NYC TO LV

Yes, the exodus has really happened and I can finally sit and breathe and write about it. :) 

I only like NY as a friend! After being an addict to the incredible highs and manic lows, I am breaking up with my fascinating, dynamic, eclectic, giving yet slightly abusive lover, 

New York City.

I really thought leaving NYC would be some kind of huge traumatic experience but it really just wasn't, which makes me believe it was absolutely the right decision. So if anyone is reading this thinking they are "giving up on the dream" by leaving-you're not. And all of a sudden all these articles started popping up that re-affirmed some of my feelings. This one. This one. This hilarious spoof. And especially... THIS ONE. Like the subways aren't bad enough being completely dysfunctional. I had bed bugs in Queens. Worst ever, and I am not surprised in the least that those buggers-pun intended-have taken over-they are an army that could survive a nuclear war.

Reasons for the move: Lifestyle, open spaces indoors and out, speaking of outdoors-being outdoors all year round, cost of living, trading a condo for a sprawling estate....you get the picture. NYC got crazy at the end there, income is dramatically separating itself from cost of living-I had a friend recently get offered a temp job for $15/hr-what I was making fourteen years ago! Now now, I don't want to sound bitter, nor negative about my dear ol dirty town that I have been infatuated with for years....but let's just say things felt very different towards the end there. Who knows maybe I'm just an old lady who wants to sip tea on a mountain somewhere. Maybe partially, but we also chose Vegas because I just couldn't be in a sleepy town! Vegas runs 24/7 too, we can see every concert, tour, and fabulous entertainment as well as hike, bike, and climb a mountain with some tea. It actually ended up being the best of both worlds. And who knew having a car would be so convenient when there is free parking everywhere??
VIVA!! 

More stories on the horizon....xoxo

Beautiful San Francisco

I was taken away with San Francisco the other day. The weather was perfect, I had ten, yes, ten hours off the ship, and I hit the streets walking which I am utterly convinced is the best way to really get to know any city. Get ready for the barrage of pictures.

I took a left turn out of the port and came upon the fanciest of diners were I had clam chowder (with the clams still in their shell!) and cheddar biscuits with apple cinnamon butter spread.

I made another left out of the diner and came upon the loveliest of little parks...

Made another left, then a right, and came upon cascading flowers on the side of a street...

Another right and a staircase appeared through the flowers and lush green...

So naturally I climbed....

And climbed...

And climbed...

And climbed...

The view from the top...

But that was not high enough...

So I ascended a few more staircases to the Coit tower...

These Coit Tower murals were part of the Public Works of Art Project, the first of the New Deal federal employment programs for artists.

The Symphony and Alcatraz. Home, and glad it's not home. ;)

There a few days in life that are so perfect time seems to stand still. California has a way of doing that to me .

Between the sun, flowers, cottages on the side of a hill, an deco tower, local coffee houses, and a stuffed baked potato made for a very memorable Cali day.