Travels with Beaverhausen: Autumn in Connecticut

Buddy's buddy and downstairs neighbor, author and columnist Kevin Scott Hall, joined me on my weekend vacation in Connecticut. The biggest adventure was trying to get out of this concrete jungle.

As there are currently weekend construction delays in the subway, we opted to take a livery car into Manhattan. Much street construction work on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides made traffic a snarly, gnarly mess.

Finally at Grand Central Station, we boarded our train to Fairfield station in Connecticut, where Tracey picked us up in her car and drove us by highway and byway to her home in Sandy Hook, where Merv was cooking up our dinner.

We settled in, in the living room, chatting over Merv's marvelous margaritas, with corn chips and dips. This was Kevin's first visit in 2-1/2 years, so he had lots to update our hosts about and vice versa.

Eventually, we all sat at the dining table. Dinner was Merv's savory cinnamon pot roast with fresh broccoli and mashed red potatoes, all served with gravy. Everything was so scrumptious!

Our movie night kicked off with The Last of Sheila. This is a cheeky, cerebral whodunnit co-scripted by Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim and actor Anthony Perkins of all people! It's a nearly forgotten gem from 1973 starring James Mason, Dyan Cannon (as a character clearly based on Sue Mengers), Raquel Welch, Richard Benjamin, Joan Hackett, James Coburn and Ian McSchane. We all loved it, right down to Bette Midler singing "Friends" over the closing credits. It's an early '70s time capsule; just look at the costumes. Richard Benjamin looks like Freddie Mercury in this!

We then moved on to Ken Russell's The Devils before bedtime. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2015/10/video-beaverhausen-oliver-reed-vanessa.html

Sunday morning, there was coffee once we were all up, just after sunrise. It was a clear, cloudless day, a bit chilly and bracing but with such sweet-smelling air. Breakfast, lazing about, reading the Sunday Times.

L. to r., me, Kevin, Tray, Merv. Or is it The Last Supper?

On our way to the train in the afternoon, all four of us stopped at Jones Farms for a free wine tasting at the farm's lodge. Several wines were sampled, although my fave is and always has been the farm's strawberry wine. We each received a free souvenir crystal wine glass at the end of our sampling.

Alas, all good things must come to an end and, after our sojourn, Tracey and Merv drove Kevin and me back to the NYC/ Grand Central Station train.

Thank you again, my friends, for a wonderful time. We sure know how to party!

Travels with Beaverhausen: A Fond Farewell to San Francisco!

I spent my last day in San Francisco taking a boat cruise up and down the bay, among other things, all on a sunny afternoon. According to the forecast, I'll be bringing the cooler temperatures back to NYC tomorrow.

It was an ambitious agenda that started at the Embarcadero business district. The streets are very clean and, along with the large banking centers and other corporate business offices there, the Embarcadero includes numerous chic eateries and boutiques, where I purchased a few souvenirs. Closer to the bay, there are artisans selling their homemade wares at outdoor kiosks. At the pier, I boarded the sight-seeing tour up and down the Bay. It was a beautiful, breezy day for riding on the water, passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and over to Alcatraz.

There were Muni delays on my return ride from Embarcadero as bad as anything I've encountered on the NYC subway. Finally, I got off at Folsom Street (where the world-reknown fetish fair is held annually) to transfer to an L to Castro once more before I leave. There were plenty of friendly faces happy to help me find my way to the L station, I'm happy to say.

In the Castro, I ate at Orphan Andy's, a gaily decorated diner with a killer jukebox. Mostly pop and folk music from the '60s. While having lunch, I heard Janet Joplin ("Piece of My Heart"), Grace Slick ("White Rabbit") and other classics of the era. I passed out a few of my blog's Buddy B business cards. My three-course, comfort-food meal was delicious but humungous. I ate all my salad and still took home almost 2/3 of my entree.

I then made it back to Wild Cards, the large gay-owned and oriented gift shop for last minute items. I told the owner about my blog and they put a large stack of them next to the register.

