Not Spring Yet...

Much neglected blog....

Not too much to report.

Hideous weather

Hideous president

However, some charming snowdrops on Long Island

a wonderful Grant Wood show at The Whitney

best public exhibition I have been to in ages

even when he is at his most depressing.

On a cheerier note - a splendid exhibition of Lucy Dodd's work

at the David Lewis Gallery. I have known Lucy since before she was born. 

And then there are always the delights of food.

A pistachio eclair for Frances and a brioche for me.

On a wet day Eisenburg's Sandwich Shop

provides comfort food galore.

Toasted bagel and bacon.

Pickles and a BLT.

This morning there were bright ranunculi at Union Square.

Hurry up spring...

Losing Interest Rapidly...

This morning it was 1F with a windchill factor of minus 15...

People trudge around looking miserable.

A dull picture of cars in the snow...

Last weeks flowers are falling apart.

Some blue berries...

What it looked like at four in the morning the other day...

and while walking the dog.

Bicycles huddle together for warmth...

Better to bundle up and go incognito.

Going hatless is rather silly.

On Long Island it looks rather picturesque

and bitterly sunny.

No possibility of playing outside...

So a collaborative rendering of New York City with a man who went down a ladder and discovered all sorts of junk under The Empire State Building... and the Lego store on a day when it was raining.

Back home the Trader Joe's lavender has the beginnings of flowers

but the dog has given up in despair...

Happy Valentine's Day and Fed Up with the Weather...

Definitely need flowers...

the first anemones I've bought this year.

A very good season for reading - a lot.

The weather is still beastly and a snow storm is expected tomorrow night - and as for the poor people who live in Boston - they expect a blizzard. Currently it's -3'C - . This picture was taken yesterday through the grubby roof window of a taxi.... heading towards...

Eric Kayser - purveyor of little hearts to dream on...

and huge ones.

The dog has retreated to his bed with the pelts of his bunny and lobster.

I'm so bored I've started playing with my food. Here  a bearded pecan cookie with lettuce hair designed by me.

This pecan cookie designed by Margaret Trombly is more cheerful and elegant. When not playing with food with me, Margaret gives talks on art at The Met...

Halloween

Yes, the day approaches when...

the strange creature flies over the church

while the deities look on.

The old churchyard gives up its secrets

and the sacrificial pig is slaughtered.

The dog brings a stick to the disembodied heads

while his double guards the inmates of the dungeon.

I fear he's seen it!

And he has too....though he pretends to be brave.

Yup, it's the......thing....!

Happy Halloween.

Messing About with Paint

So we're home from foreign parts, and getting back in the swing of things. On Saturday and Sunday I had  terrific fun both teaching and taking a book-making workshop. (I was teaching the writing part.)

I prepared some writing prompts, got out my trusty water colors and got ready to have fun.

Ah, the joy of art supplies, and collage and painting pages!

And mixing and gluing!

So, we made eight pages and put them into a book. You can see the  cardboard spine by the water bottle (top left).

Anyway, out of much creative chaos, overseen by Roxanne and Seth and me, there emerged......

ten stunningly individual books. Jo P's is rather elegant and minimal.

Another Jo's book was about family and her mother's recipes. What meal could possibly need green beans and orange juice at the same time? Hm..... 

A very messy page from my work in progress. My first attempt at collage and rather horticultural. Anyway, a good time was had by all. (I think!)

Chelsea on $150 0r Less

I'm often asked by English friends to be a sort of impromptu tour guide. What could one possibly do in New York without lashings of money?

Herewith some local suggestions.

1) Walk on the High Line --it really is a super way to see lots of New York sights without getting run over. And it's free!

You walk on an old railway line above the bustle of the street.

After that you will probably need a cup of tea...or coffee

2) so go to Bergamote on the corner of 9th Avenue and 20th street

and eat a wonderfully fattening cake.

After that......

you may need 

3) a dose of culture: 

(here the David Zwirner gallery on 19th Street and 10th Avenue)

 4) something to amuse you

and then

5) lunch or dinner at The Tipsy Parson

my latest favorite spot. 

Buster would like to follow Ms. Redjacket in but isn't allowed.

For all sorts of travel savings tips and vouchers go here