Key West is the southernmost point of The United States. After Key West one can swim 90 miles to Cuba. Key West is mile marker zero on U.S. 1. Now being a woman, I couldn't understand how this was really part of the United States (at least not the mainland). When men have to build a 7-mile bridge in the middle of the water to connect to it, something tells me this was supposed to be an island. This always amazes me about men. They force their will on nature. If women ruled the world, I honestly don't believe there would be any skyscrappers, bridges, tunnels, I would like to hope there would be no wars either. However, I'm not sure about that one. I'm not saying we don't appreciate the above things, it's just that I don't believe we are driven in the same way to create and build these types of things. I'd much rather have a green tea and sit and talk with a good friend then build a 7 mile bridge to get to an island.
Anyhow, with all that being said, I did say to Steve -"This is not part of the mainland, why did they build this bridge out here?" He pointed out that Key West is very important strategically to the military as it sits at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico which in very earlier days we needed to protect from invasion. So there you have it. There is a big naval air base there among the tourist attractions.
It's very pretty, quaint, tropical, touristy, etc. It feels much like browsing around on the Cape or Martha's Vineyard, (and Long Island where I grew up). This is a kinda quiet week after most school's vacations last week, so I imagine the traffic and cramming of people into this small area when it's really busy, might also make it feel like the Cape!
So would I reccomend Key West or the Keys in general to people? Well if you really like boating, and know how to take a boat out on your own, and if you really like fishing, then yes. If not - No. Go to the Bahamas, the Carribean, etc. We are loving it because of my sister and her husband who have a boat, know where to fish, and have been coming here 3 or 4 years now.
Yesterday was a great day out on the water. Doreen and Ray's good friend (Jim) who has been fishing these waters for 35 years, took us all out to the protected, extremely tricky to navigate waterways of the Everglades. These are many beautiful islands out in the Florida Bay. One could easily ground the boat and have to get towed out and fined by the Parks Dept. for screwing up like that. Jim really knew what he was doing and took us on a priceless tour.
The most beautiful spot was this sargasso grass area with sand bars all around us - tough navigating-and hundreds to thousands of birds nesting. We were fortunate enough to see WHITE Pelicans. These are very unusual, and only nest here in the winter. The most amazing experience I had (really a feeling) was when everybody was silent for just a minute or so. The incredible "hush" on the water, with a gentle whistle of the wind, the water lapping at the sides of the boat and a little bit of noise from the birds was like nothing else I've ever experienced. I hope someday, I can go back to such a place and just sit quietly for as long as I want. Of course this was tough with the kids.
This is one of the spots where we fished. The kids mostly, caught 22 delicious red snapper in about an hour. Basically, you put a pilcher on your hook (small, live bait fish, which we net in the shoals in the morning, about 300-400 of these) cast it, wait about 30 secs. and reel in your dinner! The kids had these cheap K-mart poles Jim lent them. Everyone was impressed with the fish they were able to pull in with these. My son caught a 22 inch trout and a 30 inch Jewfish, which is part of the grouper family and is protected. Awesome looking fish, which we released. The snappers had to be 10 inches, and ranged from 10-14 inches for us. My daughter caught a few ladyfish and a decent size barracuda!
That night one of the guys caught a nurseshark off the dock here. That was exciting to see. Ray also caught today a 75 pound Amberjack fish. This is the bigest fish I've ever seen up close, other than an aquarium! It snapped his new pole which was supposed to be able to handle it. We'll all take it to the World of Sports Bass Pro shop that's about 1/2 mile down the road. This shop is supposed to be a destination in itself if you are a fisherman, which I'm starting to feel a little like!
Well, it's 11:30 pm, all this fresh air, sun, excitement does tire one out, but - It's all good!
See you all soon! LPK
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Greetings from the Florida Keys!
Well I gotta tell ya - It's all good down here! Having fantastico time. Wish you were all here. Cheers!
Maybe I could fit in a tiny bit more.
Several of my friends have contacted me just to let me know how beautiful the snow is back home. I am so glad you are all enjoying it. This of course increases the odds that I will get snowed out of Logan airport and be forced to stay down here in the beautiful tropics for an extra day or two. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
The Keys really are something else. I've been to the West coast of Florida, California, Tahiti, Queensland, Austrailia, New Caledonia, the Bahamas, the Dutch Antilles, and several other exotic tropical places, and I must say the Keys holds up to the best of them. The water, climate is just gorgeous.
