Travels with Lolo & Lulu

My title today refers to a lyric from the musical “Guys and Dolls” … however, none of us (Gerry, Lulu or I) had even been to Niagara even once! 🙂

We arrived on a Sunday night, but were staying in a B&B a little north of the Canadian side of the Falls, so we didn’t even SEE THEM until the next morning, but just crashed instead.

The following day, we purchased a 48 hour pass for a bus system ticket for only $12 Canadian (about 10 bucks), and it was the BEST. THING. EVAH!

This bus ran often & timely, and went EVERYWHERE we wanted / needed to go!  We were staying just half a block from the “Bed and Breakfast” stop!  There were a few small snafus … involving waits — and an usually early stop time (10:15 PM) … but overall, the best bargain in town!

Oh, and yes … stay at the Canadian side, if you visit.  I’d heard this from several people, but only a day before I went did I “get it”: When one is on the American side of the Falls, you are BEHIND the Falls, but on the Canadian side, you are LOOKING AT the Falls.  If you’re going to travel somewhere to look at a bunch of water, it seems to make more sense to be someplace where you may properly view them, yes?

Yes, that big white blur behind Lulu & I would be the Horseshoe (aka Canadian) Falls.  I also found out that there are TWO Falls … the American Falls & the Horseshoe Falls.

Lulu wanted a “selfie” with the Falls!

The mist fascinated Lulu!  Frankly, watching the water really _never_ gets old … but this spot did stink a little bit like pee, so we moved along.  All that water, I guess …. :-o!

Lulu never passes up an opportunity to pose with EVERYONE!

(She can be something of a Rule Breaker at times, though!) 😉

We saw a very interesting IMAX movie about the history & lore of Niagara.  Stories about Native Americans, and dramatizations of some of the crackpots who tried going down the Falls, and an amazing rescue of one kid who accidentally went over after a boating accident.  The “Daredevil Museum” afterward, however, was not exactly the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen … should have been called the “Daredevil Room” based on its meager size, but there were a few cool artifacts that Lulu found her way on.  LOL

I think that Lulu would have been a much more pleasant companion for Annie Taylor than that poor kitten she dragged in there with her!!!  (and ps~the dramatization of the Annie Taylor story was [unintentionally] hysterical!!)

On Full Day Two, we began by arriving at the WeGo bus stop about 30 minutes before it began running.  We probably would have just waited, but it was quite hot & humid … AND an air conditioned bus going in the opposite direction on our line happened along, so we decided to just hop on, and see what was up there.  As it was relatively early, the bus was not at all crowded, and it was time for Lulu to take an Homage to Starfish shot.

Explanation: My pal Tom kept a running FaceBook photo album, dedicated to “Starfish on the Road”. In an effort to share with his young niece some geography lessons, he’d pose Starfish in various places & situations, based on where he’d traveled on various tours.  I was forever intrigued AND entertained by the Starfish photos, and remember laughing a LOT at this particular shot (taken on the Seattle Monorail).  Lulu on the bus is complete and ultimate homage to Starfish … even though — there she goes again, rule breaking (NO STANDING ON THE SEATS)!!   I got the idea for Traveling Lulu from Starfish, and I’m glad Tom’s down with imitation being the sincerest form of flattery! 🙂

A few more “close encounters with the Falls” … on the boat ride (called “Hornblower”, not “Maid of the Mist” as it is on the American side), and a very cool walking tour called “Journey Behind the Falls” (above), where you get up close & personal with the water.  Lulu opted to stay in the bag AND under the poncho for these experiences … no chance for hair repair on this remote!

We did, however, find these two guys, in a shop called “Heroes and Legends”, who were VERY HAPPY to pose with Lulu!  This small storefront sells Niagara historical items, maps, etc. and apparently also offers history tours, in authentic Revolutionary War garb.    They were great!  … and when it was suggested that our request must have been the oddest they’d received, we were told of a time when one received a marriage proposal from the father of a well-to-do young lady.  Lulu, however, is NOT the marrying kind!  LOL

That evening, we traveled to the outskirts of Niagara Falls proper, to a dinner theater performance of a show called, “Oh Canada, Eh?”  (LOLOL)  It was as kitschy and silly and corny as one may imagine, but the performers were funny and talented and lively, and the food was good!  Family style eating & serving was a slight challenge seated at a table along with 6 Japanese nationals who spoke extremely (read: none) limited English, but we had a great time!  Our waitress (aka Susie, aka Anne of Green Gables) and her friend, the Canadian Mountie, happily posed with Lulu.  Fun times!

