Summer is almost over, and it's been a busy one. The Met has had lots of incredible things on view this summer. In late June, I made it to the roof to check out Cornelia Parker's Transitional Object (PsychoBarn). It looks like a complete building...
But it's not.
It's only on site until October 31st, so don't wait too long to visit.
We made it to the Pergamon exhibit in its last week. I'm not usually much for Greek statuary, but some of the sculpture was really impressive, both in detail and in scale. This bust was probably 3 feet tall...
My University of Dallas friends will have a special affection (or loathing) for this guy from
Lit Trad I.
July brought a visit from one of my oldest friends. Dennis and I have known each other since we were 6. His family spent Independence Day weekend in the city, and we got to catch up in Bryant Park on their last day in town.
If you're a fan of High Line art, you'll be sad to know that Spencer Finch's The River that Flows Both Ways has been removed from the Chelsea Market Passage. After 9 years on site, the panes had faded and the integrity of the piece was lost, so the artist asked that it be destroyed. The clear glass panes allow a lot more light in the passage, but I will miss the stained glass. Here's a transitional shot:
I took a trip out to Brighton Beach in July. I know I live on an island, but it's still surprising to me how quickly I can get to a sandy beach. Brighton Beach is very Russian, and on a weekday, you're surrounded by non-Englsh speakers. It's also only a short walk down the beach to Coney Island. One of these days, we're going to get out here for a Cyclones game...
High Line Art stages performances as well. This year, Eduardo Navarro's We Who Spin Round You included special sungazing masks designed by the artist. Guests donned the masks and stared into the sun while a Columbia University astrophysicist gave a talk on our relationship with the sun. As I love astronomy, this was right up my alley.
Visiting Historic Hudson Valley has been on my to-do list for years now, and I finally got around to getting up there this summer. The Metro North train from Grand Central to Tarrytown runs along the Hudson River, so the views on the trip up are lovely. Sunnyside, Washington Irving's home, was my first stop. The house was designed by Irving himself, and the facade is covered in wisteria vines that were planted by the author. The tour guides dress in period costume. (Note: It's not air conditioned, so keep that in mind if you're planning a visit.)
My second stop was to Kykuit (rhymes with my cut), the Rockefeller estate. The house is perched on the highest point of the 200-acre estate and has incredible views of the Hudson as well as the surrounding valley. The house itself is stunning, but they don't allow interior photographs, so you'll have to take my word for it. While the six-story home alone is definitely worth the price of admission, if you're a fan of modern art, you have to make the trip. Nelson was quite the collector. Lee Bonticou, George Segal, Andy Warhol, and an entire room filled with tapestries of Picasso paintings, including 3 Musicians and Night Fishing at Antibes that were approved by the artist and handmade in Spain. There's also sculpture all over the grounds. Henry Moore, Brancusi, Alexander Calder, Giacometti, Noguchi...
The Oceanus Fountain
The front of the house
The back of the house
Goose girl
Large Spiny by Alexander Calder
My one complaint with traveling in this area is how hard it is to get around. Uber isn't always available, and it took phone calls to 5 companies get a cab to take me to the train station from the Kykuit visitor center. If you have a car, drive it. If not, plan extra time for transportation to and from your destinations.
August has been busy, too. Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors brought Dwight Yoakum to Damrosch Park, and he was incredible. The weather was perfect, as opposed to last year when I saw Raul Malo. Dwight played tons of original stuff, but also covered Merle Haggard, did a tribute to George Martin, and closed (after several encores) with Suspicious Minds.
Our niece, Mary Elizabeth, checked out Neighbor Night at the Whitney with me last week. We had a great time chatting with Rocky, the bartender, who offered lots of suggestions of cool places to eat around town. North End Grill (buy one, get one bottles of wine and dollar oysters on Sunday), and Blue Hill Farms were at the top of the list. The next day, we took a boat tour of the city. Those tour guides know the most random facts. Did you know that the Holland Tunnel was the first underwater tunnel built for cars? Or that everything west of the West Side Highway was built on landfill from the original World Trade Center? Or that the rays of the crown on the Statue of Liberty represent the seven continents and the seven seas?
We followed up the cruise with lunch on the Yotel roof deck. (Another item from my to-do list)
Later in the week, Ed and I saw Owen Danoff and Laith al-Saidi of The Voice fame at the City Winery. I love this venue for shows, and both men were terrific. Owen Danoff is a poet and balladeer, and Laith is a serious rocker. His guitar skills are jaw-dropping.
Then last weekend, we drove to Freehold to celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary of Ed's Uncle Bill and Aunt Terry. 65 years. I can't even wrap my head around that. Ed's parents flew in for the party. Other aunts, and uncles, and cousins he hadn't seen in over 30 years were there, so it was quite the celebration. After the party, we spent a couple of nights at his sister's house in Wilmington. Jean is the hostess with the mostest. We hung out by the pool, ate Capriotti's subs, and told lots of Gramling family stories.
The bride and groom
The three Gramling brothers: Bill, Bob and Ed
It was a great weekend, and a great way to usher in September.