Our cottage is great. My sister and her husband have been very gracious and are really showing us a good time. They are nautical people and we've been fishing and boating daily.
Tonight we had a fresh snapper fish fry (courtesy of my kids beginer's luck fishing) with about ten of their friends. Everyone brought side dishes. Of course you all know that I don't cook, but I can assure you Sparky did not let us down. He made homemade french fries and sweet potato fries. Delicious!
So far we've been snapper fishing, barracuda fishing, shark fishing, bait- netting, snorkeling, swimming, speed boating, fed tarpons (big fish), and it's only the third day!
We do like this place and will probably come again for two weeks next year.
Tomorrow we plan to drive to the end of the keys - Key West. There are lots of little shops, restaurants, etc. On Thursday my sister is taking us to one of the islands in the Everglades National Park system ( which is where we are staying). She says the park rangers give a good tour of the island. We'll be treating to dinner that night at a Brazilian Steakhouse near here which is supposed to be very good. My sister had been feeding us too well, and I'm glad I had lost a few pounds before I came.
Oh, guess what? Iced Green Tea is Great!
That's all I've got for now. You all enjoy the snow. I really do believe it looks pretty, and I do love New England. Cheers! LPK
Maybe I could fit in a tiny bit more.
Several of my friends have contacted me just to let me know how beautiful the snow is back home. I am so glad you are all enjoying it. This of course increases the odds that I will get snowed out of Logan airport and be forced to stay down here in the beautiful tropics for an extra day or two. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
The Keys really are something else. I've been to the West coast of Florida, California, Tahiti, Queensland, Austrailia, New Caledonia, the Bahamas, the Dutch Antilles, and several other exotic tropical places, and I must say the Keys holds up to the best of them. The water, climate is just gorgeous.
Our cottage is great. My sister and her husband have been very gracious and are really showing us a good time. They are nautical people and we've been fishing and boating daily.
Tonight we had a fresh snapper fish fry (courtesy of my kids beginer's luck fishing) with about ten of their friends. Everyone brought side dishes. Of course you all know that I don't cook, but I can assure you Sparky did not let us down. He made homemade french fries and sweet potato fries. Delicious!
So far we've been snapper fishing, barracuda fishing, shark fishing, bait- netting, snorkeling, swimming, speed boating, fed tarpons (big fish), and it's only the third day!
We do like this place and will probably come again for two weeks next year.
Tomorrow we plan to drive to the end of the keys - Key West. There are lots of little shops, restaurants, etc. On Thursday my sister is taking us to one of the islands in the Everglades National Park system ( which is where we are staying). She says the park rangers give a good tour of the island. We'll be treating to dinner that night at a Brazilian Steakhouse near here which is supposed to be very good. My sister had been feeding us too well, and I'm glad I had lost a few pounds before I came.
Oh, guess what? Iced Green Tea is Great!
That's all I've got for now. You all enjoy the snow. I really do believe it looks pretty, and I do love New England. Cheers! LPK
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Care for a Cup of Tea Facts?
As some of you may know, I've recently started drinking green tea (who knew?). Quite frankly, I find it hard to keep straight ANY tea facts. Therefore, I really need to write down a few notes to look back on when I forget this tomorrow. I thought I could save those who are interested a little leg work by posting some info. I'm not going for brilliant tea expose writing - just the facts mam! (As best I understand them).
In order of decreasing levels of antioxidants (phenols). However, all teas have some antioxidants.
white tea - green tea - oolong (Wu Long) - black tea
What are they and how are they prepared?
All teas come from an evergreen bush called camellia sinensis. When the leaves are picked they can be shaken in a bag to slightly "bruise" the leaves (one way of doing it), or just left out to air for the oxidation process to begin. The more oxidized , the less antioxidants (phenols). If this process is even STARTED and for HOW LONG it is allowed to continue gives us the different types of teas listed above. The oxidation reaction is stopped by heating.
White tea - leaves are picked before they fully open, when the buds are still covered by fine "white" hairs. Less caffeine, may have more antioxidants, however, harder to find, more expensive, and quality assurance a question. May/may not be worth extra effort to find good source and price.