I hailed a taxi. My driver was a very cool guy and a good conversationalist for my 1/2-hour drive, helping to bide the time. He was my age (actually, a month younger right to the day) and a Jersey Boy as well. Synchronicity; this held promise. I gave him a blog promo card. I told him about Sally Kellerman at Feinstein's. It turned out he loves "Hot Lips!" He was very impressed to hear I interviewed her.  Does it get any better than this in a cab?

I'll miss the hipness of SF, the summer weather, the people, the laid-back groove, the fact that the Sixties are still alive in the culture at large, but especially I'll miss hanging with Steve, Ilene and Katie. Ah, well, there's always next time.

Golden Gate Bridge from the ferry

Directly underneath the iconic Bridge on the train

Travels with Beaverhausen: The Castro

New haircut, in front of Castro Theatre

Went to Castro Street on the Muni (train) today. Got off at Harvey Milk Plaza. I went to Nice Cuts, right around the corner from the Castro. The Asian woman who cut my hair did a good job, I thought. Afterwards, I bought a souvenir t-shirt and hat, plus gift cards, fridge magnet and a pack of SF map napkins.

The owner of the gift shop had a British accent. He's a long-time SF resident but moved here from Stratford, London, England.

Of course, going home, I had to do the tourist thing. That means getting totally and completely lost. It took me almost two hours to get back to Steve and Ilene's place. But I returned with a new hairstyle and a bagful of things to remember my trip by.

Wild Cards gift shop

Harvey Milk Plaza

I might go back tomorrow. I will definitely visit Chinatown. I'll try to ferry on the bay, try to hit Haight-Ashbury by foot and hop on a cable car. Wednesday morning, I leave for NYC, a mixed blessing.

Castro St.

Travels with Beaverhausen: This'n'That About San Francisco

When San Francisco residents tell you they have a "green card" these days, it most likely has nothing to do with immigration. It's the new, government-issued card that permits the owner to smoke marijuana for medicinal purposes. There are a lot of prescriptions in this city and, hence, active cards.

One sight not on yesterday morning's tour was seen in early evening. As our sedan took us to Feinstein's, the driver went through the Tenderloin district. This part of town is just south of Nob Hill and the theater area. It is similar to what NYC's Bowery was like before gentrification set in. Lots of drunks, druggies, streetwalkers, the homeless and some obvious psychos. I do not recommend traversing the Tenderloin by foot, especially after dark.

My autographed copy of Sally Kellerman's latest cd, from last night's outstanding show at Feinstein's, is sensitively produced by Val Garay and contains a lot of the material from her cabaret shows, including the Leiber & Stoler pop classic, "Love Potion #9," Nina Simone's "Sugar in My Bowl," and the wonderful "Somebody Call the Cops." The jazz arrangements suit Sally's gravelly baritone perfectly throughout. Simply titled Sally, this is a wonderful addition to my album collection that will always remind me of my summer visit to Baghdad by the Bay.

Where NYC tends to be more 24/ 7 industrious, SF tends to be more mellow-yellow, though Levi-Strauss, The Gap, Airbnb, Pacific Gas and Electric, Yelp. Pinterest, Twitter, Mozilla, Wikipedia, Craigslist have their main offices here.

Rents and real estate in SF are even more expensive than in NYC. SF is the most densely populated city in California and the second most densely populated in the US, after NYC.

SF has a pay-what-you-can policy for its subway, which means the indigent can get aboard free. This would so not fly in NYC because people there would be in one's face, telling one about him/herself. I can just hear it inside my head: " ExCUSE me?! I have to pay $5.00 round-trip and YOU're riding free?" Frisco's fare is nearly as expensive, by the way. It just underscores the city's more docile, accepting and tolerant attitudes. Blame it on the green cards?

Tomorrow, Buddy B will be visiting Chinatown & the Castro.




