Tonight, Matthew, I'm going to be ...

Martha Stewart! Forget Nigella and Delia, the way forward is to be Martha Stewart so I've been out and bought myself some 'cups' in order to follow recipes the American way. Quite clearly, this will improve my baking and cooking skills tenfold from what they were in the UK so if you are planning a visit, you can look forward to some culinary delights ;-) In reality, you are more likely to get something in line with the Swedish chef from the Muppets. While I was out and about doing errand type things, I also paid sent off the money to pay my summons so fingers crossed I can forget about that now, with no long lasting effects other than a over-whelming fear of the Port Authority Bus/Subway station and butch police women.

We had a short break in the rain so I took Boy Wonder for a wander up and down the ramps of Bryant Park. All was going well until we had a battle of wills about holding my hand/the buggy versus running like numpty into the nearest crowd of strangers. Quite clearly, this was a no-brainer which resulting in a tantrum that could have been used as a case study in Dr Green's 'Toddler Taming' book. I avoided the stares of the businessman talking on their mobiles while somehow getting Boy Wonder in the stroller while he was still clutching clumps (yes, actually clumps) of my hair. Surprising, I was still an oasis of calm but that is only because I have a very well used copy of Dr Green's book on my bedside table and it clearly states that toddlers have no sense, and that's what I keep hold of.

The weather was slightly better today so I took Boy Wonder back to the 'City Treehouse' which is wonderful. Last week he spent the whole hour playing with the water and inside the secret caves of the tree and it only cost me $10 as it was our first visit. Today we did the 45 minute power walk to get there and paid $20 as it was our second visit. Boy Wonder spent 30 seconds in the treehouse then spent the rest of the hour pushing a car up and down the corridor, which he could have done at home. We are off to the West coast next week so we won't be able to go and see if they charge $30 for the third visit...

I have had a very good week in terms of new chums and have been over for lunch and a cuppa twice this week with my new posse. Today I went to an apartment that had a roof terrace. Everyone needs a friend in New York with a roof terrace!!!! I met a new person today who I'm going out with on Friday so I'm looking forward to that. Everyone in the group is lovely and they are going out of their way to make me feel welcome. They all have little boys from 12 months upwards and Boy Wonder is the 'big boy' in the group which makes a nice change for him and it's rather sweet watching him trying to talk and explain things to the younger ones. It's such a good feeling to have some dates in the diary and not to have to worry about how to fill each day (there is only so much sightseeing you can do in a week!)

I'm amused to see that Gordon Brown has been charming the voters back in the UK. The election doesn't even warrant a mention on the news over here - the 'special relationship' with the US that the UK keeps going on about doesn't seem so 'special' from this side of the pond. I'm looking forward to reading the feedback on tomorrow night's debate.

Thank you to everyone who has responded to my teabag SOS!!! I'm sure you all feel my pain! x

It's a new dawn, it's a new day...

After the post-traumatic stress that I'm sure lots of you suffered after reading my last blog, I'd like to start with a joke to lighten the mood.

Knock knock

(Who's there?)

Interupting cheese

(Interupting cheese who?) - While this is being said, the 'knock knock' person shouts - CHEESE

When the person looks confused, the 'knock knock' person says, 'See, I told you I was an interupting cheese'...

This highly amusing joke is part of my favourite US TV ad about a particular brand of cheese that has to be properly matured in order to be sold. Quite clearly, the cheese who tells the joke isn't chosen. This joke has kept Paul and I amused for hours...

Anyway, as I said, it's a new dawn, it's a new day and I'm feeling good. I've had no more drama that has reached the dizzying heights of Thursday, thank goodness. I recovered by eating Toys R Us pic-n-mix (SO much cheaper than FAO Schwarz!) and Paul brought home some Magnolia Bakery cupcakes so all was (nearly) forgotten. I had a lovely afternoon on Friday as I met a couple of other local Brit moms at the playground and Boy Wonder slept in his stroller in the shade so I was actually able to have a proper conversation. They were horrified about my subway experience and said that everyone gets stopped like that at some point but they usually get a police officer with an ounce of manners and decency. Apparently the station I was at has a reputation for having some of the toughest officers as it can be a bit of a magnet for some of New York's more 'interesting' characters.