Green tea - Picked and dried immediately. NO or very little oxidation. 25 - 50mg of caffeine.
Oolong (also called Wu Long) - oxidation is between green and black tea. It is roasted to dry. Slightly smoky flavor. The type usually served in Chinese restaurants. About 50mg of caffeine.
Black tea - fully oxidized, and heat-dried.
What is red tea?
Rooibos (Red Bush in African). Different plant, very healthy and antioxidant rich also. Historically brewed in South Africa and drank with milk and sugar. Early settlers started drinking it like the natives as black tea on supply ships was scarce and expensive. Rooibos is not tea but rather a tisane (herbal drink). Rooibos contains no caffeine.
What's so great about antioxidants?
Oxidation is a natural process which occurs in our body. A free radical (a charged atom or piece of molecule) is produced which then roams around our body looking to "hook-up" with an electron to stabilize itself. This electron may be from one of your healthy cells. This ongoing process of repeated small amounts of damage may cause a cell to become dysfunctional or possibly cancerous. Therefore, in theory when we drink /eat antioxidant rich foods we are providing our bodies with an alternative source of electrons to stabilize these damage causing free radicals. Other chemicals which act as antioxidants are vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. The specific kind of antioxidants in teas are called phenols.
One last point: Loose tea leaves are supposedly better than tea bags. The tea in the bags may often be powdered lower quality tea. (However, convienance does count for something). Also remember not to use boiling water, but rather very hot water to make tea.
Well, as far as tea goes, I still think - It's all good! Now, off to Tea Time. Enjoy!
In order of decreasing levels of antioxidants (phenols). However, all teas have some antioxidants.
white tea - green tea - oolong (Wu Long) - black tea
What are they and how are they prepared?
All teas come from an evergreen bush called camellia sinensis. When the leaves are picked they can be shaken in a bag to slightly "bruise" the leaves (one way of doing it), or just left out to air for the oxidation process to begin. The more oxidized , the less antioxidants (phenols). If this process is even STARTED and for HOW LONG it is allowed to continue gives us the different types of teas listed above. The oxidation reaction is stopped by heating.
White tea - leaves are picked before they fully open, when the buds are still covered by fine "white" hairs. Less caffeine, may have more antioxidants, however, harder to find, more expensive, and quality assurance a question. May/may not be worth extra effort to find good source and price.
Green tea - Picked and dried immediately. NO or very little oxidation. 25 - 50mg of caffeine.
Oolong (also called Wu Long) - oxidation is between green and black tea. It is roasted to dry. Slightly smoky flavor. The type usually served in Chinese restaurants. About 50mg of caffeine.
Black tea - fully oxidized, and heat-dried.
What is red tea?
Rooibos (Red Bush in African). Different plant, very healthy and antioxidant rich also. Historically brewed in South Africa and drank with milk and sugar. Early settlers started drinking it like the natives as black tea on supply ships was scarce and expensive. Rooibos is not tea but rather a tisane (herbal drink). Rooibos contains no caffeine.
What's so great about antioxidants?
Oxidation is a natural process which occurs in our body. A free radical (a charged atom or piece of molecule) is produced which then roams around our body looking to "hook-up" with an electron to stabilize itself. This electron may be from one of your healthy cells. This ongoing process of repeated small amounts of damage may cause a cell to become dysfunctional or possibly cancerous. Therefore, in theory when we drink /eat antioxidant rich foods we are providing our bodies with an alternative source of electrons to stabilize these damage causing free radicals. Other chemicals which act as antioxidants are vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. The specific kind of antioxidants in teas are called phenols.
One last point: Loose tea leaves are supposedly better than tea bags. The tea in the bags may often be powdered lower quality tea. (However, convienance does count for something). Also remember not to use boiling water, but rather very hot water to make tea.
Well, as far as tea goes, I still think - It's all good! Now, off to Tea Time. Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Home Hum
I guess you can tell where I'm posting this from. I'll admit it was good to see the "fam" (the dog seems so much bigger!), and I do reasonate with the nice quote found in the header of Sue's wonderful, homey blog ~ "There is nothing like staying home for real comfort" ~ Jane Austen, but I really can't wait to do my next trip to The Big Apple! That being said, let me wrap up my trip here.