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Travels with Beaverhausen: Sally Kellerman @ Feinstein's @ the Nikko

Sally Kellerman was every bit as awesome at Feinstein's (set inside the glamorous Nikko hotel) in San Francisco last night as she was when I saw her in NYC at 54 Below in January. Her set was basically the same http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2015/01/on-town-with-buddy-b-sally-kellerman.html, though extended with at least two additional songs, including Sarah Gazark's heartbreaking "The Lies of Handsome Men" and the pop classic, "Story of Love," her finale.

Her West Coast show found her in hippie mode, much looser and more glib than she was in Manhattan. She was dressed in faded jeans and a casual Jean Paul Gaultier top. She conducted an impromptu Q&A with the audience. Someone asked a question I didn't consider in our q&a http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2015/01/exclusive-q-with-sally-kellerman.html, and that was about working with the late Rodney Dangerfield in Back to School (1986). Mss K said it was a very pleasant memory for her and that Mr D was quite the soft-spoken gentleman when he didn't have to be "on." She was further pressed as to why she chose to quote poet Dylan Thomas in that film. "Chose?" Sally chuckled. "Hey, I'm just an actress. They give me a script, I recite the lines. But ok, now I know it was Dylan Thomas!"

The star w/ Buddy B

After the show, Sally and I met in the lobby. I bought her latest cd this time, and she autographed it for me. I explained I brought my friends that just moved to SF with me to her show and that I was not doing a creepy stalker thing as it was a coincidence she was performing at the time. Sally laughed, saying "Stalk away! Actually, it's kismet!" as she gratefully signed the cd.

Thank you, Ms Kellerman! My extended family, Steve and Ilene, loved the show. They were very touched, being parents, by Ms K's rendition of Paul Williams/ Kenny Hirsch's "I Still Miss You." The show was, each and every moment, a precious pleasure. How often is that the case?

Ilene & Steve @ the Nikko bar 

Sally's autographed cd

Travels with Beaverhausen: Touring Fog City in Style

Today, Steve took me on a tour of San Francisco in his car. Home of the hippie counterculture, Sexual Revolution, Anti-war Movement and the Summer of Love, all these influences on the city were very much in evidence as we drove through.

The tour officially kicked off on Embarcadero Drive, pretty much starting at the Port of San Francisco and the huge, relatively new sports stadium in that area. Embarcadero is the main avenue running through the city.

There were many good views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and of Alcatraz across the Bay. Spectacular homes, many colorfully painted throughout. Tasteful-looking mansions and villas as well. 

The exterior of The Palace of Fine Arts was indeed very impressive, perhaps just less than the majestic shoreline views of the Pacific Ocean. There were several parks and gardens all along the way. 

Click on link:

We ended up in Haight-Ashbury. It has become very yuppified and exclusive since I first visited in the summer of '69 with my friend, Michael Stein. We both had graduated high school that year. Still, its flower-power feel has remained intact. Lots of groovy boutiques, especially vintage clothing stores. I'll have to return.

Here I am on the corner of Haight and Ashbury, in front of Ben & Jerry's ice cream store. 

Travels with Beaverhausen: Chillin' in the City by the Bay

Daytime temperatures in San Francisco have ranged from the low 60s to the mid 70s during my stay. Overnight lows into the 50s make for good sleeping weather. Having left the swelter of New York City, I treasured the much milder weather.

I tried to sleep on Thursday's long flight but couldn't, envying those around me that could. Sleeping the first night in Frisco was sporadic. My cell phone reset itself for Pacific time but my body was stuck in EST! At about 10 am on Friday, I finally submitted to sleep, not waking up until 3 pm, putting me in sync, at last, with the time difference.

I suggested to my hosts, Steve and Ilene, that we postpone sightseeing on Friday night and just chill at their home. It was a cloudy day with some drizzle. For residents of the drought-beleaguered city, the rain came as good news. I hung out on my hosts' patio, walking around the housing complex, viewing the exotic West Coast flora and taking in the cool, fresh air. It was a nice mellow diversion, getting into the San Francisconess of the city.

