Lori and I enjoyed our annual long-weekend jaunt down-state where we visited with Stella who expertly (and fearlessly) drove us in to Manhattan on a couple days for touring, museum-watching, eating and drinking. New York City seems to be in a frenzied building boom every time we visit. We explored some of the more recent projects including The Shed, The Vessel, The Oculus, and the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial.  Then it was off to old-favorite museums and new-discovery restaurants.  What an amazing place.

The Vessel nesteled between high-rises as seen from Hudson Yards.

The Oculus, replacing the PATH station destroyed on 9/11.

The Oculus viewed from the 9/11 north tower Memorial.

The Oculus interior.

Lori and Stella at South Street Seaport in front of the Wavertree. Built in 1885, it was the last sailing ship built of wrought iron.

Rembrandt self portrait at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, displayed as part of the Dutch Masters exhibit.

The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Stella poses with “Reaching Jaguar” by Anna Hyatt Huntington. Señor Lopez of the Bronx Zoo was the real-life jaguar model for this sculpture.

Stella emerges from shopping at Zabar’s, a must-do on the West Side.

Lori dodges the paparazzi on Riverside Drive.

Lori and I had the great pleasure and privilege to visit Venice for a week. We thoroughly enjoyed the extraordinary city and learning about its history, art, and culture.

Basilica of St. Mark at night

Approaching Santa Maria Della Salute

Vivaldi concert by The Interpreti Veneziani in the Church of San Vidal.

Basilica of St. Mark

View from Ponte dell’Accademia looking toward Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute along the Grand Canal

View along the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge at night.

Water taxi ride from our hotel back to Marco Polo airport included lovely neighborhood views from the canals.

Lori “retired” in 2018, I  (part-time) un-retired, and we had a very good year with many worthwhile experiences and lots of fun times with friends and family. We’re planning on making an even better 2019. We hope you do the same!

Paul began a part-time job as court clerk at Newfield Town Court.

Detail of the arms and filaments of the jellyfish in a beautifully-done Monterey Bay Aquarium display.

These trees are covered with Trentepohlia aurea; the orange coloration results from carotenoid pigments in the algal cells.

Lori is color coordinated on the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail

It took Lori about 3.2 milliseconds to completely adjust to retirement. Of course she’s now busier than ever.

This Fall rainbow appeared at the tail end of a brief heavy sleet storm.

We tried our hand at electric scooters, terrorizing the back streets and alleys of northern Dallas.

Corning Museum of Glass, always a favorite experience.

Georgia O’Keefe’s Hawaiian paintings were on display at the New York Botancal Garden

We thoroughly enjoyed a spectacular exhibit of Alberto Giacometti’s works.

Lori refired a mug to improve the glaze, something she does occasionally with some success.  Coming out of her kiln, it didn’t look the way she expected.  It is interesting though…

She is dubbing this the start of her Potter’s Tears Collection.