The week between Christmas and New Year’s, I left the above to go with Stephanie, my sister, to NYC. At o-dark thirty, we took Amtrak and rode the rails until we arrived at Penn Station.
We had a fine time, stayed at a hotel about six blocks from Times Square and walked until I couldn’t feel anything other than pain in my body. It was fabulous! We were walking toward Times Square early one evening when a parade of police cars, sirens and lights screaming, pulled to the curb. Stephanie said, “I bet it’s a celebrity!” We hung around, waiting to see who it was when Steph said, “I’m going to ask someone”. She walked over the the police officer and he said, “Nope, no celebrity. The mayor likes a police presence so once a week, we put on a show of force.” They had the K-9 unit, SWAT and beat police…it was wonderful and we chatted for a few minutes. He loved hearing our accents (what accents?!) and we enjoyed receiving directions and tourism advice from him.
At Times Square, Spidey saved Steph! People dress up in costumes…Spiderman, SquareBob Sponge Pants, Disney characters, etc. and make a few bucks by doing exactly what this guy is doing in the hopes people will give him a few dollars…so I did. Hey, it was my sister!
Not sure you can see us but we’re standing at the end of the number 2, the top end. I wore a silly, wool, felted hat that gave Steph no end of amusement but told her, “We’re going to be in large crowds and this silly hat will help you locate me.” The first day, she agreed with me.
We visited the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center and while there, we witnessed a young man, on bent knee, propose to his girlfriend.
We visited Ground Zero, the 911 Memorial, a sobering and tear invoking event. I’m not sure you can read this but it says Deanna Lynn Galante and her unborn child.
While we were there, we visited the Survivor Tree on which rested this bracelet with the names of CPL William McMillan and PFC Christopher McGraw. People took photos but no one attempted to remove it; the feeling of respect and honor was palpable.
We took a carriage ride around Central Park
and passed this Creche each day and evening as we’d walk to and from our hotel.
We had a fine time and, as we were walking to Penn Station to catch our train home, it started snowing, making everything magical. Memories…good excellent memories with a favorite person…my sister!
Blessings ~ Stephanie ~ our trip to NYC ~ Ground Zero ~ Rockefeller Center ~ Times Square ~ Central Park ~
Sandra Bennett says
Deanna, it was a lovely trip and traveling with my sister was such fun.
Lea, I don't understand that whole "real housewives" thing…? Whut?
Marsha, it was totally sobering to be at Ground Zero.
Diana, that was the most amazing part of the trip – Ground Zero.
Tombstone, arm chair traveling is good too -grin-.
Maa, it's probably the best time I've had since Dave died.
Yvonne, fishing is good fun.
Karen, that's so funny because we don't think we look anything alike.
June, come to think of it…I'm not sure now…
Debby, it was a great trip!
Mildred, arm chair traveling is a good thing but I do like leaving home and then coming back.
Mags, bet that honeymoon was FABULOUS!
Paula, I used to live in NYC so it was fun showing my sister the sights.
Pamela, it was fun making those memories.
Vicki, we walked so much, we hardly ever got cold…great fun, great trip!
Sami, NYC is magical at Christmas time.
Anonymous says
How delightful to enjoy your visit to NYC. I have always wanted to go at Christmastime but it never seems to work out.
Thank you for saying hello on my page. I look forward to getting to know you.
Sami
Vicki Boster says
Sandra- such wonderful pictures of your New York trip!! You sure packed a lot into a few days! Boy- it sure looks cold there!! Your pictures are lovely and I love seeing you have a good time!
Vicki
Pamela says
It did indeed look like a magical time. Sisters share a special bond. You have a whole box of memories when days get long.
Paula says
WOW~ I would love to see NYC! Especially the 9/11 memorial… and taking a carriage ride through Central Park would be a dream come true. Thanks for "taking us along" with you and your sis!
magsmcc says
I was there one year between Christmas and New Year- on honeymoon!
Anonymous says
What a great trip and photos. I'm not much of a traveler but John and my brother would love this trip too.
Debby@Just Breathe says
What a perfect time you had. That is a trip I want to make, I've never been. You saw so many wonderful things but seeing the 911 memorial would be at the top of my list.
June says
I've never been to NYC. Was Spidey rescueing your sister, or holding her hostage? Just wondering. haha Glad you had a good time.
Pom Pom says
How fun! Your sister looks a little bit like you! I like your smiles!
La Petite Gallery says
Sandra, Love to see you so happy. Wish I had a sister. You both must have had great fun and Laugh's.
The Police in NYC are so sweet.
They really are NYC finest.
We have a lot in common, like fishing.
yvonne
Maa says
Lucky you, Sandra. Spending time together is so important. Wonderful to see that smile on your face too. Hugs Sue.
Tombstone Livestock says
I'm an arm chair traveler, thanks for letting me ride along on your trip, looks like you had a great time.
NanaDiana says
It looks like you had a wonderful time. NYC is amazing, isn't it? Ground Zero must have put a big lump in your throat- xo Diana
Splenderosa says
Sandra, wasn't this a wonderful experience for the 2 of you. So much fun with your sister. I'll bet you guys took in everything the city had to offer. Loved seeing the bracelet picture. I'm still saddened each time I think of that horrible day.
myletterstoemily says
i'm glad you had so much fun.
how about the real housewives
on the farm? 🙂
Deanna says
Dear One,
That looks like so much fun!!!
I've been to New York City twice in my life that I can think of. I was star struck because it was the CITY! Saw a few actual movie/tv stars and stayed sane.
Enjoyed this post. Good to see that you were smiling and enjoying life. You deserve some smiles and happiness.
God bless and may you have a wonderful Spring.
d