Yesterday we set off early and got the subway (oh yes) down to Battery Park where we took a boat tour. We had originally planned to get the boat to Liberty Island but the queue was too long. We ended up on a boat tour that went around the southern tip of Manhattan, back around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and then past Brooklyn. The Statue of Liberty is my most favourite New York sight and she was in all her glory against the blue sky. When we were on the subway heading home, some Bavarian-style folk musicians came on the train to 'entertain' the passengers before going around with their cap. 99% of the passengers averted their gaze, apart from Boy Wonder who stood up clapping and dancing and who clearly thought that this was the most fun he'd had all day.

When living in New York you have to spend your time watching films that are based in New York, and this week we have watched two. The first one was 'The Day After Tomorrow' which I gather had something to do with global warming. Last night we watched 'The Gangs of New York' which was rather more interesting. The film is based in the five points area of Manhattan which today would be halfway between Chinatown and the Financial district, which was the neck of the woods we were in yesterday morning. The slum at five points had at least one murder a night for fifteen years until it was closed down in 1862.

You will be pleased to know that the good weather has moved across your side of the pond and it rained all day today and looks likely to continue for a couple of days. Staying in will give me a bit of time to think of lots more funny jokes to tell you.... xx

Shaft

New York is one of those places when you can turn a corner and a sight or a sound can make you think 'wow'. Sometimes it's 'wow that's beautiful', sometimes it's 'wow that's amazing' and sometimes it's 'wow that's uber cool'. And I had one of those moments the other day. The sun was blazing and I'd just been watching them remove the ice-rink at the Rockafeller centre ready for summer. I turned towards 5th Avenue and a car pulled up caught in traffic. It was a massive black car with black windows and had the theme tune from the 70s New York cop film 'Shaft' blaring out. It had some of those flashing lights that pulsed in time with the music. Even Boy Wonder had a little dance. The music and the location made me think, 'wow, that's uber cool.'

Today though I had a morning where I thought, 'wow, that's pretty shite,' and I'm still recovering. My plan was to brave the subway alone for the second time and head down to the Children's Museum of the Arts so Boy Wonder could join in with the 'Wee Arts Exploration Group'. I was queuing for my ticket and worrying that the subway was still really busy even though it was gone 9.30am, which is the time I've been told not to even both trying to get on a train with the stroller. I paid for my ticket and then tried to work out how to get through the turnstile. There was a wide door for wheelchairs and then a row of turnstiles. The last time, I was shown how to swipe the card at the turnstile next to the wide door, push the bar round as if you were walking through and then you could open the wide door. This time though, the five turnstiles next to the door were all 'exit' ones with streams of people heading my way. While I was working out how to open the door, someone came through the wide door and held it open for me so I went through.

As soon as I was through I was approached by two police officers. The lady cop asked for my ticket to check it so I gave it to her and she went off. I stood having a very nice chat with the man cop about the subway and times when it gets less busy. Then the lady cop came back with my ticket and asked to see my ID. I showed her my UK driving license and my US bank card which also has photo ID on. She kept these and asked where I lived and I told her and she asked again if I had more ID so I said I had my passport in the apartment but nothing else on me. She then told me that I could be arrested for not having any New York ID with me and went off again to talk on her walkie talkie.

At this point, I still wasn't too sure about what I had done wrong but I was starting to panic as I had images of being thrown in a cell with lots of rough, tough women and Boy Wonder being addicted to crack by teatime. She came back again and told me that my driving license would have to do, even though her boss had told her not to accept it, but basically to count myself lucky to be given a summons when she should be arresting me. Now, those of you who know me well can imagine I was having a sort of public nervous breakdown at this point as I assumed a summons meant I was being taken off to court. She completed the form (which took quite a while because I could hardly speak) and she wrote on the summons that I had 'entered through the exit gate to avoid legal payment of fare'. I tried to point out that I had paid for my ticket to which she replied that 'may or may not be the case'. I said that we could go to the booth where I got it but she said that was irrelevant as I didn't swipe my card. In hindsight, I can see that now but at the time I felt so mortified that they were saying I hadn't paid at all. Then another lady cop came over, and again the first cop went on about my lack of ID and how I should be arrested and the second cop pointed out that my UK license is fine as if they went to the UK then they would only have their US licenses. It looks like I just got unlucky with a jobsworth as she just said again how she was doing me a favour as her boss told her not to accept it.

