A Walk to the Park

While others slept and worked this morning, I took a short morning stroll from our hotel up 8th Ave. to Columbus Circle (above).


In addition to scouting the nearest train station, I skirted Central Park ( the southwestest corner) and stopped in at a few places, which I will post about shortly (and another on my Desperate Pastor blog).

It was a great morning for a walk, made all the more interesting by the fact that you can barely take a step in Midtown without seeing a landmark or place of interest (such as TimeWarner, Trump Hotel, Random House, Houghton Mifflin, or even the original Soup Shop of Seinfeld fame).

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Pippin

Our first show on this Broadway weekend was the revival of Pippin, on the Music Box stage.


The show, for which "Leading Player" Patina Miller won the Tony award, was delightful from beginning to end--a great start to a pip of a trip (see what I did there?).

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Pigalle

Rick, Glenn, the lovely Robin and I headed out from our hotel this evening with no particular plans or inclinations for dinner.


We decided to give Pigalle's on 8th Ave. a try. Boy, am I glad we did.


One of the City's "Culinary Tour de France," Pigalle's menu made it hard to decide. EVERYTHING was so tempting.


However, we managed to order: Robin and Rick had the stew (below), Glenn the mushroom ravioli, and I had pumpkin ravioli (second photo below).


Great googly moogly, it was ALL so delicious! Including the creme caramel we shared for dessert (which was perfect).


Everything got to us in timely fashion, and we finished in plenty of time to get to our show.


Only on the way out did I see the Puch on display near the entrance, which the maître de explained to me is a popular, once-defunct and now back-in-production mode of transportation in France. But then, you probably knew that.

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Roxy Deli

Our little party trekked up Broadway and across 8th Avenue looking for a New York deli for lunch today. We finally found the Roxy Deli, which has apparently changed locations.


We had no trouble finding a table, and our food came quickly.


I had the Reuben (above). A whole lotta Reuben. And very good. Everyone enjoyed their meal, and the portions were so big none of us finished the whole thing. My membership in the Clean Plate Club is in jeopardy.

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Courtyard Marriott Central Park

The lovely Robin and I, in the company (and with the guidance) of our brother Rick and brother-in-law Glenn, checked in this afternoon to the Courtyard Marriott at Broadway and 54th Street. It has apparently been known as the tallest hotel in North America at 750 feet. I may yet get an exterior photo but for now the very modern lobby (above) must suffice. We were welcomed warmly and repeatedly on entering by a very attentive and helpful staff.


Hotel rooms on and around Times Square are not the roomiest, naturally, but our room is actually quite nice: queen bed, small easy chair, desk-and-drawer ensemble, coffee tray/mini fridge, and of course a toilet and shower.


And the hotel is just across the street from the studio home of Late Night with David Letterman. The line for this afternoon's taping was already quite long at noon, despite the cold. We won't make a taping--our schedule is plenty full--but maybe next time!

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Times Square, Baby

The lovely Robin and I flew this morning to New York, where we will be enjoying a Broadway weekend with our loved ones Rick and Glenn.


Our hotel (which I'll post about later) is at 54th and Broadway, right where we need to be for the shows we'll be enjoying.

Robin and I love the City, and it's so much fun to be strolling around, seeing the sights, and enjoying the company of Rick and Glenn (and expertise--they come to Broadway a few times a year, and graciously invited us to tag along!).

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Greenwood Lake

I had the privilege and joy this past weekend of joining in a Salvation Army men's retreat at Greenwood Lake Camp and Conference Center in Delaware, Ohio.
Hosted at the Brigadier & Mrs. Art Hill Lodge on the grounds (above), seventy or eighty men from all over Ohio met for worship and study from Friday evening through midday Sunday.
I got to share four studies on the theme, "Jesus Loves You But Everyone Else Thinks You're a Jerk" on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday morning, Major Frank Kirk led a fine study on David, the "man after God's own heart," and the new divisional commander, Major Larry Ashcraft, brought a stirring message on fanning the flames of our hearts and lives. Throughout the weekend, worship was ably led by Lt. Mark Ferreira, and various delegates gave moving testimonies and musical selections.
The schedule also allowed time for a Saturday afternoon stroll, as well as a few games of ping pong. I would have demanded rematches but chose the path of forgiveness instead.

I was surprised to reflect on the drive up that I think this was my first visit to Greenwood Lake--after so many years of living and serving in Ohio. I could be wrong, but in any case I hope it will not be my last.

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