After dinner, we watched the boob tube and chatted on the sectional sofa before calling it a night. But basic bonding is a beautiful thing. Unlike yesterday, following my arrival, there was no wine, no partying, no schmoozing with houseguests; just chillin'.

Today, Saturday, I am reset, refreshed and ready to see the city during the day, culminating in Sally Kellerman's performance at Feinstein's at The Nikko tonight.

But that, everyone, will have to be another story.

Travels with Beaverhausen: Buddy B Hits Frisco!

An SF Patio Where I'm Staying

Oh, the ordeal of flying out of JFK (a/k/a "Private Hell 36")! 36 should have been my gate number this morning.

I arrived at American Airlines ticketing and baggage claim. It was incredibly disorganized and slow going. Everyone on the long line was grousing about how they were obviously going to miss their flights because of how long things were taking. When I got up to the counter, I was told it was too late to check my suitcase but it was small enough to bring aboard, which I really didn't want to do. (I intended to only bring my laptop bag on the plane.) Though I arrived at 6 am for my 8 am departure to the West Coast, by the time I got through security, I had about 15 minutes to board. My gate was #1. I entered the concourse starting at #37. I missed my flight.

I was then put on a 10 am flight to San Francisco. At that time, a rainstorm grounded us for 1/2 an hour.

The staff on the flight were very friendly, attentive and courteous. Honestly, I don't know how they do it! The attendants aboard were all blonde women. I didn't even know that was legal! I was reminded of Tina Turner who said (to Rolling Stone, I believe) that she always envied stewardesses for having such a glamorous job until one day she observed them and had this epiphany: "My God! They're just waitresses!"

I was seated next to a retired New Zealand couple just a little older than me and they were marvelous company that helped pass the 5 -1/2 hour flight time. We were in the typically cramped coach section, three abreast on either side. AA's first-class is private seating on either side. A chaise lounge with desk basically. Their business class is two seats with a small desk in-between.

It was a short taxi ride to my hosts, Ilene and Steve's, home by taxi. The temperature was 67. A nice respite from the heat and humidity in NYC! And, so, I ultimately got to relax after my airport ordeal. We also shared a little wine. Neighbors came by. They also shared the wine. Ilene and Steve's daughter, Katherine, was here with her grade-school friends as well.

Frisco is very easy and breezy. Very not NYC. A mixed blessing. For example, at the airport's taxi pick-up stand, there's no "stand here" sign. When I asked where the line began or ended, I was told, "Wherever. It's kind of free. But everyone eventually gets a cab." Gulp!

Where the Emmys Are.

Steven arrived for dinner about 7 pm Pacific time. He's an equity plan consultant who was able to give me some much-needed financial advice. Ilene is a two-time Emmy-winning producer for Guiding Light and for a sports network. Her dinner tonight was delicious and award-worthy in itself. We three planned my itinerary for the week over dinner. Expect lots of cool stuff from Buddy B coming direct from the Barbary Coast over the next few days!

Travels with Beaverhausen: San Francisco, Here I Come

I'm off to San Francisco tomorrow! I've decided to pack light, hoping to buy some new threads during my visit. The Gap has its headquarters there, by the way, which I take as a positive sign.

I'll be staying for almost a week with my friends-cum-relatives, Steven and Ilene Frankel Lott. My close friend of over 40 years now, Tracey, is Steven's sister. She was once married to my cousin. That's how we met. I'm still very close to the Lott family, many of whom live in Connecticut. Ilene and Steve lived in Stuyvesant Town in the East Village, but moved when Steve was offered a job in SF. Got all that? (There may be questions later.)

Among the things I must do today before I leave  -- packing, arranging car service to JFK (my flight's at 8 am; car at 6; bedtime 10-11 pm tonight's a must), etc. -- I've decided not to get the haircut I really need. I've been trimming my own hair over the summer and by now I have a modified mullet with poofy sides, a combed-back, uneven front and the frizzy blues!  I thought it might be fun to get my haircut in Frisco. Something smart, maybe around Castro Street way!