They handed me my summons - which is a $100 payment within two weeks - and I asked to be shown how to get back out as all I wanted to do was to get back home and have a good sob. She then asked me why I wasn't going on to my destination, to which I snivelled a very British, 'I just want to go home for a cup of tea.' So there. That told her.

Paul rang the number on the top of the summons for some clarification on the whole ID thing and apparently the lady cop was talking nonsense and I have a number in case I want to complain. To be honest, I realise I was in the wrong and would just rather pay the thing and forget about it. But does that mean I'll be letting them win?? Should I be standing up for the small people??? Either way, I don't care as I was totally distraught about the whole experience. It took me forever to recover from getting my first and only three points on my UK driving license and this is much worse!!! I have just re-read what I've written above and I haven't conveyed even a quarter of how scary it was.

Shaft.

Shafted.

Whatever.

Pro-active is my middle name...

Yes, really. I have been a very busy bee today. In fact, I seem to have put together a week's worth of pro-activeness all into one day. But before I tell you about today, I've really got to share with you how truly fab Denzel Washington was yesterday. The only reason I got tickets to see 'Fences' was that my brother was meant to be with me. So I wasn't overly enthusiastic about going alone until I arranged for a friend to come with me. The buzz inside the theatre was amazing and when DW walked on stage the place erupted. All of the cast were wonderful (with only one weak link I felt) and it was a privilege to watch. I must say, Scarlett Johannson was good, but yesterday I really felt like I was watching a Hollywood superstar. Which, indeed, I was. I must say though, my brother Daniel would have hated it... ;-) What was even more special, was that they put on some extra 'theatre' in the interval with two women just sitting along from us having a blazing argument about one of them disturbing the other by opening their sweet wrappers too loudly. This was proper 'head waggling, finger shaking, Ricky Lake (remember her?) style' arguing. It went on and on and the whole auditorium turned and stared at the extra half-time spectacle. The usherette just stood by and watched. Now, if that had been at the Maybox, we would have been right in there. At least it made the 15 minute interval speed by.

The volcano ash story has finally become the top news story on the breakfast 'Today' show. I was rather amused to listen to an American 'Aviation Transportation Expert' (whatever he does) being interviewed. He final comment was, 'Dan, it's much better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than being in the air wishing you were on the ground.' Well said, I thought. They then finished the segment with some video footage of the volcano and ash, with REM's 'It's the end of the world as we know it' playing in the background, which I did think was a tad extreme, but hey, what do I know? All I will say, is that I know Jane and Alex are wanting to come home but I would really they were not on any of the early 'guinea pig' flights!

After that I started to become pro-active and finally braved the Midtown Social Security office to try and apply for my social security number. I need one purely to be able to apply for my driving license and seeing as my car is being delivered on 1st June I really need to get going. I was slightly anxious as I had heard that if you say that is the reason you want one, then they send you away saying a driving license isn't a good enough reason. It didn't help that the first person I heard behind the counter was telling someone that wanting a driving license wasn't good enough. I sat and waited in the room with a rather unusual cross-section of Manhattan residents in all of their glory for an hour, getting myself more and more in a tizz. I shouldn't have worried as she looked at my passport, visa and marriage certificate and that was it. I didn't even have to explain why I needed it. Pro-active task number one ticked off.

Then I came home and finally completed pro-active task two and finally connected my new laptop to the internet, which really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be once I'd worked out which white cable to fiddle with. Straight away, Sara called me on Skype for a lovely chat and I've since spoken with m and d, my little bro and jane and al. I'm finally connected to the rest of the world and my plan is to try and get online during the day when Boy Wonder takes a nap. So do let me have your skype details for those of you that have them.

Today we have been here a month. Wow.I'm almost feeling a native New Yorker. But not yet. xx

Bloody Volcanoes....

As you will already have worked out, my little bro has not been able to come out and visit. He has changed his flight three times and it still looks unlikely he will make it. I can imagine that there must be lots of people who need to travel from A to B for emergencies and others who are stranded away from their families. So when I am cursing bloody clouds of ash and feeling gutted that my bro can't be here, I'm trying to think of all the other people who are in much worse scenarios. I was SO looking forward to showing Daniel around so will have to plan an even better itinery for when he (hopefully) comes over in May.