After much agonizing debate (in my head) I did the right thing. I cleaned the apt. a bit, packed up and got on my scheduled train. The Amtrak proved to be a fun suprise! I haven't been on the train to NY in ~15 years. The conductor was a very young, cute, nice guy. If he was "all business", I probably wouldn't have asked him. So I said, "Do you know my friend __________?" He said, "Yeah, He's driving the train tonight". I couldn't believe it! I asked if I could go up and say a QUICK hello? Of course this meant running up about 100 cars! But I did. After a quick hello, I sprinted back about 200 cars and enjoyed the rest of the trip. He did a great job of taking me home safely to my family! ( and in such great time too! Thanks!) OH, note to Amtrak - you need some Green Tea on board! I could only get a Lipton. I did try though!
Now I'll just wrap up the Green Tea portion of my trip , since sadly there is no Kiefer portion to wrap up. NYC is just not the place to get green tea! I tried to be true to my latest cause, but it was not easy. The best green tea I had was in my apt.! Even in Chinatown, I tried to find my friend's favorite Chinese Tea Shop, which I did, but as fate would have it, was closed for Chinese New Years! Therefore, the second best cup of green tea I had was at home sweet home with the Fam. Thank God, it's all good! walk gently, lpk
After much agonizing debate (in my head) I did the right thing. I cleaned the apt. a bit, packed up and got on my scheduled train. The Amtrak proved to be a fun suprise! I haven't been on the train to NY in ~15 years. The conductor was a very young, cute, nice guy. If he was "all business", I probably wouldn't have asked him. So I said, "Do you know my friend __________?" He said, "Yeah, He's driving the train tonight". I couldn't believe it! I asked if I could go up and say a QUICK hello? Of course this meant running up about 100 cars! But I did. After a quick hello, I sprinted back about 200 cars and enjoyed the rest of the trip. He did a great job of taking me home safely to my family! ( and in such great time too! Thanks!) OH, note to Amtrak - you need some Green Tea on board! I could only get a Lipton. I did try though!
Now I'll just wrap up the Green Tea portion of my trip , since sadly there is no Kiefer portion to wrap up. NYC is just not the place to get green tea! I tried to be true to my latest cause, but it was not easy. The best green tea I had was in my apt.! Even in Chinatown, I tried to find my friend's favorite Chinese Tea Shop, which I did, but as fate would have it, was closed for Chinese New Years! Therefore, the second best cup of green tea I had was at home sweet home with the Fam. Thank God, it's all good! walk gently, lpk
Monday, February 19, 2007
Chelsea and Greenwich Village
Despite the really cold weather, I took a great walking tour of Chelsea and Greenwich Village. Chelsea is on the West Side just south of Hell's Kitchen and before the North Village (new to me), The West Village (also new to me) and finally Greenwich Village.
Chelsea is the place to go if you're looking for modern art studios. Apparently in the late 1990's, seemingly overnight, half of the art galleries in SOHO packed up and moved to Chelsea. Unfortunately, since I can't seem to stay on course, I didn't find any of those. However, I did enjoy a walk along the Hudson River on this extremely brisk day. Also, found a NYC correctional facility.(My walking tours do make me a little nervous when I'm entertaining friends in NYC). I always find jails interesting since I did a 8 week medical rotation in a correctional facility in Baltimore. I certainly saw some interesting medical things there, but more importantly, I came away from that experience so thankful I never went to jail! Trust me on that! I had lunch in one of my favorite places - The Chelsea Market. This is actually the original Oreo Cookie factory. Great little shops and eaterys in there. I had some tomato lentil soup with a crusty parmesan bread twist. It was all good! I really have been treating myself well with the food. I'm making SMALL, excellent gourmet choices and savoring it. I know there are a lot of great little cafes/restaurants/art galleries in Chelsea, and this gives me something to look forward to the next time!
I then strolled down 8th ave. towards Greenwich Village to see if Kiefer was there (he wasn't). I stumbled upon the North Village. I have never heard these two words together before. It seems to be just a few blocks. It doesn't have the grid of small, cozy streets like Greenwich Village, but I liked it. It had a "real people" type feel, unlike Greenwich Village which has a "How cool is this place to live" feel. Of course I enjoyed meandering the quaint streets of Greenwich Village. Saw many nice little cafes, restaurants, fetish shops, book stores, vintage clothing stores, head shops, etc. Will definitely need to spend more time there.