We ended our evening on the SkyWheel, and had some terrific views of the Falls at night.  Photos weren’t the greatest, but it was a really nice way to end the evening!

Thanks, Lulu!  Another fantastic trip!!

Until next time …

I had tickets for “Live with Kelly” on Thursday, and invited our dear friend, David to join me.  As it was David’s birthday, I was so happy when he agreed!!

I know Kelly Ripa isn’t everybody’s favorite, but Lulu & I like her a lot. 🙂  David & I enjoyed the show … Guillermo Diaz (??? — I guess he’s known to “Scandal” fans, but not to us) was her “co-host of the day”, and the daily bill was rounded out with Queen Latifah, Laverne Cox, and Adam Richman.  Upon leaving the building, we walked right into Adam doing a photo op!

But the most enjoyable part of the show was after it was done, and Kelly had to do some promo taping for an upcoming show featuring the cast of the “Ghostbusters.”  For one, Kelly was directed to focus directly on where David & I sat, and he was doing some ghost-like gestures.  “Sir,” said Kelly to David, “you will be my ghost!”  The promo was filmed, with David making all sorts of boo’s and ooo’s and hand wavings … and when “Cut!” was called, Kelly said, “That was AMAZING!!  What is your name???” “David!”  “David, can YOU be next co-host???  You just gave me SO MUCH for that clip as the ghost!!!”  Of course, I hadda holler down, “It’s David’s birthday today!”, and Kelly fawned further.  So much fun!!

After the show, we met up with another old friend, Karen (aka “KaKa”  LOL), and had lunch at Big Nick’s, an old haunt of mine from when my friend Mark lived in the neighborhood.

Here’s David (VanLeesten aka “LeeLee”) and Karen with Lulu at the restaurant:

“Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.”  These two are both … and they’re diamonds in the rough, too!!

We parted ways after lunch, and I made my way downtown to connect with another dear one … my friend Andree, who was only in NYC for a few days with her little boy, prior to their departure for a European trip.  They were not only willing to pose with Lulu, they added more characters!

Have a wonderful time in Scotland, “Dre Dre” and BP!   Thanks for being a part of my “Kelly” day!  Lulu & I know you’ll enjoy your travels!  🙂

This last week I’ve been in Massachusetts … my sister Jeanne & her family & my Dad are in Methuen, and my sister Alison is in Manchester NH, so I try to get up to see them as often as possible.  Sometimes difficult during the school year, but love to stay for many days during the summer!

This little ditty plays in my head often when making the ride up there … an oft forgotten “throw away” song from the musical “Little Women”, but not altogether any surprise, my favorite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zn49h9Dwpc

Arrived on a Sunday afternoon, and Lulu & I accompanied my sister, Jeannie to a fund raiser on Monday night.  Her employee’s boyfriend, Mr. Jajuga Jr., is running for Sheriff of Essex County.

(You can tell that Jeannie is humoring me, and saying with clenched teeth, “Take the picture already!”  FYI,  Lulu was unceremoniously FLUNG in my direction a nanosecond later.  LOL)

Lulu & I (and Craig, Mary and Di) REALLY enjoyed the presentation of the documentary, “Broadway, the Golden Age” on Tuesday night!  What a fabulous piece of film, which captures so, so many former & current Broadway LEGENDS.  WONDERFUL!!  Less wonderful were the sweet gentlemen who attempted a “talkback” & “Q & A” …  I definitely got the distinct feeling that most of the audience were better informed than either of them.  To be fair, one of the guys, a theatre professor, was rather engaging and informative … but the other … well … let’s just say that his portion of the talkback began by him consulting a small notebook, and announcing a 5 minute long list of the Broadway stars whom he has NOT interviewed.  D’oh!!

On Thursday, it was QUITE a day!  I spent the earlier part of the day taking my Godson, Evan, to Canobie Lake Park!  Always a lovely time.  Lulu really enjoyed the beautiful breeze atop the Ferris wheel!!  We even got a chance to see the Lady Gaga Tribute Show.  (Ummmm …)  Always fun spending time together.  🙂

Had a ball introducing Lulu to some of my oldest and dearest friends … Jean & I go all the way back to High School, and Di since Keene State.  Di hosted a fun night at her house … made some great grub, and we kicked back and watched my DVD of “Moon Over Buffalo”.  More importantly … these gals are like family to me, too, and ALWAYS a great treat to spend time!!