We have been out today and finally sorted out our house (subject to all parties signing the lease.) We went back to the property that we really likes last week and met the landlord, Boon. I was rather nervous about meeting the landlord as it reminded me of something from years ago. Paul and I went to look at flat in Acton which we had found in the Loot paper and were shown around by the landlady. It was one of those arrangements where the landlady lived downstairs and she rented out the top floor. We loved the flat and thought the viewing had gone really well so we rang the landlady back later that day and were really disappointed to hear that the flat had just been rented out. We continued to search but didn't find anything so were really pleased to see the flat re-advertised in Loot a couple of weeks later. Paul rang the landlady and reminded her of our viewing and said that we were still really keen and how pleased we were that the flat was now available. There was an awful pause before the landlady blurted out that she wouldn't rent to us as she didn't like us and then she slammed down the phone. Luckily that didn't happen today! We are hopefully off to the village of Garden City on Long Island.

I can't get my head around American TV at all. The only programme that I watch is ANTM and a bit of Dancing With The Stars but even that isn't the same as my beloved Strictly. I did watch Celebrity Apprentice last night though. I realised that other than three of the contestants (Sharon Osbourne, Michael Jordan and Cyndi Lauper) I've got no idea who anyone else is so it's a bit like watching the normal apprentice. Though Donald Trump is definitely no Sir Alan.
We are also getting a lot of trailers for a remake of 'Nightmare On Elm St'. Have I missed something?? Was the original really that long ago?? Does it really need a remake? I think not. Freddy Krueger is still wearing the stripey jumper and they seem to have copied the old version scene for scene judging by the clips in the trailer.

Something I saw on the local news that amused me. There is a new exhibit at the Modern Art Museum - sorry the artist's name escapes me. It involves two real naked women standing opposite each other in a doorway. The article was about how they have had to raise security levels as people keep groping them. What tickled me was that they interviewed some chap in a rather dodgy rain mac who was explaining how it was very difficult to squeeze between the naked women without touching them as there wasn't space. He remarked how concerned he was that they would end up with lots of chafed and sore skin after all of the rough fabrics had been brushing past them all day. I'm sure he was salivating as he was expressing his concern. In my opinion, he looks a little too concerned...

It's all a bit cloudy here at the moment but looking forawrd to nice weather next week. Going back to the theatre like Billy No-Mates tomorrow to see Denzel Washington in a play called 'Fences'.

Fingers crossed the ash blows away soon...

'Yes but mine doesn't do eating.'

Where has the time gone since Saturday?? I wish I could say to you all that I have been doing some wild and crazy New York things but life has started to have some aspects that are verging on normality. Wild and crazy no, but I have been doing some lovely things. Thankfully the weather is mild and sunny but without the high temperatures of last week.

On Sunday we met for lunch with some ex-pats that we had been introduced to through an old work colleague of Paul. We had a lovely time and the food was to die for. I had the largest bowl of macaroni cheese in the world which was dripping with cheese and which tasted like heaven. Of course, you needed to move beyond the stodginess and the calorie overload to truly appreciate it but I had no issues with that. In fact, I brought the half that I didn't eat with me home in my first doggy bag and had it for dinner too. On the way to the restaurant, we ended up in a school playground which had some good playground equipment and some basketball hoops. Paul would like me to tell you all that he ruled the court and hit some hoops. He hasn't yet been brave enough to join the teenagers that play in the court opposite the apartment but maybe he is building up to it.

Today I went to my second 'meetup' with local parents who live in the Hell's Kitchen part of Manhattan which is a block or so west. The name apparently comes from a conversation between a veteran cop and his rookie partner while watching a riot on West 39th back in the 1800s. The rookie is supposed to have said, 'This place is hell itself,' to which the veteran cop replied, 'Hell's a mild climate. This is Hell's Kitchen.' (Honest, m and d, it's not like that now, you don't need to worry!) Anyway, we met at a lovely park and everyone was very pleasant but I spent most of the time chasing Boy Wonder around. I did meet three Brit moms though and one of them gave me her number so I'm going to arrange a 'family dating' session with her. The longest conversation I had was with a nice lady who had an equally active toddler. She asked how old Boy Wonder was so I answered 19 months. To be polite I asked the same question (this seems to be what you 'do' when you are with other moms - it is quite dull) and she replied 17 months. So I said something along the lines of them being a similar height, to which the lady replied, 'Yes, but my son doesn't DO eating.' Excuse me! What was she trying to say??? I did point out that Boy Wonder has only put on 1lb since last October and in that single moment I turned into one of those boring, defensive mothers that I dread. Why on earth am I telling a stranger how much weight Boy Wonder has or hasn't put on??????? Hint to self - make some friends...

