New York City with Polly

New York is always a treat, but April, 2005, I was invited to go with Polly to an Independent School Librarian's Conference in the big city. I arranged for a room at the NYC Hilton on the Ave of the Americas and a limo to gather us from the airport with separate arrivals. Prince picked me up and we went to the AA parking building to await Polly's arrival. Nice car, seamless pick up. We checked in and walked around the corner to the Folk Art Museum. It was a wonderful collections of early folk pieces. We came back to the hotel and our room 4049, then to 40th floor for the Executive Lounge for appetizers. We watched a movie, The Coach. Called clients about honeymoon plans.

The next morning, Wednesday, we were up at 6:30 to exercise, then outline our day and dress. Polly went to her meeting. I went to the MOMA shops across from the hotel and got nice things for travel gifts for clients and had them shipped home.

I caught the V to 42rd Street to go to M & J Trimmings, a fabulous trim/ribbon shop which is famous for selections and quality. I spent about $80 on boa stuff, stopped for lunch at Pat's Wholesome Foods by Early Bryant Park and sat in the park to eat and blog. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, but coat came in handy. Our hotel is at 53rd and 5th Ave. I took the F train to Delancy to Jan's Fabric Warehouse at l02 Orchard and Kate's Paperie at 561 Broadway. The museum store at 583 Broadway had moved, and is closer to our hotel now.

I went to the Fabric Warehouse where there is 20% discount on fabrics, but not worth the effort to find what you want. Took cab to 5th and Broadway to Kate's Papier. It is a great shop and I purchased golf invitations for our party in May at home. I went up one block to Houston to catch the V Uptown to 53rd and 5th. Bought a great babel and came to hotel to rest. It is 3:35 PM

I studied Greece for DMS Training. Made my boa out of ribbons. Went to dinner with Diane Spear library group to Sipan at Amsterdam and 94th. Had pork loin and shrimp couscous. It is a favorite local spot for New Yorkers and small groups for the conference were hosted all over the city at small places New Yorkers love. We came home about l0 PM.

Thursday. We have tickets to Wicked for tonight. Had breakfast on Executive Level. Went to the Plaza because it is closing before long to become a residential development. Just learned however that the union negotiated with the new owners to allow some rooms for hotel space.
Toured the lobby and talked with the concierge and bought a small Plaza embroidered hand towel. Visited the Park Central and the Ritz Carlton and toured the hotels. They are in a wonderful location right across from the Park.

I walked to the subway from the Plaza to go back to M&J Trimmings to purchase more ribbons for Polly. Bought ribbons for Trish, too, for her black shirt. Stopped at an ATM for cash. I went to Gracie Mansion, but I couldn't get in because you have to have prior reservations. Bummer. So I walked through the grounds and saw the river in the rear. I got there by walking to Lexington Avenue to catch the # 6 Train to Upper East Side and stopped at the boutique hotel across from the NYC Hilton - Warwick_ and picked up a brochures. This is where Trish stays when she is consulting in NYC.

I had read about ABH Designs, a small company with a store front that makes custom table clothes for Sax Fifth Ave and other upscale companies, linen jackets, liberty cotton shirts, quilted clothing and robes. This outlet sells surplus goods at a discount. I bought lots of linens and gifts for clients.

Went to the Metropolitan Museum nearby and saw the Max Ernst Retrospective. It is bizzaare, but well attended. Caught the bus to 52rd Street and 5th, then walked to 6th and 53rd to Hotel.
Took a shower and rested. Polly and I went to the AISL hospitality room to meet people. We took two friends up to the Marriott Marquis to see the city in their circular, traveling lounge and had a small buffet with salad before the show. To get there, go to the 3rd floor and take Elevator F to the View. Wine is $9, small buffet is $l5.95 including desserts, cheese and crackers and fruit. Large buffet with meats is $27.95. Get the small one.

The play, Wicked, was absolutely wonderful. The story was about the Wicked Witch of the West and how she become know as "wicked". Powerful political story, talented actresses and actors, gorgeous set and costumes. Funny and nice.

The best event of the week was the dinner at an independent school which was elegantly catered and such fun. We had a fabulous author who spoke about inspiring children to write and made the statement that people you love never die, if you are a writer. How true. The people at the conference were very much like Polly, intelligent, resourceful and fun to be with! I loved being in their company and want to go to Atlanta in 2006!

Thanks for the opportunity to join you, Polly.....Always fun to be with my favorite sister. Love, Patty