Jingle Bell NYC 5K - Running is real and relatively simple, but it ain't easy...

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

Blair and I ran the Jingle Bell Run this morning, in New York City, along the Hudson River, and through a portion of  Riverside Park.

Santa and Santa's Elf

NYC's Jingle Bell Run 2013

Running is real and relatively simple, but let me tell ya, it ain't easy!  I had a great time in spite of the cold temperature.  I feel lucky to be in NYC visiting Blair.  She ran the same event last year, and I was thrilled to run it with her today.  

Starting Line last year 2012

Blair mid-way with green elf hat sticking up! :-)

Photo courtesy of NYC Arthritis Foundation 

The Jingle Bell run is a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation.  It's a nationwide event - we have the same run in Little Rock each year. 

Santa's Elf - Blair

Santa's Elf!    I could hear the jingle jingle jingle as her feet hit the pavement.  Ever so slowly, the jingle got further and further away from me; as her feet move just a little faster than mine. 

Me?   I'm Santa, of course! 

Santa Gayla - Jingle Bell Run - NYC

I'm in red with my white fur trimmed Santa hat! I love my red down coat Blair bought for me.  I love my white fur trimmed Santa hat.  I added white fur trim around the tops of my, so called, boots. And, big black belt; red bows and jingle bells adorn my feet to finish my festive Santa inspired attire. 

 

Santa and Santa's Elf - Jingle Bell Run - NYC

Running with my daughter is such a joy - whether it's an organized event,  a run in the park while visiting her, or a run at the Big Dam Bridge at home.  If you are a parent and a runner, you get it.  Whether your child is male or female - whether you're the Father or Mother, doesn't matter.  Running with my adult child is a treasured moment which warms my heart and enbraces the love and bond within.  It's like my mind is a camera clicking repeatedly to capture the moment I want to store within me forever. 

It definitely feels like Christmas in the Big Apple because today was a gift to me!

Collage of our photos!

Cheers,
Gayla





 

Hello December --- The first week of December in New York City!

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

I can remember, as a young girl, dreaming and wondering what it would be like to be in New York City in December and see the famous decorations.  The little girl in me lights up. 

Me with a "Real life" Toy Soldier at FAO Schwarz, NYC

The famous F A O Schwarz toy store and their over-the-top children inspired decorations with their famous huge floor piano.  

Giant piano in FAO Swartz Toy Store, NYC

I plan to tap my toes on the giant floor piano on my next trip. 

FAO teddy bear!

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 A walk down 5th Avenue to the famous Plaza Hotel.

Me in the famous Plaza Hotel, NYC

 You know Eloise?  The story book about the little girl, Eloise, who lived in the Plaza Hotel in NYC.  I blogged about Eloise last year.  When my daughter was a little girl, she loved the Eloise books.   

My daughter, Blair, in the famous Plaza Hotel, NYC

Being in NYC this week - the first week of December - for this 58 year old little girl is a treat!  My heart is dancing like my feet do in my dreams, and absorbing the beautiful bright lights twinkling in the spirit of Christmastime.

You're never too old to dream a new dream --- Never too old to enjoy a dream come true, either! And, I just did!

A heartfelt thanks to my daughter for inviting me to spend two weeks with her while here for Thanksgiving.  And, a big thank you to her landlady, Gemze, for allowing me to stay with them.

Christmas is in the air,

Gayla 

Here are a few pictures from today. 

Me in front of the bigger than life red Christmas ornaments! 

Blair next to the bigger than life Nutcracker.

Bigger than life Choo-choo train!!!

I look forward to seeing more of 5th Avenue and some of the famous storefronts in the next few days.  The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is tomorrow night!  Can't wait to see it! 

Goodnight from the Big Apple,

Gayla





Decorating for the holidays is not just about appearances...

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

 

I start my holiday decorating by envisioning and preparing in the spirit of celebration rather than duty.  I look at it as preparing something special.

A new ornament added to my collection this year.

Colorful stocking full of gifts!

I think decorating for the holidays is an entry to deeper meaning.  When greenery and cherished decorations are hung with love, joy, and purpose, decorations feed my soul.

A new ornament added to my collection this year.

Santa tangled in Christmas tree lights!

Decorations make homes into places that nurture our own hearts and souls; and those we love.  Christmas decorations create a magical environment that speaks to the child in us.  Filling our homes with the true spirit of Christmas nurtures that part of me that food or material possessions can't satisfy.

A new ornament added to my collection this year.

A quartet of snowmen singing Christmas carols!