However, I will share with you the joys of living with Boy Wonder as I know you'll all be interested. So far this week, he has moved boxes to stand on to try and reach the locks to escape (again), styled his hair with sudocrem, learnt to put his own nappy sacks in the bin and dirty laundry in the basket and has now developed a habit of waving goodbye to anyone and anything, including doors and fountains.

I need to go now so will finish off by saying that Dr Phil and Judge Judy are both well. Am rather excited as my bro turns up tomorrow night and I can't wait to be his tour guide. xx

Greenwich Village

Before I tell you about Greenwich Village, I'm going to attempt to add a video of Boy Wonder playing on the big piano at FAO Schwarz last week. It was one of the many things we did to escape the heat. I'm sure you'll agree, Boy Wonder gives Tom Hanks a good run for his money. Let me know if you are able to view it. It is only short so don't spend too long trying to download it. I should say before you watch it, 'no children were harmed in the making of this video'.... ;-)

This morning we all set off bright and early (well, it was for me but Paul had been up for hours!) to Greenwich Village. The plan was to show Paul all the places that I went to on Thursday afternoon. We had a lovely morning but were slightly fooled by the bright blue sky outside and hadn't really dressed for the occasion. We shivered our way along the Highline and got warm walking through Chelsea Market where we found a fab bookstore which had a children's area for Boy Wonder to sit and do colouring while I rummaged through the cards. I love Greenwich Village as you can see lots of sky and pavement!!!!

We stopped for lunch at an english chippie called 'A Salt And Battery' and sat and watched the world go by. Paul continued teaching Boy Wonder to say 'No no no no' while waggling his finger and shaking his head. I'm hoping that will come back to haunt him at some point. Next door is a lovely english tea shop called 'Tea and Sympathy' and and their sister store 'Carry On Tea and Sympathy' where I was able to buy some Heinz baked beans. The shop is set out like an olde worlde shoppe with all of the engligh food favourites. I didn't stay in there too long as I was starting to salivate over the pink french fancies. Maybe my bro can squeeze a pack in his case when he comes to visit on Thursday. Hint hint hint..... x

Busy busy busy

Boy Wonder and I decided to have a more leisurely morning yesterday so we went to the playground until it got too sunny. Then we went for a quick trip to Toys R Us in Times Square and I decided to grab a hot chocolate and sit in the shade to watch the world go by. My happy mood was literally dampened by some dork (tee hee) who spilt his hot coffee over my back and arm while I was waiting in the queue. He did apologise and I can only assume it was by accident but then he just left me standing there with coffee running down my arm. It was one of those awful moments when everyone just stares at you. I tried desperately to think of some witty or cutting remark but my mind was blank so I just grabbed some napkins and cleaned up. I found a good people-watching spot but was then surrounded by a school/college group of British teenagers who were obviously at the end of their trip as they were taking 101 different photos of a variety of combinations of friends against a variety of backdrops.



After watching all of their teenage antics, I walked back passing the Hilton Theatre which is going to stage 'Spiderman', which has music and lyrics written by Bono and The Edge. I was looking at the progress backstage (I walk past the stage quite often and the doors are always open) and I got talking to a crew member who said the show doesn't start until November. I asked why they were getting the stage ready so early and he said that 'Spiderman' is going to be the 'biggest stage event' ever and that they need to do months of rehearsals and practise with all of the equipment as Spiderman really will be climbing the walls and flying across the theatre. Yes, really! So if that sounds like your 'thing' then you may want to book a trip after November!

In the afternoon I headed off for my first 'meet up' with total strangers. I thought I would attempt the subway so went to the station around the corner that has lift access. I must admit it was all rather painless and luckily the trains were quite empty. When I got off the train, three different people came over and asked if I needed help with the stroller up the stairs but I declined their kind offers as I thought I needed to work out where the lifts were. All was going well until I realised I was lost inside the station and couldn't find the way out. The sign saying exit with an arrow to a lift actually took me back to the train platform. I went up and down the lift a few times trying to work out where to get out. A very nice lady steered me in the right direction and was also the first person since I've been here to comment on my english accent.

