyed!!! When I arrived at the baggage desk, it was flatly explained to me that the airline is NOT liable for any damage to the wheels. I clearly pointed out that this problem went way beyond just an issue with the wheel...NOTHING So, in frustration I got a cart and headed back to the curb. We got to the rent agency and then headed to my Grandma's. As for today, I spent the morning hanging out with my dad and grandma. Then this afternoon on our way to Elisa's, I need to stop and pick up a new suitcase! Ugh - did I mention that this damaged one is only a few months old?! I have to be honest - I go through luggage like water! But it's not me, it's the airlines. I mean sure I travel a great deal, but these darn bags are always needing to be replaced! It's quite frustrating! Ok I'll drop that for now. So, as a surprise we are going to pick up Kelsey from Girl Scouts! The kids are so excited to see their cousins and this will be a fun little unexpected surprise!!! Then back to Elisa's house for some quality cousin time and some good 'ol catching up (even though we chat daily!) Where to Go Wednesdays!!! Like Elisa has mentioned on her side of the page, we usually suggest different types of local entertainment or events to go and to check out. Well as for today, we are suggesting a specific area - this area is Astoria, Queens. The neighborhood of Astoria has a population of 154,000 - which I mention only because that is close to half the of entire population of Iceland, which comes in at a mere 323,000!  Photo: Wikipedia Before moving to Rosedale, my mom spent the first 10 years of her life in Astoria. That was many years before the Hipsters started taking over this very diverse city. I might just have to thank the Hipsters for their invasion, because although Astoria has always had plenty of Old World Restaurants - a lot of these restaurants are now also catering to the vegan crowd! Yay!!! So although you have to wait until Thursday to hear all about where we went!!! Just the fact that we are gonna be eating Italian Food in NYC - I know it's gonna be GOOD! Only place to get it any better is at home or in Italy!!! Hope that you are all having a good week thus far and that you enjoy your Humpday! Catch ya tomorrow, -T  |
