New York City! -- part 1

Got back Thursday from a wonderful trip to New York City with my dearest friend, Jill Rendall. Jill received the Del Hughes Life Time Achievement Award in the art of stage management from the Stage Managers' Association.

We arrived Saturday evening. The cab ride into Manhattan from LaGuardia as fine until we got near Times Square and traffic came to a stand still. We exited the cab and launched into Times Square with are suitcases in tow.... classic tourists.

We stayed at the Belvedere on 48th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. It is a very nice hotel and perfectly located. Ate dinner at a local Italian restaurant recommended by the hotel doorman then wondered through Times Square again.

Sunday morning I went for a run along the Hudson River Riverwalk.

Sunday was our chance to catch up with old friends and see New York apartments.

Saw John Arnone's apartment on the upper west side and had brunch at Spring. John always has great stories.

After brunch we decided to see a Broadway matinee performance of Matilda the Musical. It was loud, cruel and very funny.

Sunday afternoon we met up with my old neighbors Sari Ketter and Mather Dolph at their apartment in mid-town near the river. We went across the street to Market Diner where it as obvious they are very much regulars.

Sunday evening we were back up the upper west side to 93rd to see Robin Rumpf's apartment and have sushi with Robin and Jana Llynn. I have known Jana since my early theatre days at Arena Stage in Washington.

Monday I met with my old Karate instructor, Art Drago. Artie was in New York visiting his mom for Mother's Day. We had a late breakfast at Westway Diner then headed over to Times Square to check out the madness.

 Monday evening was the awards event. There were three recipients of the Life Time Achievement award.

Jill read a lovely acceptance speech. Many friends and co-workers were there to celebrate.

The award is a nice engraved Plexiglas star.