This is my third visit to SF, so I basically know the lay of the land, which was once my nickname in NYC, but never mind all that!. My first trip was with my best friend from high school, Michael Stein. That was 1969, the Summer of Love. Haight-Ashbury was as you might imagine it then. I was recently reunited with Mike for the first time since the summer of '69. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2015/06/travels-with-beaverhausen-parties-in.html In the 1990s, I visited SF again with my friend, Greg. Things hadn't changed all that much it seemed to me.

So, I'm ready for take-off and will be blogging about my adventures that I expect will include going with my hosts to Feinstein's at The Nikko to see Sally Kellerman perform, hopefully a trip to Fisherman's Wharf, visiting the Castro Theatre and trying out some restaurants. Now, where was that place that served the shrimp and avocado omelette?

San Francisco: high on a hill it calls to me. And one must be high if that what one's hearing! So, in honor of a previous California governor, I'll just say Hasta la vista, babies!

P.s.: Did I mention San Francisco is my disco?

Travels with Beaverhausen: My Florida Finale ~~ Life in Venice

I was bummed this morning to discover the pan filled with popcorn that I made last night was thrown into the garbage by my cousin Walter. Thinking it was the handiwork of children at yesterday's pool party, he tossed it all into the trash. It was childish in appearance, I admit, with way too much oil and way too many unpopped kernels at the bottom of the pot.

Tomorrow morning, I'll once more take to the friendly skies and fly off to LaGuardia Airport. But today was my last in Cape Coral. We set off to visit my stepfather at his assisted-living residence, and then my cousins, sisters Sherry and Margaret and their mom, my Aunt Eleanore.

Off Walt, Sue and I set off into the wild, blue yonder, after our morning java, to Venice. We breakfasted at the Bagel Factory. They make fresh bagels. I had mine with lox spread. And more coffee. We then proceeded down the Interstate to Venice, FL.

First stop: The Windsor of Venice. Such is this palace of assisted living where my stepfather resides. It was my first visit in five years. We had to go no further than the lobby where Jack was seated with a cane, behind his walker (pictured). I was saddened to find the 90-year-old now largely speaks pure unintelligible gibberish. Quite animatedly, though! He said two things, however, very clearly. Introduced me as one of his nephews to the nurse. And cursed out an old lady who banged into his walker with hers. He was quite fluent in words like "God-dammit!" and "Nasty bitch!"

I enquired of a nursing-home assistant if Jack had, as I suspected, a stroke. For that information, however, I had to contact a registered nurse, none of whom were available on the floor at the time. However, I can find out simply by calling Tony, Jack's biological son and estate executor, once back in NYC. I'm sure he already knows any details.

So, communication with Jack being quite curtailed, it wasn't long before we three were off to visit Sherry and my Aunt Eleanore. We arrived 1/2 an hour early. Sherry's college-age son, Thomas, let us in and Shane, Sherry's doberman, was also in the house. A very friendly dog, he followed me all over. A big cutie!

I went out to sit at the pool. There was a handsome stranger out there! I said hello, put my feet in the pool (a'la Neely O'Hara in Valley of the Dolls) and, from behind my Foster-Grants, I asked "And who are you?"

"I'm here to clean your pool," the salt-and-pepper-haired, tall hunk said. This is how porn films begin! I then imagined him saying "Mind if I take my shirt off? I feel so hot." "Yes, yes, I can see you're hot; so so hot" I'd say.

At this point of my fantasy, my cousins and aunt arrived, thank God.

It was such a joy to return to reality and greet my close relations. We sat on the couches and chairs and caught up. Aunt El is staying at an assisted living residence. Margaret, Sherry's sister, is the wife of a preacher man, the only man who could ever reach her (high-school sweethearts). They have recently returned to Venice from the northwest. So nice to have the two of them nearer.

It wasn't long before Sherry set the table with quite an amazing spread of cold cuts and salads. We reminisced together and talked of our current lives as well. I was happy to sit next to my Aunt El, whom I've always loved dearly, recalling how she was the first person I knew (as a kid in the '50s and '60s) who was into environmental issues and health food. She was an absolute trailblazer! She was also an amazing artist (oil paints) and poet, and very influential on my life.