Of course, my sister’s dog, Velvet, loves to see Auntie Lulu (and Little Lulu, too!).  Don’t even ASK how I was able to achieve this shot!!  LOL

Got to spend some precious moments with my baby sis, Alison this week, too!  Doesn’t she look FABULOUS!!!  <3

And my heart belongs to Daddio … There he is, on the right, along with two of his siblings.  Aunt Marie (center) was staying for the following week to pet-sit Velvet, and Uncle Jack stopped by on his way up to “north country”, as he calls it. 😉  Jackie, upon learning of this blog, wondered if Lolo & Lulu might be going to LaLa Land?  LOL  He also told me today that he meant to bring me a small stuffed panda, so that I could have LingLing along on the journey.  LOL  Nuthin’ but love for the Fords!!

There’s Lulu … peeking out of her carrying case (aka my purse) … ready & awaiting our next adventure!

Until then …!!

Well, the SUMMER TRAVELING SEASON is in FULL SWING!!

Lulu & I traveled to Philadelphia, met up with my old pal, Skylar, and the three of us journeyed to Walnut Street Theater in downtown Philly.  We had the ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE to see my girl, Dan’yelle Williamson play “Deloris” in their “Sister Act – the Musical”.  Lemme tell you … Dan’yelle has had FIERCE talent since we shared a dressing room for “Show Boat” at the New London Barn Summer Theatre … but she was absolutely incredible in this role and show!  She sounded spectacular, played the role to perfection, and is stunningly more beautiful in every scene!  If you are in Philly, and are thinking about it … the show runs until July 17, and YOU SHOULD SEE IT!  You will be thoroughly entertained!

Lulu LOVED the show … she tapped her foot and clapped & sang the whole show! 🙂

We awaited the arrival of Dan’yelle after the show!

Skylar was happy to pose with Lulu after the show, while we enjoyed a meal at the local diner.  Made the waitress burst out laughing when she saw Sky posing for this!  🙂

Bye – Bye, Philadelphia!  On to our next summer destination!

When I booked my trip to see my daughter in the culmination show of her Second City Comedy program, I specifically chose to go on my birthday!  What a BETTER DAY than that to celebrate having such a wonderful child and watching her pursue her dreams!  Born in ’58, and turning 58, I knew it would be a great weekend, and I was more than right!

My 6:00 AM flight (yes, that is correct) took off on time, and 2 hours later, I awoke from a lovely nap, and it was only 7:00 AM in Chi-town.  Whoo hoo!!

Lulu seemed RARIN’ TO GO!!

A few hours later, however, Lulu was just too pooped to pop, and decided to have a nap at the hotel, skipping the day’s adventure.

Nighty-night, Lulu!

(OK, true confession … I COMPLETELY forgot to put Lulu back in my purse for the day after this photo.  Shhhhhhhh!!  Don’t tell her!)

Of the MANY things available to Joe Tourist in Chicago, I chose the Art Institute Museum … supposed to be one of the best in the world, and reputation did not disappoint!

My fabulous companions for the day at the Art Institute!!  Mary in the middle, flanked by her boyfriend, Mike, and her bestie, Alyssa, who I’ve known since their Freshman year at Five Towns College.  Such lovelies!

Some of the highlights of the Art Institute:

Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon …” (the painting upon which Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George” is based)

Andy Warhol’s “Elizabeth Taylor”

and Grant Wood’s “American Gothic”.  Very cool to see!

A quick battery charging for all of us, and a little bit of lunch, and we were off to see The Bean!!  For those who don’t know, this is an enormous stainless steel sculpture of a bean, that attracts people like moths to a flame.  We snapped several shots here, but I loved the one that became a natural “selfie” of Mary & I.  🙂

 Yes, we’re LOOKING AT OUR REFLECTIONS in the The Bean here! 🙂

 My fabulous birthday wrapped up at dinner with Mary & Mike!  My Mum always said, “There is no such thing as a coincidence”, which proved mighty true when Mike’s boss’ recommendation for dinner for us turned out to be a half a block away from my hotel.  IN ALL OF CHICAGO … my birthday dinner was located a few dozen steps away from where I was staying!!