Christmas offers an open pathway to my heart - and hopefully your heart, too.  It may be an ornament passed down by your grandmother or a recipe for pecan pie written in her handwriting. My needlepoint stockings hung year after year; a Christmas carol played on the piano by my Mother; or my husband singing his favorite Christmas song to Blair when she was a child.

A new ornament added to my collection this year.

Santa and one of his reindeer!

Each generation can add their own traditions so when all are put together, the traditions that feed our souls become stronger.  And, traditions become our melting pot.  Whether it's wooden ornaments, glass blown ornaments, nutcrackers, snowflakes, or angles, we absorb and embrace our family traditions. 

A new ornament added to my collection this year.

Christmas gifts piled high in Santa's sleigh!

This year I added several Christoper Radko ornaments to my collection. I've said my collection is complete, but I reserve the right to change my mind...this year I bought several!

A new ornament added to my collection this year.

Santa standing in front of a Christmas tree!

So, it's time to get out those garlands, wreaths, and decorations.  Get busy transforming your environment for your loved ones to enjoy this Christmas.  Get up in the attic and pull down that big box which has housed your family tree since last Christmas -- or plan a day to hop in your vehicle and get that fresh Christmas tree just waiting to be brought into your home.  It's time to transform your home into a magical place for the people you love. 

A new ornament added to my collection this year.

Santa on top of the world!

It's time to feed your soul,

Gayla

 



Uptown or Downtown...How about NoTown

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

I'm still in NYC...do I go uptown or downtown today? 

First, it's another cold crisp day and a run is first on the agenda.  It's not easy getting geared up for a run with temperatures in the 30's.  If too many layers, I'm too hot once moving and my body warms up.  If not enough layers, it's so cold my body aches the entire run.  I should admit I'm not an experienced runner in cold temperatures.  It's still a little bit of a hit and miss in guess work. 

A run in Riverside Park today - NYC

After my run and recovery, I decide to get out and about on my own again this afternoon.  Which direction should I go - uptown or downtown?  I'm recalling last year when I was helping my daughter move here; a lady giving us a little guidance - walked us to the crossover street (street corner) - pointed in one direction and said "that way is going downtown."  She pointed in the other direction and said "that direction is going uptown."  I wasn't really sure what that meant, except I'm smart enough to know that uptown means higher numbered streets and downtown means lower numbered streets.  

I got this!  Yesterday I went in the direction of downtown (lower) so today I'll go in the direction of uptown (higher.)  

I don't have a 'to do' list today.  I am out for the fun of it and some "ME" shopping!  Maybe a little Christmas shopping, too!  I'd like a new warm scarf.  I'm kind of picky - it needs to be cashmere.  I hate acrylic scarves!!!  I hate acrylic anything - especially sweaters, etc.  I'd like a NYC hoodie or sweatshirt, but I will most likely find it in a touristy part of the city.  I think that means I'd need to take the metro and go to midtowne.  I'm not going to midtowne today, though.  I'll get it next week.

Uptown it is, then!  Off I go...

I know the area when walking "uptown" - meaning I've been there before.  Not a good memory, either.  It's where I got sick last time I was here.   Just don't think about that.  So, off I go bundled head to toe again.  

I don't like this "uptown" direction too much, so I turn around and go "downtown" direction.  I liked where I was yesterday better.   I saw some stores I didn't go in I thought I might like.  I'll go back there.  I don't know the names - just remember the storefront / windows.    

I'm not a browser type shopper. When I shop, I shop with a plan to buy!  Don't expect me to aimlessly look in store after store without buying. If I see something I like, I can make up my mind pretty quickly if it's something I like, want, and whether or not I'm buying it. 

I find myself aimlessly walking around looking for stores I might want to go inside. I'm fading quickly. Nothing looks like me. I'm cold. I'm hungry and I want to go back to the apartment.  I'm not liking uptown - downtown- anytown today!  So, it's a notown for me!  I'm going home - back to the apartment.  I'm not liking this outing. 

Gemze is there with orange ice cream waiting for me. It's just what I need. Forget shopping. I'd much rather eat ice cream, pile up on the sofa with a blanket and pillow, and chat with Gemze. 


   

It's Lust More Than Love in NYC!

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

Why are you asking me?  Do I look like I live here, Lady?

I am not a fan of shopping on Friday after Thanksgiving.  However, I did have a few items to get today.  I had errands or my 'to do' list for the day.  As you know, I'm in NYC visiting my daughter.  So, when she left for work today, I hit the sidewalk with my list in hand.  Yes, I'm braving it in the big city -  I'm on my own!