Sherry and Margaret recalled what that was like for them, as her daughters. "I just hated when she'd take our candy canes at Christmas and wash off the red food dye." My aunt just chuckled.

Travels with Beaverhausen: Peeps and Parties in Paradise

It began as a simple shopping excursion to Old Navy in Cape Coral. Sue was off to her women's book-club meeting, so my cousin, Walt, and I set off in his car. On the ride, we crossed the impressive and expansive Callahootchie River. It was a beautiful view.

Old Navy, it turned out, had a big sale going on. I got sneakers, shorts, shirts, t-shirt, flamingo-print boxers for a total of $53. My Florida wardrobe and summer clothes for NYC.

Expecting to go straight back home, I didn't bring my camera. Walter thought it was a good idea to go to neighboring Fort Myers for our dinner and I was game. It was very thrilling. The restored historic district combined the honky-tonk with the chic and trendy. Restaurants, theaters, condos in the beautifully restored neighborhood. Even the sidewalks and squares were full of musicians. So bustling and full of excitement. It was energy-charged.

Walt took me to Ford's Garage. We ate at the bar rather than wait 50 minutes for a table. Our waitress bore a strong resemblance to the young Valerie Harper. Had a burger and sweet potato fries. Filling and yummy.

Walt & Sue's son, Don and his wife, Vina, and their kids were with Sue when we got home after our excellent adventure. So the party continued, livelier than ever, before bedtime. Austin, Don and Vina's son, stayed overnight.

Come Saturday morning, Walter made an awesome big breakfast: an omelette (spinach, tomato, goat cheese, shrimp), shrimp grits and a buttered half of toasted english muffin with plenty of java. Vina and daughter Alexis (whose sweet-16 party I'll be going to tomorrow) swung by to get Austin.

After getting lost en route, then arriving during a brief thunderstorm, Michael Stein arrived with his wife Kim and their two sons. His kids were so well-behaved, bright and fun to be with. They even accompanied Walter to Publix to help him bring back groceries. Just one big, happy extended family.

Mike was my best friend in high school. Today was my first meeting with his charming wife and his sons. Naturally, we had a lot of catching up to do, but a lot of reminiscing too, a lot of it regarding growing up in Paterson, NJ. As a special treat, I got to speak with Mike's mom by phone. I love that lady, and it was terrific talking with her after 40 years.

Can't wait to see them again when I come down. Promise it won't be in another 40 years. And the Buddy Beaverhausen Florida Experience, like the beat, goes on!

Travels with Beaverhausen: Arrival, Cape Coral FLA

Landed safely in Sarasota on a wing and a prayer, as is said. Actually, it was a very safe flight with only brief tubulence mid-way on our trip down the Atlantic.

I flew JetBlue because the price was right and they have better snacks than most airlines. I had popcorn chips and Graham Crackers, plus water and tomato juice on the rocks. Any type of being catered to, no matter how small, is appreciated these days. But remember when airlines actually served meals during a four-hour trip?

I miss the glory days of airline service. That's why I loved watching Christina Ricci in ABC's Pan Am. Too bad it was a flop! Modern audiences don't appreciate the days when air travel was a classy, dress-up affair.

After high school, my friend Mike Stein and I went to California on summer vacation for a week. We wore jackets and ties as was the requirement back in the day. Now, passengers are mostly relaxed, though business people still dress up. On our flight, casual didn't get sloppy. I.e., no pajamas or sweat suits, thank God. Certain types of formal in these times can actually be a security problem. For example, burkas.

After reading and staring up at the endless infotainment played and replayed again and again on the mini-monitors built into the seat-backs in front of us, we finally began our descent. It was such a relief to de-plane, boss, de-plane!

My cousin, Walter and his wife, Sue, met me at Sarasota airport after a short wait. I didn't mind waiting because that airport is quite chic. Glass elevator, art displays, central man-made fountain. Beautifully landscaped, modern design, nicely laid out. Parrots roost in the palm trees in the parking area, that's how nice this place is.