So where did I have some green tea today you ask? At the Cafe Lalo on the upper West Side. Perhaps some of you know of it as they filmed the cafe scene in "You Got Mail" there. In fact that whole movie is about the area where we live. The cafe is very nice. Their green tea was so-so. NYC may be trying to be a green tea place, but I for one am not impressed. I went with my friend Marica. We were there until 8:50 pm and then we both walked home as fast as we could to watch 24! You may not believe this, but I've been relaxing and enjoying so much I completely forgot it was on tonight! That must REALLY mean - it's all good!
P.S. Anyone think I could pull one more day out of this? If we weren't leaving for the Florida Keys Friday, it would be a done deal. So we'll see. Later.
Chelsea is the place to go if you're looking for modern art studios. Apparently in the late 1990's, seemingly overnight, half of the art galleries in SOHO packed up and moved to Chelsea. Unfortunately, since I can't seem to stay on course, I didn't find any of those. However, I did enjoy a walk along the Hudson River on this extremely brisk day. Also, found a NYC correctional facility.(My walking tours do make me a little nervous when I'm entertaining friends in NYC). I always find jails interesting since I did a 8 week medical rotation in a correctional facility in Baltimore. I certainly saw some interesting medical things there, but more importantly, I came away from that experience so thankful I never went to jail! Trust me on that! I had lunch in one of my favorite places - The Chelsea Market. This is actually the original Oreo Cookie factory. Great little shops and eaterys in there. I had some tomato lentil soup with a crusty parmesan bread twist. It was all good! I really have been treating myself well with the food. I'm making SMALL, excellent gourmet choices and savoring it. I know there are a lot of great little cafes/restaurants/art galleries in Chelsea, and this gives me something to look forward to the next time!
I then strolled down 8th ave. towards Greenwich Village to see if Kiefer was there (he wasn't). I stumbled upon the North Village. I have never heard these two words together before. It seems to be just a few blocks. It doesn't have the grid of small, cozy streets like Greenwich Village, but I liked it. It had a "real people" type feel, unlike Greenwich Village which has a "How cool is this place to live" feel. Of course I enjoyed meandering the quaint streets of Greenwich Village. Saw many nice little cafes, restaurants, fetish shops, book stores, vintage clothing stores, head shops, etc. Will definitely need to spend more time there.
So where did I have some green tea today you ask? At the Cafe Lalo on the upper West Side. Perhaps some of you know of it as they filmed the cafe scene in "You Got Mail" there. In fact that whole movie is about the area where we live. The cafe is very nice. Their green tea was so-so. NYC may be trying to be a green tea place, but I for one am not impressed. I went with my friend Marica. We were there until 8:50 pm and then we both walked home as fast as we could to watch 24! You may not believe this, but I've been relaxing and enjoying so much I completely forgot it was on tonight! That must REALLY mean - it's all good!
P.S. Anyone think I could pull one more day out of this? If we weren't leaving for the Florida Keys Friday, it would be a done deal. So we'll see. Later.
That's What I'm Talking About!
Good morning. This is the last full day of my little break with reality. This morning's inspirational picture is none other than Kiefer Sutherland himself walking around Greenwich Village. I've sent these photos to the Papparazzi stalker lab to have the bricks in the background analyzed so that I can strategically position myself in his usual walking path. However, I'm afraid time is short and this sort of stalking activity is best left to warmer weather. Therefore, I'll just see where my feet take me today! 'Cause as far as I'm concerned - It's all good! Later, much.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Chinatown!
Happy Chinese New Year! I walked right into it by accident today. That's where everybody who was anybody was. The streets were piled high in confetti and confetti rockets were blasting away. Apparantly in some there is a little parachute with special chinese writing on it. Everyone would become very excited when one of these appeared and dash to try and catch it. Probably some special good luck. There were many colorful dragon puppets and dances throughout the streets. It seemed that most of the chinese restaurants were closed for the holiday. Therefore all the Thai and Vietnamese restaurants were packed, and this is where I wound up having Pad Thai for breakfast at 3:30pm. You see, this is what I really like about traveling by myself. No one to worry about but me.
