here's to Scotland, here's to France

in dreams someday

Regardless of race, religion, creed or color, income bracket or source of income, education or political leaning, ancestry or national origin, age or sex or marital status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity; 

in dreams someday of equal chances, 

we all share in our moon.

the end, or the ultimate limit

After 9/11 it became clear how open and free our New York way of life had been in the years prior and that had to change. Surveillance became a daily part of our lives. 

The NYPD built "Omega Booths" in 32 of the subway stations near underwater tunnels in response to a perceived threat to these underwater passages. From Wikipedia : "Omega (the last letter of the Greek alphabet) is often used to denote the last, the end, or the ultimate limit."

Commissioner Ray Kelly said "only 15 of the booths are staffed at any given time. We do rotate them, rotate officers covering those booths...we cover them on a daily, irregular basis…”

Photo Credit: ABC News

Our Omega booth built at 138th and Third on the southern end of the uptown platform (near the Harlem River) had a surveillance officer inside the other night, while I was taking these pictures. 

She came out and asked me “What are you doing?”

Questo è come il cacio sui maccheroni

That three hour window of Spring we had last Monday made me look forward to the real thing in another couple of months. Then we can all walk around Arthur Avenue again! 

Italian goodies, yes!

I rode my bicycle up last October because the subways aren’t very close and I never could figure out the buses.

It’s about 8 blocks west of the zoo. Umbertos, the same family in Manhattan’s Little Italy, anchors 186th Street.

Parking looked impossible to me. This is a drive-in kinda place.

But if you do drive, the food is worth driving around (and around) and around, for.

And you will, drive around that is, especially on the weekends.

There are dozens of Italian restaurants.

In Summer you can even sit under a Cinzano umbrella eating freshly shucked oysters.

You can stock up on fun dishware...

...sliced-to-order deli meats...

...and cow feet. If you need one. Which I didn’t. 

The aroma of fresh bread is everywhere.

Fresh mozzarella cheese, too. 

And butchers. Lots and lots of butchers.

I had fun. On a sunny Sunday in October it was crowded and festive and just blanketed with freshly made, excellent foods to gather and bring home. 

Better bring strong shopping bags. My bike basket was overloaded, so heads-up.

Apparecchia la tavola!

http://www.arthuravenuebronx.com/

Shoo bee doo whah, oh-ohhh

In Washington, Mrs. Clinton told reporters that the US administration "very clearly and directly" supports the Iranian protesters.

"We think that there needs to be a commitment to open up the political system in Iran, to hear the voices of the opposition and civil society," she added.

Meanwhile, some 50 conservative members of Iran’s parliament marched through the main hall calling for opposition leaders to be tried and executed.

I know between the two of us her heart we can steal

better through heart-shaped glasses

Champagne flutes came out once again in the ClockTower, 

this time to honor Cupid.

Red velvet cupcakes yes.

Spinach-Brie mac and cheese with chicken pot pies yes.

Pure butter and sugar health food YES.

We drew secret names, made Valentines and then traded them across the table. The winning card not only popped up when you opened it (!), but it also had a secret message compartment. Such talent. lol

Arugula, roasted beet, fennel and grapefruit citrus salad.

Everyone decorated cupcakes. Then we ate them, of course.

The world always looks better through heart-shaped glasses! And…...

...the pink bubbly didn’t hurt, either! 

Happy Valentines Day!