When I finally escaped into the fresh air it was a relief. Around 14th street the buildings are much lower and life seems to go at a bit of a slower pace. I walked to the Highline where I was meeting the others and was predictably right on time as always. Everyone else was running late so I had ten minutes trying to work out whether the best thing to do would just be to run in the opposite direction and be happy with my own company for a bit longer. I then decided that if the afternoon was a total disaster I could leave early and never see them again. In the end, I'm glad I stayed as I met with three other 'moms' and their toddlers and had a lovely afternoon. As well as it being nice to have a walk and a general chat with adults during the day, I hadn't realised what a wealth of local information I could pick up in such a short space of time. I found out which parks were the best, the toddler friendly restaurants and the best subways when you've got the stroller. The others made me feel really welcome and after the walk we went into Chelsea Market for a drink. All of the children were born within about three months of each other so they all had tips of where was suitable for Boy Wonder. I'm due to meet up with one of the girls again next Wednesday afternoon so already I'm starting to fill my diary!!

Without going in to all of the 'Phil and Kirsty' type details, we saw five properties today in Long Island. Four in Port Washington - one was too scruffy, one too small, one too old and one too new - and one in Garden City which was just right. We are heading out again this week to either New Jersey or Westchester to have another nose about. I love having a good wander around other people's houses!

Short but sweet.

A short but sweet blog today. I am going to try to slow down this evening as I re-read my last blog and it was full of typing errors, none of which I can blame Paul's laptop for! Hopefully when my new macbook is up and running I'll have much more time to spend on my blog...

I am still laughing at the story about the two german woman who have been arrested for attempting to smuggle a corpse on a plane at Liverpool airport. According to news reports, the old man was wrapped up in a blanket and dark glasses and the women told airport staff that he was asleep. It just makes me think of watching 'Weekend at Bernie's' with Rachel when we went to Boston in 1989 to stay with my Uncle. We thought it was the funniest film in the whole wide world ever and rolled about laughing. Of course, when we returned to England and saw the film a second time, after raving about it to everyone, it wasn't quite the same. It must have been the American cinema experience. We also saw 'Dead Poet's Society' and people stood and clapped at the end. I'm sure we didn't get that at the Maybox.

We had a bit of excitement nearby yesterday evening when a series of manhole covers blew up and caught fire on 50th street between 8th and Broadway. Apparently it had something to do with the gases building up on the subway (?). I walked past the end of the road this morning and there were lots of fire-engines still there but no more explosions since last night. Talking about fire-engines, on the way to Central Park walking up 8th you pass the local fire-fighters station and on the wall they have a large mural remembering the fighters from that station who died on 9/11. Sixteen firefighters from that one station died. Just from that one station.

I tried to get to the sandpit in Central Park as early as I could and made it about quarter to ten. Even then, the sun was baking hot so we didn't stay too long. There was a right bunch of miserable so and so's at the park today and, though I know I shouldn't say it, but some really unpleasant children. Maybe being a teacher has set my expectations too high but when a little squirt takes away Boy Wonder's special shovel without asking and then won't give it back when I ask, well, in my opinion he deserved the sand that Boy Wonder aimed at his face.... ;-)
Can I just point out though that Boy Wonder only threw the sand when he saw little squirt's brother doing it first! Everywhere in the parks you see signs that say thank you for respecting the fences. I assumed this meant look after the fences and not pull or lean on them. I've now worked out it means don't climb over the fence onto the plants.

Anyway, after a miserable, sunstroke inducing time at the park we went to meet Paul for lunch via the Magnolia bakery. As you may know, Paul enjoys a nice bit of chocolate cake so I asked for the last slice which was a pretty hefty chunk. The lovely lady put it in a special box and went away. When she returned, she said with all seriousness, 'I'm sorry but this piece of cake is too small,' to which I replied, 'Oh dear. What do you suggest I do?' (That's a line I've stolen from Paul). So off she went again and saw her manager. When she returned, she asked if I was going to have anything else and I said I was about to get a cupcake. That was when she uttered the wonderful line, 'Well in that case, my manager says you can have the chocolate cake for free.' 'For free?' I replied. 'Oh yes' she said as she floated away into the heavens. OK I made up that last line but you get the picture.

