(Kathy was the official map reader of the day)
Give me a field and a forest anyday; a country road and the sounds of nature are for me!
However, I do think it’s good for me to get out of my comfort zone and do different things. On Thursday, my friend Kathy and I went to NYC for the day. We drove to New Haven, CT and got on the train from there, arriving at Grand Central Station about 11:30.
We shopped at the American Girl Place and I know some of you were wondering what I bought but I can’t tell you that because Grace reads my blog! Everyone will just have to wait until Christmas. 
We walked and walked and walked and walked. It was cold! Brrrrr, one of my souvenirs was a new pair of mittens and a scarf–I bought a dark blue set and Kathy bought a brown set. They were a little pricey and we both said that next time, we will knit our own. (we’ll see about that!!)
(I’m the official secretary of all the trips. . . . .)
We ended up going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the first time I had been there. I really enjoyed it and could imagine spending a day there by myself, taking my time and studying. Kathy and I found the paintings (the museum is huge) and my favorites were by Rembrandt, who used such wonderful, warm color. I was appalled when my phone rang (a no-no)–and the ring that tells me my husband is calling is a Big Fan Fare. I sort of threw the phone around, trying to turn it off–I was so flustered I could not remember how, so Kathy did it. I am sure I was beet red. We also looked at the “Gates of Splendor” exhibit, it was so awesome. “See what people can do in a world with no blackberries, computers, phones, and televisions??” Every work of art was done with such attention to detail to the very best of the artist’s ability.
Kathy read me this quote,
“Rembrandt is so deeply mysterious
that he says things for which
there are no words in any language.”
~Vincent Van Gogh
and I told her that I could say the same about her (she can be very confusing at times and she knows it)–and we both laughed hysterically.
I also enjoyed the stained glass windows and the old dishes and pottery. Kathy and I both agreed that our boys would love the medieval exhibit.
Of all the places we could have had lunch, we ended up eating at the CAFETERIA at the museum. So funny. I ate baked chicken w/roasted squash and potatoes. Kathy had a hamburger and fries. We enjoyed sitting, eating, and resting our weary feet. After enjoying our lunch and all the art, we went to the gift shop and I bought 2 boxes of notecards–of course–I love having a nice variety of stationary and notecards to use when I write to my pen-pals.
By the time we headed back toward the train station, it was getting dark. We walked with mobs of people. . .we both noticed and remarked on all the talking. . .so many voices talking all at the same time, what NOICE, and wondered what God thought of it all. . most of it was nonsense talk, including the two of us, I’m afraid! We were rather silly all day and laughed a lot.
The best spur of the moment thing we did was ducking into Garret, a popcorn place, and buying bags of popcorn. It was so fun walking the rest of the way and munching on popcorn. . .I had a little bag of buttery cheese and a little bag of macadamia nut/caramel. Kathy got caramel. It was so delicious!
We got on the train at Grand Central Station during peak time, it was 6:04, and we sat with a nice lady who talked with us about the museum and gave us some suggestions about what to do if we ever take the kids with us (which I cannot imagine doing any time soon!)
It was a great day, I got home at 10-ish because we also stopped at a Starbucks on the way back. I got into bed so exhausted and spend the day yesterday being short with the kids. 
Good to be Home 
sounds like great idea… We spend a day in Dec. 1999 walking around NYC(husbands w/ and no kiddos yet)…My sis and I ought to do this … We could get the train in Lancaster and go for the day!!
Looks like you had a good time. It’s nice you can take the train into the city and don’t have to drive.
It looks like y’all had a wonderful time! I loved the pictures!
It is also tough on a mom to get out and just be someone other than mom, mommy or momma and then step right back into the thick of things. I’m sure the children missed you so much and needed the reassurance – not easy when all you can think about was the fun you had the day before! When mine were little, I would do the same thing in being short with them. It took me a long time to figure out that on the days I returned to just not do anything but hang out with the children and make it a fun day for them. I would find quiet games for them to do like make blanket tents in the living room and have picnic lunches in them. I would plan on no laundry or housecleaning for that day and just wearing jammies all day! ;O)
The art museum is my favorite…favorite…FAVORITE place to go. The pictures bring back so many memories for me…thank you again for taking the time to post them up for us to see. I love the city but I do love living out and away from all the noise.
I hope y’all have a wonderful and restful weekend!
xoxo Cat
I just love the pictures of the buildings. Whenever I’m in a big city I spend half the time looking up at the amazing structures. I do believe architects and designers are true artists. It looks and sounds like you had a great time and I’m sure Grace is counting down the days to find out what you bought!!
What a day! And what a place to have lunch! LOL!
Sounds like a wonderful day trip! That popcorn looks so good!!!! You got to see so much! I have never been to NYC but hope to one day visit. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Try to relax after that big adventure and don’t be cranky with the kids! LOL 🙂
Looks like so much fun!! Good for you. Thanks for sharing all the great pictures!
wow….
i’ve never been to NYC… i think that it would probably one of those things that i might like for the day… but then would want to return to the quiet of home
Ah, your trip brings back good memories. Before Bri was born I went to NYC and stayed with my sister. She had to work during the day, and I took the subways all over town. Did you really walk from Rockerfeller Center up to the Museum?When I visited RC the flags were from the nations of the world. I wonder if they were changed after 911? Your pictures are wonderful btw The museum was my favorite, I went there twice. I was so excited to see the many masterpiece paintings that I had studied in Art History. A picture in a book never conveys the depth and texture and size of an orginal.