I'm not in the touristy part of the city.  I'm not shopping for sales and I'm not Christmas shopping either.  I've got my list - you know, necessities and items at particular stores. 

I walked about two blocks and realized I wasn't bundled up enough to walk 20 something blocks, so I turn around and go back to the apartment to get my big puffy long down coat and start over.

I literally have twenty blocks to walk  - one way - to get to my destination.  With my crossbody bag securely attached to my body, my coat snapped and zipped from head to toe, my hands snuggled in my warm gloves, and last but not least, my sunglasses to shield as much wind from my eyes as possible; I head down the street, with a stride in my step, walking as though I'm being timed to see how fast I can get there. 

Thinking to myself, Ghee, I look like all the rest of these folks!  They're all bundled head to toe.  So, am I!   They all have crossbody bags glued to their torso.  So, do I!   Most are wearing a puffy coat - you know, the ones that are not flattering on anyone!  I am, too! Most have finished off their bundling with a scarf, gloves, and a hat or something covering their head.  It dawns on me why my daughter wears earmuffs - when she takes them off, her hair still looks good.  Duh!

Strutting down the sidewalk, I pay no attention to all the people and their dogs walking both directions.  I'm on a mission to get twenty blocks.  I see this lady coming towards me.  I quickly look to my left and a bit over my shoulder to see if someone is there.  But, her eyes are focused on me.  She says, "Excuse me, do you know the neighborhood well?  Can you tell me where ...?"  I didn't let her finish her sentence.  I laugh - that southern high pitch laugh!  "No, I am sorry - I do NOT know the neighborhood."  My feet never stop moving.  Ghee, Gayla, that wasn't very nice.  Well, really?  I mean, does she really THINK I live here?  Do I look like I live here?  Well, YES, actually, you do!  I'm dressed just like them.  I'm walking fast like they are!  So, yes, you do!  OMG!

I make it to my destination and stop to take in the city.  Standing against the store front, looking out into the city.  Workers putting up huge Christmas decorations.  Vendors putting out fresh Christmas trees on the sidewalk.  They are beautiful.  People zooming by - who are these people, I wonder.  What do they all do?  Where are they all going?  I guess it's just a normal day for them.  Soon families will be buying those trees from the sidewalk vendor.  That's their neighborhood!  That's home to them!  They will carry that fresh tree a couple blocks, up the elevator, into their home! 

I go inside and make my purchase.  I'm back out on the street within a short few minutes.  On to the next stop.  I hit each stop like clock work - checking off my list.  I work my way back, stopping for a bite to eat at  my favorite corner diner before going home.  Table for one - doesn't bother me at all. 

This is my 3rd visit to NYC in a year. Gosh,  I am going to get the hang of this city, yet.  It felt like a successful day.  I actually enjoyed the afternoon.   It took me four years to maneuver Boston (my daughter went to college in Boston) with confidence and I fell somewhat in love with Boston. I think there's a slight chance I am eventually going to fall for this famous city, afterall!   For now, it's just lust more than love, though.





Thanksgiving 2013

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

Thanksgiving in New York City with Blair. 

All throughout my daughter's young life, I'd witness friends fret and fuss about the need to adjust their holiday gatherings for their adult children.  Usually due to adult children getting married and having to split their time between families, etc. 

I've experienced my own share of dilemma making decisions at holidays and where to go, especially during the early years of married life.  I recall one year, my husband and I could not agree so, we each went to our respective parents' for Thanksgiving.  I don't recommend it - not a good idea - but, I did it once, indeed. 

I vowed, when my daughter was an adult, I'd adjust without fuss and complaint.  I'm not faced with it due to marriage.  However, this year, I am faced with it due to location.  Blair lives in Manhattan, working full time, and continuing her studies.  She is unable to travel home for the holidays this year.  So, time for me to adjust and walk the walk that I've talked for years. 

No big deal, I'll go to her!  That's exactly what I did and I feel lucky to be here.   My husband put our daughter before himself - he didn't want her to be alone in NYC on Thanksgiving - even if that meant he was home without us.   He wasn't able to travel and join us this time, but insisted I go be with Blair.  A very selfless decision.

I pre-ordered a Thanksgiving meal for Blair and me.  The typical turkey dinner came with "typical New England stuffing."  No big deal, though - I ordered a side of cornbread dressing.  We Southern girls need cornbread dressing not New England stuffing!