Happiness is free cake in 87 degree New York heat. xx

Ooh now with photos!!

I have finally worked out how to add photos so I can now amaze you (bore you) with images as well as words. I thought I'd start with a picture of my favourite cupcake shop. I have never watched 'Sex In The City' (there's something a bit odd about SJP's face) but I have since found out that Carrie Bradshaw is a bit of a fan of the Magnolia Bakery and apparently it is one of the stops of the 'Sex In The City' New York tour bus. Maybe if SJP ate more cupcakes she'd look a bit healthier...

My next photo is of Bryant Park. This is where they have the free ice-rink in the winter. I took this picture on Saturday morning where they were busy laying the lawn. Since Saturday, they have had the sprinklers on and you aren't allowed on it at the moment (the sod is settling apparently). As you can imagine, this large expanse of empty grass is rather tempting for Boy Wonder and more than once has he had to be retrieved. Today, we met Paul and sat at the Bryant Park 'Reading Room' where they loan you books or magazines. They have a children's selection of books and mini tables and chairs.

I have joined a couple of 'meet people' groups which is a bit daunting. I am going for my first 'meet' on Thursday afternoon for a walk along 'The Highline'. Apparently this used to be an elevated piece of road which has been turned into park space. So far, there is only me and another person but it's a start. I am feeling quite nervous already but looking forward to maybe meeting my first new friend. Originally I was going to brave the subway but I may walk in the sun as it's only 23 blocks downtown. I have been told that each block takes about a minute but I'm not convinced. This doesn't seem to include getting stopped at every corner. It will also get me out and about in the afternoon (Boy Wonder will have to nap in the buggy) as I'm slightly concerned I'm getting addicted to 'Dr Phil' on TV. Today I watched debate about obesity in the Us and they had Kelly Osbourne as their special guest (?) and I was quite surprised to hear her speaking with an accent like the queen.

I though I'd add a picture of Boy Wonder as my final one, only because I think he looks rather lovely. This picture was taken before his skin flared up (we are thinking some sort of allergy so have our first doctor's appointment tomorrow) and also before he acquired the rather large cut and bruise on his forehead. It's dangerous work exploring the steps at the local playground. Tomorrow I'm going to collect a toddler basketball hoop that he can play indoors which will keephim busy. I'm sure it'll be no surprise to learn that he already has daily football practise!!

Would you have liked a present too?

That's better - my birthday quote in tact. Nothing like a bit of Altered Images on your birthday. Paul did suggest a quote from the Sugarcubes 'Birthday' just to impress Sara, but the lyrics were a bit random even by my standards.



Have had a very busy few days in the sun. Despite Easter being called a holiday weekend, there are no bank holidays although Paul was able to take a half day off on Friday. Friday morning was dominated by parks once again. Boy Wonder and I started in Bryant Park, which I'm sure I've mentioned once or twice already and is already on my favourite places list. In the winter they have a free ice-rink and they have just finished laying the lawn for Spring.



After Bryant Park, we headed down Broadway and went to Madison Square Park which is near the Flatiron building. Anthony Gormley, the sculptor who created 'The Angel of the North', has a new installation called 'Event Horizon' based in and around the Flatiron district. It is 31 slightly different naked sculptures of himself dotted on the buildings and one in the park. When the event launched last month, the police were inundated with concerned passersby who thought people were about to jump off the buildings. I took lots of photographs of the sculptures I spotted and had some practise with the zoom on my camera. Then Boy Wonder and I continued along Broadway to Union Square which had their farmer's market on so was very busy. Our destination was the lovely playground - and was also the destination for every other child in New York. Again, the playground was full of exciting equipment and had a sandpit. When you entered through the gate, I needed to add the buggy to the line of about 50 others lined up against the fence. It was rather tricky finally encouraging (??!) Boy Wonder to leave but then we went across to the orginal Barnes and Nobel bookstore and I bribed him with some more picture books. Unfortunately, as the child of a teacher you end up with all of the old classics, so we added 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' and 'We're Going On A Bear Hunt' to our collection.