Walt and Sue pulled up outside, called me on the cell, and I dashed down, hopped in and we were off. They live in Cape Coral. It is a long ride (about an hour and a half) driving by highway, down the Gulf Coast, from Sarasota to Cape Coral. Beautiful, tropical country but, oh, the humidity! Before we left Sarasota, we stopped for some killer Mexican food. Popcorn chips can only take you so far. Kept me quite sated through the night.

The aforementioned Mr Stein, by the way, lives on the East Coast of Florida but will be making an even longer drive to see me on Saturday. Ah, Florida, I'm back at last!

Travels with Beaverhausen: Let the Packing Begin for My Florida Vacation!

I'm leaving on a jet plane... tomorrow early afternoon. So let the packing begin!

Visiting my family in Florida, staying with my oldest cousin, Walter (two years younger than I and as close to me as a second brother; our mothers were sisters), and his wife, Sue. Can't wait to see the whole gang again! (You know who you all are.) I'll even be seeing my best friend from high school, Michael Stein, whom I haven't seen since 1969, when we traveled from Frisco to Mexico right after graduating high school. Ah, the Summer of Love! Also hope to visit my stepdad at the assisted living home in which he now lives. Very excited.

Cape Coral is absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to fun in the sun and whatever events are planned/ arranged over the week. I hope to have a beach day, of course, but Walt & Sue have a beautiful, extensive lanai with pool (where I'll keep up my blog).

I return to NYC late in the day on June 11.

My round trip from LaGuardia (Brooklyn) to FLA and back cost only $330. Not bad, I think. I had my laundry done today and arranged car service to the airport, so I'm basically set. Why, I even spent a lot of time at the Apple store to make certain I can keep up my blogging. All I have to do now is pack.

Hmmm.... Where to start?

Travels with Beaverhausen: Where Love Had Gone This Weekend

A weekend getaway was just the necessary tonic after a frightful winter and from the daily grind. Even the MetroNorth train ride was relaxing! Looked out my window at all the bodies of water we passed: marinas, lakes, rivers. A beautiful and cloudless day, in the upper 80s, nothing could be more perfect for my visit. Except for my friends themselves, the heart and soul of my mini-vacation.

The train was only half-full, oddly but nice. Chalk it up to time of day or the fact that last weekend was the busy three-day holiday one or that college season's over for many? It was nice to spread out across empty seats for a change. Also nice view of the college boys aboard.

Tracey and Merv were so fabulous to be with. We enjoyed hours on their screened-in patio together, just talking and, occasionally, each of us giving some time to our individual notepads. Ah, modern life! Belated birthday gifts were exchanged. 

Later, Tracey made a fresh salsa and a dinner of pulled pork (made in a crock pot) on a roll with awesome bbq sauce plus large salad! Mmmmm-mmmmm good! Thanks to my second-cousin, Jessie Watson (Tracey's daughter), for that recipe. Tracey promises to pass it on though. The meal and condiments could be served through the window from kitchen to patio. Talk about stylin'!

Later, after dawn, we settled down on the couches in front of the big-screen tv in their living room to watch two Bette Davis movies from the Sixties -- early to late. We first watched Where Love Has Gone (Bette, Susan Hayward, Joey Heatherton http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/10/video-beaverhausen-where-love-has-gone.html
and The Anniversary (Bette at Hammer Studios UK). My hosts loved them both. Tray remarked on how, today, Anniversary still seems very cutting-edge black comedy. Our favorite line was La Davis to the actress playing her youngest son's fiancee, who was invited to sit next to her: "Now, could you sit over there? Body odor offends me."

I return to NYC today fully recharged with added vigor, ready to begin again, and happy to have shared the love and joy with very special friends. It's a cooler day threatening heavy rain later, but I came prepared with my new hooded rain-repellant parka.

We can't wait for my weekend hosts to come back to visit us in Bay Ridge!