Blair works tomorrow night (Thanksgiving) so tonight was our Thanksgiving meal.   Turkey and dressing / stuffing, along with a pumpkin dessert, which, by the way, traveled in my checked bag from LR to NYC!  Last, but not least, a little glass of bubbly!   A big difference from my usual formal holiday dining table set with my beautiful dishes, silver candlesticks, serving pieces, and fresh flowers. Suck it up, Gayla, that's not what really matters. Don't get me wrong - it matters to me - just not as much as Blair. 

And, I'm thinking tomorrow night when she gets home from work, a little after midnight, we will enjoy a little something to finish off our Thanksgiving.   Most likely left-overs,  a little pumpkin goodness, another glass of bubbly or cup of coffee, and probably a call home - facetime - skype - with her Dad.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

Cheers from the Big Apple,
Gayla

The Pergola

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~



Construction of my pergola began a mere few weeks ago.

It's Finished!

I thought a rustic style pergola would be a nice fit in my backyard.  Last Spring, I book-marked a photo of a simple and rustic pergola, because I immediately knew I would most likely try to replicate a similar one this fall.  

From start to finish... 

My Dad cutting and hauling the cedar posts for my pergola.

My Dad cut the cedar posts from his property for me, and I am thrilled with them.   I not only love the rustic cedar posts, but the idea that these posts were cut from my parents' property makes me smile. 

Beautiful Cedar Posts for my Pergola

My Dad and I have been talking about the pergola construction since last Spring.   I showed him my inspiration photo and was surprised when he said he had the posts. We drove around his property, on the golf cart, picking out just the right cedar posts to cut.  They are large and cut from cedar trees at least one hundred years old.

 

It was time to haul them to LR and get them in my back yard!  Not an easy task!  We did it, though. My parents showed up one afternoon around 2pm with the cedar posts.  We considered waiting for additional muscles (my husband) to get home from work - but, decided we were strong enough to do it ourselves.  It wasn't an easy task - these cedar posts are very very heavy.   My Dad and I were able to unload and drag them to my backyard Step One is DONE!!! 

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 Saturday, November 2, 2013

Getting the posts in the ground;

Let the auger do the work!

Dig Dig Dig!

Is it deep enough?  No! keep digging!

A beautiful hole!

Repeat eight times, please!

I am one lucky gal --- my father brought his little cute tractor and put an auger on the back of it for digging the holes to set the posts in the ground.  Ahhhh, nothing to it!  LOL and a big LOL, too, if you believe that comment! 

Yay, all eight posts are in the ground! 

They're BEAUTIFUL!

It was a big job and not an easy task, but having the auger certainly made digging the holes possible.   The cute little blue tractor is a jewel, too.  I call it my Dad's best friend.  He does everything around his place with that little tractor and its' front end loader, forks, and a multitude of attachments.   It can get into small spaces you would think impossible.  We actually lifted the cedar posts by attaching them to the front thing-a-ma-jig, and then lifting and maneuvering them into the hole.  They were too heavy for us to pick up and man handle.  The tractor did the work and saved breaking our backs, literally! 

 

 

I'm beginning to envision the completed structure.

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Construction continues... Friday, November 8, 2013

 Cutting the cedar posts to the perfect height.

My Dad cutting a post to the right height!

You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl!

Yes, I was the front end loader thing-a-ma-jig operator that lifted the guys up!

 Sy's turn with the chain saw!  Lefty

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Construction continues the next day, Saturday, November 9, 2013...

Time to get the top lumber - 4x4 cross boards in place; and, the nailing begins...

Is it straight?  

It's Almost Finished!

The Pergola Crew!  Whew, it's DONE!

Finished!

Another View

This pergola has a special meaning to me because the cedar posts came from my parents' property, my Dad cut them, and hauled them to my house.   He brought his little tractor with the auger to dig the holes, and he and Randy set the posts.  He met me at the lumber yard to buy the 4x4 posts, and then he hauled them to my house.  He guided the construction and, along with Randy, placed and attached each board one-by-one.

My Dad and Me!

My gratitude to my Dad for all his hard work. My husband and I could not have done this without his help.  My Dad is 79 years old and without him I would not have this neat pergola in my backyard.  

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The final step is on the agenda for next Spring.  It will include adding pavers for the floor and planting the vines that will grow on the pergola.   The log swing I bought last Spring sits nicely under the pergola and a couple of outdoor chairs will be added.  Eventually a new grill will complete the area; hence, an invitation to sit, relax, and enjoy. 

 

Gayla