As you can see from my earlier post, I wasn't headed to Chinatown when I set out about noon today. I have this habit of just wandering about and seeing what I stumble on (Something which drives my husband, Herr Stadtplan- Mr. Map in German- to distraction). Anyhow, I accidently (and then said "what the hell" and kept going) walked past Greenwich Village and came upon this great celebration, and the most delicious Pad Thai I've ever eaten for breakfast, in Chinatown.
After that I walked along the Bowery to the East Village. Had a great tele. chat with Olga along the way as I passed the first thrift shop we went into on our Thrift Shop Tour of NYC this past Columbus Day. I miss all my friends. I feel a little lonely here, but I really needed some alone time. (I didn't even tell my mother I was coming to NY. So Ma, if you read this, I hope you understand I really wanted to be alone in my apt. in NYC just once. I know I still owe you a Broadway show!). The East Village was really subdued on a somewhat cold, Sunday afternoon. I guess compared to Chinatown! Walked straight across 8th street to Greenwich Village (See, I do eventually get to places).
By then I was chilled to the bone and determined to find my first happening cafe to have some green tea of course. Well wouldn't you know, they were completely sold out of green tea today! It's too hard to believe that I probably found the only cafe in NYC that was sold out of green tea. There must have been quite a rush on it! See, this is what I'm telling everyone. Despite the unavailability of green tea, the place really had the "right feel" about it, so I stuck, and I'm glad I did.
Now unfortunately, this doesn't mean I met Kiefer, or anyone else for that matter. After sitting in what I believe was a great location- nice organic cafe on 8th street (main thoroughfare between East Village, Broadway, NYU and Greenwich Village) right in the big window with a clear view, for about one and a half hours, I saw no one whom I thought was famous. Oh sure there were a couple of "maybes" but I'll never know. By the way, since I couldn't have green tea, I had a large caffe latte. Oh boy, I forgot that I haven't had a big dose of caffeine in a while! So with my heart pounding away I decided to eat something. They had homemade, organic zucchini soup with homemade bread. It was really like pureed zucchini in a blender. It was ok. So I figure since I couldn't have green tea, I'd have some green soup. I'd say that's an A for effort!
Well finally I was ready to move on. So I said to the waiter. "So tell me. Do any famous people come in here?" He said, "Yes! Everyday!" He said Uma Thurman lives around the corner and comes in all the time. He said she is really tall. Movie Director Brian DePalma is in a lot. Jimmy Smits(sp) comes in with wife and kids. Kirsten Dunst is apparently taking some sort of class across the street (I saw a sculpting school) and comes in every day recently. Some Saturday Night Live guys come in (he said they were really boring). So of course I popped the big question. "Has Kiefer Sutherland ever come in here before?" He said "Not here, he goes to the other cafe I used to work at on ______ street all the time" And there you have it folks. I'm now just a little bit closer to getting an autograph some day! You know what I say to that? It's all good! Until tomorrow.
As you can see from my earlier post, I wasn't headed to Chinatown when I set out about noon today. I have this habit of just wandering about and seeing what I stumble on (Something which drives my husband, Herr Stadtplan- Mr. Map in German- to distraction). Anyhow, I accidently (and then said "what the hell" and kept going) walked past Greenwich Village and came upon this great celebration, and the most delicious Pad Thai I've ever eaten for breakfast, in Chinatown.
After that I walked along the Bowery to the East Village. Had a great tele. chat with Olga along the way as I passed the first thrift shop we went into on our Thrift Shop Tour of NYC this past Columbus Day. I miss all my friends. I feel a little lonely here, but I really needed some alone time. (I didn't even tell my mother I was coming to NY. So Ma, if you read this, I hope you understand I really wanted to be alone in my apt. in NYC just once. I know I still owe you a Broadway show!). The East Village was really subdued on a somewhat cold, Sunday afternoon. I guess compared to Chinatown! Walked straight across 8th street to Greenwich Village (See, I do eventually get to places).
By then I was chilled to the bone and determined to find my first happening cafe to have some green tea of course. Well wouldn't you know, they were completely sold out of green tea today! It's too hard to believe that I probably found the only cafe in NYC that was sold out of green tea. There must have been quite a rush on it! See, this is what I'm telling everyone. Despite the unavailability of green tea, the place really had the "right feel" about it, so I stuck, and I'm glad I did.