After a DELICIOUS dinner of scallops (my favorite!!), it was back to the hotel for beddy-bye for me!  A PERFECT END to an OUTSTANDING BIRTHDAY!!!  Tomorrow I get to see Mary’s show!!  Yee haw!  🙂

Sunday in Chicago began at church!!  Turns out Masstimes.com was NOT correct in directing me to Wisconsin for the closest Catholic church (!!!????!!!?!), but rather (thank you, Days Inn Concierge) to St. Clement’s parish, which was only a few blocks from where I was staying.   ALSO turns out that St. Clement’s is an official historical sight in Chicago.  A gorgeous church, about to celebrate its’ 100th anniversary, built in the Byzantine style (and actually modeled after the Hagia Sofia!!)

Lulu enjoyed Mass, too! 🙂

Later that morning, it was time to hook up again with Mary & Mike.  I’m sure that they were very proud of ol’ Lolo & Lulu for catching the same train that they were riding, so they could head towards Downtown together.

Once Downtown, we all made our way to Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier.  Mary likes to call it the “Times Square of Chicago”, and that seems roughly accurate.  Mike & Mary were terrific tour guides!

We had several stops to make at Navy Pier … the Ferris Wheel, the Stained Glass Museum, and lunch!!  (There’s the Ferris Wheel in the background … brand new, and just opened a year ago!)

Wow!  The view from up in the Ferris Wheel was pretty great!  That’s the John Hancock Tower (2nd tallest building in Chicago) behind Lulu’s head!

We then headed further down the pier, toward the location of the Stained Glass Museum, but ::sad trombone:: it is no longer there!  We were stopped & asked for our tickets near the end of of the pier … tickets for what??  … turns out the reason for so many people wearing madras plaid and J. Crew on Navy Pier that day was, it was the America’s Cup race on Lake Michigan!

::Ahem::  The America’s Cup, SPONSORED by LOUIS VUITTON, excuse me very much.  And, no, we did NOT stay for the race!! LOL

Our next stop was lunch … Many options on the Pier, and we settled for a nice sandwich.  While waiting for the food to come out, I spied this slice of cake, and snapped a photo, in honor and in memory of those poor souls we’d just heard about in Orlando that morning.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love.  And sometimes,  rainbow colored cake. 😉

The best news of the afternoon was hearing from Gerry, who called while we were having lunch, letting us know that his plane landed, and that he was en route to the hotel.  Granted, MOST OF THE TIME there aren’t travel delays in excess of a few hours, but I didn’t want THIS to be the day he’d experience some, and risk missing the show.

But, he made it!!

We were all SO EXCITED to see our daughter (and “sister”!) in her Second City Comedy debut!!!

Of COURSE, she was FABULOUS, FUNNY and WONDERFUL!!  Lulu especially loved the program art, and felt very close to the cupcake on the cover!!  Truly … Mary was outstanding!!!

Many, many attempt, but only a few SUCCEED in completing the Second City program.  We are SUCH proud parents of our girl!!!!

A wonderful end to a TERRIFIC day!

With another day and a half in the Windy City to go, we settled down after the EXCITEMENT of Mary’s Second City show to some “On Our Own” sight-seeing on the Hop On-Hop Off bus. Gerry posed with Lulu on the open air upper deck.  We started off at the Hard Rock Cafe!  And awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay we go!

Do you have any idea how it feels to look up towards the top of the tallest building in Chicago (and the 14th tallest building in the WORLD) when you’re only 6 inches high?? (My view from Lolo’s purse)  This is now called the Willis Tower, FYI, having been purchased by the Willis Group Holdings Ltd., and renamed in 2009 — although most people do STILL call it the Sears Tower.

We saw several sights, but decided to STOP at the Shedd Aquarium, located just beside Lake Michigan!

Lulu had loads of fun saying “Hello!” to the many creatures at the Aquarium.  It was “Free Illinois Resident Day”, so the place was mighty crowded, but we made the best of our time at the Shedd!!  🙂

We “hopped off” the bus for the last time at Water Tower Place, a vertical Mall!!  Once there we found an Art Gallery called “The Art of Dr. Seuss”!!!  A big fan, Lulu just HAD to pose with a drawing of “The Cat in the Hat”!

Shortly thereafter, we met up with Mike & Mary again, and ventured into the Chicago Sports Museum.  What FUN!!!

Here’s Lulu being wacky at three exhibits ….