I think a lot of Americans think that NYC is some big, crime infested, dangerous place. My daughter is getting married there, and I am amazed at the people who are actually AFRAID to come to the wedding. I think most New Yorkers are extremely helpful and friendly. Of course there are some rough areas, but that is true anyplace. I am glad you stepped outside your comfort zone and saw some new things. You are right that it’s good every now and then to push ourselves a bit so that we don’t get stale and stodgy!
Looks like a fun trip! Also you have such neat handwriting!
Who took the picture of you AND Kathy? Did you talk to strangers, Shanda???!!!! LOL
What a great time! I’ve never been to NYC — and it’s so different from the west coast. I have a former student who went to Columbia Univ. seven years ago and loved New York so much that she hasn’t come back to Calfornia! She’s now a professor at Columbia! I love the idea of riding the train, too. I imagine it was scenic and less stressful than driving. 🙂
Oh, FUN! Every single thing you did – visit the American Girl Place, Museum, and eat popcorn – I would have loved to do also. I’m so glad you had a fun day with your friend!
Sounds like a fun, giggly trip for you two girls. I can’t wait to see what you got at the AG store. sigh. Guess I will just have to wait for Christmas like Grace. 😉 I can’t knit, but my dearest friend can, and she says its not to hard. I am trying to learn to crochet, but its slow going. You said you spent the next day being “short” with the kids. You know, I have noticed that phenomenon with myself. When I get a “me day”, it seems like the next day back at the routine, is just worse. I wonder sometimes if I should take those days, but then I know I should. Maybe its like the ‘post vacation blah’s” that some folks get?Have a great weekendMelodyP.S. My cell phone ring is the 1812 Overture. I have it up loud so I can hear it in the house if dh calls (I keep it in my purse) and when it goes off in public it not only startles me, but people all around me too. (blush) lol
Oh that sounds like such a fun trip! Glad you got to get away for the day~
what a beautiful day you had! your trip is so wonderful from your description and sometimes mothers/friends just need to get-a-way together. your blog is such a happy one today. it is, however, making me miss my daughter being a young girl again. my mother used to give my sarah an american girl doll every year for christmas. once they took a trip together to williamsburg to take felicity to a special tea party there. it was adorable and sarah wore the same dress as felicity… those were incredibly precious moments. now my little girl is getting married, i literally feel like i blinked and she was all grown up!
What a fabulous trip, we should get a group of us to meet in the city some day.
so glad you took a day for yourself! it looks like it was lovely!!! my husband just got back from a usiness trip in NYC and wants to plan a trip in the spring for us to go, i have never been and I am very excited!!
the church spire photo is awesome! I’ll probably never get to NY, so it is great to see it through your eyes. Thanks for sharing………
I’ve not been to NYC for something like 20 years — I’m probably close to being one of those who would be afraid to go there without somebody who knows their way around – lol ! It looks as though you had a good time, though — well deserved, and probably long overdue, but a good rest over the weekend should bring you back to your happy self. The Art Museum looks wonderful, and you had some fun shopping too — can’t wait to see what you got!
my mom is in new york city…Mybrother lives in Brooklyn, so she went to visit him.my brother is the doorman at the Russian Tea Room…
How lovely to jump on a train with a friend and just go for a day. Beautiful pictures. So they have the ice rink set up already? I would have had to do that. 🙂
What a wonderful post of your trip. And the photos are terrific. All Little Mamas need a day out once in a while. Hugs.
What fun! I’ve lived so close to NYC for four years now and still have never been. I need to make my husband take me! I’m so glad you had a good time. It looks wonderful.
WOW! What fun! I’m so glad you got to go minus children. That is always a treat : ) Thanks for sharing!
how funny you were in NYC this weekend. I happened to be there too, visiting a friend. It was so cold!!! glad you had a good time!! I really enjoy reading your blog by the way!
I long for a day like that! A day with a friend!!! I got your sweet letter today (well, yesterday, but I was out of town!). You are SO right by the way. 🙂 I’m glad you had a good time and got to recharge. What a blessing!
Great journaling and photos of the day. Were you near Ground Zero? I thought some of the scenes looked like that area.
Thanks for sharing! Sounds like it was a fun filled day and I’m glad it was! I remember going to the Met and I loved it. I didn’t even get to see half of it. That was 10 years ago that I went there and I loved the mideveil section and the walking into the rooms that were replica’s of those times and etc. It was very neat! Lish
Wonderful! Great sites for our sight on your site. I have been only twice (once so long ago I can’t remember it) and the second was for a conference. I fell in love with the Italian section we were near, the people were delightful. I had no idea though, that NYC was so beautiful. I don’t think I can pick a favorite picture. (but the very thought of macadamia/caramel has set me to dreaming). Thanks Shanda, this was delightful. You do city pretty well country gal! Love and blessings, m in sc
How wonderful Shanda. Looks like you and Kathy had a day filled with memories of fun and friendship. I loved New York City and I want to go back soon! (That way, I can see you too.:) The museum is heavenly! I love art so much, it’s just beautiful. Popcorn of all flavors, oh my, yummy! Of course, topping it off with some coffee from Starbucks’s was just icing on the cake. Madison and Morgan would have a field day in American Girl!! I would too. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your day with us.
It sounds like a wonderful time!! The American Girl place looks so nice!! I can’t wait to see my girls faces when they open theirs on Christmas:)
I’m from the South and have NEVER been to NYC but am going in two weeks for a long weekend with my mother and two sisters. . .I cannot wait!! One of my sisters has four daughters (to match my four sons) so I know we’ll end up in the American Girl Doll store as well. We are going to see a few Broadway shows and eating at Tavern on the Green and taking a carriage ride through Central Park. Can you tell I’m excited?? Thanks for sharing your fun day. . .