Now unfortunately, this doesn't mean I met Kiefer, or anyone else for that matter. After sitting in what I believe was a great location- nice organic cafe on 8th street (main thoroughfare between East Village, Broadway, NYU and Greenwich Village) right in the big window with a clear view, for about one and a half hours, I saw no one whom I thought was famous. Oh sure there were a couple of "maybes" but I'll never know. By the way, since I couldn't have green tea, I had a large caffe latte. Oh boy, I forgot that I haven't had a big dose of caffeine in a while! So with my heart pounding away I decided to eat something. They had homemade, organic zucchini soup with homemade bread. It was really like pureed zucchini in a blender. It was ok. So I figure since I couldn't have green tea, I'd have some green soup. I'd say that's an A for effort!
Well finally I was ready to move on. So I said to the waiter. "So tell me. Do any famous people come in here?" He said, "Yes! Everyday!" He said Uma Thurman lives around the corner and comes in all the time. He said she is really tall. Movie Director Brian DePalma is in a lot. Jimmy Smits(sp) comes in with wife and kids. Kirsten Dunst is apparently taking some sort of class across the street (I saw a sculpting school) and comes in every day recently. Some Saturday Night Live guys come in (he said they were really boring). So of course I popped the big question. "Has Kiefer Sutherland ever come in here before?" He said "Not here, he goes to the other cafe I used to work at on ______ street all the time" And there you have it folks. I'm now just a little bit closer to getting an autograph some day! You know what I say to that? It's all good! Until tomorrow.
Greenwich Village
Well I've posted a picture so far today. I find the picture helps me focus and come up with something to say later. I'm off to Greenwich Village for Sunday Brunch and gawker stalking. Wish me luck! Hopefully, more later.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The Big Apple
I'm off to the Big Apple today. Taking a few days to myself at our apt. in NYC. I've never been there alone before. Usually quite the crowd with us, so I'm really looking forward to this adventure. It feels a little like my traveling days. I traveled by myself but met so many wonderful people along the way. In fact about 2 years ago I met a friend from Sweden who I met while traveling in Austrailia about 20 years ago. We both wound up with our kids in Central Park and she recognized my voice and asked me if I was Lorraine _________? I said yeah and I almost fell over when she said it's Annika ______! Small world! I find it very interesting that we both met again wearing our rain jackets as we were 20 years ago in a tropical storm on the Whitsunday Islands! It's all good!
Well, my plan is to just try and eat very healthy (that means only ONE stop at Gray's Papaya, the best hot dog place in the world!) , drink green tea in as many cool places as I can, relax, and roam about at will. Of course I will be ever vigilant in my lookout for famous people. Have autograph book and camera ready. I also have a very cool pair of gawker stalker sunglasses. This should be so much easier stalking without kids as I don't have to pack as many snacks and coloring books! Wish me well. If I figure out how to use the computer in my apt., I'll post from there.
P.S. If I'm not back by Tuesday please send out my Homies to get me!
Well, my plan is to just try and eat very healthy (that means only ONE stop at Gray's Papaya, the best hot dog place in the world!) , drink green tea in as many cool places as I can, relax, and roam about at will. Of course I will be ever vigilant in my lookout for famous people. Have autograph book and camera ready. I also have a very cool pair of gawker stalker sunglasses. This should be so much easier stalking without kids as I don't have to pack as many snacks and coloring books! Wish me well. If I figure out how to use the computer in my apt., I'll post from there.
P.S. If I'm not back by Tuesday please send out my Homies to get me!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Tea Time
I love coffee! However, I have decided to drink less of it. I can't say I'm really doing this at this point to reduce my caffeine intake, as the amount of green tea I'm drinking just about equals this. Rather, I was amazed to find out about the endless (possible?/probable?) health benefits of green tea. In fact, it seems that one would have to be an "idiot" (for dramatic effect) NOT to drink green tea with all the favorable press on it. Apparently it can cure (or at least help) any problem from hemmorhoids to ingrown toe nails! You just don't get this type of press with coffee! Anyhow, I decided to give it a go, and much to my surprise I am enjoying it! There was a slight taste issue at first, but this quickly resolves with multiple cups.