Yesterday morning, the three of us set of early and headed for Central Park. The park had another 10K run going on and there were runners everywhere. The park was full of people enjoying the sun and mad people doing their aerobic classes out in public. We went to the park and Paul spent most of the time in the sandpit and on the slide and when he was lucky, Boy Wonder joined him. After Paul was worn out we walked further into the park as far as the boating lake and found a good spot for our picnic. After that, the boys headed back for their afternoon nap and I set off for Bloomingdales. Once again, once I was inside Bloomingdales I remembered it's not my cup of tea - or maybe it would be if I had a bottomless pit of cash.



When I was heading home, I was spotted by a young man (now I'm 38 do I get to call men in their twenties 'young man'??) who broke off his call and asked me where I got my T-shirt. Apparently he designed it for Macy's and was rather surprised when I told him that I bought it back in England. He then proceeded to point out all of the bits that had been added to his design. I have decided to believe him and not think he is a weirdy beardy for these reasons - he didn't smell of alcohol and sway, he was quite charming and finally, I haven't been stopped by a 'young man' for a while (well, not since I was asked if I was going clubbing in December when I was out in Uxbridge. But he appeared from behind a bus stop and was definitely weird).



Today I have turned 38 and even if you've had a lovely day, that's quite a shock to the system. I had a lie in with Boy Wonder climbing all over me, then had lovely chats with m and d, Jane and then Sam and John, who sang 'Happy Birthday' to me so loudly that their cats started to cry.

Then we went to Bryant Park (do you see a routine forming??) and then walked down Fifth Avenue which had been closed to traffic due to the Easter Bonnet Parade. Paul had found an italian restaurant opposite the Modern art Museum where we were actually able to sit outside and enjoy the sun while watching the world go by.



This time last year, Paul and I had just arrived in Brazil and Boy Wonder was just a face on a piece of paper. We still hadn't had our match confirmed, we couldn't sell the house and were unsure of where Paul's job would lead. It's amazing to think how far we've come! Let's see what the next year will bring...

if they were me and i was you

Woo Hoo!!

Woo Hoo!! I have now had 100 views on my blog.

Admittedly, I think 92 of them are my m and d but it's a start.

Here comes the sun!!

We have blue sky! Tuesday was the first day that we stayed in all day as the weather was horrendous. The wind was howling all night and the rain was trashing against the lounge window. All very dramatic. Yesterday we finally left the apartment and met Paul so we could go off and get my birthday pressie. Woo hoo! I also went to the busiest shop in the whole wide world ever - the M & M store- as I was on a mission for a friend (you know who you are!) I had no idea people would be so excited about chocolate. People were queueing to stand in a machine that would scan them and tell them their 'M & M' mood to tell them what colour to buy. Yes, they were actually queueing!!!!!

As you can imagine, it gets very busy here and navigating the crowds successfully is a talent. Navigating the crowds successfully with a buggy is an art form. I'm starting to get very cross with large groups of tourists who seem to gather on the street corners so you can't actually get up the kerb after crossing the road. My new tactic is just to walk right through them saying 'Excuse me' rather loudly in an uber assertive voice. Quite clearly I'm only confident enough to do this when I'm wearing my sunglasses. The other group of people are the dawdlers who work four across having a nice chat and seem unable to work in a straight line.

Today has been gloriously sunny and warm. Everyone is smiling. Manhattan just looks stunning with the buildings against a clear blue sky. I think I have found my spiritual home in the form of the 'Magnolia Bakery' which is near Radio City. They make all their cakes by hand on the premises (you can watch them) and you can buy a whole range of cakes, slices and the most beautiful iced cupcakes. I ended up with a slice of choclate cake with vanilla buttercream icing, key lime cheesecake and a double fudge brownie for Paul so he wouldn't feel left out. The most satisfying bit is that they put each bit of cake in paper in it's own little box. How satisfying is that? Happiness is definitely the Magnolia Bakery and I'm going to go there often as I can!

Boy Wonder and I have had two trips to the playground today (and he is there again right now!!) and I nearly made a friend but she had quite bad body odour so I had to move away. Boy Wonder loves going to the playground as it's full of small children. He spends the whole time pointing out the helicopters and aeroplanes to the children. He is becoming quite socialable and now waves at everyone whenever we leave a lift!

Really looking forward to the weekend. Paul has a half day and we have nothing planned for the whole weekend other than enjoying the sun. We are going to spend my birthday in Central park and Paul has even booked us a table for lunch. Can't wait! x