Times Square...

Bubba Gump's in Time Square just wasn't up to par...shrimp about the size of your pinkie fingernail proved to be a HUGE disappointment--double the money and half the pleasure!!

Our first "walking tour" around the city (after working 8 hours in the temple) was spent riding the train (subway) from 66th Street to 42nd and Broadway.  Yes, we finally experienced Times Square in all  its lights, electricity, massive of people, noise, music and bedlam.  See below...

Down the escalator to home...thank goodness for Google Maps...our lifesaver.  The biggest challenge is determining which way is north (uptown) and which way is south (downtown).

Walked the last 1/2 mile home--home sweet home--Lincoln Center, with all its lights, concerts, taxis and people, to the west of our apartment...the city that never sleeps.  Home never felt so good. 

A Few Reflections

Life has been particularly busy the past several weeks; we have experienced miracles in our temple service, particularly in the healing of Steve's left foot.  Missionaries are blessed (as well as their families) while engaged in earnest, heartfelt and dedicated service.  Enjoy a few photos below with a few explanations...

Underground subway (lovingly referred to as "the train" at our stop.

Notice that CVS Pharmacy caters to 10 diverse languages to answer medical questions; yes, this is quite a diverse city.  It is not unusual for 3-4 languages to be spoken or addressed in temple ceremonies any given day.

I walked by St. Paul's the Apostle cathedral on the way home from CVS; beautiful and grandeur but empty inside!

The Cowleys' spent 4 days in NYC; what a wonderful and sweet visit we had with this beautiful family and we were so honored they would take the time to visit with us in our apartment and the next evening.  Thursday night, they invited us to attend a play with them.  After  a full day of temple service, I boarded the #1 subway for Times Square.  Look what I saw in glowing lights while walking toward the preassigned theater where I was to meet the Cowleys?  Yes, the musical "Book of Mormon" is alive and well in NYC.  

Winner of 5 Tony Awards for innovation and technical devices.

Quite a famous theater, small and intimate to house this interesting play.

The Beautiful Cowley adults (sadly without Christy and Mike Johnston).

Carole Cowley, grand matriarch of this outstanding and beautiful family

FYI:  This is why we were told not to consider bringing a car to NYC.   Only $900 per month to park in our apt. garage.

It's a small world in the Church; Doctor Dave Call is the father of McKenzie and Madison Ogletree's favorite former roommate, Lonnie Call.  He and his wife Virginia were visiting Janean and Bob Call, fellow Temple Missionaries with whom we work.  

Maiden voyage for Steve to Traidor Joe's--this is how we spend our Monday's...grocery shopping, walking, exploring and digesting all the sights and sounds of NYC.

While walking home, Steve looked left and commented, "Look to your left--that's a $120,000 automobile (Lambroghini).  

No city would be complete without an Apple Store (within walking distance); it has "saved our bacon" a couple of times since being here.  Of note, the 5th Avenue Store is open 24/7!!

Although much of what we do is sacred and cannot be discussed, I must conclude this entry with my testimony that the work we are performing is of eternal consequence; how honored we are to be a part of Heavenly Father's great Work on both sides of the veil.  We are honored to be here and to participate.  Yes, we work long days and fall into bed exhausted most nights; yes, we have our challenges but the glorious Work and service we are performing far outweighs any "hiccups" or challenges.  

Favorite Artwork at the Met (Continued)

A few of our favorite and notable paintings and works of Art...

Washington Crossing the Delaware ( 20 ft. by 45 feet) by Emanuel Leutze, 1851

Info re: Painter

Unique sculpture

Sculpture of Early Puritan (our ancestors) by Augustus Saint-Guadens

Marble bust of George Washington

Sculpture of Abe Lincoln

Interesting death mask of Abe Lincoln and symbolic depiction of hand wrapped around scroll of Emancipation Proclamation

Benjamin Franklin portrait painted by Joseph Sifted Duplessis, French painter, in 1778, when he arrived in France to negotiate for aid and an alliance in the Revolutionary War;  how the French loved this man who was already a celebrity and who refused to wear a wig.

Less known painter capturing Peter's Agony from denying Christ three times...called "The Tears of Saint Peter," painted in 1612

Self Portrait of Rembrandt

Rembrandt self-portrait again...see below

A Glorious Spiritual Weekend, An Early Morning Stroll and an Adventure to the MET

 Steve and Marj Bennion invited us to spend Saturday, October 4, watching two sessions of General Conference interspersed with a lovely roast beef, potatoes, gravy (Steve was in heaven) and all the trimmings.  Previously, determined to use all the varieties of apples we had previously purchased, I made an apple (crumb topped) pie which contributed to the dessert portion of the meal.   Terry and Mabel Grimley, our friends and associates and "greenie" missionaries to NY like ourselves, were also invited.  What a special occasion to share hearts and comments with dear friends.

After sitting for the good part of two days and needing significant exercise, I ventured out at 6:00 am (still dark in the city) to walk the streets.  (See some of the store fronts below).  Also, while strolling 'downtown' (south),  I looked across the street to Columbus Circle and viewed a magnificent monument.  Curious, I crossed the street from the high-end mall and realized this was a monument to Christopher Columbus.  Ironically, I have been reading Clark Hinckley's new book on his life and have been significantly stirred by the spirit and life of this great explorer.  Ironically, in Nephi I and II, Nephi only mentions two men, i.e. Christopher Columbus and Joseph Smith.  I wonder if I chose to be born on Columbus's landmark date, October 12? How I admire this man!  

High-end shopping mall down the street from our apt.

In the dawning light, I looked westward, and crossed the street to examine this magnificent monument.

My hero, Christopher Columbus is honored here on Columbus Circle

Of course, a walk wouldn't be complete without the interruption of the Trump Hotel (one of his many "monuments" staring Christopher Columbus in the fact (directly across the street).

Almost home--the Manhattan temple front door (apt bldg. is just 50 feet around the corner). 

Lest one think that visiting the Met is attending a baseball game or a symphonic concert, not so.  In NY, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is lovingly referred to as the Met and greets a mere 6-7 million visitors per year.  Our second solo 'flight' included the subway AND the crosstown bus--we departed and arrived in tact and were only approached twice for money, etc.  What an incredible museum! One could spend months exploring and being educated.  After walking the halls for 4 hours, our legs and minds were exhausted..the Met warrants many return trips.  See below some of our particular interests...

THE MET on Fifth Avenue!!

How would you like to meet this warrior in battle?