I still have 2 big cups of "Good Morning America" in the am, however I have substituted my afternoon 2 cups with green tea. At about 3-4pm daily for the last 3-4 weeks I start sipping 3-4 cups of green tea until around 9-10pm. I haven't had any caffeine withdrawal headaches as the tea is ~one-half (50mg) the caffeine content of coffee per cup. I also haven't noticed (thankfully) that "rot-got" feeling I've been getting lately with coffee (probably not a good thing).
Some of the benefits I've definitely noticed are: 1-Much more"soothing" than coffee, 2-takes the edge off my appetite, 3-look forward to the little "ritual" of having a cup of warm tea to carry around the house with me, 4-reminds me of important health issues I need to deal with daily, 5-I believe it has contributed to the decrease in my blood pressure, 6-I may be reaching here, but I don't feel quite as "irritable" while sipping green tea, 7-easier to get a cup from the crowd I hang-out with! I really feel there is some more going on than I listed. I doubt a gazillion Chinese people are wrong. So, for now I'm on-board with "the green tea thing".
I have sampled quite a few types/brands since I started and the cost can add up. So I like swaping different tea samples with friends to broaden my horizons. It's fun!
In conclusion, my traditional western medical training of course wouldn't simply let me enjoy a cup of green tea, no questions asked. Oh no. Therefore, I plan to post soon some green tea facts I've learned. However, the data is 99.9% in and so far - It's All Good! Enjoy!
I still have 2 big cups of "Good Morning America" in the am, however I have substituted my afternoon 2 cups with green tea. At about 3-4pm daily for the last 3-4 weeks I start sipping 3-4 cups of green tea until around 9-10pm. I haven't had any caffeine withdrawal headaches as the tea is ~one-half (50mg) the caffeine content of coffee per cup. I also haven't noticed (thankfully) that "rot-got" feeling I've been getting lately with coffee (probably not a good thing).
Some of the benefits I've definitely noticed are: 1-Much more"soothing" than coffee, 2-takes the edge off my appetite, 3-look forward to the little "ritual" of having a cup of warm tea to carry around the house with me, 4-reminds me of important health issues I need to deal with daily, 5-I believe it has contributed to the decrease in my blood pressure, 6-I may be reaching here, but I don't feel quite as "irritable" while sipping green tea, 7-easier to get a cup from the crowd I hang-out with! I really feel there is some more going on than I listed. I doubt a gazillion Chinese people are wrong. So, for now I'm on-board with "the green tea thing".
I have sampled quite a few types/brands since I started and the cost can add up. So I like swaping different tea samples with friends to broaden my horizons. It's fun!
In conclusion, my traditional western medical training of course wouldn't simply let me enjoy a cup of green tea, no questions asked. Oh no. Therefore, I plan to post soon some green tea facts I've learned. However, the data is 99.9% in and so far - It's All Good! Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day
Well we are a blogging family now. Spent quite a bit of time today trying to figure out all the things I can do with my blog. By the end of this snowy Valentine's Day all I had to show for it was one more great Kiefer Sutherland picture on my blog, while the kids have done all sorts of amazing things with theirs. Which by the way I've listed their blogs with my favorites now, (but they can't list me with theirs!) Also I think I've run out of things to say. Oh well, It's all good for today. Goodnight!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Mid-Life
I guess that's where I am. Been feeling very restless lately. Lot's of pent up energy and not sure which way to direct it. One diversion has been to Kiefer Sutherland (whom I'm absolutely infatuated with) and the show 24. It's all good, but there must be something else? Recently had a high blood pressure scare which has forced me to take some inventory on my lifestyle. Bad diet, too much caffeine, little sleep (4-6 hours), sedentary, 50 pounds overweight, out of shape, need I say more? So while trying to take baby steps in changing, been doing research on some things that may be of interest to others in similar situations. My search has included (or will include) topics such as green tea, high blood pressure, depression, exercise, others with a Kiefer Sutherland obsession (or just 24), music, blogging, motherhood, alternative health modalities, traditional western medicine, good movies, whatever. It's all good! walk gently
This is my first post!!! I'm sooo excited!!
My friend Sue has inspired me to enter the world of blogging. She even helped me with the name of my blog (something I guess I've been saying a lot). Anyhow,I have no idea exactly what direction this will all take, but here we go!
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