Trying Refrigerator Perry’s Superbowl ring … on her LEG!  LOL

Comparing her “wingspan” to Scotty Pippin’s … !!!  NOT an exact match … 🙂

And posing wearing Michael Jordan’s Bull’s uniform!  Heehee … it was AMAZING adding 6 whole FEET to my height way up there!!

After a wonderful dinner at Harry Carey’s Restaurant, we ventured back to Mary’s apartment, but not before stopping off at Wrigley Field for a photo op with Mary, Mike & Gerry!

All in all, it was a WONDERFUL vacation … filled with so many happy memories!!  Certainly a fitting “final image” was the PHOTO OP stumbled upon by Lulu … the VERY SPOT where the final moment of the film “While You Were Sleeping” was filmed …

UNTIL NEXT TIME, CHICAGO!!  🙂

We are very fortunate to live so close to NYC, and have the culture and arts available in just a short jaunt.  (OK, so, ya, sometimes it could take an HOUR to drive those 6 miles, but still!!)

Broadway tickets are pretty expensive, so it’s not something I do very often, but when I do attend, I most certainly avail myself of one of the various opportunities to obtain discount tickets, usually the Theatre Development Fund’s TKTS booth (there are 3 … I’ve only ever visited  the one in Times Square, but they exist in both South Street Seaport and Brooklyn, as well).

I had my heart set on seeing Jessica Lange and Gabriel Byrne, who are currently starring in that madcap wacky comedy, Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Days Journey into Night” (I’m kidding … it’s a nearly 4 hour long serious Draaaaaaaahhhmaaaaa).  Many Tony nominations — and I know how this goes: Once the Tonys happen, ::POOF:: things will start closing left & right, depending upon how much more they can milk out of a win, IF they get one.   I know that these stars are not long for this production, and had heard wonderful things, so ………………………. the decision was made to try & see it on Sunday.

Got our tix (well … since Lulu lives in my pocketbook, only ONE ticket was needed ;-), and headed to the theatre.

Lulu looks kinda funny, juxtaposed next to the gloomy & serious playbill, but she doesn’t seem to mind.

Here is what matters most about my afternoon:

• Loved the performances, all 5 actors, but particularly Miss Jessica Lange
• Glad I went

And here … copied & pasted … is the Facebook post of the experience, which was somewhat LESS than savory:

From my Facebook, May 29, 2016

“Going to the theatre today was a bit of a “good news/bad news” situation. On the GOOD side, got to see the incredible (and incredibly LONG) Broadway revival production of “Long Day’s Journey Into Night”, starring the phenomenal Gabriel Byrne, and the stunning-in-every-way, Jessica Lange as “Mary Tyrone.” I mean, she was everything I’d hoped she’d be in the role, and 10 times more. She’s won a bunch of other awards over the years, and this year, she’ll add “Tony Award” to her trophy case. 

LULU WAS _THRILLED_ TO ATTEND THE CONVOCATION OF JOHN M. DeMAN, AT MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF THE ARTS ON TUESDAY, MAY 24!!  CONGRATULATIONS, COLLEGE GRAD!!!  IT WAS FUN TO HEAR MELBA MOORE SING, TOO!!

Lulu got to attend her first wedding!!  A stunningly beautiful bride and a handsome and funny groom (who is the son of Gerry’s cousin) got married at the “knock your socks off” Boston Seaport Hotel this weekend!    Lulu was afraid of being crushed, and therefore never went out onto the dance floor, but she had a grand time, as did the rest of us!

While in Boston, we visited Fanueil Hall Marketplace.  That’s one giant bowl of fruit!!  Lulu Fruit Salad!

And look who we ran into!!  Well ….. they were cardboard cutouts.  And, hey, it’s Boston … no Republican candidates were around.  LOL

Lulu got to meet Joy … a friend of mine from GRAMMAR SCHOOL (!!!)  We reconnected on Facebook a while back, and had a reunion at a cozy little Italian restaurant in the North End.  So much fun!  (Lulu’s a cheap date … lol)

We were able to spend some time with family over the weekend, and Lulu met my Dad, Jerry Ford, and my Godson, Evan!

Finally, on our way home, we stopped at one of my favorite places … “Traveler Food and Books” restaurant, right on the Massachusetts / Connecticut border.  Food is always great … and the hook is, they have tons & tons of cast away books, library donations, etc., and patrons are encouraged to take away a book or two (for FREE!!) on their way out.  So cute!